🌤 Weather at Clinton State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33–74 °F | 64–88 °F | 33–79 °F | 18–44 °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 Clinton Lake, 3 mi away, elevation 980 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Clinton Lake reservoir with beach and mountain biking.
Highlights?
Clinton Lake reservoir with beach and mountain biking.
Location & Getting There
Clinton State Park is located in Kansas. The park’s coordinates are 38.9333, -95.4000. Check the park’s official website or your state parks app for detailed driving directions and GPS navigation tips.
Quick Facts
- Location: Kansas
- Coordinates: 38.9333, -95.4000
- Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
- Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)
Things to Do
Kansas state parks center largely around the state’s 24 federal reservoirs and lakes, offering outstanding water-based recreation in the heart of the Great Plains. Activities include boating, sailing, and water skiing on large prairie lakes, fishing for walleye, crappie, and striped bass, swimming at sandy reservoir beaches, camping under dramatic open skies, hiking through tallgrass prairie and limestone canyons, mountain biking developing trail networks, hunting (in season), and observing spectacular night skies with minimal light pollution.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) provide the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities. Summer (June–August) is peak season for lake recreation but brings intense Kansas heat (95°F+) and humidity. Fall is excellent for hiking and fishing as temperatures cool. Winter can be harsh with cold winds, but it offers solitude, eagle watching, and some of the lowest camping fees. Wildflower season on the Flint Hills prairies (April–May) is a must-see natural spectacle.
Visitor Tips
Kansas state parks require a vehicle permit ($5/day or $25/year for residents, $50 out-of-state). Camping reservations through the Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism website. Many Kansas parks are designed primarily around lake recreation — bring your own watercraft or rent from concession marinas. Shade can be limited at prairie parks, so bring sun protection. Wind is a constant factor — check forecasts before boating.
Explore More Kansas State Parks
Clinton State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Kansas. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Kansas guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Perry State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and Pomona State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
⛺ Camping at Clinton State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 368 sites — 368 total campsites: 102 sites with water and electricity (30amp/20amp plugs), 68 sites with water and electricity (50/30amp; 20amp plugs), 34 full-hookup sites (50/30/20amp plugs, water and sewer), and 164 primitive sites. Coneflower Campground: 99 primitive + 119 water/electric (reservable). Prairie Clover Campground: 65 primitive + 34 water/sewer/electric + 52 water/electric (reservable). Platform Tents area also available (reservable). |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 6 cabins that sleep 6, 1 cabin (Wakarusa River) that sleeps 8. Elk Creek Cabin is the only pet-friendly cabin. All cabins: air-conditioned and heated, couch, bathroom with shower, full kitchen, dining table, picnic table, grill, fire ring. Not provided: bath towels, bed linens (2 full/2 twin for one-bedroom cabins, 2 full/6 twin for the two-bedroom cabin), blankets and pillows, personal care items, utensils and cookware, spices/food/beverages, charcoal and campfire wood; no TV, internet or phone service. Canvas Cottages announced as coming soon. |
| Pets | Statewide KDWP rule: pets must be restrained by leash, chain or kennel no longer than 10 feet and are not allowed on swimming beaches or in buildings. Elk Creek Cabin is the only pet-friendly cabin at Clinton. |
| Reservations | 381 sites total (campsites, shelters, cabins) are available for reservation; the rest are first-come, first-served. Book via KSOutdoors.com/CampItKS.gov or ReserveAmerica.com, by phone, or at the park office, (785) 842-8562. Vehicle permit required separately. General KDWP cancellation policy applies. |
| Special sites | 6 reservable shelters; 25-mile hike/bike trail; 5-mile cross-country ski trail; archery range; 18-hole and 9-hole disc golf courses; swim beach; mountain bike skills course; 3-acre trout pond; 1-acre children's fishing pond; fish cleaning station. Fireworks are not allowed anywhere at Clinton State Park. |
Camping questions about Clinton State Park
Can you camp at Clinton State Park?
Yes. Clinton State Park has 368 campsites. 368 total campsites: 102 sites with water and electricity (30amp/20amp plugs), 68 sites with water and electricity (50/30amp; 20amp plugs), 34 full-hookup sites (50/30/20amp plugs, water and sewer), and 164 primitive sites. Coneflower Campground: 99 primitive + 119 water/electric (reservable). Prairie Clover Campground: 65 primitive + 34 water/sewer/electric + 52 water/electric (reservable). Platform Tents area also available (reservable).
How do you reserve a campsite at Clinton State Park?
381 sites total (campsites, shelters, cabins) are available for reservation; the rest are first-come, first-served. Book via KSOutdoors.com/CampItKS.gov or ReserveAmerica.com, by phone, or at the park office, (785) 842-8562. Vehicle permit required separately. General KDWP cancellation policy applies.
Are there cabins at Clinton State Park?
6 cabins that sleep 6, 1 cabin (Wakarusa River) that sleeps 8. Elk Creek Cabin is the only pet-friendly cabin. All cabins: air-conditioned and heated, couch, bathroom with shower, full kitchen, dining table, picnic table, grill, fire ring. Not provided: bath towels, bed linens (2 full/2 twin for one-bedroom cabins, 2 full/6 twin for the two-bedroom cabin), blankets and pillows, personal care items, utensils and cookware, spices/food/beverages, charcoal and campfire wood; no TV, internet or phone service. Canvas Cottages announced as coming soon.
Are pets allowed at the Clinton State Park campground?
Statewide KDWP rule: pets must be restrained by leash, chain or kennel no longer than 10 feet and are not allowed on swimming beaches or in buildings. Elk Creek Cabin is the only pet-friendly cabin at Clinton.
Source: ksoutdoors.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Clinton 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 Clinton 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
Park Location
Plan your gear for Clinton State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
