Bloomington West
Bloomington West is a spacious group campground that sits under an umbrella of trees west of Clinton Dam and Lake in the hills of Kansas.
This spacious group site offers 25 individual sites, four with 20/30 Amp electric and water connections. This area has a total capacity of 150 guests. A boat ramp is located within a mile of the site, and grills, flush toilets, showers and drinking water provide a comfortable camping experience.
Need to Know
Campground is gated; Combination is sent via email with reservation details or may be obtained from the Lake Project Office or at the Cedar Ridge Campground fee booth
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 ATVs, UTVs, Golf Carts, or other battery operated vehicles can be operated in the park. All vehicles must remain on paved or graveled surfaces. Parking vehicles on the grass is prohibited, please keep at least 2 tires on paved/graveled surfaces when parking vehicles and boat trailers (unloaded trailers may be parked in the grass adjacent to your site).
Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Even though this campground is relatively secluded, sound travels very well across water and this rule is still enforced.
Commercial operations are prohibited on USACE operated lands.
All pets must be kept on a leash not more than 6 feet in length. Pets are not allowed in shower buildings, restrooms or on the swimming beach. Pet waste needs to be picked up by pet owner.
Please inquire about obtaining a special event permit from the Clinton Lake Project Office prior to reservation if you are planning on having an especially large event requiring extra coordination or one that would impact other users access to the area such as a weddings, special recreation programs, events that collects fees, events including live bands, events with vendors, etc.
Fires must be confined to fire rings provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 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. Please do not dispose of trash in fire rings.
Sanitation: All waste water (gray and black water) must be disposed of at the sanitary dump station (located in Bloomington East Park). Please maintain a clean campsite, at the end of your stay please dispose of all trash in the dumpsters located in the park.
Wading pools, water slides and other large water toys and bounce houses are not allowed in park areas.
Day use areas are provided in all parks. Day use activity, such as picnicking or swimming, is not permitted in campgrounds unless visiting a registered camper.
No firewood from outside Douglas or Shawnee counties in Kansas permitted. Please help us prevent the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer insect. For more information contact the Clinton Lake Project Office at (785) 843-7665. 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.
Natural Features
Congress authorized Clinton Lake in 1962, and the finished reservoir was filled in 1980. While the Dam and Reservoir were originally built for flood control, the area has now become a recreational oasis for millions of visitors to enjoy the beautiful green Kansas backdrop.
Clinton Lake's beautiful setting of steep bluffs, wooded shoreline and clear water is unequaled among Kansas lakes. Shoreline development has been limited in an effort to preserve as much of the natural setting as possible.
Clinton spans 8 miles up the Wakarusa Valley and covers 7,000 surface acres. If the lake ever approaches the top of its flood pool, an additional 5,800 acres will be covered, extending the area to 13 miles along the valley floor.
Nearby Attractions
The Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center, located on the northwest side of the dam, has several informative displays covering topics such as the history of the area, reasons for the dam and the wildlife in the area. The Clinton Lake Museum, located within the Bloomington East Park, has information on the history of the region and the Underground Railroad. The cities of Lawrence and Topeka are within a 30 minute drive.
Recreation
A horseshoe pit, sand volleyball court, playground and softball field are all provided at the campground, making it the perfect spot for entertaining large groups and family functions.
However, Clinton Lake is the main attraction, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing, jet skiing, swimming and countless other water sports.
The lake's fish and wildlife resources provide sightseers, fishermen, and hunters ample opportunities for their sports, and Clinton Lake is well-stocked with crappie, walleye, channel catfish and white bass.
Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey and other wildlife in abundance at Clinton Lake.
Three trail systems are located around Clinton Lake, including the North Shore, South Shore and the George Latham Trails. All offer hiking, biking and equestrian opportunities within a 20 minute drive.
Contact Information
Mailing
872 N 1402 Rd LAWRENCE KS 66049
Physical
1299 E. 600 Rd. Lawrence KS 66047
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 785-843-7665
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Lawrence, Kansas, take 6th Street/Highway 40 west for 4 miles. Take a left onto Douglas County Road 442 and go 5 miles to Stull, Kansas, then take another left onto Douglas County Road 1023 and go 6 miles to Douglas County Road 6. Make a left turn on 6 and go 4 miles to Douglas County Road 4. Make a right turn and go 1/2 mile and turn left on the first gravel road. Go 1/4 mile to the park entrance on the left.
