Clinton State Park

798 N 1415 Rd
Lawrence, KS 66049
Park Office phone: 785-842-8562

WELCOME to Clinton State Park

Clinton State Park is a state park in Douglas County, Kansas, United States, located 4 miles west of Lawrence.

The 1,500-acre park lies on the north shore of Clinton Lake, known for its clear water and good fishing of channel catfish, walleye, and crappie fishing.

Visitors to the park can enjoy viewing white-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, bald eagles in spring and fall, and numerous species of songbirds in the carefully managed habitats that make Clinton a distinctive outdoor destination.

An extensive hiking/biking trail system make this park and adjacent 9,200-acre wildlife area an attractive destination for outdoors enthusiasts including hikers, nature photographers, mountain bicyclists, wildflower enthusiasts, wildlife observers, and even cross-country skiers. 

Park staff work closely with Lawrence and University of Kansas individuals and organizations to present several concerts and other special events each year such as the Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival.

Dedicated in 1975, 1500-acre Clinton State Park is located on the northeast shore of Clinton Reservoir. Four miles from the City of Lawrence, the park serves the neighboring community well. 

The park’s nearly 600,000 annual visitors travel from across the country, passing through or as their destination. In either case, compliments about the facilities and the natural beauty of the park are common. The balance between recreation areas and natural areas within the park is carefully managed. 

Wildflowers and prairie grasses divide the turf and then blend gracefully into the timberline. Native wildlife is abundant and easily viewed along park roadways. Whitetail deer, turkeys, waterfowl and songbirds add a rich texture to the sightseeing experience. 

As the surrounding area becomes more urbanized the importance of the park and the experiences it provides becomes ever more critical in meeting that “need to escape”.

Park Office; year round operation for all department sales and customer service. Clinton Marina; private enterprise; boat storage and sales; annual revenue to the department, approximately $25,000. 

Park day use areas; open fields picnicking, reserveable shelters, playgrounds and special event venue areas Campgrounds; 460 total sites; 240 sites with water and electricity, 220 as primitive sites, 15 sites available for reservation. 

Boat launch areas; 16 lanes, eight accessible courtesy docks and parking areas Special use amenities; 25 mile hike/bike trail, 5 mile cross country ski trail, 1 mile self-guided nature trail, archery range, swim beach, sand volleyball, 2 9-hole disc golf courses, 5 acre trout pond, 1 acre children’s fishing pond, accessible shoreline use trail, fish cleaning station and 2 fish feeders, 4 playgrounds.