About Tuttle Creek Lake
Situated in the scenic Flint Hills, Tuttle Creek Lake provides 12,500 surface acres of water and 100 miles of shoreline, making it the second largest lake in Kansas. Many sites around the lake have been developed to enhance your enjoyment of fishing, boating, camping, picnicking, and outdoor sports. Eleven parks (six managed by the Corps of Engineers, four by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and one by Pottawatomie County) offer a wide range of facilities such as overnight camping pads, utility hookups, beaches, comfort stations, boat ramps, and picnic shelters. Also available for lake visitors are a full service marina, nature trails, hiking, equestrian, and off road vehicle trails, and a shooting range. Additionally, over 16,000 acres of land surrounding the lake have been enhanced to benefit wildlife, providing excellent hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities. Konza Prairie, Kansas State University, Fort Riley, and the Prairie Parkway are among the nearby attractions.
How to Get There
From Topeka, 45 miles west on I-70 to Exit 313, then 9 miles north on K-177 to Manhattan, then 5 miles north on US-24 to damsite.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Tuttle Creek Lake
Heading to Tuttle Creek 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 Tuttle Creek Lake?
No central reservation system listed for Tuttle Creek Lake. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/277) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Tuttle Creek Lake?
From Topeka, 45 miles west on I-70 to Exit 313, then 9 miles north on K-177 to Manhattan, then 5 miles north on US-24 to damsite.
How do I contact Tuttle Creek Lake?
You can reach the park at phone: (785) 539-8511.
References & Official Resources
