Site #11 - Centralia Lake

🏕️ A Northeast Kansas Oasis: Centralia Lake Campground Introduction / Overview

For Kansas locals seeking a quiet, scenic, and fisherman-friendly getaway without the crowds of a major state park, Centralia Lake offers a compelling destination. Located in Nemaha County, this 400-acre city-managed lake is a well-kept secret in Northeast Kansas, renowned primarily for its outstanding fishery and peaceful camping environment. While the area is simply known as Centralia Lake Campground, the presence of distinct "sites" like Site #11 indicates the layout of the various camping pads available around the shoreline.

The primary appeal of Centralia Lake is its reputation as an excellent fishing spot. Local reviews confirm the lake is loaded with highly desirable species, including "Excellent catfishing, Good crappie, good walleye " and plenty of carp for bow fishing enthusiasts. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) consistently rates the lake highly for channel cat, saugeye, and crappie. This commitment to maintaining a quality fishery makes it a mandatory stop for serious anglers in the region.

Camping here is designed for those who prioritize tranquility and direct access to nature. The park offers plenty of camping pads, many with electricity, scattered around the lake, providing nice views of the water and a genuinely "very quiet" atmosphere, as noted by visitors. The rustic, self-service nature of the city park adds to its charm, providing an authentic, no-frills Kansas outdoor experience.

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📍 Location and Accessibility in Centralia, KS

Centralia Lake is nestled just outside the small community of Centralia, Kansas, making it easily accessible for residents across Northeast Kansas, including those driving from Topeka or Kansas City.

The address is officially listed as Centralia, KS 66415, USA. This location places the lake just a short drive from U.S. Highway 36, a major east-west route through the northern part of the state, ensuring convenient access for travelers. It is situated in a gently rolling, agricultural part of Nemaha County, providing a genuine sense of escape and country quiet.

Accessibility is straightforward for vehicles towing trailers or RVs. The camping pads are spread across the lakeshore area, and the city maintains the roads leading to the water access points. It is crucial for prospective users in Kansas to note that the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take reservations, especially on holiday weekends. To secure one of the more desirable utility sites, an early arrival is strongly recommended. The park relies on a self-registration system, with colored spots (Green for open, Red for taken) often used to indicate availability, keeping the process simple and efficient for local users.

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🛠️ Essential Services Offered

As a City Lake facility, Centralia Lake offers fundamental camping services focused on utility and basic comfort, suitable for both short stays and extended fishing trips.

• Campsite Utilities: Multiple camping pads are available, offering electric hookups for recreational vehicles and trailers. The daily rate for Utility Camping is $20.00.
• Camping Types: Offers options for both utility sites (electric) and daily tent camping for a nominal fee of $5.00.
• Extended Stays: Weekly ($120.00) and Monthly ($450.00) rates are available for utility camping, making it cost-effective for long-term fishing excursions.
• Boating Permits: Daily ($10.00) and Annual ($100.00) boating permits are required for motorized watercraft. Jet-ski permits are also available.
• Lake Permits: A Daily Vehicle Permit ($5.00) or Annual Vehicle Permit ($30.00) is required to enter the lake area.
• Picnic Facilities: Scattered picnic tables and shelters are provided throughout the public use areas.
• Restroom Facilities: Basic toilets are available for public use. Visitors should confirm the availability of running water or showers before arrival.

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🌟 Recreational Features / Highlights

Centralia Lake's biggest draw is the high quality of its water-based recreation, making it a favorite for Northeast Kansas outdoor enthusiasts.

• Premier Fishing: Noted for excellent populations of Channel Catfish, Saugeye, and Crappie. The lake is a popular destination for serious anglers across the region, with no city permit required for fishing visits (as it is enrolled in the CFAP program).
• Boat Access: The lake provides three different boat ramps, ensuring easy and non-congested access to the 400-acre lake for all boaters.
• Water Sports: In addition to fishing boats, the lake allows for general boating and jet-ski use (with proper permits), offering options for high-speed water recreation.
• Shelter Rentals: Three shelter houses (Shelter House #1, #2, and #3) are available for daily rental, complete with a reservation system through City Hall, perfect for family gatherings or group events.
• Disc Golf: A 9-hole disc golf course is available for free play, adding a fun, casual activity for campers and day visitors.
• Quiet Atmosphere: The campground is widely reviewed as being "very quiet", offering a peaceful setting for relaxation and contemplation by the water.
• Bow Fishing: The lake has a plenty of carp population, making it a popular and reliable spot for bow fishing, a specialized form of fishing enjoyed in Kansas.

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📞 Contact Information

For general inquiries, shelter rentals, or specific questions about permits and the annual camping period, contact the City of Centralia administration:

• Address: Centralia, KS 66415, USA
• City Hall Phone: (785) 857-3764

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🥇 What is Worth Choosing Centralia Lake?

For Kansas users, Centralia Lake is undeniably worth choosing for its focus on a tranquil, high-quality fishing and boating experience without the complexities of a highly commercialized park.

The core appeal lies in the exceptional fishing opportunities. With verified populations of Channel Catfish, Crappie, and Saugeye—and the convenience of three boat ramps—it’s built for the water enthusiast. Furthermore, the environment is lauded by locals for being "very quiet", offering the peaceful respite that many seek when escaping the city or main highways.

The pricing structure is also attractive, offering low-cost utility camping ($20/day) and even free tent camping areas, making it accessible to all budgets. While the lack of a reservation system and the rustic nature of the amenities (basic toilets) require some planning, the payoff is a beautiful, easy-to-access lake that truly feels like a hidden gem in Northeast Kansas. If you want a weekend dominated by fishing and relaxation by the water, Centralia Lake is the ideal choice.