Wilson State Park

3.94

11 reviews

# 3 State Park Road, Sylvan Grove , Kansas, 67481, United States

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,621 ft

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,621 ft

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Wilson State Park

$15.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees vary depending on the type of site and amenities. Vehicle, camping, and utility permits are required year-round. Additional costs for...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

3.94

Mixed Reviews

Based on 11 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

"User reviews are sparse but positive. One user described the park as 'beautiful and clean' and recommended it to anyone who loves camping."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

# 3 State Park Road, Sylvan Grove , Kansas, 67481, United States

Wilson State Park

# 3 State Park Road, Sylvan Grove , Kansas, 67481, United States

Driving directionsWilson is located 60 miles East of Hays and 55 miles West of Salina on I- 70. Take exit 206 North on I-70 and follow 232 North for 7 miles then West on Shoreline Rd. Cross Hell Creek Bridge, turn at the first right and follow the road to Wilson State Park Office.

The campground is easily accessible year-round via major paved roads. It is located 60 miles east of Hays and 55 miles west of Salina on Interstate 70. Exit 206 leads directly to Highway 232 and Shoreline Road, providing a well-maintained route to the park.

Nearby places

Hays (60 miles, approximately 1 hour), Salina (55 miles, approximately 1 hour), Sylvan Grove (2 miles, approximately 5 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Nearest supplies, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel, can be found in Sylvan Grove, which is approximately a 5-minute drive from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Wilson State Park

Experience the dramatic sweep of Kansas seasons at Wilson State Park, where each time of year paints the landscape in new colors. Winter transforms the reservoir into a serene, frost-kissed wonderland, with crisp temperatures dipping to around 24°F—perfect for peaceful solitude and wildlife watching. Summer brings the sizzle, with temperatures soaring to 93°F, turning the reservoir into a water lover's paradise. But savvy campers know the secret: spring and fall deliver pure magic, with comfortable temperatures, wildflower blooms or autumn colors, and ideal conditions for exploring every corner of this diverse park.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Boating, swimming and rentals make summer a peak recreational season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Kansas seasons change the landscape; fall likely scenic though specifics lacking.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring should suit hiking and early boating; no seasonal review trends provided.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Park open year-round and winter scenery noted; limited winter-activity offerings.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No explicit dates for peak seasons provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The park is open year-round.

About Wilson State Park

Discover Wilson State Park, where Kansas' rugged beauty meets endless water recreation on the stunning shores of Wilson Reservoir. This premier outdoor destination beckons adventurers to explore its two distinct areas: the dramatically named Hell Creek and the historic Otoe section. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, carving through crystal waters on skis, or hiking limestone-studded trails as the prairie wind whispers through native grasses, Wilson State Park offers an authentic Kansas outdoor experience. Choose your adventure level with accommodations ranging from full-service campsites to secluded primitive spots where the stars shine brightest.

Wilson State Park offers a variety of camping options, including improved campsites, primitive camping, and cabins. Group-specific details or glamping accommodations are not mentioned.

Historical SignificanceWhile the written history of Wilson State Park may be recent, the land holds stories etched in limestone and whispered by prairie winds. The park's Otoe area hints at the Native American heritage that once defined these plains, inviting visitors to connect with the timeless spirit of the Kansas landscape.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic sweep of Kansas seasons at Wilson State Park, where each time of year paints the landscape in new colors. Winter transforms the reservoir into a serene, frost-kissed wonderland, with crisp temperatures dipping to around 24°F—perfect for peaceful solitude and wildlife watching. Summer brings the sizzle, with temperatures soaring to 93°F, turning the reservoir into a water lover's paradise. But savvy campers know the secret: spring and fall deliver pure magic, with comfortable temperatures, wildflower blooms or autumn colors, and ideal conditions for exploring every corner of this diverse park.

ElevationThe park's varied terrain creates natural amphitheaters and scenic overlooks, with gentle rises and falls that reward hikers with panoramic views of Wilson Reservoir stretching to the horizon.

Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be captivated by Wilson State Park's striking landscape, where ancient limestone outcroppings rise like natural sculptures from the rolling prairie. These weathered formations frame spectacular views of Wilson Reservoir, its waters shifting from deep blue to molten gold with the changing light. The surrounding mixed-grass prairie comes alive with seasonal wildflowers, while hidden coves and rocky shorelines create intimate spaces for quiet reflection or exciting exploration.

Geological RegionSituated in Kansas' scenic Kaw Region, Wilson State Park showcases the state's surprising geological diversity. Here, millions of years of natural history are written in layers of limestone that punctuate the rolling plains. The south shore of Wilson Reservoir reveals a landscape where ancient seabeds meet prairie grasslands, creating a unique ecosystem where limestone bluffs, mixed-grass prairie, and expansive waters converge. This distinctive geology not only shapes the stunning scenery but also creates diverse habitats that make every visit a discovery.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

3:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Campers are limited to 14 consecutive days, with a possible 14-day extension upon written permission from the park manager.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific number mentioned for guests allowed per campsite.

Groups

Details about group camping sites are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is divided into two main areas: Hell Creek and Otoe. Specific layout details are not provided.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks official website or at park offices.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up/first-come-first-served availability is an option, but specific details about the number of sites or fill patterns are not mentioned.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not explicitly stated, but campers are advised to adhere to park rules and regulations.

AccessibilityInformation about accessibility features for individuals with disabilities is not provided in the source materials.

Site SizeSite sizes are not specified in the available information.

PrivacyThe level of privacy provided at campsites is not detailed in the source materials.

Recommended SitesNo site-specific recommendations are available.

Amenities available

Showers

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Laundry Facilities

Activities you can enjoy

Wilson State Park offers activities such as hiking, swimming, and access to trails suitable for mountain biking. Boating is supported with ramps and rentals available, making it a hotspot for water recreation. Fishing is allowed in designated areas, and there are opportunities for wildlife viewing.

HikingHiking trails are available within the state park, including trails suitable for mountain biking. Specific details about trail lengths or difficulty levels are not included.

FishingFishing is supported with designated areas and fish cleaning stations. Fishing is prohibited on boat ramps, docks, beaches, and swimming areas marked with buoys.

SwimmingSwimming is permitted in designated areas. Liquor and beer are prohibited on swimming beaches, and only shatterproof containers are allowed for other beverages.

BikingMountain biking trails are available within the park. No additional details about terrain or difficulty are provided.

BoatingBoating activities are supported with facilities like boat ramps and a marina. Boat rentals, including motorized options, are available.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are available, although specific species or recommended areas are not mentioned.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife interactions and water safety concerns. Swimming is restricted to designated areas, and fishing is prohibited at boat ramps and beaches.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed only in designated fire rings, grills, and fireplaces and must be fully extinguished before leaving.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are available in Sylvan Grove, just 2 miles away. This includes basic medical services and a small clinic.

Trash & RecyclingTrash containers are provided in some areas. Where containers are unavailable, park users must carry out their trash. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located adjacent to Wilson Reservoir, providing direct access to water-based recreational activities.

Camp HostCampground hosts are available on-site to assist with visitor needs.