South Shelter Campground

Welcome to South Shelter Campground: Your Dedicated Group Destination in Kansas's Crawford State Park

For Kansas residents planning a large gathering, a family reunion, or a club campout, the **South Shelter Campground** area, officially known as the **Lakeview Group Use Area**, at **Crawford State Park** provides the perfect solution. Tucked into the beautiful, heavily wooded landscape of Southeast Kansas near the historic town of Farlington, this facility is designed specifically to accommodate larger groups who desire a dedicated, private space without sacrificing essential amenities.

Crawford State Park itself is a beloved treasure in the region, rich in history—having been developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s—and abundant in natural beauty. The park features a scenic 150-acre lake surrounded by lush, mature forests, providing a tranquil escape. South Shelter allows your group to establish a comfortable base camp with easy access to all the fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities that make Crawford State Park a top-tier destination for local Kansas outdoor enthusiasts. Choosing South Shelter means securing a spacious, reservable area where your entire group can relax, recreate, and create lasting memories together by the lake.

Location and Accessibility: A Southeast Kansas Gem

The South Shelter Campground is strategically located within the scenic **Crawford State Park**, near the southern end of Crawford State Lake. The park is easily accessed off state highways, making it a convenient drive for locals in the greater Southeast Kansas area, including Fort Scott, Girard, and Pittsburg. The park is situated approximately nine miles north of Girard, Kansas, on Highway 7.

The official address for the park, which directs you to the general area where South Shelter is located, is:

Address: Farlington, KS 66734, USA

As a specific, dedicated section within the larger state park system, the South Shelter / Lakeview Group Use Area is clearly marked once you enter the park. The location is advantageous as it offers a slightly secluded feel for group events while still maintaining excellent proximity to the lake, the swimming beach, and the modern restroom/shower facilities found within the main campgrounds like Oak Point and Rocky Cove. The campground is nestled in old growth wooded areas, ensuring ample overstory shade—a coveted feature during the warm Kansas summers.

Services Offered at South Shelter Campground

As a specialized group area, South Shelter is equipped to handle larger gatherings while offering the convenience and comfort of modern camping facilities. It is generally part of the Lakeview Group Use Area, which is designed for multiple electric sites and is ideal for gatherings.

• Group Campsites: The area features dedicated campsites, typically including **10 electric sites** (sometimes listed as 50-amp service with water available close by or at the site) ideal for group RV or trailer camping.
• Reservable Site: Unlike some first-come, first-served areas, the South Shelter / Lakeview Group Use Area is **reservable**, providing peace of mind for event planning.
• Group Shelter: The area includes a **large, reservable shelter** (sometimes a concrete or stone structure) perfect for group meals, meetings, or simply gathering to escape the sun or rain. It often features a very large firepit and picnic tables.
• Modern Facilities: A **restroom and hot shower house** is conveniently located nearby, ensuring comfort and convenience for all group members.
• Utility Hookups: Sites often include **30-amp and/or 50-amp electric hookups**, with water available at the sites or frost-free hydrants nearby.
• Accessibility: The facility, including the shelter and bathhouses, is often **ADA accessible**.
• Sanitary Services: The park provides a centralized **dump station** for RV campers to utilize upon exit.

Features and Highlights of the South Shelter Area

The appeal of South Shelter is inextricably linked to the diverse recreational and historical features of Crawford State Park. Your group will find plenty to explore right outside their campsite.

• Historic CCC Charm: The park’s history as a Civilian Conservation Corps project lends a unique, rustic, and enduring quality to its structures and grounds, including a paved **CCC Memorial interpretive trail** located nearby.
• Lakefront Recreation: Direct access to Crawford State Lake for **fishing** (channel catfish, crappie, striped bass), **pleasure boating**, **water skiing**, and **swimming** at the designated beach. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are easily accessible within the park.
• Exceptional Shaded Camping: The campsites are located in mature wooded areas, offering deep, desirable shade during the camping season—a significant plus in Southeast Kansas.
• Dedicated Group Space: The combination of multiple paved, level electric pads and a large concrete shelter makes this the premier location in the park for hosting **family reunions, club campouts, and organizational retreats**.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: Access to four main trails within the park, including the **Deer Run Nature Trail** and the **Spiderleg Bridge Interpretive Trail**, which connects the park to the Farlington Fish Hatchery below the dam.
• On-Site Concessions: A **marina restaurant/convenience store** is available within the park, offering limited food and convenience items, and sometimes delicious meals on weekends during peak season.

Contact Information

For reserving the South Shelter Campground (Lakeview Group Use Area) or for general park information, please use the main contact details for the Crawford State Park Office. Given the park's move to 100% reservable campsites, planning ahead is highly recommended, especially for large groups.

Address: Farlington, KS 66734, USA (Main Park Location)

Phone: (620) 362-3671

What Is Worth Choosing South Shelter Campground?

For Kansas users, choosing the South Shelter Campground at Crawford State Park is a decision to prioritize **convenience, comfort, and community** in a beautifully preserved natural setting. It’s worth choosing for three compelling reasons:

First, it is **the ideal group hub**. The combination of ten electric sites, paved pads, and a large, dedicated shelter makes it perfect for managing a multi-family or club gathering efficiently. Unlike scrambling for individual sites, reserving South Shelter guarantees your entire party can stay together in a central location.

Second, the location offers **complete recreational diversity**. From the historic interpretive trails that honor the CCC legacy to the full range of water activities on Crawford State Lake—fishing, swimming, and boating—there’s an activity for every age and interest group. The park's commitment to overstory shade and well-maintained facilities, including clean bathhouses, ensures a pleasant stay regardless of the weather.

Finally, the **reservable certainty** is invaluable. With Crawford State Park moving to a primarily reservable system, securing a large block of sites eliminates the stress of arrival. You can book your group's favorite spot, pack your bags, and simply look forward to enjoying the scenic forests and historic charm of one of Southeast Kansas's best state parks. For an organized, enjoyable, and comfortable group camping experience, South Shelter is the premier choice.