Overview This day-use picnic area, located just north of Clinton Lake in the hills of Kansas, is the perfect spot for a party or family gathering.Recreation A horseshoe pit, tetherball pole, sand volleyball court, softball field and playground are all provided at Overlook Park. Clinton Lake offers opportunities for boa…
Overview This day-use picnic area, located just north of Clinton Lake in the hills of Kansas, is the perfect spot for a party or family gathering.Recreation A horseshoe pit, tetherball pole, sand volleyball court, softball field and playground are all provided at Overlook Park. Clinton Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing, jet skiing, swimming and countless other water sports, making it the main attraction to area. 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. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey and other wildlife in abundance at Clinton Lake. Four trail systems are located around Clinton Lake, including the North Shore, South Shore, Smokehouse and the George Latham Trails. All offer hiking, biking and equestrian opportunities within a 20 minute drive. The North Shore trailhead is in Overlook Park. Facilities Overlook Park has two picnic shelters available for up to 100 guests. Flush toilets and drinking water are available for visitors' convenience.Natural Features Congress authorized Clinton Lake in 1962, and the finished reservoir was filled in 1980. While the Dam and Reservoir were originally built for flood control, the area has now become a recreational oasis for millions of visitors to enjoy the beautiful green Kansas backdrop. Clinton Lake's beautiful setting of steep bluffs, wooded shoreline and clear water is unequaled among Kansas lakes. Shoreline development has been limited in an effort to preserve as much of the natural setting as possible. Clinton spans 8 miles up the Wakarusa Valley and covers 7,000 surface acres. If the lake ever approaches the top of its flood pool, an additional 5,800 acres will be covered, extending the area to 13 miles along the valley floor. Nearby Attractions The Visitor Center
Photos
Sanders Mound Vista Trailhead — USACEShelter 1 — USACEButterfly Garden in Overlook Park — Kevin WSoftball Field — USACEOverlook Park playground — USACEButterfly and Coneflower in Overlook Park — Kevin WOverlook Park restroom — USACEClinton Lake Dam — Baily MSanders Mound View — Baily MShelter 1 in Overlook Park — USACEVault Toilet — USACEHorseshoe Pit — USACE
How to Get There
From Lawrence, Kansas, take Clinton Parkway/23rd Street west to the end of the road. Make a right turn onto E900 Road followed by the first left turn onto N1402 Road. Continue approximately one-fourth mile to 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 OVERLOOK PARK
Heading to OVERLOOK PARK? 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 OVERLOOK PARK?
No central reservation system listed for OVERLOOK PARK. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233577) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to OVERLOOK PARK?
From Lawrence, Kansas, take Clinton Parkway/23rd Street west to the end of the road. Make a right turn onto E900 Road followed by the first left turn onto N1402 Road. Continue approximately one-fourth mile to park.
How do I contact OVERLOOK PARK?
You can reach the park at phone: 785-843-7665 or email: [email protected].
