No highway noise, no street traffic; no city lights – the Harvey County East Park is the quiet getaway spot you need for weekend camping excursions in Kansas.
Imagine peace and quiet in a country setting. A breeze comes across the lake water and rustles the green grass and trees. The smell of burgers and hot dogs on the grill. And numerous waterfowl soaring across a clear blue sky.
What’s even better? You didn’t have to go far from home to get here.
Camping, fishing, boating hiking, and other things to do in Kansas are at Harvey County East Park; about seven miles east of Newton and I-135, and about seven miles south of Highway 50.
It’s an easy way to enjoy camping, hiking and fishing near Wichita, Hutchinson, Newton and McPherson!
Harvey County East Park Camping
Situated on the western edge of the Flint Hills, this 1,300-acre park is perfect for family daytrips or weekend stays. There are plenty of things to do to keep everyone happy. Day use is free but camping fees apply.
Campgrounds are available for RV and tent campers, and most of the campsites are close to the water. The campgrounds include playgrounds for the kids, a place to play horseshoes, fire rings for large groups, covered pavilions and swimming areas.
A closed, air conditioned shelter called Volunteer Hall is available for rent if you plan on hosting an event. There are also three restroom shelters, two of which are bathhouses.
Harvey County East Lake
The 314-acre lake is big enough to give everyone space to enjoy their stay, but it might be too small for large motorboats.
That’s good news for shoreline anglers who hate throwing out their line only to have it pushed right back to them every time a boat passes by.
While it may be too small for big boats, the lake is perfect for kayaks and canoes, and smaller watercraft.
Fishing is probably the main reason people come to the Harvey County East Park Lake.
I’ll admit, I’m a terrible fisherman, but I love to fish and this lake is made for fishing. It’s lined with willow trees that hang over the water, providing fish with food and cover, but it’s open enough that you won’t snag your line with every cast.
There are also a few small docks you can fish from or tie your watercraft to.
Hiking Trails in the Park
The Harvey County East Park has three Kansas hiking trails for patrons to enjoy.
These hiking trails include the Osage Nature Trail, the Circle H Trail and the Steve Harper Trail. Unfortunately, bikes aren’t allowed on any of the trails.
The Osage Nature Trailhead is about a mile north of the park on NE 24th Street. It’s probably best to drive to it.
The loop trail is mixed between natural, gravel and mowed grass surfaces that go through wooded creek beds, hedgerows and open prairies. It also connects to the Circle H Trail.
The Circle H Trail is open to horseback riders and hikers. It’s a linear trail with mowed grass and natural surfaces that meander through wooded areas, open fields, creek beds, and along the lakeside.
The trailhead is about half a mile north of the park and has a campground with corrals. There are a few places to fish near the trailhead.
The Steve Harper Trail is located on the south side of Harvey County East Park Lake.
This hiking trail is accessible from the campground by going around the backside of the Ranger station. There’s also a trailhead and parking lot located on E 1st Street.
The mowed grass surfaced hiking trail goes along the top of Harvey County East Park’s dam, offering a panoramic view of the lake. The trail also goes along the backside of the dam through woods and along a creek.
As you can see, the Harvey County East Park is a great place for camping in Kansas from spring through fall. It offers solitude as well as a good place for family and friends to gather.
For more information about the park, visit the Harvey County website at https://www.harveycounty.com/departments/parks/east-park.html.
Other amenities include:
- RV Campsites (shared water spigots)
- Primitive Campsites
- Group Camping
- Dump Station
- Shower Houses / Public Restrooms
- Boat Ramp
- Playgrounds
- Swimming Beaches
Other Kansas campground you may like:
Acorns Resort at Milford Reservoir
Historic Lake Scott State Park
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