Recreation AreaRecreation.gov

Pomona Lake

Vassar, Kansas · Osage County

Located near the Santa Fe Trail, this 4,000-acre lake features scenic beauty as well as an abundance of wildlife. From Topeka, 24 miles South on US 75, 7 miles East on KS 268.

🧭 Get Directions
Advertisement
38.65167, -95.55667
Open in OpenStreetMap

About Pomona Lake

Located near the Santa Fe Trail, this 4,000-acre lake features scenic beauty as well as an abundance of wildlife. From Topeka, 24 miles South on US 75, 7 miles East on KS 268.

Plan Your Visit to Pomona Lake

Heading to Pomona Lake? 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 Pomona Lake?

No central reservation system listed for Pomona Lake. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/273) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Pomona Lake?

From Topeka, 24 miles south on US 75, 7 miles east on KS 268.

How do I contact Pomona Lake?

You can reach the park at phone: (785) 453-2201.

Guides & rankings

More on Kansas parks & hiking

View all posts →
Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in Kansas, Ranked

Kansas's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.

By The OutsideAtlas Team2 min
Alpine lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks at sunrisePhoto: Joshua Earle
State Rankings

Kansas's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain

Steep is hard. These are the ten Kansas trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team2 min
Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Kansas

Ten gentle, well-marked Kansas trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.

By The OutsideAtlas Team2 min
Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

The 10 Most Challenging Hikes in Kansas

Kansas's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.

By The OutsideAtlas Team2 min
Alpine lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks at sunrisePhoto: Joshua Earle
Parks & Travel

The Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in Kansas

Federal parks and recreation areas in Kansas ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

Best Waterfall Hikes in Kansas: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close

Kansas's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team2 min