Overview Bloomington East Park includes Cedar Ridge, Hickory/Walnut, and Oak Campgrounds, Ash and Elm Group Camps, and Bloomington Beach Picnic Shelters. The park is located just west of Clinton Lake, between the Rock Creek and Wakarusa River arms of the lake, and offers several different recreational options. Within B…
Overview Bloomington East Park includes Cedar Ridge, Hickory/Walnut, and Oak Campgrounds, Ash and Elm Group Camps, and Bloomington Beach Picnic Shelters. The park is located just west of Clinton Lake, between the Rock Creek and Wakarusa River arms of the lake, and offers several different recreational options. Within Bloomington East Park, visitors have the opportunity to reserve picnic shelters and campsites, both for group camping and individual family camping. Recreation Bloomington Beach has a large sandy beach for swimming. Bloomington Beach requires a day use fee, for non-campers, between May 1 and September 30. Bloomington East offers 4 sets of boat ramps with courtesy docks. Launching a Boat requires a day use fee, for non-campers, between April 1 and November 30. Bloomington East offers over 300 campsites ranging from primitive to full hook-up to group camps 4 group shelters and dozens of picnic tables throughout the park make Bloomington East the perfect spot for vistitors just wanting to visit or the day. There are horseshoe pits, sand volleyball courts and playgrounds located several places in Bloomington East Park, making it the perfect spot for families. A full 18-hole professional disc golf course is also available free to all visitors (sets of disc can be borrowed from the camp host stations). Clinton Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing, jet skiing, swimming and countless other water sports, making it the main attraction in Bloomington East Park.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. Bloomington East Park has three boat ramps within a short driving distance of the campgrounds. These boat ramps (#5, 6 and 7) do require a day use fee, for non-campers, between April 1 and October 31.Visitors enjoy viewing bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey and
Photos
Bloomington East Park — USACEShower Building located between Hickory and Walnut Campground — USACE Shower Building located in Cedar Ridge Campground — USACE Gate Attendant Booth in Cedar Ridge Campground — USACEBloomington Beach — USACE ADA fishing dock located in Bloomington East — USACE Gate Attendant Booth located in Hickory/Walnut Campground — USACE Playground located near the main entrance in Cedar Ridge Campground — USACE
Young Camper in Bloomington East Park — Baily MSand Castle at Bloomington East Swim Beach — Baily MDisc Golf — USACE Boat and Kayak Near Bloomington East Park — Baily M
How to Get There
From Lawrence, Kansas, take 6th Street west for 4 miles. Take a left onto County Road 442 and continue 5 miles to Stull, Kansas. Make a left turn onto County Road 1023 and continue about 6 miles to County Road 6, make a left turn, and go 4 miles through the town of Clinton. Follow directional signs to the park.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
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Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to BLOOMINGTON EAST
Heading to BLOOMINGTON EAST? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for BLOOMINGTON EAST?
No central reservation system listed for BLOOMINGTON EAST. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233700) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to BLOOMINGTON EAST?
From Lawrence, Kansas, take 6th Street west for 4 miles. Take a left onto County Road 442 and continue 5 miles to Stull, Kansas. Make a left turn onto County Road 1023 and continue about 6 miles to County Road 6, make a left turn, and go 4 miles through the town of Clinton. Follow directional signs to the park.
How do I contact BLOOMINGTON EAST?
You can reach the park at phone: 785-843-7665 or email: [email protected].
