Carbolyn Park

Star4.67
87 reviews
5260 Pomona Dam Road, Vassar, KS, 66543-9212, USA
Peace & Quiet

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Carbolyn Park
$14.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees for sites range from $14 per night for standard non-electric sites to $20 per night for standard electric sites during peak season.
Standard Site Fee$14.00
Hookup Site Fee$20.00
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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Provider
785-453-2201
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What Campers Say

4.67

Top-Rated

Based on 87 reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadefriendlysites

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 Complaints include outdated facilities, awkward shower designs, and late check-out times."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Carbolyn Park

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

Driving directionsLocated 25 miles south of Topeka on US 75. The park entrance is 4.5 miles north of Lyndon, KS on US 75 on the east side of the road.
The campground is accessible directly from US 75, with paved roads leading into the park. Access is straightforward but may include moderate traffic depending on the season.
Nearby places
Lyndon, KS (less than 10 miles, approximately 15 minutes)
Topeka, KS (25 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Lyndon, KS (less than 10 miles away) offers limited restaurants and shops for groceries and supplies. Larger towns such as Topeka provide more extensive options.

Best Time to Camp at Carbolyn Park

Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for lake activities and starlit evenings around the campfire. The dry climate keeps you comfortable as you explore, with gentle breezes off the water providing natural air conditioning. Plan your visit during the weather-friendly weeks when moderate temperatures and low humidity create ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Note that this seasonal paradise closes its gates on September 30, allowing nature to reclaim its winter solitude.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Peak season May–Sep; summer reviews highly favorable for shade, breezes and lake activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Accessible in fall with pleasant colors but some reviewers note walnut sap and leaf-related inconveniences.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Open starting May 1 (late spring); limited spring data and activities before May.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Reservable season May 1–Sept 30; winter season not supported in listing.

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

About Carbolyn Park

Tucked away in the rolling hills of eastern Kansas, Carbolyn Park offers an intimate escape where ancient shade trees create a natural cathedral above your campsite. This peaceful retreat on the shores of Pomona Lake invites you to cast a line into pristine waters, launch your boat for a sunset cruise, or simply unwind at a lakeside picnic. Adventure seekers can explore winding hiking trails, while hunting enthusiasts will find prime territory in the surrounding woodlands. Don't miss the visitor center, where interactive displays reveal the secrets of this remarkable ecosystem.
Carbolyn Park provides varied camping accommodations including sites with water and electricity hookups and primitive options.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
6:00 PM
Check-out
6:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is up to 14 nights within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

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.
HikingThree nearby trails meander around Pomona Lake. Deer Creek Nature Trail and Witches' Broom Trail are shorter, while Black Hawk Trail offers a 33-mile loop suited for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
FishingThe lake's fish and wildlife resources make it an excellent fishing spot. Species include crappie, walleye, and channel catfish, among others.
BikingThe Black Hawk Trail includes mountain biking paths. Users can enjoy a variety of terrains along this 33-mile loop.
BoatingA boat ramp is available on-site, and Pomona Lake offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing boats, and other watercraft.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, and wild turkey are frequently observed. One reviewer mentioned enjoying 'being surrounded by trees and listening to all the birds.'
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe visitor center has educational displays about Pomona Lake and its environment, enhancing the cultural and educational experiences.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include large walnut trees that may drip sap in the fall. Wildlife such as bald eagles and deer are present, but no specific dangers are detailed in the authoritative sources.

Weather at Carbolyn Park

Reviews

4.7
87 reviews
Top-Rated
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

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

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 16: 'Shade was excellent. Hookups placed on wrong side.' Site 24: 'No shade during the hottest part of the day.' Site 09: 'Lovely campground.' Site 18: 'Quiet place with friendly campers.' Site...
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Based on 87 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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