Rock Creek (KS)

ROCK CREEK (KS)

Part of Perry Lake

Overview

Rock Creek Campground is situated on the south end of Perry Lake in the lush Kansas forest.

CAMPGROUND GATE POLICY--Park entrance gates will be closed from 10pm-6am Friday/Saturday nights and the entirety of holiday weekends. An exit lane is provided with one way traffic only. No late entrance will be allowed and only Park Staff or Emergency Personnel will be permitted through the gate after 10pm.

Facilities

Rock Creek Campground offers 80 spacious campsites. Primitive camping is offered at a-loop in Peninsula, Big Rock, and the walk-in only area-Edwardsville Loop.

A large reserveable group picnic shelter and playground make the area ideal for large parties or family functions.

Natural Features

Perry Lake Dam was completed in 1969 to help with flood control for the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Today, the lake boasts 159 miles of shoreline and 12,000 surface acres of water, creating countless recreational activities for visitors, and earning it the nickname "paradise on the plains." The campground is surrounded by the lake on one side and a dense canopy of forest on the other, making it ideal for those wishing to enjoy the best of both environments.

Recreation

Perry lake has a reputation for being one of the best sailing lakes in the region; however, boaters of all types will enjoy the many opportunities offered here, whether it's sailing, power boating or canoeing. Perry Lake offers excellent fishing: White crappie, flathead catfish, walleye, white bass, channel catfish and sauger are in abundance throughout the lake. In addition to the vast lake, the area has approximately 27,000 acres of public land dedicated to wildlife management: turkey, deer, quail, pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, duck and geese are all found on these federal lands. A scenic road follows the shoreline along the length of the campground, offering sweeping views of the lake.

Nearby Attractions

For hikers, the nearby 29-mile Perry Lake loop trail offers a range of terrain and difficulty from easy, gentle slopes in the south to rugged, varying elevation changes in the north. Perry Lake is a short drive from Lawrence, Topeka, and Kansas City--each offering their own array of unique shopping, dining, and attractions.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (785) 597-5144.

Important Notices

  • Perry Lake Basic Campground Rules 

    We need your help to protect the natural resources so that future trips to Perry Lake are as rewarding as today’s. In order to make your camping experience more enjoyable, we ask that you observe the following basic campground rules. 

    1. Park entrance gates will be closed and locked Friday and Saturday from 10pm to 6am, and Sundays on Holiday weekends. One-way tire spikes allow traffic to exit but not 

            enter. 

    2. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. This includes turning off radios and generators at 10:00 p.m. All visitors not staying overnight at the campsite must leave the
    park by 10:00 p.m. Park gates will be closed Friday and Saturday from 10pm to 6am. One-way exit lane only. 

    3. All pets must be kept on a 6 foot leash at all times or otherwise restrained (cable/chain). 

    4. Campsite occupancy/capacities are restricted to the following:

                   • One wheeled unit and 1 tent OR 2 tents maximum per site

                   • 3 vehicles maximum per site

                   • 10 people maximum per site 

    5. All vehicles must remain on paved or graveled surfaces. Parking vehicles on the grass is prohibited, extra parking is available at restroom facilities. Boat trailers (loaded or
    unloaded) may be parked on the grass adjacent to your campsite. 

    6. At the end of your stay please dispose of all trash in the dumpsters located in the park. 

    7. Vehicles must be operated in accordance with applicable state laws. Only licensed vehicles operated by a licensed driver can be used within a public use area. Park roads
    are for ingress and egress only. Absolutely No ATV’s, Golf Carts, or other battery operated vehicles can be operated in the park.  

    8. All waste water (gray and black water) must be disposed of at the sanitary dump stations.  

    9. Dead and downed wood may be used for firewood, cutting of standing trees, limbs, or bushes is prohibited. Operation of a chainsaw is prohibited, hand tools are
    allowed.   

    10. Fires must be confined to fire rings provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  

    11. Checkout is 4:00 p.m., Please contact our office. 

    12. Camping is limited to 14 days on a site, campers must vacate the site for 24 hours prior to returning. Campers may move to a different loop in the campground during that
    time.   

    13. Camping facilities are for campers only, no day use is allowed within the campgrounds. 

  • Due to the spread of invasive insects like the Emerald Ash Borer, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Visitors to Perry Lake may only bring and burn firewood originating from Jefferson County, Kansas. For more information please contact the Perry Lake Project Office at 785-597-5144.
  • Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
  • CAMPGROUND GATE POLICY--Park entrance gates will be closed from 10pm-6am. An exit lane is provided with one way traffic only. No late entrance will be allowed and only Park Staff or Emergency Personnel will be permitted through the gate after 10pm.

Available Activities

  • HIKING - Hiking
  • FISHING - Fishing
  • CAMPING - Camping
  • BOATING - Boating
  • BIKING - Biking

Directions

From Perry, Kansas, take Highway 24 west to KS-237. Continue north for about 3 miles, then turn east on Rock Creek Park Road and follow signs to the campground.

Contact Information

Phone: 785-597-2180

10419 PERRY PARK DRIVE
PERRY, KS 66073-9717

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery