Overview Cottonwood Point is a spacious and shady campground located on the shores of Marion Reservoir. This Kansas getaway draws in thousands of visitors annually to enjoy the pristine lake shoreline and surrounding canopy of forest.Recreation Popular activities include camping, boating, fishing and hunting. Numerous …
Overview Cottonwood Point is a spacious and shady campground located on the shores of Marion Reservoir. This Kansas getaway draws in thousands of visitors annually to enjoy the pristine lake shoreline and surrounding canopy of forest.Recreation Popular activities include camping, boating, fishing and hunting. Numerous hiking and biking trails snake through the forest around the lake, and the The Willow Walk Nature Trail is especially popular for wildlife enthusiasts. Campers are likely to spot white-tailed deer, pelicans, raccoons and various other waterfowl. Anglers will find an abundance of channel catfish, walleye, white bass and wipers, and a boat ramp is provided at the campground for convenient access to the lake.Facilities The campground offers 164 individual sites, along with two group camping areas and two group day use picnic shelters. Campsites offer plenty of shade and include picnic areas with grills and tables. Electrical pedestals are either 50 or 30 amp. Every 50 amp pedestal has 50/30/20 outlets available. All 30 amp pedestals have 30/20 outlets available. The 20 amp outlets are typical residential 110 Volt wall outlets. Additionally you will find two boat ramps between sites 62 and 67. Natural Features Completed in 1968, Marion Reservoir encompasses 6,200 acres of water surrounded by 6,000 acres of public lands. The surrounding expanse of forest provides visitors with endless recreational activities, set against the backdrop of the sparkling lake. Nearby Attractions The nearby communities of Hillsboro and Marion offer additional tourist attractions. Both cities have a nationally recognized Art and Crafts show, as well as a variety of restaurants and shops.
Photos
COTTONWOOD POINT old 2 — USACE RangerBoat launch with slips — USACE Park Rangercottonwood expansion 3 — USACE Park RangerCottonwood Expansion 2 — USACE Park RangerThe small boat launch parking lot located directly across from the boat launches — USACE Park RangerFire pit sunset — USACE Camp HostSunset 2 — USACE RangerNorth side of the large parking lot at the Boat launch — USACE Park RangerCOTTONWOOD POINT old 1 — USACE RangerCOTTONWOOD POINT old 3 — USACE Ranger
How to Get There
From Marion, Kansas, take Highway 56 for about 4 miles. Turn north on Old Mill Road and continue almost three miles, then follow signs to the campground.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
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 COTTONWOOD POINT
Heading to COTTONWOOD POINT? 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 COTTONWOOD POINT?
No central reservation system listed for COTTONWOOD POINT. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233468) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to COTTONWOOD POINT?
From Marion, Kansas, take Highway 56 for about 4 miles. Turn north on Old Mill Road and continue almost three miles, then follow signs to the campground.
