Rock creek recreation area

**Introduction / Overview**

For Kansans seeking a premier lakeside camping and recreational experience, the **Rock Creek Recreation Area** stands out as a true "paradise on the plains." Situated on the scenic south end of **Perry Lake** near Ozawkie, this facility, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), is a major draw for boaters, anglers, hikers, and general campers across Northeast Kansas. The area is celebrated for its lush forested setting, which provides a welcome canopy of shade, contrasting beautifully with the wide, open waters of the lake.

Rock Creek Campground offers a diverse range of accommodations, making it a perfect spot for everything from a quick weekend getaway in a tent to an extended stay in a large RV. Its generous site sizes allow visitors to comfortably set up, as noted by one happy customer who was able to maneuver a **"winnabago 38t and jeep in there."** The park’s layout is designed to maximize lake access, with some sections resembling mini-peninsulas that offer sweeping, beautiful views of the water. While the atmosphere is generally peaceful and relaxing, campers should be aware of the natural environment, as one reviewer noted that insects, specifically gnats, can be noticeable during certain times of the year. Despite minor environmental factors, the park's well-maintained grounds and incredible natural setting solidify its reputation as a must-visit spot for outdoor enthusiasts in Kansas.

The core identity of Rock Creek is its integration with Perry Lake, which is often reputed to be one of the best sailing lakes in the region. This focus on water recreation, combined with extensive surrounding public lands dedicated to wildlife management, ensures that there is always an activity to suit every member of the family.

**Location and Accessibility**

Rock Creek Recreation Area is ideally located in Northeast Kansas, offering remarkable convenience for residents of the state's major metropolitan areas.

The general address provided for the area is:

**Unnamed Road, Ozawkie, KS 66070, USA**

The park is easily accessible from nearby major cities, making it a prime destination for weekend trips: it is only a short drive from **Lawrence**, **Topeka**, and the **Kansas City** metro area. Visitors typically access the park via well-maintained roads leading off major state highways, ensuring that the route is manageable even for large recreational vehicles.

Rock Creek is situated on the west side of Perry Lake, an area often managed in conjunction with the adjacent **Perry State Park** and other USACE facilities. This centralized location on the lake's shoreline ensures direct access to boat ramps, docks, and scenic drives that follow the water's edge. The setting is a perfect blend of peaceful seclusion within the lush forest while remaining close enough to Ozawkie and other small towns to replenish supplies.

**Services Offered**

Rock Creek Campground provides a comprehensive range of facilities, balancing the need for nature immersion with essential modern comforts required by today's campers.

• **Designated Campsites (80+ Pads):** The facility offers a significant number of sites, varying in type and amenity level.
• **Electric and Water Hookups:** Many of the developed sites are equipped with 30-amp and/or 50-amp electrical service along with potable water connections, making it **Big Rig Friendly**.
• **Primitive Camping:** Primitive tent camping is available in specific loops (such as Peninsula, Big Rock, and the walk-in only area-Edwardsville Loop) for those who prefer a more rustic experience.
• **Showers and Restrooms:** Public bathhouses with flush toilets and showers are provided, although users should note that the cleanliness and maintenance of these facilities, particularly concerning insects like gnats, have received mixed reviews (one user rated the showers a 2 out of 5).
• **Sanitary Dump Stations:** The park includes dedicated dump stations for easy black and grey water disposal for self-contained RVs.
• **Reserveable Group Shelter:** A large, reserveable picnic shelter is available, making the park ideal for family reunions, group parties, or corporate functions.

**Features / Highlights**

The features of Rock Creek Recreation Area highlight its strong focus on water sports, forest exploration, and natural beauty.

• **Perry Lake Access:** The campground offers direct and easy access to Perry Lake, known for excellent opportunities for power boating, canoeing, and, most notably, **sailing**.
• **Exceptional Fishing:** The lake is famous among Kansas anglers for a wide variety of fish, including **White Crappie, Walleye, Flathead Catfish, and Channel Catfish**.
• **Perry Lake Loop Trail:** Campers have convenient access to the nearby **29-mile Perry Lake loop trail**, which offers a challenging and scenic experience for hikers and mountain bikers, winding through the forest and along the reservoir bluffs.
• **Wildlife Management Area:** The campground is adjacent to thousands of acres of federal land dedicated to wildlife management, providing prime opportunities for wildlife viewing, birding, and hunting (in designated areas), with species like deer, turkey, quail, and various waterfowl.
• **Peninsula Views:** The campground’s setting on small peninsulas ensures many sites boast **sweeping views of the lake**, perfect for enjoying Kansas sunrises and sunsets.
• **Playground:** A modern playground located within the Peninsula Loop makes the park highly attractive for families with younger children.

**Contact Information**

As a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) facility, official inquiries should be directed to the Perry Lake Project Office. Reservations are typically made through the federal government's online system.

Address:

**10419 Perry Park Drive, Perry, KS 66073** (Closest Project Office address for the area)

Phone (Perry Lake Project Office for General Information):

** (785) 597-5144 **

**What Is Worth Choosing**

For Kansas users, the **Rock Creek Recreation Area at Perry Lake** is definitively worth choosing because it provides one of the best combinations of **lakeside recreation and forest camping** in the Northeast region. You should choose Rock Creek if your vacation plans center on water activities—especially fishing or sailing—or if you are an avid hiker seeking access to the famous 29-mile loop trail.

What sets this USACE park apart is the **spaciousness and flexibility** of the sites, which accommodate large rigs (as evidenced by the satisfied 38t Winnabago owner) while still offering beautiful, rustic primitive spots for tent campers. The natural environment is the star here, offering a quiet, forested escape just a short drive from the state’s major urban centers. While guests should manage expectations for the public shower facilities and be prepared for potential insects depending on the season, the overall value—the incredible lake access, the wildlife opportunities, and the well-organized sites—makes Rock Creek an outstanding and essential Kansas camping destination.