Prairie Clover Campground

🌳 Welcome to the Heart of Kansas Nature: Prairie Clover Campground Overview

For those in the Kansas region seeking an escape into nature without traveling too far from civilization, Prairie Clover Campground offers a compelling destination. Nestled within the expansive Clinton State Park near Lawrence, this campground provides a gateway to the natural beauty surrounding Clinton Lake. It serves as a basecamp for a variety of outdoor activities, from relaxing by the water to engaging in rigorous trail sports. The park itself encompasses approximately 1,500 acres on the north shore of Clinton Lake, an area known for its relatively clear waters and managed wildlife habitat, including large natural prairie areas.

Prairie Clover Campground is one of the main camping areas within the State Park, catering to a wide range of camping preferences. Whether you are an experienced RVer looking for full utility hookups, or a traditionalist who prefers a more rustic, primitive tent site, Prairie Clover aims to offer a spot for you. The overall park system is managed year-round to support diverse recreation, making it a popular spot for over half a million visitors annually who enjoy both modern amenities and the vast outdoor environment.

As a local hub for outdoor recreation in Kansas, Clinton State Park, and specifically the Prairie Clover Campground area, is constantly developing and refining its offerings. Visitors often utilize the area for traditional camping, picnicking, fishing, and taking advantage of the specialized recreational facilities that have been developed over the years. This blend of simple nature retreat and structured outdoor fun is what makes it a noteworthy location for Kansas residents to explore.

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📍 Location and Accessibility

Prairie Clover Campground is conveniently located just a short drive from the city of Lawrence, Kansas, making it a highly accessible spot for a quick weekend getaway or an extended stay.

The physical address is in Lawrence, KS 66049, USA. More specifically, the campground is situated on the north shore of Clinton Lake, which is approximately four miles west of the historic downtown Lawrence area. This proximity to a major Kansas city ensures easy access to supplies and services, while the park's setting provides a genuine feeling of being "away from it all." The park's entrance is typically located at 798 N 1415 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66049.

Accessibility within the campground is a key focus, with multiple amenities noted as ADA accessible, including several dump stations and shower buildings. For campers, the facility offers a significant number of sites. Prairie Clover Campground has over 150 sites, including primitive, water/electric, and full utility sites with 50-amp service, some of which are reservable through the state system. Daily camping permits usually expire at 2:00 p.m. the day following purchase, and all fees are typically paid in advance. Campers are generally required to register with the camp host or office upon arrival.

The facility is a full 24-hour access facility, but certain rules, such as quiet hours from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., are strictly enforced to ensure a pleasant experience for all guests. All motorized vehicles are required to purchase and display a valid state park vehicle permit.

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🛠️ Services Offered at Prairie Clover Campground

The campground offers a range of services designed to accommodate various camping styles, from minimal tent setups to large RVs.

• Variety of Campsites: Offers primitive camping (tent sites), utility campsites with water and electricity (including 30-amp and 20-amp hookups), and larger "Prime Sites" which feature 50-amp electric service.
• Sanitary Facilities: Two shower houses are generally open during the camping season, along with modern restrooms and vault toilets distributed throughout the area.
• RV Services: Multiple sanitary dump stations are available for disposing of grey and black water (note: dumping of grey water at sites is prohibited).
• Camp Host: A camp host is typically on staff during the main season (April - October).
• Long-Term Stays: Long-term campsites are available for up to a six-month uninterrupted stay, though most stays are limited to 14 consecutive days (with an extension possible via park manager permission).
• Waste Management: Trash containers are provided in designated areas, and visitors are expected to utilize them or carry trash out.
• Vehicle Permits: State park vehicle permits are required for all motorized vehicles.

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🌟 Features and Highlights of the Clinton State Park Area

Beyond the camping sites themselves, the surrounding Clinton State Park offers a wealth of recreational features that serve as the main attraction for visitors to the Prairie Clover Campground.

• Water Recreation: Access to Clinton Lake for boating, fishing (known for channel catfish, walleye, and crappie), and a designated swim beach area where liquor and beer are prohibited. The lake area also includes boat ramps and courtesy docks.
• Trail System: An extensive multi-use trail system is available for hiking and mountain biking, including the popular North Shore trails, a specialized bicycle skills course, and a cross-country ski trail for winter use.
• Target Sports: A dedicated outdoor archery range is available for target practice.
• Disc Golf: The park features an 18-hole and a 9-hole disc golf course.
• Fishing Ponds: A dedicated Kids-Only Fishing Pond is located in the picnic area, perfect for youth anglers under 16.
• Day-Use Areas: Picnic areas with reservable shelters and sand volleyball courts are available.
• Cabins: Full-service cabins with air conditioning, heating, full kitchens, and private baths are also available for rent within the State Park, offering a "glamping" option near the campgrounds.
• Wildlife Viewing: The park's managed wildlife habitat and natural prairie areas provide excellent opportunities for observing native Kansas flora and fauna, including whitetail deer, turkey, waterfowl, and various songbirds.

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📞 Contact Information

For reservations, current conditions, or further inquiries, use the following contact details, which are associated with the Clinton State Park office managing Prairie Clover Campground.

• Address: Lawrence, KS 66049, USA (Note: Specific Park Office address is 798 N 1415 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66044).
• Phone: (785) 842-8562

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👍 What is Worth Choosing Prairie Clover Campground?

Prairie Clover Campground, as an area within Clinton State Park, offers Kansas locals a highly valuable mix of convenience and recreation that is hard to match.

What makes this location worth choosing is its sheer volume and diversity of recreational offerings. For the active outdoor enthusiast, the extensive and challenging trail system for hiking and mountain biking, coupled with the archery and disc golf facilities, provides days of structured activity right at your doorstep. For those who prioritize water activities, the clear waters of Clinton Lake and the accessible swim beach, boat ramps, and nearby full-service marina make it an ideal spot for boating, fishing, and watersports.

Furthermore, the campground's ability to cater to multiple camping styles—from the pull-through RV sites with utilities that are noted in customer feedback for being "very nice and well maintained," to the rustic primitive areas—ensures that almost any camper can find a suitable spot. The ability to reserve sites is a significant benefit, especially for planning weekend trips.

However, it is important to note the recurring themes in local user feedback, which indicate that the quality of maintenance, particularly in the primitive sites and shower/restroom facilities, can be inconsistent. Issues such as missing fire rings, unkempt sites, and problems with shower house functionality (clogged drains, lack of hot water) have been reported by past campers. Potential visitors should keep in mind that while the overall park amenities are excellent (trails, lake access, utility sites), the conditions of specific facilities like restrooms and primitive sites may vary. It is highly advisable for campers, especially those reserving primitive sites, to check with the park office for the most recent facility status and to come prepared for a variable camping experience in terms of site cleanliness and public facility upkeep.

Despite potential maintenance shortcomings in some areas, the access to outstanding amenities like the archery range, disc golf, and the lake remains the primary draw, making Prairie Clover a popular and valuable outdoor resource for the Lawrence and greater Kansas community. The natural scenery—prairie grasses and woodlands—and the abundance of native wildlife also contribute to the park's appeal as a genuine Kansas outdoor experience.