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Minooka Park Campground is located on the south side of Wilson Lake in the wide open spaces of central Kansas.
Named for the Otoe Indian word meaning "Good Earth," this park offers many campsites with scenic lake views and excellent shoreline access.
Boating is the most popular pastime on the lake, with plenty of room for water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, sailing and more.
The high salinity content of the Saline River makes drinking and irrigation difficult without special treatment, but it aids the stocking of ocean-native Striped Bass, which have been known to reach enormous sizes in Wilson Lake.
This and many other game fish species have been enhanced by a stocking program conducted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Walleye, Large and Smallmouth bass can be found in abundance in the lake, as well as White bass, Striped bass, and channel and flathead catfish.
Several trails are also available to visitors, including the Prairie Fire Trail, a self-guided interpretive trail. Wilson Lake also offers hunting opportunities for a variety of game animals, including pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, whitetail deer, turkey, waterfowl and rabbit.
Minooka Park Campground offers 159 reservable modern campsites, along with 12-site group camp area and a large group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 50 guests.
Campsites offer sweeping views of the lake and access to hiking trails and a boat ramp. A sand volleyball court, playground and swimming beach make the area perfect for families.
Wilson lake, known as the "clearest lake in Kansas," is located in the Smoky Hills of North Central Kansas--a rolling landscape of hills, buttes and hazy valleys.
Also known as Post Rock Country, the area contains thousands of miles of stone fenceposts and buildings that have been constructed out of the area's local limestone.
This and other unique geologic formations and mixed grass prairie lands provide an excellent scenic backdrop for recreation around the lake.
Visitors may want to explore other nearby recreation areas including Lucas and Sylvan Parks, as well as Wilson State Park, located on the south side of the lake.
The nearby town of Lucas is known for its unique artistic spirit and attractions, while the town of Wilson and other nearby communities offer visitors a rich historical heritage to explore.
From Interstate 70, north of Wilson, Kansas, take exit 199 and turn north on Dorrance Road. Continue for 7 miles and follow signs to the campground.
Hidden gem at Wilson Lake in Kansas. Great for fishing, boating and camping enthusiasts.
Minooka Park campground is an Army Corps of Engineers recreation area north of Dorrance, KS on Wilson Lake. Camp sites at the campground are well maintained, with some offering electric and water. A large restroom/shower facility is located between Loops C & D; vault toilets are located near Loops A & B, D & F and E & F.
This is a really nice place to stop along I70, but I could make it a destination too. I camped here with my family during the week, so it was very quiet and we had only a few neighbors in our loop. There is not a dedicated tent pad, but we found a spot easily enough. The picnic tables all looked to be in great condition, either old and well maintained or recently replaced. The bathrooms were clean but super buggy, though that’s probably just the time of year. Shower was nice with good pressure and decent temp (even if it got a bit hot at the end). There’s a nice playground in the middle of D loop. Overall it looks like this campground is well taken care of, not too much trash, and it has great views of the lake.
A group of 5 of us stayed at this campground on our road trip and it is such a great place. We only tent camped so a non electric hook-up was free for the night we stayed. There is potable water everywhere, and the campground is so clearly marked. We arrived after dark and had no issue. It is also really pretty. My only complaint is I was told it was the clearest lake in Kansas, but when we jumped in the lake in the morning, it was not very clear. Otherwise, such a nice camp
