🌤 Weather at Cedar Bluff State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29–76 °F | 61–92 °F | 28–82 °F | 17–47 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Cedar Bluff Dam, 3 mi away, elevation 2,135 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🌅 Dramatic Chalk Bluffs Over a High Plains Reservoir — Walleye, Wiper, and Wide-Open Kansas Skies — A two-area state park on 6,000-acre Cedar Bluff Reservoir with dramatic chalk bluff formations, walleye and wiper fishing, swimming beach, camping, and sweeping High Plains panoramas — Trego County, Kansas
Cedar Bluff State Park occupies both shores of the 6,000-acre Cedar Bluff Reservoir in western Kansas — a High Plains oasis backed by dramatic chalk bluff formations that glow orange at sunset. The park is split into two areas: the Bluffton Area (south shore, developed camping and beach) and the Page Creek Area (north shore, more rustic with excellent bluff views).
The reservoir is stocked with walleye, wiper (hybrid striped bass), largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish — making it a premier fishing destination in western Kansas. The surrounding landscape is classic High Plains: wide-open grassland, dramatic skies, and the kind of silence you can only find far from any city.
What to Do
| Activity | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fishing | 6,000-acre reservoir | Walleye, wiper, bass, crappie, catfish |
| Swimming | Bluffton Area beach | Sandy, designated swim area |
| Camping | Multiple campgrounds | Full hookup + primitive sites |
| Boating | Multiple boat ramps | Water skiing allowed |
| Bluff Views | Page Creek + Bluffton | Chalk formations, sunset photography |
| Hunting | Surrounding wildlife areas | Pheasant, quail, deer |
| Stargazing | Zero light pollution | Some of darkest skies in Kansas |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | 48–72°F | Walleye fishing, wildflowers, comfortable |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 48–72°F | Wiper fishing, hunting, golden bluffs |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 78–98°F | Swimming, water skiing, camping |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 18–42°F | Ice fishing, stargazing |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Entry | $5/day | KS daily vehicle permit |
| Annual Pass | $25/year | All KS state parks |
| Campsite | $10–$22/night | Primitive to full hookup |
| Fishing Weekend | $25–$44 | Campsite + reservoir + chalk bluffs |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the chalk bluffs?
Exposed Niobrara chalk formations rising above the reservoir — remnants of an ancient inland sea. They glow orange and gold at sunset, creating one of the most photogenic landscapes in Kansas.
Which area should I camp in?
Bluffton Area (south shore) has the most developed facilities — beach, hookups, and restrooms. Page Creek Area (north shore) is more rustic but offers the best bluff views and quieter camping.
Is the fishing really good?
Yes. Cedar Bluff Reservoir is a top walleye and wiper destination in western Kansas, regularly producing trophy-sized fish. Crappie and catfish round out the options.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Webster State Park is elsewhere in the state, and Lake Scott State Park is elsewhere in the state.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Kansas state parks online at reserveamerica.com.
🌅 High Plains Chalk Bluffs
6,000-acre reservoir beneath dramatic chalk formations — walleye, wiper, dark skies, and classic Kansas panoramas.
⛺ Camping at Cedar Bluff State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Bluffton Area (north shore, developed, reservable): descriptive text states 96 utility campsites; the park's Areas data lists 16 water/sewer/electric sites plus 87 water/electric sites (103), plus about 250 primitive/undesignated sites and picnic areas. Two large shower houses and two dump stations. Page Creek Area (south shore, primitive-focused, not reservable): descriptive text states 36 utility campsites; Areas data lists 37 water/electric sites plus about 243 primitive sites. One community shelter, two dump stations, two shower houses, two vault toilets. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | Six cabins. Rustic: Whitetail Ridge and The Trapper's Lodge (two-bedroom, twin-over-full bunkbeds, electricity, AC/heat, table and chairs, small refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave; outside charcoal grill, picnic table, fire ring). The Upland (one-bedroom rustic, sleeps up to 5, full-over-full bunkbed plus twin Murphy bed, small counter, microwave, coffee maker, small refrigerator, deck, ADA accessible, near a year-round showerhouse). Modern: The Flyway and Gobbler's Roost (two-bedroom, sleep up to 6, kitchenette with electric range, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, bathroom with shower). Jumpin' Catfish (one-bedroom modern, two double beds, bar-style table, front porch). No linens/bedding provided; no TV, internet or phone. |
| Pets | Statewide KDWP rule applies: pets must be restrained by a camper, cage, hand-held leash, or tethered chain no longer than 10 feet, and are not allowed on swimming beaches or in buildings. |
| Reservations | Book online via KSOutdoors.com/CampItKS.gov or ReserveAmerica.com, by phone, or at the park office, (785) 726-3212. Bluffton utility sites and all cabins are reservable; Page Creek sites are first-come, first-served. Campsite reservations open online April 1-Sep 30 (book at least 2 days ahead; booking window opens mid-December for the following year); Oct 1-Mar 31 sites are first-come, first-served only. Cabins can be booked up to 364 days ahead. A separate state park vehicle permit is required ($5/day or $25/year; discounted senior/disability rates available). Cancellation: campsites forfeit the reservation fee plus $5 within 3-14 days of arrival (full forfeiture inside 2 days); cabins forfeit the reservation fee plus $5 within 5-29 days (full forfeiture inside 4 days). |
| Special sites | Reservable group utility campground at Bluffton. Two boat ramp facilities in each area. Covered, handicap-accessible fishing dock at Bluffton. BMX track, sand volleyball, horseshoes, shore-side basketball, swim beach at Bluffton. Archery range in the park. |
Camping questions about Cedar Bluff State Park
Can you camp at Cedar Bluff State Park?
Bluffton Area (north shore, developed, reservable): descriptive text states 96 utility campsites; the park's Areas data lists 16 water/sewer/electric sites plus 87 water/electric sites (103), plus about 250 primitive/undesignated sites and picnic areas. Two large shower houses and two dump stations. Page Creek Area (south shore, primitive-focused, not reservable): descriptive text states 36 utility campsites; Areas data lists 37 water/electric sites plus about 243 primitive sites. One community shelter, two dump stations, two shower houses, two vault toilets.
How do you reserve a campsite at Cedar Bluff State Park?
Book online via KSOutdoors.com/CampItKS.gov or ReserveAmerica.com, by phone, or at the park office, (785) 726-3212. Bluffton utility sites and all cabins are reservable; Page Creek sites are first-come, first-served. Campsite reservations open online April 1-Sep 30 (book at least 2 days ahead; booking window opens mid-December for the following year); Oct 1-Mar 31 sites are first-come, first-served only. Cabins can be booked up to 364 days ahead. A separate state park vehicle permit is required ($5/day or $25/year; discounted senior/disability rates available). Cancellation: campsites forfeit the reservation fee plus $5 within 3-14 days of arrival (full forfeiture inside 2 days); cabins forfeit the reservation fee plus $5 within 5-29 days (full forfeiture inside 4 days).
Are there cabins at Cedar Bluff State Park?
Six cabins. Rustic: Whitetail Ridge and The Trapper's Lodge (two-bedroom, twin-over-full bunkbeds, electricity, AC/heat, table and chairs, small refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave; outside charcoal grill, picnic table, fire ring). The Upland (one-bedroom rustic, sleeps up to 5, full-over-full bunkbed plus twin Murphy bed, small counter, microwave, coffee maker, small refrigerator, deck, ADA accessible, near a year-round showerhouse). Modern: The Flyway and Gobbler's Roost (two-bedroom, sleep up to 6, kitchenette with electric range, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, bathroom with shower). Jumpin' Catfish (one-bedroom modern, two double beds, bar-style table, front porch). No linens/bedding provided; no TV, internet or phone.
Are pets allowed at the Cedar Bluff State Park campground?
Statewide KDWP rule applies: pets must be restrained by a camper, cage, hand-held leash, or tethered chain no longer than 10 feet, and are not allowed on swimming beaches or in buildings.
Source: ksoutdoors.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Cedar Bluff State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Kansas state parks, including trails and campgrounds, but must always be restrained by a camper, cage, hand-held leash, or tether no longer than 10 feet.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Hand-held leash or tethered chain no longer than 10 feet (or confined in camper/cage)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed on swimming beaches or in buoyed swimming areas, or in public buildings
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed inside cabins except in designated pet-friendly cabins (e.g. at Lovewell, Eisenhower, El Dorado, Clinton) with a $50 pet fee; at other cabins pets must stay outside
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $50 pet fee for designated pet-friendly cabins
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Dogs participating in authorized activities (such as hunting) or assisting the visually or hearing impaired are exempt
Are dogs allowed at Cedar Bluff State Park?
Pets are allowed in Kansas state parks, including trails and campgrounds, but must always be restrained by a camper, cage, hand-held leash, or tether no longer than 10 feet. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via ksoutdoors.gov. More: Kansas state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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