Prairie Lake Campground

🏕️ Introduction / Overview: Prairie Lake Campground – A Quiet City Escape

For Kansas residents seeking a humble, quiet, and exceptionally affordable lakeside retreat, Prairie Lake Campground—a property of the City of Holton—offers a refreshingly simple option. Located in the beautiful Northeast Kansas countryside, this campground centers around a scenic 43-acre lake within an 80-acre park. It is the definition of a straightforward, no-frills destination, catering perfectly to families and individuals who prioritize getting away and enjoying nature over extensive amenities.

The atmosphere at Prairie Lake is highly regarded by local users, with one satisfied visitor noting, "This place is pretty nice if u wanna have a little get away!! The family sure enjoyed the time away!" This campground is managed with a trust-based, local approach, evidenced by the self-pay system. The site caretaker, Kyle Claycamp, ensures a relaxed environment, allowing campers to simply "go on in & get set up" upon arrival. While the facilities are basic, the low-cost camping and the quality of the lake access—including a swimming area and excellent fishing—make it a valuable resource for the Holton community and surrounding Kansas region.

📍 Location and Accessibility in Northeast Kansas

Prairie Lake Campground is conveniently located near the community of Holton, the county seat of Jackson County, Kansas.

Address: 14824 246 Rd, Holton, KS 66436, USA

The site is easily accessible via state and county roads, making it a viable weekend escape from Topeka or even the Kansas City metro area. It is situated in the rolling agricultural landscape characteristic of Northeast Kansas, providing a scenic backdrop of prairie and timber. The campground is located at the lake’s entrance, where the caretaker's house is, facilitating the simple check-in process.

Access Notes:

• Check-In/Payment: Payment is handled through a self-pay or caretaker collection system. Campers are advised to set up their site and the caretaker will collect the fee later.
• Roads: Access to the lake property is well-maintained, but visitors should be prepared for typical rural road conditions on the final approach.
• Water: Note that the only water available is at the gate, and is marked "non drinking" for use only as grey water. Campers must bring all their own potable water.

🛠️ Services Offered

Prairie Lake Campground embraces a basic, no-frills approach to camping, focusing on providing essential utility access and low rates. This site is ideal for self-contained RVs and tent campers who do not require extensive modern conveniences.

• Campsites: Camping is available for tents and RVs (small campers). Sites are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Electric Hookups: Limited sites offer electric service for a reasonable fee.
• Pricing (Highly Affordable):
  • Camping with electricity: $10 per night.
  • Camping without electricity (primitive): $8 per night.
• Water Access: Water is available at the gate but is non-potable (for grey water use only). There is no potable water for drinking or cooking.
• Sanitation: Vault toilets (outhouses) are available, though there are explicitly no showers on the property.
• Site Furnishings: Campsites include basic features like picnic areas and may include fire rings.

✨ Features / Highlights

The true value of Prairie Lake Campground lies in its peaceful atmosphere and the high quality of its recreational offerings for a small-town lake.

• Swimming Beach: A dedicated swimming area with a beach is a major highlight, offering a clean, safe place to cool off during the Kansas summer.
• Excellent Fishing: The 43-acre lake is known for "great fishing," stocked with species like Channel Catfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, and Bluegill. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) regulations apply.
• No-Wake Boating: Boating is permitted, but the entire lake enforces an "idle speed only" (no wake) rule. This policy preserves the tranquility of the water, making it ideal for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boating, while ensuring a quiet experience for shoreline campers.
• Picnicking and Play: The 80-acre park surrounding the lake offers picnic areas and may include a playground and even sand volleyball facilities, making it a great day-use or camping spot for families.
• Unbeatable Value: The low, single-digit nightly camping fees for both primitive and electric sites make this one of the most cost-effective camping options in the region.

📞 Contact Information

For direct inquiries regarding the campground, fishing regulations, or the self-pay system, contacting the City of Holton or the Lake Caretaker is the best approach.

Address: 14824 246 Rd, Holton, KS 66436, USA

Phone (City of Holton / Lake Information): (785) 364-4216

Mobile Phone: +1 785-364-4216

Note: The Caretaker, Kyle Claycamp, often handles fees and on-site information. This number connects visitors with the local management familiar with the lake's operations.

✅ What is Worth Choosing Prairie Lake Campground?

For Kansas residents, choosing Prairie Lake Campground is choosing simplicity, value, and prime no-wake lake access.

The compelling reasons to choose this City of Holton property include:

• Exceptional Affordability: With some of the lowest nightly rates in the state ($10 for electric), it offers an outstanding budget option for both short and extended stays.
• Guaranteed Tranquility: The idle speed only/no-wake rule for all boats ensures the lake is always calm, making it a peaceful environment for kayaking, fishing, and relaxing by the water without the noise of speed boats.
• Family-Friendly Water Activities: The combination of "great fishing" and a dedicated swimming area with a beach provides diverse, family-friendly recreation that appeals to all age groups.
• Rustic Charm: This is a genuine local gem that emphasizes the simple pleasures of the outdoors. Its basic amenities (lack of showers, non-potable water) are outweighed by the peaceful atmosphere and the friendly, trust-based operation managed by the caretaker.

Prairie Lake is the perfect Kansas getaway for self-sufficient campers who seek a clean, quiet, and inexpensive lakeside base for fishing and swimming without the distraction of modern campground crowds.