On the western edge of the Kansas Flint Hills is Marion Reservoir, a scenic place for camping, fishing, boating and relaxing by the water’s edge.
Marion Reservoir is located on Highway 56 between the small towns of Marion and Hillsboro. It’s 30 minutes east of I-135 at McPherson; 45 minutes south of Abilene; and less than an hour north of Wichita.
Marion Reservoir
All the public use areas at Marion Reservoir are maintained and operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. They take care of the 6,200-acre lake and the 6,000 acres that surround it.
Marion Reservoir is known for its superb Kansas camping, boating and fishing.
Walleye are highly populated in Marion Reservoir. If you’ve never ate walleye before, you’re in for a treat!
The lake is stocked with wipers, crappie, white bass and channel catfish as well. You might also find largemouth bass, black bass and flathead catfish striking your line.
Since the terrain is relatively flat, shoreline anglers have no problem finding good spots from which to fish. But many fishermen cast their line from a boat.
There are 7 boat ramps located around Marion Reservoir. Five of them are developed ramps that have lights and courtesy docks. The developed boat ramps require a fee to use, but the two undeveloped ramps in Durham Cove and Broken Bridge are free.
If you need a day trip, Hillsboro and Marion are close by for small town shopping and dining.
The Maxwell Wildlife Refuge is only 30 minutes northwest of Marion Reservoir. Here, you can get up close and personal with bison during a guided vehicle tour. This is a great place for kids and adults!
Marion Reservoir doesn’t have much for hikers but don’t let that discourage you. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is only 30 minutes to the east. They have more than 30 miles of hiking trails right in the heart of the Kansas Flint Hills.
As you can see, Marion Reservoir is a basecamp for lots of fun experiences that are in the area.
Speaking of a Kansas basecamp, Marion Reservoir has camping spread out over four campgrounds.
Most of the campsites are in the Cottonwood Point Public Use Area and the Hillsboro Cove Public Use Area. These are also the only areas with RV and reserve able campsites. Tent camping and day use areas include French Cove, Durham Cove, and Marion Cove (day use only).
Cottonwood Point Public Use Area
The Cottonwood Point Public Use Area is on the east side of Marion Reservoir, north of the dam and Marion Public Day Use Area.
Most of the campsites at Marion Reservoir are located in Cottonwood Point.
The campsites are flat, spacious, and well maintained. Each campsite has a fire ring, a grill and a covered picnic table.
There’s a one-mile nature trail for those who want to go exploring, and the roads are nice for biking and walking.
Most of the campsites are near the water, giving you access to fishing, kayaking and scenic views.
Other amenities include:
- Full Hook-up Campsites: 73
- Water and Electric Campsites: 98
- Primitive Campsites: Tents allowed on 169 campsites
- Group Camping: 4
- Cabins: 0
- Dump Stations: 1
- Shower Houses / Public Restrooms: 3
- Boat Ramps: 2
Hillsboro Cove Public Use Area
Hillsboro Cove is located just off of Highway 56 on the south end of Marion Reservoir. It’s a quiet campground that’s known for its waterfront campsites.
The flat campsites in Hillsboro Cove have grills, fire rings and covered picnic tables.
This is a perfect place to relax, enjoy the scenery and get away from it all.
Other amenities include:
- Full Hook-up Campsites: 1 (For Camp Host)
- Water and Electric Campsites: 30
- Electric Only Campsites: 22
- Primitive Campsites: Tents allowed on 52 campsites
- Group Camping: 1
- Cabins: 0
- Dump Stations: 1
- Shower Houses / Public Restrooms: 1
- Boat Ramps: 1
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