How much does camping cost at Bloomington East?

Camping fees at Bloomington East are $14 - $60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bloomington East first-come first-served or reservation?

Bloomington East accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bloomington East before I book?

Yes! Bloomington East has 29 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bloomington East?

Bloomington East is open April 01 to October 15. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bloomington East?

Yes, Bloomington East has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Bloomington East?

Cell phone service at Bloomington East is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Bloomington East have?

Bloomington East has 300 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bloomington East?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bloomington East. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Bloomington East?

Bloomington East offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bloomington East?

Popular activities at Bloomington East include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bloomington East

4.19

703 reviews

700 N. 1190 Rd

Top 5% in KSSpring

C-Report Card

SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

915 ft

Price

$14 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

300 campsites

Season

Open from April 1 to...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

915 ft

Price

$14 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

300 campsites

Season

Open from April 1 to...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Bloomington East

$14.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

BLOOMINGTON REC AREA-GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $45.00; CEDAR RIDGE CAMPGROUND-STANDARD ELECTRIC: $22.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $60.00; STANDARD...

Group Site Fee$60.00

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Provider

785-843-7665clinton@usace.army.mil

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

700 N. 1190 Rd

Bloomington East

700 N. 1190 Rd

Nearby places

Lawrence: approximately 15 miles, 30-minute drive

Topeka: approximately 30 miles, 40-minute drive

Kansas City: approximately 50 miles, 1-hour drive.

Weather at Bloomington East

Best Time to Camp at Bloomington East

Best season: spring. Spring offers mild temperatures (daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s °F and nights in the 40s) and green, active woodlands—perfect for hiking, early-season fishing, and wildlife viewing as migratory birds return and wildflowers bloom along the bluffs. Trails and boat ramps are usually in good shape after winter, and crowds are moderate except for holiday weekends, so you get a lively but not overcrowded lakeside experience. Occasional spring storms can make some roads muddy, so a 4 Peak months: May, April, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 5% in KS

Described as best season: mild temps, active wildlife and green woodlands ideal for activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to October 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 1 to October 15 for reservations. Closed outside of these dates.

About Bloomington East

Bloomington East sits on the shores of Clinton Lake near Lawrence, Kansas, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This very large campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station. Visitors fish, boat, swim, hike wooded trails, and play the on-site disc golf course, with spring bringing mild weather and active wildlife along the lake bluffs.

The campground supports a range of camping styles including family sites, group sites, and primitive camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers mild temperatures (daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s °F and nights in the 40s) and green, active woodlands—perfect for hiking, early-season fishing, and wildlife viewing as migratory birds return and wildflowers bloom along the bluffs. Trails and boat ramps are usually in good shape after winter, and crowds are moderate except for holiday weekends, so you get a lively but not overcrowded lakeside experience. Occasional spring storms can make some roads muddy, so a 4 Peak months: May, April, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation915 ft above sea level

Natural Features and ScenerySteep bluffs drop to Clinton Lake's shoreline at 915 feet elevation, with dense woodlands providing shade along much of the water's edge. The mix of forested coves and open viewpoints creates varied terrain for exploration. Bald eagles hunt over the reservoir, and white-tailed deer appear at dawn and dusk near the waterline. Canada geese migrate through in spring and fall. Some campsites sit in shade, others more exposed depending on location within the sections.

Lodging & AccommodationsElm and Ash Group Camps can accommodate up to 75 people and are intended for tent camping groups.

Programs & ActivitiesThe Clinton Lake Museum offers exhibits on the history of the area and the Underground Railroad.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground, with a maximum of 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each single campsite permits up to 8 guests.

Groups

Elm and Ash Group Camps can accommodate up to 75 people and are suitable for tent camping. Small trailers are permitted on gravel surfaces.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov, via the mobile app, or through the contact center at 877-444-6777.

AccessibilityAccessible fishing dock, showers, picnic shelters, and campsites are available.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with some accommodating large groups. Pull-through sites are available.

PrivacySites are generally well-spaced, providing privacy. Users noted that some areas offer shade but others are more exposed.

Total Campsites300 campsites

Recommended SitesReserve shaded sites early to avoid exposure to high temperatures. Bug spray is recommended due to gnats.

Best CampsitesSite 47 has a direct view of Clinton Lake. Reviews recommend reserving shaded sites early, as they fill quickly and the exposed sites get hot in summer.

Need help booking Bloomington East ?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Bloomington East offers a plethora of amenities catering to both family and group camping experiences. The facilities include flush toilets, drinking water, showers, and a nearby dump station for RV waste disposal. There is a covered, accessible fishing dock within walking distance of the campgrounds.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Bloomington East

Bloomington East offers a wide range of activities including swimming, hiking, disc golf, and wildlife viewing. Clinton Lake is the centerpiece for water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and jet skiing.

Hiking4.0/5

Three trail systems around Clinton Lake offering hiking, biking and equestrian opportunities.

Fishing4.0/5

Clinton Lake stocked with crappie, walleye, catfish, white bass; fishing described as abundant.

Swimming4.0/5Top 12% in Kansas

Bloomington Beach: large, sandy, clean beach popular with families; designated swim area.

Biking4.0/5Top 13% in Kansas

Boating4.0/5

Three boat ramps and reservoir-centered water activities including jet skiing and boating.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Bald eagles hunt over the reservoir; white-tailed deer and Canada geese frequently seen.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Bald eagles, shoreline bluffs, wooded coves and viewpoints make good photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

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Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

703 reviews

Satisfactory

Bloomington East is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Bloomington East is highly popular among campers for its spacious sites and accessibility to Clinton Lake. However, reviews highlight inconsistent facility maintenance and noise disturbances during peak times.

Review Summaries

Based on 703 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 703 reviews.

Site 016Loved
Site 016 in Cedar Ridge is praised for its proximity to the boat ramp.
Site 056Mentioned
Site 056 received negative feedback due to gnats swarming caused by hedge apple trees.

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground for its spacious sites, proximity to Clinton Lake, and variety of activities. Many appreciated the professional disc golf course and scenic trails.

Based on 703 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include unclean bathrooms, mold in showers, poor enforcement of quiet hours, and inconsistent power supply. Noise disturbances during holiday weekends were frequently noted.

Based on 703 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend reserving shaded sites early, bringing extra water hoses due to distant water hookups, and preparing for bugs with repellents. Weekdays are quieter compared to weekends.

Based on 703 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are busiest, with many families utilizing the swimming beach and playgrounds. Winter activities were not highlighted in reviews.

Based on 703 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We love the trees and large sites at this campground." "Bathrooms need lots of work and grass needs mowed more." "Nice shady spots and a lot of them are drive-through."

Based on 703 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible fishing dock and campsites were appreciated. However, one user noted that a designated handicapped site was not particularly accessible due to gravel surfaces.

Based on 703 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Complaints were raised regarding owners not picking up pet waste.

Based on 703 reviews

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Bloomington East

$14.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

BLOOMINGTON REC AREA-GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $45.00; CEDAR RIDGE CAMPGROUND-STANDARD ELECTRIC: $22.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $60.00; STANDARD...

Group Site Fee$60.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

785-843-7665clinton@usace.army.mil

Go if

You want spacious sites near Lawrence with lake access, disc golf, and a range of camping options from primitive to full hookups.

Skip if

You need spotless facilities or quiet during holiday weekends when crowds and noise complaints peak.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

Rockhaven Park Campground And Equestrian Area

4.4

(171)

Rockhaven Park Campground And Equestrian Area

1050 E. 700 Rd.

Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground sits in the foothills above Clinton Lake near Lawrence, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This horse-friendly campground offers electric and water hookups, shaded horse pens, and access to well-marked trails through oak and hickory slopes. Reviewers praise the spacious sites and trail system, though bathroom cleanliness and water hydrant placement draw occasional complaints.

Bloomington East

Quick Facts

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