In the Flint Hills of Kansas, Council Grove Lake is in one of the last remaining tallgrass prairies in the United States. Named after the nearby town of Council Grove, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built the lake after severe flooding had swept through the area in 1951. Since completion, it is estimated that the lake has prevented damages totaling $175 million. The lake is also used for water quality improvements, water storage, conservation, and recreation.
Council Grove Lake is 3,310 acres and provides many recreational opportunities to visitors each year. Whether you’re looking to take your boat out, cast a fishing line, or take a swim, there is plenty to do on the water. There are many picnic areas at the lake where visitors can take a break for a snack or meal. Hiking trails around the lake provide an excellent opportunity to observe the area’s wildlife and vegetation.
There are three Corps of Engineers campgrounds that can accommodate RVs at Council Grove Lake. Each campground has spacious campsites that can easily fit a large rig. While trees shade the campgrounds, a covered picnic table is at each site, providing additional relief from the sun, rain, and wind. Guests enjoy many amenities at each of the campgrounds.
Council Grove Lake is just one mile north of Council Grove, Kansas. It can be accessed from US 56 or KS 177. Many of the parks around the lake are just minutes to town where fuel, fishing licenses, and other supplies can be picked up by visitors.
The roads leading to the lake are maintained and shouldn’t be difficult for those in an RV or towing a trailer to navigate. Most of the campsites at the Corps of Engineers campgrounds are back-in but are spacious, with all being at least 40 feet in length and many even longer.
Once set up at a campsite, most amenities are accessible by walking or biking. There is parking near the day-use areas for those that opt to drive. Driving is necessary if not staying at Richey Cove to access the designated swimming beach and also to access the Pioneer Nature Trail.
Canning Creek Campground provides visitors with plenty of shade while they relax at their site or are enjoying other recreation the park has to offer. There are 43 campsites, all with electric hookups. Most of the campsites have water hookups, but only three have a sewer hookup. RV visitors without a sewer connection can use the on-site dump station. Canning Creek has some lakefront sites. Even from those that aren’t lakefront, it’s just a short walk to access the lake.
Kids will find entertainment climbing around the equipment at Canning Creek’s playground. Adults and kids can play a round of horseshoes at the campground’s horseshoe pit. You’ll want to bring along your own horseshoe set! Anglers and those looking to partake in water activities won’t have far to go from their campsite to access a boat ramp. Showers, flush toilets, picnic tables, and campfire rings are additional amenities at Canning Creek Campground.
Richey Cove has 43 campsites, including a group campsite that can fit up to 40 people. All campsites offer electric hookups, and most have water. A covered picnic table is at each campsite where guests can relax. A dump station is near the campground where RV visitors can empty their tanks during their stay or as they leave. There is no need to keep your pet at home during your trip. Leashed pets are welcome at the campground and in most areas around the lake.
Richey Cove provides visitors with many amenities such as flush toilets, hot showers, and vault toilets. Visitors won’t be bored while camping at Richey Cove. Richey Cove has the only designated swimming area at Council Grove Lake and has a life jacket loaner program. A boat ramp provides lake access for fishing and other water recreation. A playground and horseshoe pit also provide guests with entertainment.
Santa Fe Trail Campground is on the southern end of Council Grove Lake. The campground has 35 campsites as well as one group area for large get-togethers. Every campsite has an electric hookup, and most have water hookups. There are three campsites at Santa Fe Trail that have a sewer connection. Each campsite is equipped with a covered picnic table, providing shade and shelter from the weather. A grill or fire ring is also at each site.
Many comforts are available to campground guests. The campground has plenty of shade from many trees spread throughout. It has many modern amenities, including flush toilets and hot showers. For RV guests without a sewer connection, there is a dump station near the campground to empty your rig’s black and gray tanks.
There is plenty of open space for lawn games or other activities throughout the campground. Additionally, a playground and horseshoe pit aren’t far from the campsites. For those with boats, a boat ramp is near the day-use area, providing quick access to Council Grove Lake.
Swimming is permitted from most places on the lake. Those staying at a lakefront campsite can hop into the water right from their site. For visitors coming to the lake for the day or who have a campsite away from the shoreline, there is a designated swimming area at Richey Cove Campground. The swimming area is roped off, keeping those with boats away from swimmers. If needed, a kid's life jacket loaner board is near the swimming beach.
At over 3,300 acres, Council Grove Lake is a popular destination for boating. There are a total of eight boat ramps between the parks managed by the Corps of Engineers.
Once on the water, you can explore the lake, fish, or even waterski. There are many coves on the lake that make great spots to anchor. Zebra mussels are in the lake, so be sure to clean, drain, and dry your boat once done on the water.
Come to Council Grove Lake for a picnic! Many picnic tables are available at the lake on a first-come, first-served basis. Large groups can reserve Kanza View Picnic Shelter. The shelter has six picnic tables and can accommodate 40 people, making it a great size for reunions, birthdays, and other events. Picnickers can enjoy scenic lake views at the shelter.
The pavilion does not have water or electricity. However, a water faucet is nearby.
There are hiking opportunities at the lake. Hiking trails at Council Grove Lake include the Pioneer Nature Trail. The interpretive trail is considered to be moderate and is about 1.25 miles long. The trail will lead hikers past wallows created by bison that once inhabited the area. Depending on the time of year, many different wildflowers can be seen along the trail. There are also shorter trails to explore at Richey Cove campground.
Fishing at Council Grove Lake doesn’t disappoint those looking to cast their line. Crappie and channel catfish are the most common fish caught at the lake. However, the lake has many other types as well.
For those wanting to take their boat out, there are many boat ramps in the recreation areas. A license will be required for fishing at Council Grove Lake. Fishing supplies and licenses can be obtained in Council Grove as well as other nearby cities and towns.
An abundance of wildlife in the area make Council Grove Lake a great spot for viewing wildlife. In a tallgrass prairie, the lake is surrounded by a forest of trees, including cottonwood, willow, oak, and elm.
Rabbits and squirrels are often seen at the lake on the trails and at the campgrounds. White-tailed deer may be seen grazing near the trees or lake. Various waterfowl live in or pass-through the area. Head down one of the trails or keep an eye out while at your campsite for the different types of wildlife you may see!
