Site #5 - Centralia Lake

🎣 A Tranquil Spot for Anglers: Site #5 - Centralia Lake Campground Overview

For Kansas residents who value peace, quiet, and exceptional fishing above all else, Centralia Lake Campground, and specifically the area around spots like Site #5, is a cherished secret in the state's Northeast region. This facility is a clean, city-managed park surrounding the beautiful 400-acre Centralia Lake. Unlike the crowded major state parks, Centralia Lake offers a more intimate, laid-back atmosphere, where the focus is firmly on outdoor recreation, particularly water sports and angling.

Centralia Lake is not a mega-resort; it's a testament to the simple, authentic Kansas outdoor experience. The sites—which may be designated by numbers like Site #5—are spread out around the shoreline, often providing nice views of the lake and ensuring a tranquil setting. The campground is run on a friendly, self-service basis, which keeps the costs low and the environment relaxed. It is especially noted for its affordability, with utility sites (electric hookups) available at competitive daily, weekly, and even monthly rates.

The primary draw, however, remains the water. Centralia Lake is an active fishery consistently stocked and managed by the KDWP, holding a reputation for high numbers of quality fish, including sought-after species like saugeye, channel catfish, and crappie. For the local angler, securing a spot near the water, like Site #5 might offer, means direct access to a day—or week—of successful fishing.

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📍 Location and Accessibility in Centralia, KS (Nemaha County)

Centralia Lake is ideally located near the quiet community of Centralia, Kansas, 3 miles southwest of the town proper.

The official mailing address is Centralia, KS 66415, USA, placing it in Nemaha County, a region easily reached from major Northeast Kansas cities via U.S. Highway 36. Its location offers a genuine sense of escape, surrounded by the tranquil agricultural landscapes that characterize this part of the state, yet it's close enough to the town of Centralia for quick supply runs. The lake's physical location is 591 72nd Road, Centralia, KS 66415.

Accessibility for RVs and trailers is adequate, with multiple paved and maintained access roads leading to the various camping areas and boat ramps. A crucial feature for Kansas users is the operation model: All camping is strictly first-come, first-served, and no reservations are accepted, especially during holiday weekends. Campers must pull their vehicle to their desired available site (like the area of Site #5) and then utilize the self-pay envelopes or the Lake Shack to complete registration. This system rewards early arrivals, particularly those seeking the limited utility hookup spots.

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🛠️ Services Offered at Centralia Lake Campground

As a city lake, the focus is on providing necessary utilities and recreational access at a low cost, relying on a user-friendly permit and self-pay system.

• Campsite Utilities: Multiple camping pads are designated for Daily Utility Camping, providing electric hookups for trailers and RVs at $20.00 per night. (Annual and extended utility rates are also available).
• Tent Camping: Designated areas allow for Daily Tent Camping for only $5.00 per night.
• Lake Permits: A Daily Vehicle Permit ($5.00) is required for all vehicles entering the area, which also applies to campers. Boating and Jet-Ski Permits are sold separately on a daily or annual basis.
• Sanitary Facilities: Toilets are provided for public use (likely vault or basic plumbed facilities). Visitors should bring their own supplies for personal sanitation needs.
• Shelter Houses: Three picnic shelters (#1, #2, and #3) are available for rental, making the area perfect for group events, with reservations made via City Hall.
• Payment: Camping fees are managed through a self-pay envelope system at the Lake Shack or via the Camp Host, and the park is cash-friendly.
• Camp Host: A Camp Host is typically on-site near the swim beach/lake shack area during the season to assist campers.

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🌟 Recreational Features / Highlights for Kansas Users

The area surrounding Site #5 is rich in features that make Centralia Lake an outstanding outdoor venue for a variety of activities.

• Exceptional Fishing: Recognized by the KDWP for its strong populations of Saugeye, Channel Catfish, and Crappie. The lake is part of the CFAP program, meaning no city permit is required for fishing (only a valid state license).
• Boating Accessibility: Features multiple boat ramps around the 400-acre lake, which reduces congestion and provides varied access points for fishing and water sports like water skiing (for boats 21 feet and under).
• Quiet and Scenic: The overall atmosphere is repeatedly described by users as "Very quiet," providing a genuine, relaxing retreat with picturesque views of the water and surrounding trees.
• Disc Golf: A 9-hole disc golf course is available for free play near the campground, offering a great non-water recreational option.
• Wildlife Viewing: The rural setting and managed lake environment provide ample opportunities for bird-watching and viewing local wildlife.
• Bow Fishing: The lake’s large population of common fish like carp makes it a reliable destination for bow fishing enthusiasts.
• Extended Stays: The availability of discounted weekly and monthly utility rates highlights the park’s suitability for long-term fishing trips or seasonal stays.

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📞 Contact Information

For permit information, shelter house reservations, or questions about the seasonal camping period (April 1st through October 1st), use the following contact information for the City of Centralia:

• Address: Centralia, KS 66415, USA (Lake Shack/Camp Host area is located at 591 72nd Road)
• City Hall Phone: (785) 857-3764

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🥇 What is Worth Choosing Centralia Lake Campground (Site #5 Area)?

For Kansas users, choosing the Centralia Lake Campground area (such as the electric utility sites near Site #5) is choosing a high-value, highly effective destination for serious anglers and those seeking quiet relaxation.

The key benefits are the combination of premier fishing quality (saugeye, crappie, catfishing) and the exceptional tranquility of the location. Unlike busier campgrounds, Centralia Lake offers a peaceful retreat with multiple boat ramps, ensuring you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying the water. The affordable utility camping rates ($20/day) further enhance the appeal, making it an economically smart choice for extended fishing trips. While the amenities are rustic (basic toilets, no reservation system), the ability to secure a quiet, electric lakeside spot on a first-come basis, and the opportunity to spend days fishing one of Northeast Kansas's best lakes, makes Centralia Lake an ideal, authentic Kansas outdoor escape.