Redmond East site 2

Introduction / Overview: Riverside East Campground—Serenity on the Neosho River

For Kansas outdoor enthusiasts, the John Redmond Reservoir area is a vital hub for water sports, hunting, and camping. The Riverside East Campground—which corresponds to the site identified—is a well-established, official recreation area managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), located just below the dam on the east bank of the Neosho River. This campground offers a distinct, tranquil experience compared to the busier lake-level parks, focusing on the beautiful river setting and the surrounding rolling hills of the Flint Hills region.

Riverside East is celebrated for its peaceful atmosphere and the high quality of its facilities. It sits in a transitional landscape, offering views of both agricultural land and wooded riverbanks, creating a visually rich environment. The campground features 42 reservable campsites, making it a reliable choice for families planning their excursions to Eastern Kansas. It serves as an excellent base for fishing the Neosho River, which flows out of the reservoir, and is ideally located near some of the region's best specialized recreation areas. While some spots may become overgrown, limiting views for a few visitors, the general consensus is that the site offers consistent, stunning views of the northern and eastern horizons and reliable access to one of Kansas's great reservoirs.

Location and Accessibility

Riverside East Campground is located below the John Redmond Dam, on the east side of the Neosho River, in Coffey County, Kansas.

The official address places it near Burlington, KS 66839. To reach the campground, travelers should typically follow signs from Burlington, heading northwest and turning onto Embankment Road. The nearest town, Burlington, Kansas, provides essential services like gas, groceries, and medical facilities, ensuring campers have convenient access to necessities.

Accessibility is generally very good. The campground features paved or gravel-surfaced sites that are suitable for most RVs, trailers, and tents. The area is well-treed, offering shade and a sense of privacy. The unique location, nestled along the river below the dam, offers a different experience than lakefront camping, providing a tranquil waterside retreat. Furthermore, the campground's proximity to the main dam and the nearby Otter Creek ATV Area means specialized recreation is just a short drive away, although the western shoreline remains reserved for ATV access, as noted by local users.

Services Offered

Riverside East Campground provides the essential services expected of a USACE-managed facility, ensuring a comfortable stay for campers.

• Campsite Capacity: The campground features 42 reservable campsites, catering to both RV and tent campers.
• Utility Hookups: Sites are available with electric and water hookups (typically 30-amp service, with some sites potentially offering 50-amp).
• Sanitation Facilities: Modern amenities include flush toilets and shower facilities. Vault toilets are also available for convenience in certain areas.
• Waste Management: A central dump station is provided within the park area for the convenient disposal of RV waste.
• Group Facilities: Two large picnic shelters are available, making the area ideal for large gatherings, family reunions, or parties.
• Individual Site Amenities: Each campsite is equipped with a gravel or paved pad, a picnic table, a fire ring, a grill, and a lantern pole.
• Reservations: Campsites are reservable during the peak season (typically May through September) via platforms like Recreation.gov, with off-season camping often being first-come, first-served.

Features / Highlights

Riverside East is distinguished by its riverfront location and its proximity to unique recreational zones within the John Redmond Reservoir complex.

• Neosho River Setting: Located directly on the river, the campground offers excellent fishing opportunities for species like white crappie, white bass, and channel catfish, which thrive in the river below the dam.
• Access to Otter Creek ATV Area: A significant draw is the close proximity to the Otter Creek Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Area, a 240-acre dedicated park for dirt bikes and ATVs, offering extensive trails for motorized vehicle enthusiasts.
• Scenic Trail System: A 1.5-mile hiking and mountain biking trail is located within the Riverside East Park, winding through the timber and along the natural surroundings.
• Wildlife and Bird Watching: Situated in the vast Central Flyway, the area is excellent for viewing migratory birds, waterfowl, deer, and other local wildlife, particularly near the adjacent Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge. A bird-watching blind is available nearby in the John Redmond Reservoir East Camping area.
• Excellent Shade and Privacy: The campground is noted for being "well treed," providing ample shade and privacy between sites, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere.
• Beautiful Vistas: The location offers "never fail" views of the eastern and northern skylines, providing great opportunities for watching sunrises and night skies.

Contact Information

Riverside East Campground is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Tulsa District.

Address: 1565 Embankment Rd SW, Burlington, KS 66839, USA (John Redmond Reservoir Office)

USACE Office Phone: (620) 364-8613

What is Worth Choosing the Riverside East Campground

Riverside East is the perfect choice for Kansas residents seeking a mix of peaceful river-based relaxation and specialized, high-energy outdoor activities.

You should choose this campground if you are looking for:

• A Quiet, River-Centric Experience: If you prefer the tranquility of the river to the open waters of the lake, with the added benefit of excellent below-the-dam fishing, this is your premier location.
• ATV and Trail Access: For motorized enthusiasts, its location near the 240-acre Otter Creek ORV Area is unmatched, allowing campers to easily launch into a day of dirt biking or ATV riding.
• Reliable Reservations and Amenities: As a well-run USACE park, you can depend on the reservation system, clean shower houses, and functional utility hookups, ensuring a stress-free camping trip.
• Nature Photography and Birding: Its prime location in the Neosho River Valley and proximity to the Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge makes it a top destination for nature lovers and bird watchers.
• A Central Base for Exploration: Situated conveniently near the town of Burlington, it provides a perfect, fully serviced base camp from which to explore the surrounding Coffey County area and the wider Flint Hills region.

Riverside East Campground offers the best of both worlds: a quiet, scenic riverbank retreat and immediate access to some of the most specialized recreational areas in Eastern Kansas.