South Owl Lake Campground

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**Introduction / Overview**

For Kansas residents and travelers exploring the eastern half of the state, finding an accessible, amenity-rich campground that doesn't break the bank can be a challenge. That's where **South Owl Lake Campground** in Yates Center, KS, truly shines. Managed by the City of Yates Center, this lakeside destination is celebrated locally as one of the best value-for-money camping experiences in the region, particularly for those with RVs and trailers.

South Owl Lake Campground offers a peaceful retreat nestled among native blackjack trees, providing a perfect blend of quiet, natural beauty and modern convenience. It is situated right next to the 276-acre South Owl Lake, making it an immediate favorite for anglers and those who simply enjoy being near the water. The campground has earned high marks from local users for being a "nice place, quite safe" and offering full hookups at an incredibly reasonable daily rate.

The atmosphere here is distinctly relaxed and non-commercial, reflecting its management by the city. It’s the ideal spot for a quick overnight stay, a peaceful week of fishing, or a family weekend enjoying the simple pleasures of the Kansas outdoors. The combination of its affordability, full RV hookups, and proximity to excellent fishing at South Owl Lake makes it a favored stopover and destination within Woodson County.

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**Location and Accessibility**

South Owl Lake Campground is conveniently located just on the south edge of the charming town of Yates Center, making it highly accessible while still retaining a remote, natural feel.

**Address:**

S Owl Lk Lp, Yates Center, KS 66783, USA

**Directions:** The campground is easily reached from US Highway 75. To access South Owl Lake, you should take Highway 75 south to Reservoir Road, then turn west and follow the road to the lake area. Its location provides the convenience of being just a minute or two from town, where you can quickly pick up supplies, gas, or other necessities.

**Accessibility:** The park is accessible via blacktop road right up to the lake area, ensuring smooth arrival for all vehicles, including large RVs and trailers. This city-run facility is part of the larger South Owl Lake recreational area, providing easy drive-in access to the camping loop, which is set just off the lake's edge.

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**Services Offered**

South Owl Lake Campground is designed with the modern camper and RV traveler in mind, providing high-value services that ensure a comfortable, self-sufficient stay. The facility offers significantly more amenities than typical rough or primitive camping areas.

• **Full RV Hookups:** The sites are equipped with **electric, water, and sewer hookups**, providing the convenience of a fully serviced site. *This is a major highlight, as sewer hookups are often only found at commercial parks.*
• **Competitive Pricing:** The cost structure is incredibly budget-friendly: **$20 for the first night** and an astonishing **$10 per night thereafter** if reserved, or a $10 "by chance" rate if no reservation is made ahead of time. This pricing is frequently cited by users as a remarkable "deal."
• **Restroom Facilities:** Restrooms are available on-site, providing essential sanitary conveniences for all campers. *Note: These facilities are often open seasonally.*
• **On-Site Payment:** The campground utilizes a **self-pay station on-site**, simplifying the check-in process.
• **Dump Station Access:** While sewer hookups are available on-site, an additional dump station is conveniently located nearby at the Yates Center RV Park (Hwy 75 & 105th Rd) for other area campers, though the South Owl Lake sites offer the full amenity package.
• **Picnic and Fire Facilities:** Each site area includes standard amenities such as **picnic tables** and designated areas for fires, where open fires are allowed in the provided fire pits or grills.

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**Features / Highlights**

What truly distinguishes South Owl Lake Campground for the Kansas local user are its natural features and the recreational opportunities it provides, all bundled with exceptional value.

• **Exceptional Affordability:** The primary highlight is the **$10 full hookup rate** after the initial night. This makes it an incredibly appealing destination for long-term stays or for those on extended road trips through the state.
• **Quality Fishing on South Owl Lake:** The campground sits directly on South Owl Lake, a 276-acre body of water known for **excellent bass, crappie, channel catfish, and wiper fishing**. Despite the lake's occasional turbidity, the City actively manages the fish population with feeding programs, ensuring a rewarding experience for serious anglers.
• **Quiet, Safe Environment:** Customer reviews emphasize the **quiet and safe** atmosphere. Nestled among the blackjack trees, the campsites offer a peaceful setting away from highway noise, promoting genuine relaxation.
• **Immediate Lake Access:** A **boat ramp and fishing piers** are available nearby, providing easy access to the water for boating and casting a line. This is a crucial convenience for local boat owners.
• **Adjacent to Recreation:** The campground is located next to the **Lakeside Golf Course**, offering an additional recreational option within walking distance for those looking to hit the links.
• **Family Amenities:** A **playground** and a planned shelter house enhance the area, making it a functional and fun spot for families with children.

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**Contact Information**

The South Owl Lake Campground is administered by the City of Yates Center. For inquiries regarding fees, reservations (if available), or general lake information, contact the City Hall.

**Campground Name:** South Owl Lake Campground

**Address:**

S Owl Lk Lp, Yates Center, KS 66783, USA

**Primary Contact (Yates Center City Hall):**

(620) 625-2118

**Alternative Phone:**

+1 620-625-2118

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**What is Worth Choosing**

For the Kansas camper, South Owl Lake Campground is **unquestionably worth choosing** as a premier destination for **high-value, full-hookup camping**. You would choose this spot over others in the region for its unbeatable combination of quality amenities and pricing, which are rarely found together.

The campground provides **full water, electric, and sewer hookups**, eliminating the need for constant dump station trips—a luxury typically associated with much higher nightly fees. To find this level of service for **as low as $10 a night** makes it an essential stop for budget-conscious RVers, travelers passing through, or locals needing a quick, inexpensive weekend getaway.

Furthermore, the focus on the surrounding lake environment—excellent fishing, available boat ramps, and the quiet backdrop of blackjack trees—means your stay is not just cheap, it's genuinely rewarding. Whether you're an avid angler seeking quality bass and catfish or a family looking for a safe, convenient, and affordable basecamp, South Owl Lake Campground in Yates Center offers an authentic, high-quality Kansas camping experience that local users have already discovered and highly recommend.

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