Overlook Park

Star0.15
11 reviews
Overlook Park

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Season

Year-round

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Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

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Overlook Park
No fees available
Campsite Fees
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

0.15

Mixed Reviews

Based on 11 reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadelocationwater

"Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive about Overlook Park’s group shelters, praising the lake views, spacious layout, and suitability for large gatherings like picnics, BBQs, and parties. Most comments highlight the quality of the shelter structures and amenities, with only one review noting issues with pre-arrival cleanliness and overlapping reservations/management response."

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About Overlook Park

Perched along the northern shores of Clinton Lake, Overlook Park lives up to its name with sweeping water views and a wealth of day-use amenities perfect for creating family memories. Whether you're gathering under one of two picnic shelters, challenging friends to sand volleyball, or launching your lake adventure from the North Shore trailhead, this park transforms ordinary afternoons into cherished traditions.
Overlook Park is described as a day-use picnic area and party/family gathering site with two picnic shelters; the source does not describe camping accommodations.
Historical SignificanceClinton Lake's story began in 1962 when Congress authorized its creation, though it would take nearly two decades before the reservoir filled to life in 1980. Today, visitors can delve deeper into the region's rich past at two nearby locations: the Visitor Center perched on the northwest side of the dam, and the Clinton Lake Museum in Bloomington East Park, where exhibits reveal compelling chapters of local history, including the area's role in the Underground Railroad. These interpretive resources add meaningful context to your lake experience, connecting present-day recreation with the generations who shaped this landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryThe park's name tells no lies—dramatic vistas of Clinton Lake unfold before you, where steep bluffs draped in forest meet remarkably clear waters cradled within the ancient Wakarusa Valley. Spanning approximately 7,000 surface acres in normal conditions and expanding to nearly 13,000 acres at flood pool, this reservoir has maintained much of its wild character thanks to thoughtful development restrictions along its wooded shoreline. The result is a landscape that feels both pristine and accessible, where nature's original architecture remains largely undisturbed since the waters rose in 1980.
Geological RegionWakarusa Valley
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Campsite details

Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTwo picnic shelters accommodate groups of up to 100 guests; facilities include flush toilets and drinking water. Recreational features on-site include a horseshoe pit, tetherball, sand volleyball court, softball field and playground, and the North Shore trailhead is located in the park providing hiking, biking and equestrian access within a short drive.

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Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site
Picnic shelters available for up to 100 guests
Groups
Two picnic shelters are available for up to 100 guests and are suitable for parties or family gatherings.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutDay-use layout with two picnic shelters, flush toilets, drinking water, playground, horseshoe pit, tetherball pole, sand volleyball court and a softball field. North Shore trailhead located in the park.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets

Activities you can enjoy

A variety of day-use recreational opportunities on site and at nearby Clinton Lake, including picnic activities, field games, trails, and extensive water-based recreation.
Hiking
Four trail systems (North Shore, South Shore, Smokehouse and George Latham) are located around Clinton Lake and offer hiking; the North Shore trailhead is in Overlook Park. Trails are within a 20-minute drive.
Fishing
Clinton Lake is well-stocked with crappie, walleye, channel catfish and white bass, providing fishing opportunities for sightseers and anglers.
Swimming
Swimming is listed as one of the recreational opportunities available at Clinton Lake.
Biking
The four trail systems around Clinton Lake offer biking opportunities; trails are within a 20-minute drive and the North Shore trailhead is in Overlook Park.
Boating
Clinton Lake supports boating activities including canoeing and jet skiing and is described as the main attraction for water recreation.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is popular at Clinton Lake; species noted include bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese and wild turkey.
Cultural and Educational Programs
The Visitor Center (on the northwest side of the dam) has informative displays about the area's history and wildlife; the Clinton Lake Museum (in Bloomington East Park) provides regional history and Underground Railroad information.
Water Sports
Canoeing, jet skiing and other water sports are available on Clinton Lake.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards


Weather at Overlook Park

36
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 80%
Wind: 1.5 mph
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Good to know

Proximity to water featuresLocated just north of Clinton Lake with direct access to lake recreation (boating, fishing, swimming, canoeing, jet skiing).

Campground Map

Overlook Park
Driving directionsFrom Lawrence, take Clinton Parkway/23rd Street west to the end of the road. Make a right turn onto E900 Road followed by the first left turn onto N1402 Road. Continue approximately one-fourth mile to park.
Accessible from Lawrence via Clinton Parkway/23rd Street (Clinton Parkway), then E900 Road and N1402 Road.
Nearby places
Lawrence (a few miles)

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.2
11 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Overlook Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive about Overlook Park’s group shelters, praising the lake views, spacious layout, and suitability for large gatherings like picnics, BBQs, and parties. Most comments highlight the quality of the shelter structures and amenities, with only one review noting issues with pre-arrival cleanliness and overlapping reservations/management response.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Users love the beautiful lake view and shaded, breezy setting, describing it as a fantastic location for events. The shelters themselves are highly praised for being large, clean, and well-equipped,...
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Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

The main complaint is about site management rather than the facilities: one reviewer arrived to find another party still occupying their reserved shelter and was unable to reach staff, noting a lack...
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Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

One reviewer emphasizes bringing wagons or carts to haul items to the shelter house due to the very large space. Given the comment about a prior group still occupying the shelter at check-in, it may...
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Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Fantastic location. Great view of the lake, and amenities nearby." "Great place for our picnic of about 100 people. Everything we needed- the shelter, tables, fire pit and water on site." "VERY...
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Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001 (GROUP SITES) is frequently mentioned as a great group shelter with excellent lake views, suitable for large gatherings like graduation parties and picnics of around 100 people, and is noted...
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Based on 11 reviews

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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