The 10,900-acre Tuttle Creek Lake is a popular recreational area in Kansas. Constructed primarily for flood control, the lake also conserves land and wildlife. Beautiful scenery, the expansive lake, and many recreational activities attract visitors from near and far. Just over two hours from Kansas City, Tuttle Creek Lake is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
For those looking to stay overnight, two parks on the lake have campgrounds that can accommodate both RVs and tents. Many of the sites have electricity and water hookups, though there are non-electric campsites as well. Each park offers a variety of amenities to make your stay enjoyable and comfortable. Four state parks are located around Tuttle Creek Lake which also offer camping and many activities. These state parks are Cedar Ridge, Tuttle Creek, Randolph, and Fancy Creek.
Visitors to the park can partake in many activities. Hike the two nature trails to observe and enjoy the diverse eco-system as well as beautiful lake and dam views. Boating is a popular activity, and the consistent windy nature of the lake makes it a perfect spot for windsurfing and sailing. The abundant fish and wildlife draw anglers and hunters to the lake for catches and game including trout, bass, deer, and doves. There are activities for everyone to enjoy at Tuttle Creek Lake!
Located near Manhattan, Kansas, Tuttle Creek Lake isn’t far from Kansas City. Easily accessible from state highways, it’s an easy drive to the lake and recreation areas. There are several nearby cities and towns where travelers can find gas, groceries, and other services.
The parks and campground roads are spacious. Though the campsites are back-in, they're wide and long with some extending to over 130 feet. Those with large RVs should have no issue parking at their campsite.
Once settled in at one of the two campgrounds, visitors will find that the recreation areas offer many amenities from swimming beaches and boat ramps to hiking trails and picnic shelters. The campgrounds are located a few to several miles from the dam. Visitors may need to drive to access some amenities and recreational activities.
Tuttle Creek Cove Park is a 252-acre park with a campground and several amenities. The campground has many campsites, 39 of which have water and electric hookups. There are an additional 17 non-electric campsites. A boat ramp with a dock makes it easy to launch your boat onto the lake. Additional amenities include a swim beach, playground, restrooms with showers, and a dump station.
Stockdale Park is on the west side of Tuttle Creek Lake. This campground has 12 sites with water and electric hookups. While there aren’t sewer hookups at each site, there is a dump station at the campground. The amenities at Stockdale Park include 2 boat ramps and restrooms with showers.
Boating is a great way to pass the time on warm spring and summer days. 14-miles of water provide the opportunity to explore and find nooks and crannies to swim or anchor. Wildcat Marina is located on the lake where boaters can find fuel and supplies. The marina also offers boat rentals. There is a consistent wind on Tuttle Creek Lake making it a popular spot for sailing and windsurfing.
There are several picnic areas at Tuttle Creek Lake for gatherings large and small, whether it be a reunion, birthday, or other celebration. Most of the picnic shelters have electricity, and all come equipped with grills for cooking. The larger picnic areas have amenities such as playgrounds, volleyball pits, and other recreational sports.
Tuttle Creek Lake provides anglers with a fantastic fishing opportunity. The lake is well-stocked, and anglers can also fish along the river above and below the dam. Crappie, bass, saugeye, and rainbow trout are commonly reeled in by anglers. Use one of the boat launches to head out onto the water or cast your line from the shore. Anglers are successful from both land and on the water. A fishing license is required to fish on Kansas lakes, ponds, and rivers.
18,000 acres of land await hunters at Tuttle Creek Lake. Many different types of wildlife live around the lake, drawing hunters to the area. In the early fall, doves flock to the fields. Deer often graze in quiet areas. Turkey and squirrels are also abundant in the area. Be sure to check and follow hunting rules, limits, and other regulations.
There are two off-road areas at Tuttle Creek Lake. Spillway Cycle Area has 35 acres of rugged terrain. The several miles of trails range from easy to difficult, making this off-road area perfect for any skill level. The Tuttle Creek ORV Area is 310-acres and has many miles of trails with rough terrain. Tuttle Creek ORV also has picnic tables near the entrance. Take a break for lunch or snack before heading back to the trails.
Two nature trails are enjoyed by visitors to the lake. Observation Point Nature Trail is a one-mile loop and is considered to be easy, making it enjoyable for all ages and skill levels. The trail leads to an overlook which looks out to stunning views of the dam and Tuttle Creek Lake. Blue River Nature Trail is another easy trail. It's a half-mile loop on mostly flat terrain. Visitors to this trail will see three different eco-systems and a variety of wildlife.
