Red Oak Campground

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Introduction / Overview

For Kansas locals who truly love the rustic feel of roughing it under the stars, Red Oak Campground at Pomona State Park is the perfect, no-frills destination. Located near Overbrook, KS, this small, dedicated area within the larger State Park is primarily designed for the primitive camper and those who cherish a simple, natural outdoor experience.

Red Oak Campground stands out because it offers a significant number of primitive campsites, catering specifically to tent campers, pop-ups, or self-contained RVs (within size limits) that don't require the convenience of utility hookups. If your idea of a perfect Kansas weekend involves a campfire, the sounds of nature, and seeing "all of the stars" on a clear night, this campground should be on your list.

While the setting is rustic—surrounded by the pleasing mixture of prairie grassland and eastern woodlands—campers are never far from the essential, modern comforts, including restrooms and showers, available elsewhere in the park. It provides the ideal balance between seclusion and accessibility, making it a beloved spot for those seeking a true escape to nature on the shores of Pomona Lake.

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Location and Accessibility

Red Oak Campground is one of the many camping areas located within the scenic Pomona State Park in Osage County, Kansas. While the mailing address for the park facilities is Overbrook, KS 66524, the campground is situated directly on the south shore of the expansive 4,000-acre Pomona Lake.

The State Park itself is strategically nestled in a beautiful transition zone of Kansas wildlife, offering:

• Proximity to Major Cities: It boasts easy access for residents of nearby metropolitan areas, including Topeka, Lawrence, and even Kansas City, making it a practical choice for a weekend getaway without a long drive.
• Waterfront Activities: Being part of Pomona State Park, the campground is close to the lake, which is popular for water skiing, pleasure boating, and is renowned for some of the best crappie, catfish, and walleye angling in the state.
• Trail Network Access: Campers at Red Oak have easy access to the park's three miles of designated trails for hiking and biking, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and exploring the mixed woodland and prairie habitats.
• Road Access: Visitors should note that access roads within the state park are well-maintained, but the overall atmosphere is one of peaceful, rural seclusion.

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Services Offered

Red Oak Campground is a dedicated primitive camping area, meaning it focuses on providing the basics necessary for a traditional outdoor experience while ensuring access to modern park facilities.

• Campsites: The campground offers 21 designated primitive campsites. These sites do not include electric, water, or sewer hookups, making them perfect for those with tent setups or self-contained units.
• RV Accommodation Limit: While primarily primitive, the sites can accommodate RVs, but there is a maximum recommended length limit of 45 feet, suitable for smaller rigs and trailers.
• Individual Site Amenities: Each campsite is equipped with essential features, including a picnic table and a fire ring/grill, allowing campers to cook outdoors and enjoy traditional campfires.
• Sanitary Facilities: While the sites are primitive, the surrounding Pomona State Park ensures comfort. Campers have access to nearby restrooms and shower facilities within the State Park grounds, typically within a short distance.
• Pet Policy: Red Oak Campground is pet-friendly, allowing pets on a leash at all times, making it a great option for enjoying nature with your furry friends.
• On-Site Conveniences (Park-Wide): Within the State Park, there are various general amenities nearby, including trash receptacles, a trailer dump station, and parking areas.

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Features / Highlights

Red Oak Campground is highlighted by its commitment to a rustic experience and its role as a key part of the larger Pomona State Park recreational hub.

• Rustic Camping Focus: The main draw is the high number of primitive sites (21), which attract dedicated tent campers and small RV users who seek a quieter, more traditional camping feel, free from the noise and activity of major utility loops.
• Shade and Seclusion: As suggested by its name, the area features full shade from the surrounding trees, offering natural cooling and a pleasant, secluded setting that is highly valued during the Kansas summer.
• First-Come, First-Served Sites: Unlike many of the reservable utility sites in the park, Red Oak sites are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis. This offers flexibility for spontaneous trips but requires payment immediately upon occupying the campsite.
• Immediate Recreation Access: The location provides quick access to shoreline fishing potential and is within a short distance of the park's playgrounds, basketball courts, and the start of the multi-use trails for hiking and biking.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The entire Pomona State Park is known for its "great family atmosphere," offering recreational options like multiple playgrounds, a nine-hole disc golf course, and courts for volleyball and horseshoes throughout its campgrounds.

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Contact Information

All operations and reservations for Red Oak Campground are managed through the central office of Pomona State Park, part of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP).

• Address (Park Office): 22900 S Hwy 368, Vassar, KS 66543, USA (The office is the central check-in point for the park.)
• Phone (Park Office): (785) 828-4933

The mobile phone number, +1 785-828-4933, connects to the same park office line. Since Red Oak sites cannot be reserved, campers must pay fees immediately upon arrival at the self-pay station or gatehouse.

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What is worth choosing

Red Oak Campground is undoubtedly worth choosing for the Kansas resident who seeks an authentic, unadulterated camping experience. If you prefer tent camping, own a smaller, self-sufficient trailer, or simply want to escape the crowded loops of full-hookup RV parks, Red Oak offers a tranquil, fully shaded sanctuary.

Its key value proposition is providing a genuine secluded and rustic environment without sacrificing basic hygiene, thanks to the nearby modern shower and restroom facilities maintained by the State Park. It's the perfect spot to disconnect from everyday demands, embrace the simplicity of a campfire under the stars, and reconnect with nature through hiking, biking, or a quiet day of fishing on Pomona Lake.

Choose Red Oak for the peace, the shade, and the opportunity to truly unplug in a beautiful, natural setting, knowing that the park's extensive amenities are still within easy reach.