Kansas is an abode of natural wonders, boasting scenic hills, rivers, lakes, and flatlands. The Smoky Hills and Flint Hills in the north-central and eastern part of the state feature most of the state’s lakes, providing a perfect getaway destination. As a bonus, you will also find plenty of recreational activities to keep yourself busy. With dense flora all around, the lake is a hotspot for migratory birds. Most of the lakes are human-made, equally throughout the state. With such rich beauty, your heart won’t feel like going back once you come here.
The clearest lake in Kansas, Wilson Lake, lies amidst the Smoky Hills of Central Kansas. The prairie fields and beautiful rolling hills surrounding the glistening lake are a sight to behold.
The Wilson State Park is the largest among the four state park’s occupying the lake’s shoreline. From swimming beaches to hiking trails, camping provisions to boat ramps, you would find all of it here.
Another state park, Lucas Park, lies in the lake’s northeast part, having plenty of facilities like the Rocktown Natural Area that offers a 3-mile long scenic trail.
Fishing: You will find plenty of fish species in this lake, including smallmouth bass, striped bass, walleye, channel catfish, and flathead catfish.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, water-skiing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, camping, hunting, picnicking, hiking, cycling, wildlife watching
This human-made reservoir on the picturesque Smokey Hills is a part of Kansas’ oldest, Kanopolis State Park. You will undoubtedly find the setting of the lake appealing, with rolled hills, towering bluffs, and lush greenery all around. Also, there are abundant recreational opportunities for you to indulge in, from swimming to boating.
If you want to explore further, hike along the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway or visit the numerous exciting caves. In addition, there is also Horsethief Canyon, positioned inside the state park, offering interesting historical insights about early Indian rock carvings.
With so much to see all around, a single day will not be enough to complete everything. You can spend overnight at one of the campsites and enjoy being a part of nature.
Fishing: Anglers can expect to catch a wide variety of fish, including white bass, walleye, saugeye, channel catfish, crappie, and wipers.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, hiking, nature gazing, horseback riding, picnicking, birdwatching, wildlife viewing
Nestled on the Flint Hills, along the Big Blue River, is the scenic Tuttle Creek Lake. Being Kansas’ second-largest lake, you will find many state parks on its shoreline. At the lake’s northern end, Tuttle Creek State Park features an artificial beach perfect for swimming. Till 2018, this state park also hosted the Heartland Stampede Music Festival that however, shifted its base to Topeka since 2019.
Besides, you would also find ten more state parks covering the 100mile-long shoreline, equipped with picnic shelters, campsites, volleyball courts alongside biking and hiking trails.
Fishing: The lake supports excellent fish species, including largemouth bass, saugeye, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, trout, green sunfish, and bluegill.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, water skiing, camping, hiking, cycling, wildlife viewing
Perry Lake, flowing in the state’s northeast region, is a favorite among many. If you want to absorb in the surrounding scenic vistas, head to the Perry Lake National Recreational Hiking Trail, which runs along the eastern shore. All along the 30 miles trail, you will witness the picturesque views. Home to plenty of wildlife species, you can give your eyes an extra treat to nature’s beauty. If you wish to spend time there for more than a day, plenty of camping options are available.
With so much flora and fauna here, it is indeed “Paradise on the Plains,” as locals lovingly call it.
Fishing: You can catch several fish species, including white bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, sauger, channel catfish, and walleye.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, sailing, wakeboarding, tubing, water skiing, jet skiing, hiking, camping, wildlife watching
Clinton Lake in the southwest corner of Lawrence in northeast Kansas is not a very old one. With over 50 miles of hiking trails, it is a paradise for all hiking enthusiasts. Along with its surrounding woods, it is also a dwelling place of several wildlife species, like whitetail deer, quail, wild turkey, rabbits, and squirrels.
Inside Clinton Lake State Park, located on its shoreline, you will find many swimming and picnic areas. The lake’s only Clinton Lake Marina is a private one where you will find boating supplies, food, and other essential items.
Fishing: Anglers will enjoy catching various fish, including white bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, blue catfish, channel catfish, white crappie, and bluegill.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, camping, hiking, biking, birdwatching, cross-country skiing
The state’s largest, Milford Lake, boasts an idyllic shoreline of 163 miles in the Flint Hills. You can enjoy so much activity here, both in and out of the water. The Milford State Park in the lake’s southeast corner is a boater’s haven featuring several boat ramps, a marina, a jet-ski beach, and a private yacht club. You can also visit Nudie Beach, accessible by a boat ride. Don’t panic upon hearing its name, as the beach is a perfect spot to hang out with your family and friends.
There are several trails near the lake for you to hike and spot many birds and animals.
Fishing: Fish varieties like smallmouth and largemouth bass, spotted bass, walleye, white bass, catfish, wipers, crappie, bluegill, and sunfish are available in abundance in this lake.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, sailboating, jet-skiing, paddle boarding, birdwatching, camping, hiking
This lake is a perfect getaway spot in nature’s wonderland for those seeking peace and seclusion. With the Lone State Park abounding it, you can either be busy with several fun activities or sit back and soak in the charms of nature. With such greenery all around, your heart will not want to go back to city life immediately. Camping here, hence, would be the best option, available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Fishing: Common fish species caught here include largemouth bass, channel, flathead catfish, blue catfish, white crappie, bluegill, and sunfish.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, camping, paddle boarding, camping, nature gazing
More commonly known as Glen Elder Lake, tourists often visit this large human-made reservoir in the north-central. Glen Elder State Park, sitting in the lake’s eastern end, boasts a picturesque rural setting making it an ideal relaxing spot. From water activities to golfing and hiking, it has plenty to offer. Watching the enchanting sunset while sitting back on the lakeshore is a perfect way to end the day.
Remember bringing your cameras to capture the diverse wildlife species found in the surrounding Glen Elder Wildlife Area.
Fishing: The lake has stocks of largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, crappie, white bass, and walleye.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, camping, wildlife watching, hiking, horseback riding
This lake flowing along the Walnut River in south-central Kansas is another young reservoir. El Dorado State Park, which encompasses its shoreline, comprises four areas: the Bluestem Point Area, the Boulder Bluff Area, the Shady Creek Area, and the Walnut River Area. All of them provide a spectacular view of the lake. In addition, you can also engage yourself in so many exciting activities here, from swimming to picnicking, boating to hiking. You would even find provisions for horseback riding here.
Bird watchers can have a good time spotting several bird species on its shoreline or flying overhead, including Canada geese, warblers, prairie chickens, bald eagles, and tree swallows.
Fishing: This lake is brimming with a wide variety of fish, including blue catfish, channel catfish, rainbow trout, walleye, white bass, wiper, and white crappie.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, jet skiing, water skiing, picnicking, hiking, birdwatching, wildlife watching
Located 5 miles away from Cherryvale in southeast Kansas, Big Hills Lake has beautiful and tall trees alongside its shoreline for a relaxed ambience. Its clear waters lure one to visit the lake and take pleasure in the various water activities. On a hot day, you can spend time splashing waters on the beach and afterward open up your picnic baskets to enjoy a hearty meal under the shady areas. Hiking along the 17 mile-long Big Hill Lake Horse Trail will make you experience the gorgeous and serene forest setting.
Fishing: Many fish varieties thrive in this lake, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, bluegill, and walleye.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, picnicking, camping, camping, hunting, horseback riding
This lake, surrounded by ridges and beautiful valleys, is a nature lover’s paradise. Not only does it provide scenic vistas, but you can also catch glimpses of several birds and family. Watching the sunset by the lake is a mesmerizing experience that you wouldn’t want to miss. For spending the night, you can either stay in the campsites found in the Fall River State Park on the lake’s southern shore. Alternately, you can even book a rented cabin offering lakeside views. To witness the trees change color into dazzling hues, visit the lake in winter.
Fishing: It abounds in white bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, walleye, and largemouth bass.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, birdwatching, nature gazing, wildlife viewing
Flowing amidst meadows and bluffs, this is another of the many lakes in Kansas that boasts picturesque vistas. You can best explore the lake’s beauty by taking a boat ride in its serene waters. After taking in the spectacular views of the lake, you can hike any one of the six trails, covered with trees on both sides, for a similar peaceful experience. On your way, you might also encounter a deer or a turkey crossing the path. The Elk City State Park on the lake’s eastern side provides ample facilities like camping, boating, and swimming.
Fishing: Fishers will have a merry time catching several fish, including white crappie, white bass, largemouth bass, channel and flathead catfish, wipers, saugeye, and sunfish.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, water skiing, camping, hiking, picnicking, hunting
Cheney Reservoir in south-central Kansas has a beautiful state park at its south end. Being bounded by the woods, it makes for an ideal scenic getaway. The breeze blowing over the lake makes it a paradise for those who love to sail. Numerous sailboats flaunting different colors in the blue waters during the National Sailing regattas are a sight to behold. If you wish to indulge in sailing, you can head to The Ninnescah Sailing Center on the lake’s west shore. On its east shore, there is a marina for those who want to enjoy a boat ride.
Fishing: This lake has an excellent fish stock, including crappie, channel catfish, walleye, striped bass, and white bass.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, sailing, camping, picnicking, birdwatching, hunting, wildlife watching, hiking
Lake Afton is a pretty lake and an abode of many birds. Trees dot the shoreline where you can spot the nesting places of various birds like kingbirds, robins, and northern orioles. You can also see squirrels playing on tree branches or running in the open areas or a turtle basking in the sun in the nearby meadows.
A swim or boat ride would stand perfectly fine to get a mesmerizing experience of the magic of nature. The lake has a charm of its own that will make you want to extend your stay. Primitive camping would be an excellent option here to get lost in nature’s wonders.
Fishing: This lake has a stock of channel catfish, flathead catfish, white crappie, black crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, and sunfish.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, birdwatching, camping
The V-shaped lake sits in Miami County of east-central Kansas, with a state park of the same name at its southern end. The park has ample facilities like four campgrounds, day-use area, boat ramps, and a beach perfect for swimming.
You can often catch the sight of bald eagles gliding over the lake in the hope of catching a fish. Nature enthusiasts can check out the Visitor Center, which also features Hidden Spring Nature Trail that meanders through the woods.
Fishing: This lake has plenty of walleye, crappie, bluegill, and catfish.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, sailing, tubing, hiking, camping, picnicking, birdwatching
Another east-central Kansas water body, Council Grove Lake, flows along the Neosho River. Its rocky and tree-lined shoreline dots numerous parks which have many picnicking, camping, and boating areas. In each season, you will be able to spot different birds nesting here. In addition, sights of deer and squirrels searching for food are not uncommon thing. Its location in the Flint Hills region provides numerous scenic trails, like Pioneer Nature Trail.
Fishing: This lake is best for channel and flathead catfish, crappie, white bass, saugeye, and wipers.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, tubing, skiing, sailing, picnicking, hiking, camping
This reservoir flowing along the Smokey Hill River in west-central Kansas offers a visual treat of the surrounding lofty cliffs. The prairie grasses and colorful wildflowers along the Smokey Hill River Valley add to the scenic appeal. On its eastern end lies the state park of the same name, featuring swimming beaches, boat ramps, and camping facilities.
You can also visit the historic Threshing Machine Canyon, positioned near the park. Here, you will find many carvings on the rock that dates back to the 1800s.
Fishing: Anglers usually catch walleye, crappie, channel catfish, white bass, black bass, and wipers.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, jet skiing, camping, cycling, hunting, sightseeing
TOP PICKS
Best Lakes for Fishing: Wilson Lake, Clinton Lake, Fall River Lake
Best Lakes for Boating: Perry Lake, Elk City Lake, Chaney Lake
Best Lakes for Camping: Wilson Lake, Perry Lake, Clinton Lake
Best Lakes for Swimming: Kanopolis Lake,Big Hill Lake, Hillsdale Lake
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