White Feather Campground

🌄 Introduction / Overview

For Kansas residents who prioritize tranquility, direct access to the water, and a genuine, back-to-nature feel, White Feather Campground at Pomona State Park offers a beloved and uniquely primitive experience. This campground, situated on the picturesque south shore of Pomona Lake near Overbrook, is highly regarded for its quiet atmosphere and lack of crowding, often providing a true escape from the bustle of everyday life. Visitors frequently praise the serenity and the chance to easily get their small craft, like a kayak, right to the water's edge.

White Feather is a segment of the larger Pomona State Park, which is managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWP). However, unlike some of the park’s more developed loops, White Feather is specifically dedicated to primitive camping. This means there are no utility hookups, fostering an environment where self-reliance and low-impact recreation are key. This focus on simplicity draws a dedicated community of campers, many of whom are local Kansans who appreciate the opportunity for a frequent, easy, and authentic weekend retreat. As one satisfied local noted, despite growing up nearby, discovering White Feather has led to numerous repeat visits due to the beautiful lake, friendly people, and helpful staff—a clear endorsement of the quality experience offered here.

The total Pomona State Park area covers 490 acres, with the expansive Pomona Reservoir providing a central focus. White Feather provides the perfect basecamp for enjoying the lake's resources without the noise associated with the park's more commercial or utility-rich areas. It embodies the friendly spirit of Kansas, offering a welcoming atmosphere even in its rustic setting.

🗺️ Location and Accessibility

White Feather Campground is located on the south side of Pomona Lake, within the boundaries of Pomona State Park. Its location places it conveniently in Osage County, Kansas, making it a very accessible destination for residents of Topeka, Lawrence, and surrounding Eastern Kansas communities.

The general address for the area is:

Overbrook, KS 66524, USA

While the specific address provided references a town in the region, the campground itself is best accessed by navigating directly to Pomona State Park (22900 S. Highway 368, Vassar, KS 66543) and following the internal park signage to the White Feather area. The main park office coordinates all camping for the state park campgrounds.

Accessibility is generally good via paved state highways. The campground loop itself consists of graveled or earth-surface sites. Due to its primitive nature, it's easily navigable for both small trailers/RVs and tent campers. A key factor is that a State Park Vehicle Permit is required for every motorized vehicle entering the park, which must be purchased upon arrival at the gatehouse or park office. Visitors should note that White Feather is a popular, non-reservable area, meaning early arrival is crucial, especially on summer weekends.

🛠️ Services Offered

As a designated primitive campground with 25 sites, White Feather focuses on providing the essential services needed for a comfortable, self-sufficient stay while utilizing the amenities of the broader Pomona State Park.

• Primitive Campsites: 25 dedicated sites are available for primitive camping. These sites do not offer electric, water, or sewer hookups.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: Importantly, sites at White Feather Campground cannot be reserved. They are available only on a first-come, first-served basis, providing spontaneity for local, frequent campers.
• Vault Toilets: Basic sanitation is provided via vault toilets located within the campground loop.
• Drinking Water: Potable water spigots are available nearby in the park area for filling containers.
• Shared Modern Amenities: Campers have access to the full, modern restroom facilities, including showers and flush toilets, available in nearby utility campgrounds (such as Waucondah or Kansa Campground) within Pomona State Park.
• Campsite Equipment: Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring/grill.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A dump station is available within the State Park for self-contained RVs, typically located near one of the utility campgrounds.

🌟 Features / Highlights

The features of White Feather are deeply rooted in its natural setting and the access it provides to the aquatic and land-based recreation of Pomona Lake.

• Direct Kayak/Canoe Access: A major highlight noted by campers is the ease of getting a kayak, canoe, or other small, non-motorized craft directly from the campsite to the water, making it a paddler's favorite.
• Quiet, Secluded Camping: With no utility hookups and limited vehicle access, the area is known for being less crowded and significantly quieter than the electric/water loops, appealing to those seeking peace and nature sounds.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: Customer reviews consistently mention the "amazing & very helpful" staff at the park check-in, ensuring a warm welcome and smooth experience for all visitors.
• Shoreline Fishing Potential: The sites are often close to the water, offering excellent opportunities for shoreline fishing for Pomona Lake's renowned populations of crappie, catfish, and white bass.
• Access to Trail System: The park's over 8 miles of multi-use trails (including the Blue Dasher Trail) are accessible from the general area, perfect for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.
• Pomona Lake Recreation: All guests have full access to the larger lake's recreational features, including the designated swim beach, four boat ramps, and the Lighthouse Bay Marina.

📞 Contact Information

For inquiries about White Feather Campground's current availability (as sites are first-come, first-served), park permits, or general questions about Pomona State Park, please use the main park office contact information:

Park Office Phone: (785) 828-4933

Mobile Phone: +1 785-828-4933

Address (Pomona State Park Office): 22900 S. Highway 368, Vassar, KS 66543

While you cannot reserve a site at White Feather, calling the office can confirm the current status of the campground and provide valuable advice on peak times.

👍 What is Worth Choosing

White Feather Campground is the definitive choice for Kansas locals who cherish authentic, spontaneous, and peaceful lakeside primitive camping. The key reasons to choose White Feather are threefold: Seclusion, Accessibility, and Value.

Unlike the reservable, utility-heavy sites, White Feather provides a genuine sense of escape—a secluded spot where the sounds of nature prevail. The non-reservable status means that local users, even with short notice, have a good chance of finding an available site outside of major holiday weekends, provided they arrive early. Furthermore, the combination of primitive-level pricing with access to the full, modern shower and restroom facilities of the nearby utility loops provides the perfect balance of roughing it and staying clean. For kayakers, tent campers, and self-contained RVers looking for a friendly atmosphere and immediate lake access without the crowds, White Feather is an ideal, repeatedly chosen destination within the beautiful Pomona State Park.