Overlook Park
Campground · Kansas · 2 bookable sites ·
Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers
Clinton Recreation Area (Recreation Area) · Open Access
- 2
- Bookable sites
- up to 100
- People per site
- 983 ft
- Elevation
Overview
This day-use picnic area, located just north of Clinton Lake in the hills of Kansas, is the perfect spot for a party or family gathering.Recreation
A horseshoe pit, tetherball pole, sand volleyball court, softball field and playground are all provided at Overlook Park.
Clinton Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing, jet skiing, swimming and countless other water sports, making it the main attraction to area.
The lake's fish and wildlife resources provide sightseers, fishermen, and hunters ample opportunities for their sports, and Clinton Lake is well-stocked with crappie, walleye, channel catfish and white bass.
Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey and other wildlife in abundance at Clinton Lake.
Four trail systems are located around Clinton Lake, including the North Shore, South Shore, Smokehouse and the George Latham Trails. All offer hiking, biking and equestrian opportunities within a 20 minute drive. The North Shore trailhead is in Overlook Park.
Facilities
Overlook Park has two picnic shelters available for up to 100 guests. Flush toilets and drinking water are available for visitors' convenience.Natural Features
Congress authorized Clinton Lake in 1962, and the finished reservoir was filled in 1980. While the Dam and Reservoir were originally built for flood control, the area has now become a recreational oasis for millions of visitors to enjoy the beautiful green Kansas backdrop.Clinton Lake's beautiful setting of steep bluffs, wooded shoreline and clear water is unequaled among Kansas lakes. Shoreline development has been limited in an effort to preserve as much of the natural setting as possible.
Clinton spans 8 miles up the Wakarusa Valley and covers 7,000 surface acres. If the lake ever approaches the top of its flood pool, an additional 5,800 acres will be covered, extending the area to 13 miles along the valley floor.
Nearby Attractions
The Visitor Center, located on the northwest side of the dam, just down the road from Overlook Park, has several informative displays covering topics such as the history of the area, reasons for the dam and the wildlife in the area. The Clinton Lake Museum, located within the Bloomington East Park, has information on the history of the region and the Underground Railroad. The city of Lawrence is just a few miles away.
The facts
- 2 bookable sites
- 2 sites for day use only
- Up to 100 people per site
- Loops: GROUP SITES
Site types
- 2 Group Shelter Electric
Amenities
- Electric hookups
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Grills
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: water hookups, sewer hookups, campfires allowed.
2 campsites at Overlook Park
Check-in 9:00 AM · Check-out 10:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | GROUP SITES | Group Shelter Electric | Back In | — | — | 100 | 🐾 |
| 002 | GROUP SITES | Group Shelter Electric | Back In | — | — | 100 | 🐾 |
Getting there
From Lawrence, Kansas, 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.
38.94133, -95.34035 · 38°56'28.8"N 95°20'25.3"W
Typical weather
Typically 88°F in Jul, down to 38°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 38 | 44 | 55 | 65 | 74 | 83 | 88 | 87 | 79 | 67 | 53 | 42 |
| Low °F | 18 | 23 | 33 | 43 | 54 | 64 | 68 | 66 | 57 | 45 | 33 | 23 |
| Precip in | 0.8 | 1.3 | 2.0 | 3.9 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 3.8 | 4.6 | 4.0 | 3.3 | 1.9 | 1.5 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 0.1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Overlook Park
- Can you reserve a site at Overlook Park?
- Yes, Overlook Park is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Overlook Park have?
- 2 sites.
- Are pets allowed at Overlook Park?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Overlook Park.
- Does Overlook Park have hookups?
- Electric.
Camping near Overlook Park
- Bloomington East 3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Bloomington West 3.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Rockhaven Park Campground and Equestrian Area 3.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Perry 13 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Rock Creek (KS) 13.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Slough Creek 14.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Longview 17.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Old Town 20.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Wolf Creek (KS) 22 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Michigan Valley 22.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Outlet (Pomona Lake) 23.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Carbolyn Park 25.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Contact
- Phone 785-843-7665
- Email clinton@usace.army.mil
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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