How much does camping cost at Tuttle Creek Cove?

Camping fees at Tuttle Creek Cove are $24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Tuttle Creek Cove first-come first-served or reservation?

Tuttle Creek Cove 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 Tuttle Creek Cove before I book?

Yes! Tuttle Creek Cove has 5 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 Tuttle Creek Cove?

Tuttle Creek Cove is open April 15 to October 31. 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 Tuttle Creek Cove?

Yes, Tuttle Creek Cove has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Tuttle Creek Cove?

Cell phone service at Tuttle Creek Cove is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Tuttle Creek Cove have?

Tuttle Creek Cove has 39 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Tuttle Creek Cove?

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

What amenities are available at Tuttle Creek Cove?

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

Tuttle Creek Cove

Q: Can I have a campfire at Tuttle Creek Cove?

Fire policies at Tuttle Creek Cove: Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.49

206 reviews

6040 Tuttle Cove Road, Manhattan, KS 66503, USA

Top 23% in KSFall

BReport Card

Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Group Camping Kansas Beach Camping Kansas Fall Camping Kansas +8 more

Quick Facts

1,214 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

39 campsites

Season

Season opens April 1...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,214 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

39 campsites

Season

Season opens April 1...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Tuttle Creek Cove

$24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

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Provider

(785)539-6523

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

6040 Tuttle Cove Road, Manhattan, KS 66503, USA

Tuttle Creek Cove

6040 Tuttle Cove Road, Manhattan, KS 66503, USA

Nearby places

Manhattan (approximately 8 miles, 15 minutes drive). Other nearby population centers include Junction City and Wamego.

Weather at Tuttle Creek Cove

Current alerts(6)

Additional campground specific rules and regulations can be found on campground map. Tuttle Cove Rules and Regulations
Campground is subject Title 36 regulation enforcement. Visit Title 36 to view the regulations.
Entrance gates are closed from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. nightly
Road Work- Kansas Department of Transportation will be constructing two roundabouts on U.S 24 near Tuttle Creek Lake this summer. Allow extra time to your travel schedule and be prepared for detours and possible minor traffic delays.

Best Time to Camp at Tuttle Creek Cove

Best season: fall. Visit in fall for mild, comfortable weather and the best views of the Flint Hills as prairie grasses and oaks turn warm gold and rust; daytime highs are typically in the 60s–70s°F with crisp nights in the 40s–50s°F. Lake levels are usually stable, making boating, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing excellent, while visitor numbers taper off from summer weekend peaks. Cooler temperatures also make biking and long hikes more pleasant and increase chances of seeing migrating waterfowl and whitet- Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in KS

Best season per overview: mild temps, peak Flint Hills color and very positive fall reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens April 15 and closes October 31. Reservations are available starting June 21.

About Tuttle Creek Cove

Tuttle Creek Cove sits on the shores of Tuttle Creek Lake in the Flint Hills near Manhattan, Kansas. Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this mid-sized campground offers electric and water hookups alongside tent sites, with access to fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Guests praise the spacious sites and scenic lake views, though the terrain is hilly and some sites require leveling.

Tuttle Creek Cove Campground accommodates various camping styles, including RVs and tents. It does not have glamping or cabin lodging options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Visit in fall for mild, comfortable weather and the best views of the Flint Hills as prairie grasses and oaks turn warm gold and rust; daytime highs are typically in the 60s–70s°F with crisp nights in the 40s–50s°F. Lake levels are usually stable, making boating, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing excellent, while visitor numbers taper off from summer weekend peaks. Cooler temperatures also make biking and long hikes more pleasant and increase chances of seeing migrating waterfowl and whitet- Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1214 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryEvery site faces the lake, framed by the limestone bluffs and rolling grassland of the Flint Hills. Reviewers consistently mention the views. Bald eagles hunt above the water, white-tailed deer graze near the campsites at dawn, and wild turkeys call from the ridges. The Flint Hills' signature flat-topped hills and exposed limestone create a landscape that shifts with the light throughout the day. This is one of the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems in North America.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations like cabins or lodges are available; the campground focuses on traditional camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information on cultural or educational programs was found in authoritative or user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 nights per visit.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website or app.

AccessibilityTerrain between campsites and shower buildings is steep and does not meet accessibility standards, according to official notes and user feedback.

Site SizeWide, long, flat gravel pads that are neatly groomed. However, some sites are narrow, requiring leveling blocks for vehicles.

PrivacyCampsites are generally spacious and offer privacy, but some areas have close proximity to neighbors. 'Sites are close together but the size of the sites makes that a potential non-issue.

Total Campsites39 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites away from the water to avoid wind. Site-leveling blocks may be required for uneven terrain.

Best CampsitesSite 36 offers excellent lake views and is one of the largest in the campground. Reviews don't specify other standout sites by number, but all sites face the water.

Need help booking Tuttle Creek Cove?

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

Tuttle Creek Cove Campground offers various amenities, combining modern facilities with natural charm. The campground has 39 compact campsites set along the lakeshore of Tuttle Creek Lake. Features include showers, flush toilets, water hookups, and electricity hookups (50 amp). There are also playgrounds and a boat ramp, making it appealing for families and boating enthusiasts. However, some reviews noted that the vault toilets are not convenient for tent campers, as users have to drive to the modern facilities.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Tuttle Creek Cove

Tuttle Creek Cove Campground offers a wide range of activities, mostly centered around outdoor recreation. These include boating, fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Some unique offerings include canoe, kayak, and paddleboat rentals at the nearby state park.

Hiking4.0/5

Near Blue River Trail (1-mile loop) with excellent wildlife/views; trails accessible all seasons.

Fishing4.0/5

Lake offers crappie, walleye, channel catfish and direct lake access; fishing called out in overview.

Biking4.0/5Top 13% in Kansas

Miles of biking trails around Tuttle Creek Lake; diverse terrain suitable for riders.

Boating4.0/5

Boating highlighted: lake access, River Pond and canoe/kayak/paddleboat rentals noted.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Canoe/kayak rentals and calm lake/River Pond areas called out for paddlers.

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5Rural Flint Hills, peaceful nights implied; no direct stargazing mentions.

Photography4.0/5Lake-facing sites, limestone bluffs, wildlife and Flint Hills vistas make strong photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly described in authoritative or user reviews, but trash bags were noted to have been provided in earlier visits.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is available but varies by provider. Reviews mention different internet speeds: Verizon (13.88/20.74 Mbps), AT&T (4.41/2.06 Mbps), and T-Mobile (2.44/0.14 Mbps).

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

Rate Tuttle Creek Cove

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From Booking Sources

4.5

206 reviews

Recommended

Tuttle Creek Cove is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Tuttle Creek Cove Campground receives mixed reviews. It is often praised for its cleanliness, beautiful lake views, and spacious campsites. However, issues such as unlevel sites, bugs, inconsistent host presence, and restricted swimming are common complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 206 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 206 reviews.

Site 36Loved
Site 36 is noted for its excellent lake views and spacious size.
Site 30Mentioned
Site 30 features direct lakefront views from the front window of an RV.
Site 23Mentioned
Site 23 is scenic but has a slope, making leveling difficult.

What Campers Love

Guests appreciate the peaceful environment, scenic views, spacious campsites, and clean facilities. Some reviews emphasized the friendly and helpful camp hosts and the value provided by the...

Based on 206 reviews

Common Concerns

The most frequent complaints include unlevel sites requiring leveling blocks, bugs (including spiders in restrooms), inconsistent presence of camp hosts, and the permanent closure of the swimming...

Based on 206 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend using GPS coordinates for better navigation, preparing for unlevel sites with leveling blocks, and avoiding tent camping due to vault toilet issues. 'More photos or descriptions of...

Based on 206 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest quieter stays during weekdays and after Labor Day. Summer visits often highlight issues with bugs and lack of shade, while fall visits emphasize peacefulness and cooler weather as...

Based on 206 reviews

Camper Quotes

'It has a majestic view during the moon rise!' 'Very clean, great lake location, peaceful and quiet.' 'Vault bathrooms are clean and well stocked, but modern facilities require driving.'

Based on 206 reviews

Accessibility Features

Terrain is steep, and accessibility for those with disabilities may be challenging. 'The roads are very hilly and steep in places.'

Based on 206 reviews

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Tuttle Creek Cove

$24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(785)539-6523

Go if

You want scenic Flint Hills lake access with electric hookups and don't mind hilly terrain or evening gate hours.

Skip if

You need level sites, 24-hour gate access, or guaranteed camp host availability.

Nearby Campgrounds

4800 Stockdale Park Road

Stockdale sits on the shores of Tuttle Creek Lake near Manhattan, Kansas, offering budget-friendly tent and RV camping in the Flint Hills foothills. Operated by Recreation.gov during peak summer months, the campground provides electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station alongside spacious sites overlooking the reservoir. Campers fish, boat, hike, and watch wildlife across the tallgrass prairie landscape.

Tuttle Creek Cove

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Tuttle Creek Cove

Campground Map

Weather at Tuttle Creek Cove

Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Tuttle Creek Cove

Planning Tips

About Tuttle Creek Cove

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Tuttle Creek Cove?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Tuttle Creek Cove

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

How campers graded it

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Directions

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Tuttle Creek Cove

Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Tuttle Creek Cove

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Tuttle Creek Cove?

Amenities available

Things to do at Tuttle Creek Cove

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns