Site #10 - Centralia Lake

Centralia Lake Campground: Your Peaceful Getaway in Northeast Kansas

Nestled in the rolling landscape of Northeast Kansas, the Centralia Lake Campground offers a tranquil and accessible escape for local residents seeking outdoor recreation. Maintained by the City of Centralia, this spot provides a genuine slice of quiet lake life, perfect for weekend trips, fishing excursions, or simply unwinding with a view of the water. With its focus on essential amenities and easy access to a productive 400-acre lake, Centralia Lake has become a reliable destination for campers who prefer a more laid-back, community-managed atmosphere.

The lake itself is well-known in Kansas for its excellent fishing—particularly for Channel Catfish, Saugeye, and Crappie—and the campground serves as the perfect base for anglers. Beyond fishing, the area encourages boating, hiking, and simply relaxing amidst a scenic environment of water and surrounding trees. Unlike some larger, more congested state parks, Centralia Lake maintains a simpler, first-come, first-served approach to camping, reflecting the relaxed pace of life in this corner of the Sunflower State.

Whether you're looking to launch a boat for a day of saugeye fishing or park your RV for an extended stay under the Kansas sky, Centralia Lake provides the ideal balance of functionality and scenic tranquility.

Location and Accessibility

Centralia Lake is located just a short distance—approximately three miles southwest—of the city of Centralia, Kansas. This location places it conveniently within Nemaha County and makes it a highly accessible spot for residents across Northeast Kansas, including those from Topeka and the surrounding rural communities.

While the official mailing address is Centralia, KS, the lake's entrance is marked by a specific access road. The city’s website provides the precise location information to help visitors navigate the final approach. Access roads are suitable for vehicle travel, even for those towing trailers or larger campers, ensuring a manageable journey to the designated camping and recreation areas. The check-in process requires visitors to stop at the Lake Shack upon arrival to pay for all necessary vehicle, boat, and camping permits. When the Lake Shack is closed, a Camp Host or self-pay envelopes are available, maintaining ease of entry.

For mapping purposes:

Address: Centralia, KS 66415, USA

Services Offered

Centralia Lake Campground is equipped with the core services necessary for a comfortable lakeside stay, focusing on essential utilities and facilities that support both RV and tent camping.

• Campsite Capacity: The campground features 43 designated campsites available to the public. These sites accommodate various camping styles, from basic tent setups to utility-supported RVs.
• Utility Hookups: Campers can utilize multiple sites equipped with electric hookups. The fees differentiate between Daily Utility Camping ($20.00/day) and Daily Tent Camping ($5.00/day), indicating electricity is a key offering.
• Sanitation Facilities: The park provides essential amenities, including toilets and showers for camper convenience.
• Individual Site Amenities: Each camping spot includes a picnic table and a grill, allowing guests to enjoy outdoor dining and camp cooking.
• Permits and Fees: Various permit options are available, including daily, weekly, monthly, and annual permits for camping, vehicles, and boating. Annual Utility Camping is available, but the rate must be obtained by calling the City Hall directly.
• Payment Options: Payment for permits is collected at the Lake Shack or via a self-pay envelope system when the shack is closed, with an on-site Camp Host also available for questions and assistance.

Features and Highlights

The true allure of Centralia Lake Campground lies in its aquatic environment and the unique recreational facilities provided by the City of Centralia, all designed to maximize the lake experience.

• Productive 400-Acre Lake: Centralia Lake is a 400-acre body of water renowned in Kansas for its excellent channel cat, saugeye, and crappie fishing. This makes it a prime feature for serious anglers.
• CFAP Program Enrollment: The lake is enrolled in the City Fishing Access Program (CFAP), which means a City permit is NOT required for fishing visits, although standard state fishing licenses still apply.
• Boating Facilities: The lake facilities include multiple boat ramps, supporting various watercraft, with daily and annual permits available for boating and jet-ski use.
• Disc Golf Course: A unique feature is the 9-hole disc golf course located at Centralia Lake, which is open for play, offering a fun, alternative outdoor activity for campers.
• First-Come, First-Served System: All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations taken, especially on holiday weekends. This feature appeals to spontaneous travelers who prefer not to plan too far in advance, though it requires early arrival during peak times.
• Group Gathering Facilities: Three shelter houses are available for rental, with varying daily fees, providing ideal spaces for family reunions, picnics, or group events near the water.

Contact Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, particularly regarding annual camping rates or shelter house reservations, the City of Centralia contacts are the primary resource.

Address: Centralia, KS 66415, USA

City Hall Phone: (785) 857-3764

Mobile Phone (City Hall): +1 785-857-3764

Lake Shack Phone (Seasonal): 785-857-3371

What is Worth Choosing Centralia Lake

For Northeast Kansas residents, Centralia Lake Campground is a destination of choice for its focused blend of quality fishing and accessible, simple camping, setting it apart from larger state-run operations.

The number one reason to choose Centralia Lake is the exceptional fishing opportunities and the ease of access to the water. As a 400-acre lake specifically noted for maintaining strong populations of Channel Catfish, Saugeye, and Crappie, it is a haven for anglers. The inclusion in the CFAP program, which removes the need for an additional city fishing permit, further simplifies the process for local fishers, ensuring they can spend more time on the water and less time dealing with paperwork.

Furthermore, the park’s straightforward, first-come, first-served camping system is highly valued by many local campers who enjoy the spontaneity of outdoor adventures. While this requires careful timing on busy weekends, it guarantees that spots are not locked down months in advance. The availability of electric utility sites combined with amenities like showers and a fun disc golf course ensures that even though the campground is managed by a small city, it provides sufficient modern comforts for a multi-day stay. Centralia Lake offers the authentic, quiet Kansas lake experience, with all the necessary tools for a successful fishing and camping trip, making it a valuable regional gem.