How much does camping cost at Venango Park?

Camping fees at Venango Park range from $18-$75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Venango Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Venango Park 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 Venango Park before I book?

Yes! Venango Park has 7 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 Venango Park?

Venango Park is open May 01 to September 30. 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 Venango Park?

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

Is there cell service at Venango Park?

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

How many campsites does Venango Park have?

Venango Park has 126 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Venango Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Venango Park. 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 Venango Park?

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

What activities can I do at Venango Park?

Popular activities at Venango Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Venango Park

4.28

244 reviews

US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, 105 RIVERSIDE DRIVE, MARQUETTE, KS, 67464, USA

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Kansas Best Campgrounds Kansas

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,503 ft

Price

$18 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

126 campsites

Season

Open from May 1st to...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,503 ft

Price

$18 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

126 campsites

Season

Open from May 1st to...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Venango Park

$18.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $20.00; GROUP SHELTER NONELECTRIC: $20.00; REDWOOD GROUP CAMP: $75.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC & WATER DOUBLE SITE: $36.00;...

Group Site Fee$75.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

785-546-2294

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, 105 RIVERSIDE DRIVE, MARQUETTE, KS, 67464, USA

Venango Park

US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, 105 RIVERSIDE DRIVE, MARQUETTE, KS, 67464, USA

Nearby places

Salina (30 miles, approximately 45 minutes), Ellsworth (approximately 20 miles), Kanopolis (approximately 10 miles)

Weather at Venango Park

Best Time to Camp at Venango Park

Best season: summer. Summer offers the fullest lakeside experience at Venango Park — warm, lake-friendly weather (typical daytime highs in the mid-80s to low-90s °F) and peak access to boating, swimming, and fishing. This is when the campground’s hookups, showers, and day-use shelters are most used and lake recreation is at its best, though expect higher visitor numbers and busy reservations after June 20. Be prepared for strong prairie winds and occasional afternoon/evening thunderstorms; plan activities for early- Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best lake access for boating, swimming and fishing; can be windy, busy, and strain maintenance.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 1st to September 30th annually with peak season reservations starting June 20th.

About Venango Park

Venango Park sits on the shores of Kanopolis Lake in Kansas foothills, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This large campground offers electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station for both tent and RV campers, plus primitive and group options. Visitors come for lake recreation — boating, fishing, and swimming — with spacious sites that reviewers consistently praise for their views and wildlife watching opportunities.

Venango Park accommodates a wide range of camping preferences, with options for primitive, tent, RV, and group camping. Some sites offer water and electrical hookups, while others are non-electric. Group camping options include shelters and standard non-electric sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the fullest lakeside experience at Venango Park — warm, lake-friendly weather (typical daytime highs in the mid-80s to low-90s °F) and peak access to boating, swimming, and fishing. This is when the campground’s hookups, showers, and day-use shelters are most used and lake recreation is at its best, though expect higher visitor numbers and busy reservations after June 20. Be prepared for strong prairie winds and occasional afternoon/evening thunderstorms; plan activities for early- Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation1503 ft above sea level

Natural Features and ScenerySandstone bluffs rise above the lake's shoreline, framing campsites with a mix of shade trees and open prairie views. At 1,503 feet elevation, the landscape sits in the Smoky Hill River basin where ancient seas left behind the region's distinctive rock formations. Whitetail deer, bald eagles, pheasants, and quail are common sightings. Reviewers note the rolling hills and rugged terrain create varied scenery, though strong prairie winds are a constant presence.

Lodging & AccommodationsNull

Programs & ActivitiesNull

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Guests are allowed a maximum stay of 14 nights per visit, and 14 nights within a rolling 30-day window.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Max occupancy per campsite varies based on site type.

Groups

The group camping area consists of one group site and five day-use shelters. Group reservations require compliance with specific rules, such as a three-night holiday minimum.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious, with many offering ample room for backing in vehicles and setting up camp. Specific site issues, such as uneven ground requiring leveling equipment or proximity conflicts, were noted.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some are described as spacious and well-distanced, while others reportedly back directly onto adjacent sites, reducing privacy.

Total Campsites126 campsites

Recommended SitesSites offering lake views are recommended for scenic enjoyment, but campers should check for specific amenities like water hookups.

Best CampsitesSites near Kimble Point offer 50 amp hookups, and D Loop gets high marks for spaciousness and views. Reviewers recommend checking site-specific reviews before booking, as some sites back directly onto neighbors while others are well-distanced.

Need help booking Venango Park?

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

Venango Park Campground offers a comprehensive range of amenities. As per the official information, 126 campsites are available with diverse configurations including electric with water, electric only, primitive, and double sites. Additional features include flush toilets, drinking water (available during peak season), showers (seasonal), a dump station, boat ramp, beach access, picnic tables, playground, and nature trails. User reviews frequently highlight the cleanliness and maintenance of facilities, such as the bathhouses, which are described as clean with soap and working hand dryers. However, some reviews reported issues with cleanliness in bathroom facilities and challenges with shower functionalities, such as trickling water pressure and short-duration flow. Additionally, fire rings, grills, and fire pits are provided at sites for campfires.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Venango Park offers various recreational activities, including hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, and ATV riding. The official hiking trail spans 1.7 miles, traversing diverse ecosystems such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Fishing is popular, with seasonal trout stocking and species including bluegill and catfish. Boating facilities include a nearby ramp for water access. Reviews frequently commend the opportunities for relaxing by the lake, observing wildlife, and engaging in outdoor sports.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

244 reviews

Satisfactory

Venango Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Venango Park are highly varied, ranging from glowing praise for the cleanliness and peaceful atmosphere to sharp criticism of maintenance and enforcement of rules.

Review Summaries

Based on 244 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 244 reviews.

D22Loved
Positive mentions included spacious layouts at D22 and lake views at K05.
Site D43Issues noted
Site-specific feedback included issues such as uneven ground at Site D43 and proximity conflicts at Site D03.

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently highlight clean facilities, spacious campsites, and stunning lake views. One user stated, 'Beautiful park, worth the ride off the interstate.' Others praised the friendly...

Based on 244 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints included poor bathroom cleanliness, lack of water hookups at some sites, and stringent enforcement of rules by staff. One reviewer remarked, 'Filthy bathrooms. Unattended gatehouse.'...

Based on 244 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommended bringing leveling equipment for uneven sites, extra water if staying at non-hookup sites, and bug spray due to ticks and sand-burs. The nearby Kanopolis State Park trails are highly...

Based on 244 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews noted high winds and occasional unclean facilities due to heavy usage. Off-season stays were quieter and more relaxing, with fewer maintenance issues reported.

Based on 244 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great place to camp. Beautiful lake views.' - Randy B 2. 'The park is CLEAN and well taken care of.' - Jen S 3. 'Filthy bathrooms. Unattended gatehouse.' - Pat M

Based on 244 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but one user noted sand-burs in grassy areas as an inconvenience for pets.

Based on 244 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want lakeside camping with electric and water hookups, boat access, and room to spread out.

Skip if

You need consistently spotless facilities or a quieter, more secluded atmosphere.

Nearby Campgrounds

200 Horsethief Rd, Marquette, Kansas, 67464, United States

Kanopolis State Park operates multiple campground areas across 450 sites, from primitive tent spots to RV sites with full hookups. The park sits at 1,535 feet elevation in Kansas's Kaw Region, where a reservoir and park lake meet rolling grasslands. Six cabins provide an alternative to tent and RV camping. A full-service marina, swim beaches, modern showers, and 26 miles of multi-use trails round out the amenities.

$0.00 - $10.00 / night

US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, 105 RIVERSIDE DRIVE, MARQUETTE, KS, 67464, USA

Riverside sits on the shores of Kanopolis Lake in central Kansas, managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This small campground in the foothills offers electric and water hookups alongside primitive options, with access to fishing and boating on the reservoir. Reviewers praise the clean facilities and spacious sites, though some note enforcement challenges with quiet hours and leash rules.

$16.00 - $22.00 / night

Campgrounds you may also like

200 Horsethief Rd, Marquette, Kansas, 67464, United States

$0.00 - $10.00 / night

US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, 105 RIVERSIDE DRIVE, MARQUETTE, KS, 67464, USA

$16.00 - $22.00 / night

Council Grove Lake, 945 Lake Road

Kanza View is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground on Council Grove Lake in the Kansas foothills. This primitive site offers vault toilets, potable water, and basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. Campers come for lakeside views, disc golf, and fall foliage when cottonwoods and oaks turn gold along the hilltop meadows.

$12.00 - $30.00 / night

Campgrounds

Kanopolis Lake

Venango Park

About Kanopolis Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Venango Park, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

The nearby Fort Harker Museum at Kanopolis and the Rogers Art Gallery and Museum at Ellsworth portray the settlement of the American West. Kanopolis is also the home of Kansas' first State park. Early Indian rock carvings on Inscription Rock in Horse Thief Canyon offer an interesting glimpse into the past.

Directions

From Salina, 20 miles southwest on KS 140, 10 miles south on KS 141.