Walnut Campground

For Kansans who seek the perfect blend of lakeside serenity and active outdoor recreation, Walnut Campground stands out as an exceptional choice. Nestled within the larger Bloomington East Park area, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) on the shores of Clinton Lake, this campground near Lawrence, KS, is a highly sought-after destination. It’s a place where the shade of mature trees meets the sparkling water, creating an ideal setting for everything from a quick overnight stop to a full week of relaxation and adventure.

As a key component of the Hickory/Walnut camping area, Walnut Campground is beloved for its commitment to providing clean, well-maintained facilities and prime access to one of Eastern Kansas's most beautiful reservoirs. Whether you are a dedicated angler, a family looking for a clean swimming beach, or an RVer needing a convenient and comfortable stopover, Walnut Campground offers a high-quality experience that brings campers back year after year. Indeed, some visitors proudly boast of camping here for over 30 years, a true testament to the quality and consistency of the park’s management.

### Overview: Lakeside Camping in Douglas County

Walnut Campground is not an isolated facility but a specific, popular loop within the extensive Bloomington East Park, which is one of the premier recreational areas at Clinton Lake. This Army Corps of Engineers site is characterized by its large size, which accommodates over 300 campsites across its various sections (including Cedar Ridge and Oak), ensuring a broad choice of settings.

The Hickory/Walnut section, in particular, is noted for offering many individual family sites, a significant number of which boast electric and water hookups, and often the coveted waterfront access. It successfully balances a vibrant, active atmosphere—which can get "a little rowdy" during peak times—with a strong sense of community and respect for quiet hours, which are strictly observed starting at 10 PM. This balance ensures that while you can enjoy social time, the night remains peaceful for rest.

The campground’s popularity requires planning; prospective campers are strongly advised to reserve early, as sites fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during the prime summer season, which typically runs from early April to mid-October.

### Location and Accessibility

Walnut Campground’s location offers outstanding accessibility, making it an excellent stop for cross-country travelers as well as local Kansans. It is strategically located near the city of Lawrence, Kansas, providing easy access to dining, shopping, and historical sites, while still feeling fully immersed in nature.

The official address for the park area that encompasses Walnut Campground is:

E 700 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA (Often associated with Bloomington East Park, 700 N. 1190 Rd)

The site is conveniently situated just west of the city of Lawrence, along Clinton Lake. It is easily reachable from major traffic arteries, including US Highway 59 and Interstate 70 (I-70), via Clinton Parkway. For RV and trailer owners, accessibility is a strong point. Customer reviews often mention the ease of finding a level spot for both RVs and tents, which is crucial for a smooth setup. The infrastructure is designed to accommodate large rigs, with ample space and easy internal roads. Its location also makes it an ideal halfway point for travelers moving between distant points, such as Denver and Lexington, as noted by one appreciative customer.

### Services Offered

Walnut Campground, as part of Bloomington East Park, provides a comprehensive array of services focused on comfort, convenience, and cleanliness, backed by the high standards of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

• Utility Hookups: A variety of sites are available, offering 30-amp electric and water hookups. Some sites may offer 50-amp service and even sewer hookups, providing options for almost every RV size and need.
• Sanitary Facilities: Cleanliness is a key highlight, with reviews consistently praising the super clean bathrooms and campsites. Modern amenities include flush toilets and hot showers.
• Waste Disposal: A central dump station is conveniently located within the Bloomington East Park area for easy RV maintenance.
• Reservations: Sites are reservable, which is highly recommended due to the campground’s popularity, ensuring you secure your desired spot.
• Picnic Amenities: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring/grill, perfect for outdoor cooking and evening campfires.
• Drinking Water: Public access to drinking water is available throughout the campground loops.

### Features / Highlights

The natural setting and the adjacent recreational opportunities are the core features that draw campers to Walnut Campground repeatedly.

• Waterfront Sites and Shade: A significant number of sites are located near the water, offering picturesque views and easy access to the lake. Furthermore, the campground is known for its plenty of shade provided by mature trees, a welcome relief during hot Kansas summers.
• Proximity to Clinton Lake Beach: The campground is a short distance from Bloomington Beach, a designated swimming area on Clinton Lake, making it easy to spend a day swimming or sunbathing.
• Adjacent Eagle Bend Golf Course: For golfers, the highly-rated Eagle Bend Golf Course is located right next to the park, offering a convenient way to fit a round of golf into your camping trip.
• Trail Access: Campers have easy access to the extensive network of hiking and biking trails surrounding Clinton Lake, including the popular North Shore Trails system, ideal for both casual walkers and dedicated mountain bikers.
• Family-Friendly Recreation: The park area includes facilities like a playground and horseshoe pits, adding to the family-oriented appeal of the campground.
• Strict Quiet Hours: Despite its active environment, the strict enforcement of quiet hours at 10 PM is a major benefit for those seeking a restful night’s sleep after a long day of recreation.

### Contact Information

For booking inquiries, current availability, and detailed information about the sites and recreational permits, contact the Clinton Lake Corps of Engineers office which manages the Bloomington East Park area.

Address (General Area):

E 700 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA

Phone (COE Office, Clinton Lake):

(785) 843-7665

Mobile Phone (COE Office):

+1 785-843-7665

Reservations:

Reservations for Walnut Campground (part of Bloomington East Park) are strongly recommended and can typically be made through the federal reservation system (Recreation.gov) to secure a spot well in advance.

### What is Worth Choosing Walnut Campground?

Choosing Walnut Campground at Clinton Lake is a decision to prioritize location, high recreational value, and reliable amenities for your Kansas camping adventure. For local users in the Kansas area, it offers a compelling package that consistently earns high praise.

The first reason to choose Walnut is its unbeatable recreational access. You are not just camping; you are gaining a base camp for exploring one of the region's best multi-use parks. The proximity to the swimming beach, the top-rated golf course, and the vast network of trails—all within minutes of your campsite—means every day can be filled with a new activity. The ability to choose a site that "backs up to the water," as one happy camper noted, further enhances the experience.

Secondly, the cleanliness and site quality are consistently highlighted by long-term and first-time visitors alike. The commitment to maintaining super clean bathrooms and a tidy environment reflects a high standard of management, ensuring a comfortable and safe stay for everyone.

Finally, the overall flexibility and ease of use—from the wide array of utility hookup options accommodating various RV sizes to the simple fact that the popular sites are reservable—make planning a stress-free experience. While you must "reserve early," securing a spot at Walnut Campground is securing one of the most reliable and amenity-rich lakeside camping experiences in Eastern Kansas.