🌤 Weather at Milford State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33–74 °F | 64–89 °F | 33–80 °F | 19–44 °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 Milford Lake, 1 mi away, elevation 1,213 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🎣 The Fishing Capital of Kansas — 15,700 Acres of Walleye, White Bass, and Wipers on the Biggest Lake in the State — Milford State Park on Milford Lake near Junction City, Kansas with 1,084-acre park, 15,700-acre reservoir (Kansas’s largest), walleye/crappie/white bass/wipers/catfish/smallmouth bass, 200+ campsites, cabins, full-service marina, swimming beach, 12+ miles trails (hike/bike/horse), Milford Nature Center, Milford Fish Hatchery, 19,000-acre Milford Wildlife Area, 160+ miles shoreline — Geary County, KS
Milford Lake is the largest lake in Kansas — 15,700 surface acres with over 160 miles of shoreline. Known as the “Fishing Capital of Kansas,” this reservoir has produced the state record smallmouth bass and hosts major fishing tournaments throughout the year.
The state park covers 1,084 acres on the southeast shore, offering 200+ campsites, a full-service marina, swimming beach, and 12 miles of multi-use trails. Surrounding the lake: the 19,000-acre Milford Wildlife Area, a nature center, and a working fish hatchery.
Fishing
| Species | Details |
|---|---|
| Walleye | Milford’s signature fish. Spring and fall best. Tournament-caliber population |
| Crappie | Excellent — particularly around brush piles and standing timber |
| White Bass | Spring run up the Republican River — fast action, large schools |
| Wipers | Hybrid striped bass — hard fighters. Summer surface feeding frenzies |
| Smallmouth Bass | State record came from Milford. Rocky points and rip-rap |
| Catfish | Blue and channel catfish — night fishing productive. Large fish possible |
Recreation & Facilities
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Camping | 200+ sites — primitive to full hookup. Modern cabin rentals |
| Marina | Full-service — gas, bait, supplies, pontoon rentals, food |
| Swimming | Sandy swimming beach with day-use area |
| Trails | 12+ miles — hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding |
| Nature Center | Milford Nature Center — exhibits on Kansas ecology, live animals |
| Fish Hatchery | Milford Fish Hatchery — tours available. See where Kansas stocks its lakes |
| Wildlife Area | 19,000-acre Milford WA — hunting, birding, wildlife viewing |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | 🎣 White bass run. Walleye active. Crappie spawn. Best fishing season |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Walleye feeding heavily. Cool camping. Fewer crowds |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Swimming beach, full marina, wiper surface action. Family camping |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Ice fishing possible. Eagle watching on the lake |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this really the biggest lake in Kansas?
Yes — Milford Lake is Kansas’s largest reservoir at 15,700 acres with 160+ miles of shoreline. It was created by damming the Republican River in 1967.
Why is it called the Fishing Capital of Kansas?
Milford consistently produces tournament-winning catches of walleye, crappie, white bass, and wipers. The state record smallmouth bass came from this lake.
Is there a marina?
Yes — full-service marina with fuel, bait, food, supplies, and pontoon boat rentals.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Tuttle Creek State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and Kaw River State Park is elsewhere in the state.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Kansas state parks online at reserveamerica.com.
🎣 The Biggest Lake in Kansas
15,700 acres. 160+ miles of shoreline. Walleye, wipers, and the state record smallmouth bass — the undisputed Fishing Capital of Kansas.
⛺ Camping at Milford State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 254 sites — Eight campgrounds with 60 sites offering three utilities (water/sewer/electric), 91 sites offering two utilities (water/electric), and 103 primitive sites. Breakdown by campground: Cedar Point 7 primitive + 34 water/electric (reservable); Eagle Ridge 20 water/sewer/electric (reservable); Hickory Hollow 30 water/sewer/electric (reservable); Lake View Shelter 4 water/electric (reservable); Prairie View 20 water/electric (not reservable); Rusty Windmill 2 water/sewer/electric (not reservable); Sunset Ridge Cabins & Campground 9 primitive + 1 water/sewer/electric (reservable); Walnut Grove 29 primitive (reservable); Woodland Hills 58 primitive + 1 water/sewer/electric + 29 water/electric (reservable). Note: campsites 201, 202, 206, 207, 209, 210, 218, 220, 401, 403, 405, 407, 409, 411, 413, 415 and 417 are back-in sites with hookups on the passenger side (opposite of typical back-in sites) - a longer cord/hose may be needed. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 10 modern cabins, reservable up to 364 days in advance. Big Oak and Honey Locust: sleep 4, stall shower, kitchenette (cooktop stove, microwave, small refrigerator), bunkbed and futon; closed during winter months (Oct-April). Red Cedar: ADA accessible, sleeps 2, same kitchenette, also closed Oct-April. Crabapple, Sumac, Appaloosa, Morgan, Mustang, Palomino, Pinto: sleep 6, bathroom with stall shower, kitchen (stove, microwave, full-size refrigerator), table and chairs; open year-round. Each cabin has an adjacent covered shelter with picnic tables, bench, charcoal grill and fire ring. Bed linens, towels and kitchenware not provided. |
| 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. $50 pet fee required for the Big Oak and Pinto cabins when bringing a pet; no pets allowed in any of the other cabins. |
| Reservations | Book online at www.reserveamerica.com, www.campitks.gov, the Camp It KS app, or through the park office, (785) 238-3014. All vehicles, including guests, must have a daily or annual State Park Vehicle permit. Cabin cancellation: 0-4 days before arrival = no refund; 5-29 days = loss of reservation fee, one night's stay fee, and a $5 cancellation fee; 30+ days = loss of reservation fee plus $5 fee. $5 change fee for reschedules/date changes/shortened stays. |
| Special sites | Equestrian facilities; splash park; over 12 miles of trails; day-use shelters; group camping areas; 3 boat ramps with courtesy docks; 2 fish cleaning stations; 2 dump stations; full-service marina; ADA fishing dock with kayak launch. The Walnut Grove Boat Ramp is temporarily closed due to holes in the concrete launch lanes. |
| Season notes | Big Oak, Honey Locust and Red Cedar cabins close during the winter months (October-April); the other seven cabins operate year-round. |
Camping questions about Milford State Park
Can you camp at Milford State Park?
Yes. Milford State Park has 254 campsites. Eight campgrounds with 60 sites offering three utilities (water/sewer/electric), 91 sites offering two utilities (water/electric), and 103 primitive sites. Breakdown by campground: Cedar Point 7 primitive + 34 water/electric (reservable); Eagle Ridge 20 water/sewer/electric (reservable); Hickory Hollow 30 water/sewer/electric (reservable); Lake View Shelter 4 water/electric (reservable); Prairie View 20 water/electric (not reservable); Rusty Windmill 2 water/sewer/electric (not reservable); Sunset Ridge Cabins & Campground 9 primitive + 1 water/sewer/electric (reservable); Walnut Grove 29 primitive (reservable); Woodland Hills 58 primitive + 1 water/sewer/electric + 29 water/electric (reservable). Note: campsites 201, 202, 206, 207, 209, 210, 218, 220, 401, 403, 405, 407, 409, 411, 413, 415 and 417 are back-in sites with hookups on the passenger side (opposite of typical back-in sites) - a longer cord/hose may be needed.
How do you reserve a campsite at Milford State Park?
Book online at www.reserveamerica.com, www.campitks.gov, the Camp It KS app, or through the park office, (785) 238-3014. All vehicles, including guests, must have a daily or annual State Park Vehicle permit. Cabin cancellation: 0-4 days before arrival = no refund; 5-29 days = loss of reservation fee, one night's stay fee, and a $5 cancellation fee; 30+ days = loss of reservation fee plus $5 fee. $5 change fee for reschedules/date changes/shortened stays.
Are there cabins at Milford State Park?
10 modern cabins, reservable up to 364 days in advance. Big Oak and Honey Locust: sleep 4, stall shower, kitchenette (cooktop stove, microwave, small refrigerator), bunkbed and futon; closed during winter months (Oct-April). Red Cedar: ADA accessible, sleeps 2, same kitchenette, also closed Oct-April. Crabapple, Sumac, Appaloosa, Morgan, Mustang, Palomino, Pinto: sleep 6, bathroom with stall shower, kitchen (stove, microwave, full-size refrigerator), table and chairs; open year-round. Each cabin has an adjacent covered shelter with picnic tables, bench, charcoal grill and fire ring. Bed linens, towels and kitchenware not provided.
Are pets allowed at the Milford 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. $50 pet fee required for the Big Oak and Pinto cabins when bringing a pet; no pets allowed in any of the other cabins.
Source: ksoutdoors.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Milford 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 Milford 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 Milford State Park
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