Cottonwood Point

4.19

668 reviews

2105 N. PAWNEE

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,371 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

164 campsites

Season

Open annually from A...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,371 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

164 campsites

Season

Open annually from A...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Cottonwood Point

$0.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range by season and site type. Standard electric sites cost $18-$23 during peak season and $16-$23 during non-peak season. Standard non-electric...

Standard Site Fee$18.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$70.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

620-382-2101

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What Campers Say

4.19

Satisfactory

Based on 668 reviews

53 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanspacious

"User reviews highlight Cottonwood Point as a peaceful and scenic campground with well-maintained sites and friendly staff. Frequent issues include maintenance lapses, invasive camp visitors, and occasional closures of restrooms and amenities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2105 N. PAWNEE

Cottonwood Point

2105 N. PAWNEE

Driving directionsFrom Marion, Kansas, take Highway 56 for about 4 miles. Turn north on Old Mill Road and continue almost three miles, then follow signs to the campground.

Accessible via paved roads, well-maintained highways, and clear signage. Information about seasonal closures or challenging terrain not provided.

Nearby places

Hillsboro (~12 miles), Marion (~4 miles)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies for groceries, camping essentials, and fuel are available in the nearby communities of Marion (~4 miles) and Hillsboro (~12 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Cottonwood Point

Experience the dynamic Kansas climate where each season paints the landscape with its own palette. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for swimming and boating, while spring and fall offer mild temperatures ideal for hiking and wildlife photography. The prairie winds add character to your camping experience, rustling through the cottonwoods and bringing the occasional refreshing rain shower that leaves the air crisp and clean. Peak camping season unveils the reservoir at its finest, with comfortable temperatures that invite you to explore from dawn to dusk.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer offers boating/swimming but higher mosquitoes and occasional algae closures.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted as ideal — milder temps and fewer bugs; good wildlife viewing.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring rated ideal with moderate temps, active wildlife and fewer bugs.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is closed Jan–Mar (open Apr 1–Dec 31); winter season not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open annually from April 1st through December 31st.
Current Alerts: Active alerts include algae blooms and flooding-related closures (mentioned in user reviews).

About Cottonwood Point

Nestled along the tranquil shores of Marion Reservoir, Cottonwood Point beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its sprawling, tree-canopied sites that offer both adventure and respite. This haven combines the serenity of lakeside camping with exceptional wildlife watching opportunities, where deer graze at dawn and birds fill the air with their morning songs. Whether you're casting a line at sunrise or exploring wooded trails, this spacious campground serves as your gateway to countless recreational pursuits and breathtaking Kansas sunsets.

Cottonwood Point accommodates a variety of camping styles, including individual sites, group camping areas, and picnic shelters. Sites come with full hookups, water/electric hookups, or nonelectric options.

Historical SignificanceBeyond the natural splendor lies a region steeped in prairie heritage and artistic spirit. The nearby communities of Marion and Hillsboro celebrate this legacy through vibrant Art and Craft shows that showcase local artisans and traditions. These events offer campers a chance to connect with the area's cultural heartbeat, discovering handmade treasures and stories passed down through generations of Kansas craftspeople.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic Kansas climate where each season paints the landscape with its own palette. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for swimming and boating, while spring and fall offer mild temperatures ideal for hiking and wildlife photography. The prairie winds add character to your camping experience, rustling through the cottonwoods and bringing the occasional refreshing rain shower that leaves the air crisp and clean. Peak camping season unveils the reservoir at its finest, with comfortable temperatures that invite you to explore from dawn to dusk.

ElevationSet within the gently rolling terrain of the Kansas prairie, the campground's modest elevation creates an intimate connection with the surrounding landscape.

Natural Features and ScenerySince its completion in 1968, Marion Reservoir has transformed the prairie into an outdoor paradise where 6,200 acres of sparkling water meet 6,000 acres of pristine public lands. This stunning marriage of land and water creates endless vistas where the sky seems to stretch forever, reflected perfectly in the reservoir's mirror-like surface. Ancient cottonwoods provide natural shade canopies, while the shoreline reveals hidden coves and peaceful fishing spots waiting to be discovered.

Geological RegionCottonwood Point sits at the heart of the magnificent Kansas prairie ecosystem, where endless grasslands meet the expansive waters of Marion Reservoir. This unique convergence creates a diverse habitat where prairie meets shoreline, supporting an intricate tapestry of wildlife and vegetation. The 6,200-acre reservoir, embraced by 6,000 acres of rolling public lands, showcases the subtle beauty of the Great Plains—a landscape that reveals its magic to those who take time to explore its gentle contours and hidden treasures.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

11:00 AM

Check-out

10:00 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Three tents or two tents and one RV permitted per campsite.

Groups

Group camping and picnic areas are available, accommodating larger gatherings with nearby shelters.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is organized into several loops with spacious and shaded sites. User reviews praise the layout for privacy.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites may be first-come-first-serve (not reservable), evident from reviews mentioning challenges in securing such sites.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations permitted before arrival with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night’s use fee in addition to the cancellation fee.

AccessibilityAccessible amenities include boat ramps, drinking water, grills, parking, trails, and shelters.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, offering ample room for setups such as large RVs or groups.

PrivacySites are well-spaced providing privacy, but some loops are described as more open with less seclusion.

Total Campsites164 campsites

Recommended SitesSite-specific advice includes bringing leveling blocks for unlevel sites, avoiding algae bloom periods, and selecting waterfront sites for scenic experiences.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Popular activities at Cottonwood Point include camping, boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The campground provides direct access to Marion Reservoir, offering recreational opportunities both on land and water.

HikingNumerous hiking trails are available, including the Willow Walk Nature Trail which is popular among wildlife enthusiasts.

FishingFishing opportunities abound with channel catfish, walleye, white bass, and wipers commonly caught. Anglers appreciate the availability of a boat ramp for lake access.

SwimmingSwimming areas are accessible, although users have noted occasional blue-green algae warnings impacting water activities.

BikingBiking is a common activity, with trails offering scenic views through the forest around the lake.

BoatingCampers enjoy boating activities supported by two accessible boat ramps. Some users have faced challenges with dock access during flooding.

Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant, with frequent sightings of white-tailed deer, pelicans, raccoons, and various waterfowl.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsReviews mention blue-green algae warnings, hazardous winds, and mosquito presence near wooded areas.

Active AlertsActive alerts include algae blooms and flooding-related closures (mentioned in user reviews).

Fire PolicyFires are allowed, but pits may require cleaning upon arrival based on user reviews.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours begin at 10 PM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services nearest to Marion Reservoir include hospitals, police stations, and possibly ranger stations in Marion and Hillsboro. Specific facilities not detailed.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available, but complaints about raccoons accessing trash and occasional maintenance lapses have been noted.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located directly on Marion Reservoir’s shoreline with access to two boat ramps between sites 62 and 67.

Camp HostPreviously had camp hosts, but now host-less according to recent reviews. "Camp hosts John and Cheryl are so Friendly and helpful. We will miss them."

Weather at Cottonwood Point

Reviews

4.2

668 reviews

Satisfactory

Cottonwood Point is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight Cottonwood Point as a peaceful and scenic campground with well-maintained sites and friendly staff. Frequent issues include maintenance lapses, invasive camp visitors, and occasional closures of restrooms and amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 668 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include spacious campsites, full hookups, lake views, clean facilities, and opportunities for fishing and wildlife watching. Visitors appreciate the peaceful ambiance and...

Based on 668 reviews

Common Concerns

Commonly noted issues include unmaintained grass and weeds, lack of camp hosts, invasive behavior by strangers entering occupied campsites, and intermittent closures of restrooms and showers....

Based on 668 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing leveling blocks due to uneven sites, being prepared for blue-green algae warnings, and bringing insect repellent for mosquitoes near wooded areas.

Based on 668 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are marked as ideal times for camping due to moderate temperatures and fewer bugs. Summer experiences high mosquito presence and occasional water activity disruptions due to algae....

Based on 668 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Cottonwood Point is a beautiful campground. The campsites are full hookup and spacious, with covered picnic tables and grills.' - Jacob Welsh 2. 'Very quiet campground. We enjoyed the walks and...

Based on 668 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #159 noted for its clean picnic table and grill. Site #37 experienced disturbances from intruders multiple times, leading to an early departure. Site #45 praised for its peaceful atmosphere and...

Based on 668 reviews

Accessibility Features

Sites are generally accessible, with paved roads and accessible trails. Complaints have been raised about uneven pads and inaccessible facilities during closures.

Based on 668 reviews