Farnum Creek

3.87

137 reviews

5203 N. K57 Hwy, Junction City, KS 66441, USA

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,200 ft

Price

$14 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

59 campsites

Season

Open season starts f...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Farnum Creek Public Use Area site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,200 ft

Price

$14 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

59 campsites

Season

Open season starts f...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Farnum Creek Public Use Area site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Farnum Creek

$14.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary by site type: Standard Electric ($22-$24), Standard Nonelectric ($14), Tent Only Nonelectric ($14). Prices do not include taxes or...

Standard Site Fee$14.00

Hookup Site Fee$22.00

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

785-463-5791

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What Campers Say

3.87

Mixed Reviews

Based on 137 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshadewater

Some mention

crowdedunlevel

"User reviews of Farnum Creek are highly mixed, ranging from extremely positive experiences praising the scenic views and facilities to negative sentiments highlighting unlevel pads, poor maintenance, ticks, and overcrowding. "The facilities are first class," said one user, while another stated, "None of the pads are level, leaves completely filled the site.""

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5203 N. K57 Hwy, Junction City, KS 66441, USA

Farnum Creek

5203 N. K57 Hwy, Junction City, KS 66441, USA

Driving directionsTake I-70 to exit 295 then north on Highway 77. Drive 11 miles to park entrance.

The campground can be accessed via paved roads from I-70 and Highway 77. No specific seasonal closures or navigation challenges are mentioned.

Nearby places

Manhattan: approximately 30 minutes away. Ft Riley: close proximity.

Nearby supplies

Supplies such as groceries, camping essentials, and fuel can be accessed in Junction City, KS.

Best Time to Camp at Farnum Creek

Peak season brings Kansas at its finest—brilliant blue skies stretch endlessly above while comfortable temperatures invite all-day exploration. The prairie winds that sweep across Milford Lake can pick up during busy summer weekends, offering natural air conditioning on warmer days. While occasional heat waves remind visitors they're in the heartland, and spring rains sometimes swell the shoreline, these natural rhythms only add to the authentic Midwest camping experience. Seasoned visitors know to pack layers and embrace the elements that make each visit unique.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Peak season offers best weather and activities but suffers crowding and some maintenance issues.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open through Sept 30; likely quieter and scenic in early fall though limited data.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Opens Apr 15; pleasant spring weather and activities, though popularity grows toward summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed outside Apr 15–Sep 30; not rated for winter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15, 2025 - September 30, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season starts from April 15 to September 30, 2025, with reservations available starting June 21, 2025.

About Farnum Creek

Discover your perfect lakeside retreat at Farnum Creek, where two thoughtfully designed camping loops embrace the stunning shores of Milford Lake, Kansas. This waterfront paradise invites you to cast a line into crystal waters, launch your boat for endless adventures, or simply float the day away. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with nature here—spacious RV pull-through sites with electric hookups await your arrival, while hot showers refresh you after sun-soaked days. Children delight in the playground as parents prepare evening meals, and the convenient boat ramp puts you mere minutes from open water. Whether you're scanning the skies for migrating birds or pedaling scenic trails on two wheels, Farnum Creek transforms every stay into an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Farnum Creek accommodates both RV and tent camping. Official descriptions highlight its pull-through RV pads and tent sites. "Of the 59 camp sites, more than half have electric hookups," making it well-suited for RV camping, but user reviews indicate challenges with leveling and crowded layouts.

Weather and SeasonsPeak season brings Kansas at its finest—brilliant blue skies stretch endlessly above while comfortable temperatures invite all-day exploration. The prairie winds that sweep across Milford Lake can pick up during busy summer weekends, offering natural air conditioning on warmer days. While occasional heat waves remind visitors they're in the heartland, and spring rains sometimes swell the shoreline, these natural rhythms only add to the authentic Midwest camping experience. Seasoned visitors know to pack layers and embrace the elements that make each visit unique.

ElevationPerched at 1,200 feet above sea level, Farnum Creek offers a refreshing escape where gentle breezes flow more freely and summer temperatures feel just a touch more forgiving. This elevated position grants sweeping vistas across Milford Lake's vast expanse, where morning mists dance across the water and evening light paints the sky in brilliant hues. The subtle altitude provides natural relief from the heat of lower plains, creating an ideal microclimate for comfortable camping throughout the season.

Natural Features and SceneryFarnum Creek cradles campers in a natural amphitheater where mature trees form living cathedral ceilings overhead, their branches offering dappled shade throughout the day. Along 163 miles of sinuous shoreline, Milford Lake reveals new treasures at every turn—hidden coves perfect for swimming, rocky outcrops ideal for sunset watching, and quiet inlets where herons stand motionless in the shallows. While nature's cycles have claimed some older trees, creating openings for stunning lake views, the remaining canopy provides a perfect balance of shelter and scenery that frames your lakeside memories.

Geological RegionWelcome to the crown jewel of Kansas waterways—Milford Lake spreads across 15,700 acres of transformed prairie, where the Republican River once carved its ancient path. As the largest reservoir in the Sunflower State, this engineering marvel boasts 163 miles of scenic shoreline that wind through rolling hills and grasslands. At 1,200 feet elevation, the lake sits perfectly positioned in the Kansas landscape, creating a vast oasis where water meets sky in an endless horizon. This remarkable transformation of river valley into recreational paradise showcases both human ingenuity and nature's adaptability, offering visitors a unique blend of geological history and modern outdoor adventure.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in at 6 PM

Check-out

Check-out by 6 PM

Stay Limit

14 nights during a visit or within rolling 30 days.

Groups

No specific group sites are mentioned in the authoritative content.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutA double-loop layout with 59 campsites, including pull-through RV pads and sites with electrical hookups.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website or app, contact center, or in-person methods.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability may be limited due to reserved slips placed early for sites. User reviews indicate this practice caused dissatisfaction among potential walk-in guests.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed up to the scheduled arrival date with a $10 fee. Late cancellations incur additional fees, such as forfeiting the first night's fee.

AccessibilityThe campground offers one accessible pull-through RV site among its five pull-through pads. Specific details regarding ADA compliance for other facilities are not provided.

Site SizeSite sizes vary greatly, with some campers describing them as tight and crowded. "Our site was lakeside, level, amazing," noted one camper, while others mentioned that sites could be "small" and "very steep.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are inconsistent depending on the site. "Camping pads are close together so it feels a little crowded," said one review. Another camper stated, "Lots of shaded spots with plenty of space to park your vehicles.

Total Campsites59 campsites

Recommended SitesWaterfront sites offer great views but less shade. Outer loop sites are more level than interior ones. Avoid sites like A017 due to extreme unlevel terrain.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Farnum Creek offers a diverse range of recreational activities tied to its location on Milford Lake. "Boating, swimming, fishing, birding, and biking are among the many things to do at Milford Lake," according to official descriptions. User reviews highlight fishing and wildlife viewing as popular activities.

FishingFishing is popular at Milford Lake, though reviews indicate mixed experiences. "Great fishing location," mentioned one camper, while another complained, "Could not fish due to boats and jet skis getting too close to shoreline."

SwimmingSwimming is available at Milford Lake, although no specific safety measures or designated swimming areas are outlined.

BikingBiking is noted as a possible activity, though details on trails and terrain are not provided.

BoatingBoating is a featured activity at Milford Lake, supported by a boat ramp at Farnum Creek. Jet skiing and other watercraft activities are common.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are available around Milford Lake. "Nice quiet area with plenty of trees," mentioned one user who enjoyed the natural surroundings.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsIssues with unlevel sites noted by multiple user reviews. Some sites have dead trees posing dangers, ticks reported in the area, and safety concerns with rocky shoreline for children.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed but visitors are encouraged to buy local firewood to prevent tree-killing pests.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours until 9 PM

Emergency ServicesEmergency services closest to the campground include facilities in Junction City, KS.

Trash & RecyclingMultiple reviews raised concerns about maintenance and cleanliness, such as the presence of trash around the campground and insufficient cleaning of sites between campers.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located directly on Milford Lake, providing boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities.

Camp HostHosts Howard and Vicky are frequently mentioned in reviews for their helpfulness, although some users report rude interactions.

Weather at Farnum Creek

Reviews

3.9

137 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Farnum Creek has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Farnum Creek are highly mixed, ranging from extremely positive experiences praising the scenic views and facilities to negative sentiments highlighting unlevel pads, poor maintenance, ticks, and overcrowding. "The facilities are first class," said one user, while another stated, "None of the pads are level, leaves completely filled the site."

Review Summaries

Based on 137 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive highlights include "Beautiful sites, clean bathrooms, well maintained." Another reviewer said, "Shade trees and very clean," and "Camp hosts were great." Many campers appreciated the scenic...

Based on 137 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include "Ticks everywhere," "Sites were extremely unlevel," and "Shower and restroom facilities need repaired and updated." Crowded campsites and issues with site maintenance,...

Based on 137 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users suggest bringing leveling blocks due to uneven pads and preparing for potential maintenance issues like ticks and water pressure variability. "Make sure you attach your water pressure...

Based on 137 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends indicate the campground is highly popular during summer, but crowding and maintenance issues become prominent in peak season. "Camping spots could be more level," noted one summer...

Based on 137 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great fishing location, but the rocky shoreline is not a place for kids," "Ticks everywhere!" "Our site was lakeside, level, amazing," "Showers are poorly designed and the water is far too hot,"...

Based on 137 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight notable issues: "Site 42 is not usable and not safe for most RVs/campers," "Site A17... incredibly unlevel," "Site A039... most uneven, rough trailer pad I've ever...

Based on 137 reviews

Accessibility Features

Few reviews address accessibility directly. It is noted that one of the RV sites is accessible, but no detailed accounts from users with disabilities were found.

Based on 137 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are mentioned indirectly in reviews. Complaints include "Lots of people letting their dogs run around" and concerns about unleashed pets.

Based on 137 reviews

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