Quail run campground

Introduction / Overview

Nestled within the scenic expanse of Hillsdale State Park, near the charming city of Paola, Quail Run Campground offers a quintessential Kansas camping experience. As part of the popular Russell Crites Camping Area, this location serves as an ideal retreat for those looking to disconnect from the hustle of urban life and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. Hillsdale State Park, one of the state's newer reservoirs, is a cornerstone of outdoor recreation in Eastern Kansas, making Quail Run a prime destination for adventurers from the Kansas City metropolitan area and beyond.

Quail Run Campground is perfectly situated to maximize access to the 4,500-acre Hillsdale Lake, providing stunning water views and direct opportunities for a range of water-based activities. It's a key spot for campers seeking a balance between convenience and a genuine outdoor experience, offering both modern amenities and more rustic, primitive sites right on the lakeshore. The campground is well-regarded for its generally quiet atmosphere and friendly environment, making it a favorite for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. While a few visitors have noted a noticeable presence of natural wildlife, particularly spiders, it’s a clear reminder that Quail Run is truly a place where you share the beautiful Kansas environment with nature. The overall consensus highlights beautiful scenery, excellent views of the water, and peaceful nights perfect for stargazing.

The park itself encompasses over 12,000 acres, showcasing a diverse ecosystem that lies in the transition zone between the western prairies and eastern hardwood forests. This geographical diversity translates into rich opportunities for wildlife viewing, with sightings of eagles, heron, deer, and armadillos frequently reported by delighted campers. Quail Run is a dedicated section within this vast park, designed to provide a comfortable base camp for exploring all that Hillsdale Lake and the surrounding State Park have to offer. Campers can expect clean, well-maintained facilities and a range of sites to suit different camping styles, ensuring a memorable and convenient stay in the heart of Miami County, Kansas.

Location and Accessibility

Quail Run Campground is strategically located within the Russell Crites Camping Area of Hillsdale State Park. Its address places it firmly in the rolling hills of Miami County, yet it maintains convenient accessibility, particularly for residents of the greater Kansas City area, being approximately 30 miles from the city limits. This proximity makes it a popular choice for quick weekend getaways without the need for an extensive drive.

The physical address for navigation is:

32936 State Park Campground Rd, Paola, KS 66071, USA

Access to Hillsdale State Park is generally straightforward via major Kansas routes. The park is situated between Spring Hill and Paola, about three miles east of the US-169/K-7 and 255th Street interchange. The roads leading into and within the park are typically well-maintained, accommodating RVs, trailers, and cars without difficulty. Once inside the Russell Crites Area, signage directs visitors to Quail Run. The lakefront setting provides easy access for watercraft users, and the campground's design, including ADA-accessible facilities, ensures that it is welcoming to a wide range of visitors. The natural setting, while being remote enough for a true escape, is never too far from necessary amenities in nearby Paola.

Services Offered

Quail Run Campground provides a mix of amenities designed to cater to both RV/utility campers and those preferring a more rustic tent camping experience. These services ensure comfort and convenience during your stay at Hillsdale State Park.

• Campsites with Utilities: The campground features approximately 19 designated campsites equipped with both water and electrical hookups. A few select sites also offer 50-amp service, accommodating larger RVs (up to 70 feet in length are permitted in the area). These sites must be reserved in advance, especially during the peak season.
• Primitive Campsites: For tent campers and those seeking a more traditional experience, Quail Run offers nine primitive, prime camping sites. These sites do not include utilities but are typically located directly on the lakeshore, offering unparalleled views and quietude, and are also available for reservation.
• Shower/Toilet Facility: A dedicated shower house provides modern, accessible facilities, including showers and flush toilets. Note that these facilities are generally available during the regular camping season (typically mid-April through mid-October).
• Vault Toilet: An additional, more rustic vault toilet is available in a separate location within the campground area for general convenience.
• Wash Station: Visitors have noted the presence of a wash station, likely for dishwashing or general cleaning, which adds to the convenience of the camping area.
• Large Fire Rings: Campsites are equipped with large fire rings, many of which include a cooking grate, allowing for open-flame cooking.
• Reservations: Both utility and primitive campsites are reservable, which is highly recommended to secure a spot, particularly on weekends and holidays.
• Pay Phone: A pay phone is located near the main shower house area.

Features / Highlights

The natural environment and local activities are the biggest draws of Quail Run Campground and Hillsdale State Park.

• Lakeside Views and Access: The campground is right on the water's edge of Hillsdale Lake, providing stunning, scenic views and easy, direct access for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The panoramic vistas, especially at sunrise and sunset, are a highlight for many visitors.
• Stargazing Opportunities: Away from the major light pollution of Kansas City, the nights at Quail Run are often dark enough for incredible stargazing, a beloved activity for campers in the area.
• Wildlife Viewing: The park is a known nature observatory, home to a variety of wildlife. Campers frequently report seeing bobwhite quail, whitetail deer, beaver, muskrat, various waterfowl, and even bald eagles and armadillos, offering exceptional photography and viewing opportunities.
• Proximity to a Swim Beach: An ADA-accessible swim beach and shelter house are located nearby in the Russell Crites Area, providing a safe, designated place to cool off during the warmer months (typically open seasonally).
• Recreational Trails: Hillsdale State Park boasts numerous miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, catering to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
• Boating and Fishing: Hillsdale Lake is a hotspot for anglers, with a reputation for excellent catches of crappie, walleye, white bass, and catfish. The lake has no horsepower restrictions, making it popular for all types of boating and water sports.
• ADA Accessible Facilities: The presence of ADA-accessible shower/toilet facilities and a swim beach shelter house ensures that the campground is inclusive and welcoming to all visitors.

Contact Information

For reservations, current fees, and the most up-to-date information regarding Quail Run Campground, visitors should contact the main office for Hillsdale State Park.

Address: 32936 State Park Campground Rd, Paola, KS 66071, USA

Hillsdale State Park Office:

Phone: (913) 594-3600 (Recommended contact for reservations and questions)

What is Worth Choosing

Quail Run Campground is an exceptional choice for your Kansas outdoor adventure, particularly for its highly desirable lakefront location and its balanced offering of amenities. For Kansas residents, especially those near the Kansas City area, it represents a quick and accessible escape into a beautiful natural setting without sacrificing the option for modern conveniences.

The true value lies in the experience of waking up right on the water's edge, an option available at the primitive sites, or having the convenience of electric and water hookups at the standard sites. Reviews consistently praise the peacefulness of the area, making it an ideal destination for unwinding, kayaking, and simply enjoying the scenic views. Unlike some campgrounds that feel crowded and loud, visitors frequently describe their trips as having a private, "place to ourselves" feeling, fostering a deep connection with the outdoors.

While the presence of insects and spiders is a common feedback point, it is a testament to the thriving, natural environment—a trade-off many happily make for the pristine views and abundant wildlife sightings, including eagles and armadillos. The combination of excellent fishing, proximity to hiking and biking trails, and clean, accessible facilities (like the fire rings with grates for cooking and the close-by bathhouses) solidifies Quail Run as a top-tier destination in Hillsdale State Park. Whether you are looking for a weekend of peaceful reflection under a canopy of stars or an active trip filled with boating and wildlife observation, Quail Run Campground offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and practical camping facilities to ensure a memorable stay.