Historic Lake Scott State Park

Star4.09
90 reviews
101 W. Scott Lake Drive, Scott City, Kansas, 67871, United States
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,841 ft

Price

$23 - $34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Kansas State Parks site

Official Website
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Historic Lake Scott State Park
$23.00 - $34.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $23 for electric and water sites to $34, which includes additional fees like vehicle fees ($5/day) and transaction fees ($3).
Standard Site Fee$26.00
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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What Campers Say

4.09

Satisfactory

Based on 90 reviews

357 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlakestafffriendly

"Reviews are mixed but generally positive about the park's natural beauty, range of activities, and historical significance. Common criticisms include maintenance issues with restrooms and limited facilities in certain areas."

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Campground Map

101 W. Scott Lake Drive, Scott City, Kansas, 67871, United States

Historic Lake Scott State Park

101 W. Scott Lake Drive, Scott City, Kansas, 67871, United States

Driving directionsFrom the North, take Hwy 83 South to North K 95 and turn right. Follow K 95 3.5 miles and turn right into park entrance. From the South, take Hwy 83 North to South K 95 and turn left, follow K 95 3.0 miles, turn left into park entrance.
The park is accessible year-round via paved roads. Seasonal road closures were not mentioned, but driving in dry conditions is advised due to occasional fire bans and extreme dryness in Western Kansas.
Nearby places
Scott City (approximately 10 miles), Oakley (approximately 35 miles)
Nearby supplies
The Beachhouse within the park provides essential supplies such as ice, bait, and firewood. Additional supplies can be obtained in Scott City, approximately 10 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Historic Lake Scott State Park

Experience the full drama of Great Plains weather as seasons paint the park in ever-changing hues. Winter brings crisp, dry days perfect for hiking the canyon trails without crowds, while summer unfolds with comfortable temperatures ideal for lakeside relaxation. Spring announces itself with occasional thunderstorms that sweep across the prairie, filling the air with electricity and renewal—a spectacular show that reminds visitors of nature's raw power.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season: full facilities, swimming/boating/fishing available; can be busy with some maintenance complaints.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Milder temps and fewer crowds; popular season for hiking and scenic visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring is popular for milder weather and full activity access; trails and wildlife viewing are good.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round with crisp, uncrowded canyon hikes; some facilities closed outside peak season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Summer months (June-August) are peak season, with facilities fully operational.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, although some facilities like bathrooms and showers may remain closed outside peak season.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal fire bans and occasional closures due to facility updates.

About Historic Lake Scott State Park

Nestled like a verdant jewel in Kansas's sweeping High Plains, Lake Scott State Park defies expectations with its dramatic landscape of spring-fed waters and ancient canyons. This remarkable sanctuary welcomes adventurers with diverse camping experiences—from secluded primitive sites for those seeking solitude to well-equipped RV spots for modern comfort. Wander through time as you explore the mysterious El Cuartelejo ruins and stand where history unfolded at Battle Canyon, all while surrounded by nature's unexpected bounty in this prairie paradise.
Lake Scott State Park accommodates a variety of camping styles, including primitive, RV, tent, and group camping. Cabins are also available for those seeking more comfort.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 consecutive days, with a 14-day extension available upon approval from the park manager.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Lake Scott State Park offers a diverse range of recreational activities including hiking, biking, fishing, wildlife observation, and swimming. The park's natural beauty and historical significance make it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts. A spring-fed lake adds opportunities for water sports such as kayaking and canoeing.
HikingThe park features multiple hiking trails, including a 6.5-mile trail and other shorter options. Trails are described as moderate in difficulty with scenic views of the lake, rock formations, and wildlife. "We enjoyed hiking the hills, especially at sunrise and sunset," one user noted.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at the park, with opportunities to catch trout, catfish, bass, bluegill, and carp. "Fishing for trout, catfish, bass, bluegill or carp and you’ll leave successful," commented a reviewer.
SwimmingSwimming is allowed in designated areas, including a small beach. The beach is equipped with a nearby playground and a beachhouse that offers rentals. However, some reviews mention the presence of goose droppings, which detracts from the experience.
BikingThe park offers mountain biking trails suitable for all skill levels. One visitor shared, "The biking/hiking/horse trails are THE BEST."
BoatingBoating is permitted on the no-wake lake, making it ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. Paddleboards and canoes can be rented for $15 per hour.
Wildlife viewingWildlife observation is a highlight, with opportunities to see wild turkeys, deer, beavers, and a variety of birds. "We even saw a muskrat busy at the lake's edge," noted one reviewer.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal fire bans due to extreme dryness. Wildlife includes deer, possums, wild turkeys, and potentially dangerous encounters with geese (goose poop near swimming areas mentioned in reviews).
Active AlertsSeasonal fire bans and occasional closures due to facility updates.

Weather at Historic Lake Scott State Park

Reviews

4.1
90 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Historic Lake Scott State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed but generally positive about the park's natural beauty, range of activities, and historical significance. Common criticisms include maintenance issues with restrooms and limited facilities in certain areas.
Review Summaries
Based on 90 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praised the park's scenic beauty, historical significance, and variety of recreational activities. Highlights include the clean lake, well-maintained trails, and the friendly and helpful...
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Based on 90 reviews

Common Concerns

Key complaints include the lack of restroom facilities in some campgrounds, cleanliness issues during busy weekends, and limited enforcement of quiet hours.
Based on 90 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend visiting during weekdays for a quieter experience, bringing your own fire ring for RV camping, and exploring the historical sites and trails.
Based on 90 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are popular for their milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be busy, leading to maintenance challenges. Winter sees lower foot traffic, though the park remains open...
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Based on 90 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This park is on the smaller side and is more geared towards tents in the sense that there are a lot more tent sites than RV sites." - Kyle Wieder "Quiet and beautiful park. We enjoyed hiking the...
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Based on 90 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 42 in the Circle Loop is highly recommended for its proximity to the lake, beach, and playgrounds. Some visitors highlight Elm Grove for its tranquility.
Based on 90 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is mixed, with some frustrations about restroom availability and convenience for those with mobility challenges.
Based on 90 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be restrained. They are not permitted on swimming beaches or in public buildings. One reviewer noted issues with pet-friendly facilities being limited.
Based on 90 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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