The 6,200 acres of water that make up the Marion Reservoir are a perfect place for outdoor recreation and watersports. The surrounding 6,000 acres of land are densely forested with plenty of hiking options. Why not get lost in the wilderness for a while or follow one of the designated trails?
The COE lake was completed in 1968 by the US Army Corps of Engineers to prevent flooding and provide endless opportunities for recreation and camping. The reservoir is made as a result of the construction of a dam on Cottonwood River and is found in the Flint Hills region of Kansas in Marion County.
There are two RV-friendly COE campgrounds at Marion Reservoir that can accommodate rigs of up to 70 feet. There are waterfront campsites so once you've settled in, there's really no need to leave the area. Spend your vacation time swimming or paddling on the water, exploring the vast shoreline, or just relaxing at one of the natural beaches. Anglers will be delighted at the various sport fish they can catch here. Bring your catch home to your campsite and grill it up for a tasty dinner under the stars.
If you do move on from the Marion Reservoir, head about an hour south to Wichita. This large city is a wonderful change from the outdoor paradise of the reservoir, especially if the weather is uncooperative.
Marion Reservoir is a little under two hours from Topeka. The roads are well paved and wide enough to drive a large rig comfortably. The area is prone to ice and snow in the winter so make sure you carry all the necessary equipment with you to ensure a safe journey. Although rare, sometimes roads can close due to weather in the winter so be prepared for this if you are traveling in the offseason.
Both the Cottonwood Point Public Use Area and the Durham Cove Public Use Area provide parking. Many campsites have long gravel driveways for parking and additional parking areas nearby.
The 53 sites of Hillsboro Cove are a great home away from home at Marion Reservoir. Make a reservation from mid-April to mid-October or take advantage of the first-come, first-served options at the beginning of April or at the end of October. The campground is closed from November to the end of March.
Waterfront camping is a major draw at Hillsboro. This campground really highlights the water with both a boat ramp and swimming beach onsite. There are showers and restrooms as well as a dump station. The playground is a fun place for younger campers when they've had enough of the water activities.
There is one site with full hookups here, and all sites have electric hookups. Thirty-one sites have connections for both water and electricity, and it's no problem to find space at Hillsboro for larger rigs. The sites can handle RVs and trailers up to 70 feet.
Cottonwood Point has a total of 164 campsites that can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 70 feet. A couple of sites have full hookups whereas there are 42 sites with both electric and water hookups. An additional 46 campsites have electric hookups only.
The campsites here are shaded and some offer excellent views of the reservoir. There are picnic tables and fire pits with grills at each pet-friendly site. The easy access to the lake is perfect for anyone wanting to do some water sports. The campground offers two onsite boat ramps to help you get in the water.
You can make reservations online and the campground is open for reservations from mid-April to mid-October. From the beginning to mid-April and again from mid-October to the end of October, sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
One of the more popular hikes at Marion Reservoir is the Willow Walk Nature Trail. The trail is just over one mile long and suitable for hikers of all ability levels.
The trail will take you from the north end of the Cottonwood campground, through Cottonwood Point Park. You'll venture along the lakeshore and through grass pastures. Bikes use this trail too and there are many chances to see native wildlife along the way.
There's no reason not to wade into the clear water of Marion Reservoir for a refreshing swim. The two official swimming beaches at this COE park are at Cottonwood Point Park and near the project office on the north side of the dam.
For more swimming options, check out the natural swimming beaches at Hillsboro Cove Park and on the south side of the dam, under the overlook.
Always exercise caution as water levels and currents can change. The Corps of Engineers provides life jackets that can be used on the north end beach and Cottonwood Point beach.
Getting a boat in the water at Marion Reservoir is easy. The Corps provides many boat ramps scattered around the lake. There are two at Cottonwood Point, and one at each of Hillsboro Cove, French Creek, Durham Cove, and Broken Bridge. There's even two more at Marion Cove.
Once on the water, spend a day touring the interesting coves and nooks that make up the reservoir. The views will be spectacular no matter where you take your boat. Relax in the sunshine or bring your rod and reel to catch dinner. If it gets too hot, jump into the lake for a quick swim. There's so much to keep your whole group happy.
While wandering around the COE campgrounds and reservoir, don't be surprised to spot some diverse wildlife. White-tailed deer, squirrels, cottontail rabbits, and raccoons are common.
Bird lovers will not be disappointed here. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism uses the public lands of about 4,100 acres on the upper portion of the reservoir for wildlife management. Bring your camera to capture ducks and geese along with wild turkey, bobwhite quail, and pelicans.
Fishing is plentiful at Marion Reservoir. Anglers can expect to catch many different kinds of sport fish like crappie, largemouth, and white bass, catfish, wiper, and walleye.
Fishing can be done from shore or from the dock at Cottonwood Point. Of course, you can always launch a boat and fish all over the lake.
Respect all licensing requirements and catch limits when you fish at the reservoir. For example, the size limit for catching largemouth bass and walleye is 18 inches.
When the weather is not as hot, having a picnic on the shores of Marion Reservoir is a great way to continue to enjoy the water. Set up a blanket on the grass or at one of the natural beaches for waterfront dining at its best.
There are picnic tables at the campsites and day-use areas for those who prefer a more comfortable seat. All day-use areas have restrooms and water available for your convenience.
