Waucondah Campground

🎣 **Introduction / Overview**

Nestled within the beautiful Pomona State Park, **Waucondah Campground** is a destination well-known to Northeast Kansas residents for its blend of rustic beauty and essential amenities. For those who seek a genuine, relaxing outdoor escape without sacrificing cleanliness, Waucondah is a reliable choice. Though one customer noted it was "ok, nothing spectacular," another highly emphasized that it is **"Very clean great fishing,"** a key commendation that speaks to the high standards of maintenance at this Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) facility.

Waucondah Campground is highly valued for its natural setting. It lies in a transition zone between the Kansas prairie and eastern woodlands, offering campers an abundance of **tons of shade** from the surrounding trees—a crucial feature during the warmer months. As one of the many loops in the expansive Pomona State Park, Waucondah is particularly registered with the state of Kansas as a **cultural feature**, indicating its long-standing history and significance as a place for outdoor recreation. The focus here is on accessing the 4,000-acre **Pomona Lake**, which is a regional hotspot for anglers and boaters alike.

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📍 **Location and Accessibility**

Waucondah Campground is situated on the scenic shores of Pomona Lake in Osage County, Kansas, making it an easy and convenient drive for families across the eastern part of the state.

The campground is part of the larger Pomona State Park complex, with the nearest town being:

Address: Overbrook, KS 66524, USA (Pomona State Park)

The park is located approximately 24 miles south of Topeka and is accessed via KS-268 and US-75. Once within the State Park, Waucondah is one of several loops. It is easily accessible by the park’s main road system. For ease of navigation and for those with GPS, the coordinates are approximately N $38^circ 39.558'$ W $95^circ 35.805'$. Waucondah's location within the park provides convenient access to hiking and fishing opportunities, with the lake shoreline accessible within a quarter mile. Notably, the campground is not reservable, operating entirely on a **first-come, first-served** (walk-up) basis, which is a key planning consideration for Kansas residents seeking a spontaneous weekend trip.

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🛠️ **Services Offered**

Waucondah Campground provides a mix of amenities to support various camping styles, from those requiring basic utility hookups to those preferring a more traditional, primitive tent site.

• **Water and Electric Sites:** The campground offers **10 sites** equipped with **Water and Electric hookups** (W/E), providing essential utilities for smaller RVs and pop-up campers.
• **Primitive Camping:** For traditional tent campers and those seeking a more rustic experience, there are approximately **30 primitive campsites** available, often featuring flat areas for easy tent setup.
• **Restroom and Shower Facilities:** Essential comforts are provided via **restrooms** (both modern and vault toilets) and a **shower house** located within a quarter mile, ensuring convenience and hygiene. The overall area is noted as **very clean**.
• **Family Amenities:** A dedicated **playground** is set up within the campground area, making it a great choice for families with young children.
• **Individual Site Features:** All campsites are typically equipped with basic outdoor amenities, including a **picnic table** and a **fire ring/grill**, perfect for cooking and enjoying a campfire.
• **Accessibility to Park Services:** Campers have convenient access to other park amenities within a short drive, including the **Lighthouse Bay Marina** (supplies, fuel), **boat ramps**, and the park's administrative office.

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⭐ **Features / Highlights**

Waucondah's primary highlights are focused on its high standards of maintenance, its appealing natural environment, and its direct link to Pomona Lake's renowned recreational offerings.

• **Exceptional Fishing Location:** The campground provides immediate access to **Pomona Lake**, an area celebrated across Kansas for its **great fishing**. Anglers can anticipate catching excellent populations of **crappie, channel catfish, white bass, and wiper**.
• **Ample Natural Shade:** Known for its **tons of shade** from mature eastern woodlands trees, the campground offers a naturally cooler and more comfortable environment, a major advantage during the hot Kansas summers.
• **High Standards of Cleanliness:** Customer feedback emphasizes that the campground and surrounding facilities are **Very clean**, a significant factor that elevates the overall camping experience.
• **First-Come, First-Served Sites:** Unlike the fully reservable loops, Waucondah's non-reservable policy (for both W/E and primitive sites) makes it an excellent choice for **last-minute weekend warriors** and spontaneous trips without the need for advance planning.
• **Proximity to Recreation:** Campers are within a short walk or drive of a **boat ramp**, **hiking trails**, the **swimming beach**, and the **Playgrounds**, maximizing recreational efficiency.
• **Family-Friendly Layout:** The incorporation of a playground and the overall shaded, spacious setting creates a welcoming and safe environment for families seeking a memorable outdoor retreat.

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📞 **Contact Information**

Since Waucondah Campground is part of Pomona State Park, all inquiries, including information on park vehicle permits and fees, should be directed to the State Park office:

Address: Overbrook, KS 66524, USA (Pomona State Park Office)

Phone: (785) 828-4933

Mobile Phone: +1 785-828-4933

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✅ **What is Worth Choosing**

Waucondah Campground is a fantastic choice for the Kansas camper who prioritizes **cleanliness, shade, and excellent fishing** without the commitment of a reservation. While some larger loops at Pomona State Park require booking well in advance, Waucondah's **first-come, first-served** policy makes it an accessible, flexible option for a spontaneous weekend getaway—a key benefit for local residents.

The strongest points of appeal are the environmental quality and the recreational value. The campground offers a pleasant mix of **primitive tent sites and convenient electric/water sites**, all nestled under a canopy of trees that provide **tons of shade**. This natural comfort, combined with the assurance of **very clean** park-managed facilities (restrooms and showers), creates a high-quality experience. If your itinerary involves a lot of time on Pomona Lake enjoying the **great fishing** for crappie and catfish, Waucondah is a perfectly situated, well-maintained, and naturally beautiful base camp that delivers a peaceful and rewarding Kansas camping experience.