How much does camping cost at Carbolyn Park?

Camping fees at Carbolyn Park range from $14-$20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Carbolyn 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 Carbolyn Park before I book?

Yes! Carbolyn Park has 2 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 Carbolyn Park?

Carbolyn Park is open May 01 to September 29. 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 Carbolyn Park?

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

How many campsites does Carbolyn Park have?

Carbolyn Park has 32 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Carbolyn Park?

Pets are not allowed at Carbolyn Park. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Carbolyn Park?

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

Carbolyn Park

4.67

87 reviews

5260 Pomona Dam Road, Vassar, KS, 66543-9212, USA

Top 10% in KSSummer

Romantic GetawayPeace & QuietFishingSummer Destination

Featured in:Group Camping Kansas#2 Hidden Gem Campgrounds Kansas#2 Spring Camping Kansas#3 +6 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,030 ft

Price

$14 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to S...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

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

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,030 ft

Price

$14 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to S...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

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

Get Directions

Carbolyn Park

$14.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC: $20.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $14.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

785-453-2201

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

5260 Pomona Dam Road, Vassar, KS, 66543-9212, USA

Carbolyn Park

5260 Pomona Dam Road, Vassar, KS, 66543-9212, USA

Nearby places

Lyndon, KS (less than 10 miles, approximately 15 minutes)

Topeka, KS (25 miles, approximately 30 minutes)

Weather at Carbolyn Park

Best Time to Camp at Carbolyn Park

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Carbolyn Park for warm, lake-centered recreation: expect daytime highs typically in the mid-80s to low-90s°F (around 80–95°F) with cooler evenings in the 60s. Boating, swimming, fishing (bass, catfish, bluegill) and evening campfires are at their peak, and the trees provide good shade during hot afternoons. Weekends can be busy—plan weekday visits or reserve sites in advance for a quieter experience. Peak months: July, June, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 10% in KS

Open May–Sept; summer reviews praise shade and cooling breezes during hot days.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 29. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 1 to September 30 during the reservable season.

About Carbolyn Park

Carbolyn Park sits on the shore of Pomona Lake near Lyndon, Kansas, in rolling foothill terrain managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized campground offers tent sites, RV hookups, and primitive options under mature shade trees, with access to lake fishing, boating, and swimming. Reviewers consistently praise the well-maintained grounds, friendly camp hosts, and tree cover that keeps sites cool during summer afternoons.

Carbolyn Park provides varied camping accommodations including sites with water and electricity hookups and primitive options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Carbolyn Park for warm, lake-centered recreation: expect daytime highs typically in the mid-80s to low-90s°F (around 80–95°F) with cooler evenings in the 60s. Boating, swimming, fishing (bass, catfish, bluegill) and evening campfires are at their peak, and the trees provide good shade during hot afternoons. Weekends can be busy—plan weekday visits or reserve sites in advance for a quieter experience. Peak months: July, June, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation1030 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense forest groves provide thick canopy shade across the campground, with large mature trees creating a cool respite during hot afternoons. The setting blends prairie grasslands with wooded areas, typical of eastern Kansas's rolling terrain at 1,030 feet elevation. Pomona Lake's waters support bass, catfish, and bluegill populations. Dragoon Creek feeds into the lake system, and the mixed habitat attracts white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, Canada geese, and occasional bald eagles overhead.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges at Carbolyn Park Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThe visitor center has educational displays about Pomona Lake and its environment, enhancing the cultural and educational experiences.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is up to 14 nights within rolling 30 days.

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 online, mobile app, or contact center.

AccessibilityAccessibility features were not specifically mentioned; detailed accessibility reviews are unavailable.

Site SizeSites are generally spacious; some users noted 'large shady trees and nice size sites.

PrivacyThe campground is described as quiet and peaceful, with a secluded feel due to heavy tree coverage. One reviewer mentioned it being 'away from the hustle and bustle.

Total Campsites32 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites near the playground for families; avoid those with walnut trees in fall due to sap dripping.

Best CampsitesSites 14 and 18 get positive mentions for generous shade and convenient access to facilities. Site 16 has awkwardly positioned hookups that create setup challenges. Most sites offer ample space under the mature tree canopy.

Need help booking Carbolyn Park?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Carbolyn Park Campground offers 32 campsites, 29 of which have electric and water hookups. Other amenities include flush and vault toilets, a shower building, playground, dump station, picnic shelter, boat ramp, and numerous bank-fishing areas. A visitor center provides educational displays about Pomona Lake and its environment. The local sheriff's department and Corps of Engineers rangers patrol the park during the recreation season.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Carbolyn Park offers multiple recreational opportunities including fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, and hunting. The nearby trails around Pomona Lake provide opportunities for hiking and nature study. Deer Creek Nature Trail and Witches' Broom Trail are short hiking paths, while Black Hawk Trail features a 33-mile loop popular for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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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

4.7

87 reviews

Top-Rated

Carbolyn Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the peacefulness, cleanliness, and friendly hosts. Complaints include outdated facilities, awkward shower designs, and late check-out times.

Review Summaries

Based on 87 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 87 reviews.

Site 16Loved
Site 16: 'Shade was excellent.
Site 24Loved
Site 24: 'No shade during the hottest part of the day.'.
Site 09Loved
Site 09: 'Lovely campground.'.
Site 18Loved
Site 18: 'Quiet place with friendly campers.'.

What Campers Love

Multiple reviewers praised Carbolyn Park's shaded campsites, friendly hosts, and cleanliness. Quotes include 'Nice shady campsites. Grass was mowed,' and 'Hosts were friendly as could be.'

Based on 87 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include outdated bathrooms, awkward open-air showers, and the late check-out time of 6 p.m. Several users also noted challenges with sewer dump setups and campsite layouts.

Based on 87 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring water hoses designed for tight sewer setups. Prepare for outdoor shower experiences with potential insect activity. Arrive early since 6 p.m. check-in times can lead to delays.

Based on 87 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews are highly favorable due to shade and breezes, but open-air showers are cited as problematic during windy or rainy weather. Fall reviews note some inconvenience from walnut tree sap.

Based on 87 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The campground is awesome.' - 'Great small park...hidden away but not far from town.' - 'Hosts were friendly as could be.' - 'Nice and quiet.' - 'Lovely mature trees.'

Based on 87 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want affordable lake access with shade, full hookups, and a well-kept campground run by the Corps of Engineers.

Skip if

You need modern facilities, flexible check-in times, or prefer camping outside the busy summer season.

Nearby Campgrounds

22900 S. Hwy. 368, Vassar, Kansas, 66543, United States

Pomona State Park spreads across 490 acres of Osage County countryside, where prairie grasslands meet woodland and water. The park has 342 campsites ranging from primitive to full-hookup, plus cabin rentals. Campers fish the lake at sunrise, launch boats from the marina, or hike trails through diverse terrain. The remote location means spotty cell service, but visitors say that's part of the appeal.