Curtis Creek

4.26

211 reviews

5203 N. K-57 Hwy.

FishingSummer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Kansas Swimming Camping Kansas Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Kansas

Quick Facts

1,207 ft

Price

$14 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Open from April 15 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,207 ft

Price

$14 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Open from April 15 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Curtis Creek

$14.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Curtis Creek offers nightly rates ranging from $14.00 for tent-only non-electric sites to $24.00 for standard electric sites during peak season....

Standard Site Fee$22.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

785-238-5714

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What Campers Say

4.26

Satisfactory

Based on 211 reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspaciouswater

Some mention

unlevel

"User reviews for Curtis Creek are mixed but generally positive, with many praising the "beautiful setting" and "friendly staff." However, several reviews highlight issues such as electrical problems, cleanliness in restrooms, and algae at the beach."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5203 N. K-57 Hwy.

Curtis Creek

5203 N. K-57 Hwy.

Driving directionsTake I-70 to the 290 exit and proceed north 5 miles to 837. Continue west on 837 for 6 miles to reach the park entrance.

The campground is accessible via paved roads, with clear directions provided from I-70. No seasonal closures or major navigation challenges reported.

Nearby places

Junction City (approximately 11 miles, 15-minute drive)

Manhattan (approximately 27 miles, 35-minute drive)

Topeka (approximately 70 miles, 1-hour drive).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Junction City (~11 miles). Convenience stores also available closer along major routes.

Best Time to Camp at Curtis Creek

From April through September, Curtis Creek comes alive as campers flock to enjoy the best of Kansas weather. Spring arrives with gentle breezes and wildflower blooms, perfect for those seeking mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer brings warm, humid days ideal for water activities, though afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll across the prairie, creating dramatic skies. As autumn approaches, the heat gives way to crisp mornings and comfortable days, painting the shoreline in golden hues. The shoulder seasons offer some of the most pleasant camping conditions, with clear starry nights perfect for gathering around the campfire.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Open in summer with boating and swimming but algae and electrical problems reported in peak season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall highlighted as a best time: milder weather and fewer maintenance issues.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring praised for mild weather and wildflower blooms; recommended alongside fall.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Oct 1–Apr 14; winter visits not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15, 2025 - September 30, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 15 to September 30. Peak season runs during this period.
Current Alerts: No active alerts reported, though occasional electrical outages and water shutoffs are noted in user reviews.

About Curtis Creek

Perched on a scenic peninsula jutting into Kansas's largest reservoir, Curtis Creek Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of natural beauty and modern comfort. This intimate Corps of Engineers park serves as your gateway to the vast expanse of Milford Lake, where endless adventures await. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring hidden coves by boat, or hiking through native prairie landscapes, Curtis Creek offers an authentic Kansas outdoor experience with all the amenities today's campers appreciate.

Curtis Creek offers diverse camping options, including tent, RV, and buddy sites. There are also standard electric and non-electric sites.

Historical SignificanceBeyond its recreational appeal, the Milford Lake region tells a deeper story of Kansas heritage and conservation. Nearby, the Milford Education Center invites curious minds to discover the area's natural and cultural history through interactive exhibits and programs. The Fish Hatchery near the dam offers fascinating glimpses into wildlife management efforts that help maintain the lake's legendary fishing. Throughout the area, protected zones preserve both cultural artifacts and critical wildlife habitat, creating a living museum where past and present converge along the water's edge.

Weather and SeasonsFrom April through September, Curtis Creek comes alive as campers flock to enjoy the best of Kansas weather. Spring arrives with gentle breezes and wildflower blooms, perfect for those seeking mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer brings warm, humid days ideal for water activities, though afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll across the prairie, creating dramatic skies. As autumn approaches, the heat gives way to crisp mornings and comfortable days, painting the shoreline in golden hues. The shoulder seasons offer some of the most pleasant camping conditions, with clear starry nights perfect for gathering around the campfire.

ElevationCurtis Creek rests at the gentle elevations characteristic of the Kansas prairie landscape, where the rolling hills meet the expansive waters of Milford Lake. This modest elevation provides just enough rise to offer sweeping views across the water while maintaining easy access to the shoreline below.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to sunrise reflections dancing across 15,700 acres of pristine water, with 163 miles of varied shoreline waiting to be explored. Curtis Creek's peninsula location gifts campers with water views in multiple directions, creating an almost island-like atmosphere. The surrounding landscape showcases Kansas at its finest – native grasslands swaying in the breeze, mature trees providing welcome shade, and protected wildlife areas where deer, waterfowl, and countless bird species make their homes. Each season brings its own visual feast, from spring wildflowers to autumn's golden prairie grasses.

Geological RegionCurtis Creek occupies a privileged position on a natural peninsula extending into Milford Lake, Kansas's crown jewel of water recreation. This remarkable 33,000-acre region represents one of the state's most successful conservation stories, where careful land management has created a harmonious balance between recreation, wildlife preservation, and cultural heritage protection. The lake itself, though man-made, has become so integrated with the natural landscape that it feels as timeless as the prairie it transformed, offering visitors a chance to experience the heart of Kansas's outdoor splendor.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 6 PM.

Check-out

Check-out by 6 PM.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit or within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Information not provided directly about number of guests per site.

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 loops (A, C, and others). Specific sites are designated for buddy camping, tent-only, and RVs.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or through their mobile app.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability not explicitly detailed. User reviews suggest availability during less busy periods.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made any time before the scheduled arrival date but are subject to fees: $10 cancellation fee, reservation fees, and a first-night recreation use fee for late cancellations.

AccessibilitySome sites are described as accessible, and a floating fishing dock provides accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with some described as spacious and others noted as tight or sloping.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site. Some are described as "secluded with great views," while others are "very tight and congested.

Total Campsites33 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose waterfront sites for better views and tranquility. Sites on Loop A generally offer better maintenance and facilities compared to Loop C.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Curtis Creek provides a wide range of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, biking, birding, and water skiing. Wildlife viewing is also popular, especially with nearby features like the Wildlife Viewing Tower and Trails.

HikingThe Waterfall Trail and Crystal Trail are highlighted as nearby attractions for hiking enthusiasts. Specific difficulty levels or trail lengths were not provided.

FishingFishing is a major draw, with options for catching trout closer to shore via an "accessible floating fishing dock." Milford Lake is described as a "great fishing lake" by users.

SwimmingThe campground features a swimming beach, but algae issues were noted during certain seasons, affecting usability.

BikingSeveral miles of roadway within the campground make it ideal for biking. No specific trail information was provided.

BoatingBoating activities, including water skiing, are popular. A boat ramp is available on-site.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with features like the Wildlife Viewing Tower and Trail nearby. Birding is also popular among visitors.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsElectrical issues have been reported, including insufficient amperage at some sites. Algae blooms may affect water activities. Wildlife such as squirrels is common but not explicitly cited as hazardous.

Active AlertsNo active alerts reported, though occasional electrical outages and water shutoffs are noted in user reviews.

Fire PolicyFirewood must be sourced locally and burned on-site to prevent tree-killing pests.

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital: Geary Community Hospital in Junction City (~11 miles); Police and Fire stations are located in Junction City; Closest ranger station is part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers managing Milford Lake.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, and several reviews mention that the campground is kept clean, though some indicate problems with dog feces not being picked up by pet owners.

Water FeaturesLocated directly alongside Milford Lake, offering easy access to its shoreline, fishing docks, and boat ramps.

Camp HostHosts are frequently praised for their helpfulness and friendliness. Mark is often mentioned as an excellent host.

Weather at Curtis Creek

Reviews

4.3

211 reviews

Satisfactory

Curtis Creek is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Curtis Creek are mixed but generally positive, with many praising the "beautiful setting" and "friendly staff." However, several reviews highlight issues such as electrical problems, cleanliness in restrooms, and algae at the beach.

Review Summaries

Based on 211 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback includes "beautiful sunsets over the water," "clean bathrooms and shower facilities," and "helpful camp hosts." Visitors also appreciated the "quiet and spacious sites" and...

Based on 211 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues raised by users include "30-amp electrical service that doesn't meet the needs of modern RVs," "lack of shade trees," and "problems with algae at the swimming beach." Maintenance...

Based on 211 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users suggest selecting sites with "good views of the lake" and avoiding uneven or sloped sites. Tent campers should be aware that many spots are gravelled. Several reviews recommend upgrading...

Based on 211 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are highlighted as the best times to visit due to milder weather and fewer maintenance issues. Summer reviews frequently mention electrical problems and algae at the beach.

Based on 211 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campgrounds are amazing!" - Kennith B. "Bathrooms were nasty in campground A & at the shower house." - Kimberly S. "Quiet and beautiful. If you're planning to camp in a tent, there really aren't...

Based on 211 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback includes complaints about uneven terrain at sites like C001 and A020, while sites like A018 and A019 are praised for their views of the lake and spacious layout.

Based on 211 reviews