Tallgrass prairie once covered 170 million acres of North America, but within
a generation most of it had been transformed into farms, cities, and towns.
Today less than 4% remains intact, mostly in the Kansas Flint Hills.
Established on November 12, 1996, the preserve protects a nationally
significant remnant of the once vast tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Here the
tallgrass makes its last stand.

Tallgrass prairie once covered 170 million acres of North America, but within a generation most of it had been transformed into farms, cities, and towns. Today less than 4% remains intact, mostly in the Kansas Flint Hills. Established on November 12, 1996, the preserve protects a nationally significant remnant of the once vast tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Here the tallgrass makes its last stand.

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Historic 1881 Spring Hill Ranch house

Hike among the tall tallgrass species in the fall

Hike among the tall grasses in the fall

View a collage of summer flowers among a carpet of green in the spring and early summer

Summer wildflowers on the prairie

Historic 1882 Spring Hill Ranch barn

Fall is the season for another assortment of color on the prairie

Fall wildflowers at the preserve

The lake was named for the nearby town of Council Grove, the birthplace of the
Santa Fe Trail and a National Historic District. The lake is in the heart of
the Flint Hills, one of the last vestiges of Tallgrass Prairie, and is located
20 miles north of the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and 30 miles south
of the Konza Prairie Preserve.

The lake was named for the nearby town of Council Grove, the birthplace of the Santa Fe Trail and a National Historic District.  The lake is in the heart of the Flint Hills, one of the last vestiges of Tallgrass Prairie, and is located 20 miles north of the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and 30 miles south of the Konza Prairie Preserve.

## Overview

Canning Creek Cove Park is located on the 3,310-acre Council Grove Lake in the
green expanses of eastern Kansas.

## Recreation

Boating is a popular pastime at the lake, and two boat ramps are located in
the campground for visitors' convenience. The lake is known for its fishing
opportunities, with crappie and catfish being the most abundant. Council Grove
was also the first lake in Kansas to receive stocking of Saugeye. Hunters will
find populations of quail, wild turkey, deer, squirrels, bobcats, coyotes,
ducks, geese and more on the nearly 2,700 acres of public hunting land
surrounding the lake. Hiking trails wind along the lakeshore and into the
forest. Pioneer Nature Trail is known as the most scenic trail, with plenty of
wildlife, greenery and wildflowers creating a beautiful background. Council
Grove is also a starting point for the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway. This
byway travels through the best of the remaining remnants of the Tallgrass
Prairie Ecosystem in North America. Along the byway and 25 miles south is the
National Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, where visitors can spot colorful
wildflowers in the spring and array of autumn colors in the fall.

## Facilities

Canning Creek Campground offers 43 reservable campsites, including three group
sites that can accommodate 40, 75 and 100 guests. Electric hookups, flush
toilets and other modern amenities are provided.  
  
The campground has plenty of shade, along with open grassy areas for games and
recreation.

## Natural Features

Council Grove Lake sits in the rolling, grassy prairie of east Kansas, known
as the Flint Hills. The lake was created by a dam built in 1964, and now
offers recreational opportunities to hundreds of thousands of visitors every
year.  
  
Historically this area is where the Osage Indians signed a treaty to establish
the Old Santa Fe Trail. A marker in the town of Council Grove indicates the
place where the treaty was signed.

## Nearby Attractions

The town of Council Grove, located about 2 miles southeast of the lake, is a
National Historic District, with seven Santa Fe National Historic Trail sites
in the community.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Canning Creek Cove Park is located on the 3,310-acre Council Grove Lake in the green expanses of eastern Kansas.<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Boating is a popular pastime at the lake, and two boat ramps are located in the campground for visitors' convenience. The lake is known for its fishing opportunities, with crappie and catfish being the most abundant. Council Grove was also the first lake in Kansas to receive stocking of Saugeye. Hunters will find populations of quail, wild turkey, deer, squirrels, bobcats, coyotes, ducks, geese and more on the nearly 2,700 acres of public hunting land surrounding the lake. Hiking trails wind along the lakeshore and into the forest. Pioneer Nature Trail is known as the most scenic trail, with plenty of wildlife, greenery and wildflowers creating a beautiful background. Council Grove is also a starting point for the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway. This byway travels through the best of the remaining remnants of the Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem in North America. Along the byway and 25 miles south is the National Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, where visitors can spot colorful wildflowers in the spring and array of autumn colors in the fall.</p><h2>Facilities</h2>
Canning Creek Campground offers 43 reservable campsites, including three group sites that can accommodate 40, 75 and 100 guests. Electric hookups, flush toilets and other modern amenities are provided. 
<br/><br/>
The campground has plenty of shade, along with open grassy areas for games and recreation.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Council Grove Lake sits in the rolling, grassy prairie of east Kansas, known as the Flint Hills. The lake was created by a dam built in 1964, and now offers recreational opportunities to hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.<br/><br/>
Historically this area is where the Osage Indians signed a treaty to establish the Old Santa Fe Trail. A marker in the town of Council Grove indicates the place where the treaty was signed.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
The town of Council Grove, located about 2 miles southeast of the lake, is a National Historic District, with seven Santa Fe National Historic Trail sites in the community.

Canning Creek Cove Sign

Canning Creek Cove Day use

CANNING CREEK 1

CANNING CREEK 5

CANNING CREEK 2

Boat Ramp at Canning Creek Cove

Canning Creek in early Spring

CANNING CREEK 4

Map of Canning Creek Cove

Boating from Canning Creek Cove - there are two boat ramps available at Canning Creek Cove

Boating from Canning Creek Cove

Canning Creek Cove from the water

CANNING CREEK 3

Campground Map New 2026

Canning Creek

Emankment Road (Dam Road) is closed for road construction between June 1 -
August 31, 2026. Kanza View Park will be closed thruought the duration of the
road construction. Visitors should be mindful of alternate routes. Please
contact the Project Office at 620-767-5195 for more information.

<p>Emankment Road (Dam Road) is closed for road construction between June 1 - August 31, 2026.  Kanza View Park will be closed thruought the duration of the road construction.  Visitors should be mindful of alternate routes.  Please contact the Project Office at 620-767-5195 for more information.  </p>

## Overview

Kanza View Picnic Shelter is located at the east end of Council Grove Dam just
off Kansas Highway 177. It offers some of the most scenic views of the lake.

## Recreation

Although Council Grove Lake has excellent fishing and boating opportunities,
access to the water limits these activities at Kanza View. Picnicking and tent
camping at Kanza View's primitive sites are this location's primary
activities.

## Facilities

Kanza View offers five undeveloped campsites most suitable for tent camping.
The roofed day-use picnic pavilion has six picnic tables seating 40 people.
The picnic pavillion is the only facility that may be reserved in advance.
There is no electricity. A single water hydrant for shared use is located near
the pavillion. Bathroom facilities are masonary vault toilets.

## Natural Features

**The park sits on top of a hill adjacent to the lake offering breathtaking
lake views. Although the park has many open grassy areas interspersed with
large Cottonwood and Oak trees, access to the lake is limited due to the
steep, rocky terrain.**

## Nearby Attractions

Multiple developed campgrounds surround Council Grove Lake in the near
vicinity. The town of Council Grove affords an array of historic sites and the
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is 18 miles south on Highway 177.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Kanza View Picnic Shelter is located at the east end of Council Grove Dam just off Kansas Highway 177. It offers some of the most scenic views of the lake. <h2>Recreation</h2>
Although Council Grove Lake has excellent fishing and boating opportunities, access to the water limits these activities at Kanza View. Picnicking and tent camping at Kanza View's primitive sites are this location's primary activities. <h2>Facilities</h2>
Kanza View offers five undeveloped campsites most suitable for tent camping. The roofed day-use picnic pavilion has six picnic tables seating 40 people. The picnic pavillion is the only facility that may be reserved in advance. There is no electricity. A single water hydrant for shared use is located near the pavillion. Bathroom facilities are masonary vault toilets. <h2>Natural Features</h2>
<b>The park sits on top of a hill adjacent to the lake offering breathtaking lake views. Although the park has many open grassy areas interspersed with large Cottonwood and Oak trees, access to the lake is limited due to the steep, rocky terrain. </b>
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Multiple developed campgrounds surround Council Grove Lake in the near vicinity. The town of Council Grove affords an array of historic sites and the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is 18 miles south on Highway 177.

Kanza View Sign

Kanza View Map

KANZA VIEW PICNIC SHELTER 1

KANZA VIEW PICNIC SHELTER 2

KANZA VIEW

KANZA VIEW 1

KANZA VIEW 2

Kanza View 1A

KANZA VIEW 3

Kanza View

## Overview

Kit Carson Campground is located on the 3,310-acre Council Grove Lake in the
green expanses of eastern Kansas.

## Recreation

Boating is a popular pastime at the lake, and a boat ramp is located in the
campground for visitors' convenience.

The lake is known for its fishing opportunities, with crappie and catfish
being the most abundant. Council Grove was also the first lake in Kansas to
receive stocking of Saugeye.

Hunters will find populations of quail, prairie chicken, wild turkey and deer
on the nearly 2,700 acres of public hunting lands surrounding the lake.

Hiking trails wind along the lake shore and into the forest. Pioneer Nature
Trail is known as the most scenic trail, with plenty of wildlife, greenery and
wildflowers creating a beautiful background.

Council Grove is also a starting point for the Flint Hills National Scenic
Byway. This byway travels through the best of the remaining remnants of the
Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem in North America.

Along the byway and 25 miles south is the National Tallgrass Prairie Preserve,
where visitors can spot colorful wildflowers in the spring and array of autumn
colors in the fall.

## Facilities

Kit Carson Campground offers 11 reservable campsites. Electric hookups, flush
toilets and other modern amenities are provided.

The campground has plenty of shade, along with open grassy areas for games and
recreation.

## Natural Features

Council Grove Lake sits in the rolling, grassy Flint Hills. The lake is
created by a dam built in 1964, and now offers recreational opportunities to
hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

Historically this area is where the Osage Indians signed a treaty to establish
the Old Santa Fe Trail. A marker in the town of Council Grove indicates the
place where the treaty was signed.

## Nearby Attractions

The town of Council Grove, located about 2 miles southeast of the lake, is a
National Historic District, with seven Santa Fe National Historic Trail sites
in the community.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Kit Carson Campground is located on the 3,310-acre Council Grove Lake in the green expanses of eastern Kansas.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Boating is a popular pastime at the lake, and a boat ramp is located in the campground for visitors' convenience.</p>



<p>The lake is known for its fishing opportunities, with crappie and catfish being the most abundant.  Council Grove was also the first lake in Kansas to receive stocking of Saugeye. </p>



<p>Hunters will find populations of quail, prairie chicken, wild turkey and deer on the nearly 2,700 acres of public hunting lands surrounding the lake. </p>



<p>Hiking trails wind along the lake shore and into the forest. Pioneer Nature Trail is known as the most scenic trail, with plenty of wildlife, greenery and wildflowers creating a beautiful background. </p>



<p>Council Grove is also a starting point for the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway. This byway travels through the best of the remaining remnants of the Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem in North America.</p>

<p> Along the byway and 25 miles south is the National Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, where visitors can spot colorful wildflowers in the spring and array of autumn colors in the fall.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Kit Carson Campground offers 11 reservable campsites. Electric hookups, flush toilets and other modern amenities are provided. </p>



<p>The campground has plenty of shade, along with open grassy areas for games and recreation.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>Council Grove Lake sits in the rolling, grassy Flint Hills. The lake is created by a dam built in 1964, and now offers recreational opportunities to hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.</p>


<p>Historically this area is where the Osage Indians signed a treaty to establish the Old Santa Fe Trail. A marker in the town of Council Grove indicates the place where the treaty was signed.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>The town of Council Grove, located about 2 miles southeast of the lake, is a National Historic District, with seven Santa Fe National Historic Trail sites in the community.</p>

Kit Carson Sign

Kit Carson Map

Boat Ramp at Kit Carson

Lake at Kit Carson 1

Lake at Kit Carson 2

Kit Carson Boat Ramp

Kit Carson Lake access point

Kit Carson

## Overview

Neosho Park Campground is located on the 3,310-acre Council Grove Lake in the
green expanses of eastern Kansas.

## Recreation

Boating is a popular pastime at the lake, and a boat ramp is located in the
campground for visitors' convenience.

The lake is known for its fishing opportunities, with crappie and catfish
being the most abundant. Council Grove was also the first lake in Kansas to
receive stocking of Saugeye.

Hunters will find populations of quail, prairie chicken, wild turkey and deer
on the nearly 2,700 acres of hunting lands surrounding the lake.

Hiking trails wind along the lake shore and into the forest. Pioneer Nature
Trail is known as the most scenic trail, with plenty of wildlife, greenery and
wildflowers creating a beautiful background.

Council Grove is also a starting point for the Flint Hills National Scenic
Byway. This byway travels through the best of the remaining remnants of the
Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem in North America.

Along the byway and 25 miles south is the National Tallgrass Prairie Preserve,
where visitors can spot colorful wildflowers in the spring and array of autumn
colors in the fall.

## Facilities

Neosho Park Campground offers 8 reservable campsites. Electric hookups, flush
toilets and other modern amenities are provided.

The campground has plenty of shade, along with open grassy areas for games and
recreation.

## Natural Features

Council Grove Lake sits in the rolling, grassy Flint Hills. The lake was
created by a dam built in 1964, and now offers recreational opportunities to
hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

Historically this area is where the Osage Indians signed a treaty to establish
the Old Santa Fe Trail. A marker in the town of Council Grove indicates the
place where the treaty was signed.

## Nearby Attractions

The town of Council Grove, located about 2 miles southeast of the lake, is a
National Historic District, with seven Santa Fe National Historic Trail sites
in the community.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Neosho Park Campground is located on the 3,310-acre Council Grove Lake in the green expanses of eastern Kansas.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Boating is a popular pastime at the lake, and a boat ramp is located in the campground for visitors' convenience.</p>



<p>The lake is known for its fishing opportunities, with crappie and catfish being the most abundant.  Council Grove was also the first lake in Kansas to receive stocking of Saugeye. </p>



<p>Hunters will find populations of quail, prairie chicken, wild turkey and deer on the nearly 2,700 acres of hunting lands surrounding the lake. </p>



<p>Hiking trails wind along the lake shore and into the forest. Pioneer Nature Trail is known as the most scenic trail, with plenty of wildlife, greenery and wildflowers creating a beautiful background. </p>



<p>Council Grove is also a starting point for the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway. This byway travels through the best of the remaining remnants of the Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem in North America. </p>


<p>Along the byway and 25 miles south is the National Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, where visitors can spot colorful wildflowers in the spring and array of autumn colors in the fall.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Neosho Park Campground offers 8 reservable campsites. Electric hookups, flush toilets and other modern amenities are provided. </p>



<p>The campground has plenty of shade, along with open grassy areas for games and recreation.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>Council Grove Lake sits in the rolling, grassy Flint Hills. The lake was created by a dam built in 1964, and now offers recreational opportunities to hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.</p>


<p>Historically this area is where the Osage Indians signed a treaty to establish the Old Santa Fe Trail. A marker in the town of Council Grove indicates the place where the treaty was signed.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>The town of Council Grove, located about 2 miles southeast of the lake, is a National Historic District, with seven Santa Fe National Historic Trail sites in the community.</p>

Neosho Park sign

Lake at Neosho Park 2

Neosho Park Map

Lake at Neosho Park 3

Lake at Neosho Park 1

Lake at Neosho Park 4

Neosho Park

## Overview

North Richey Cove Campground is located on the 3,310-acre Council Grove Lake
in the green expanses of eastern Kansas.

## Recreation

Boating is a popular pastime at the lake, and a boat ramp is located in the
campground for visitors' convenience.

The lake is known for its fishing opportunities, with crappie and catfish
being the most abundant. Council Grove was also the first lake in Kansas to
receive stocking of Saugeye.

Hunters will find populations of quail, prairie chicken, wild turkey and deer
on the nearly 2,700 acres of public hunting lands surrounding the lake.

Hiking trails wind along the lake shore and into the forest. Pioneer Nature
Trail is known as the most scenic trail, with plenty of wildlife, greenery and
wildflowers creating a beautiful background.

Council Grove is also a starting point for the Flint Hills National Scenic
Byway. This byway travels through the best of the remaining remnants of the
Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem in North America.

Along the byway and 25 miles south is the National Tallgrass Prairie Preserve,
where visitors can spot colorful wildflowers in the spring and array of autumn
colors in the fall.

## Facilities

North Richey Cove Campground offers 8 reservable campsites.

The campground has plenty of shade, along with open grassy areas for games and
recreation.

## Natural Features

Council Grove Lake sits in the rolling, grassy Flint Hills. The lake is
created by a dam built in 1964, and now offers recreational opportunities to
hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

Historically this area is where the Osage Indians signed a treaty to establish
the Old Santa Fe Trail. A marker in the town of Council Grove indicates the
place where the treaty was signed.

## Nearby Attractions

The town of Council Grove, located about 2 miles southeast of the lake, is a
National Historic District, with seven Santa Fe National Historic Trail sites
in the community.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>North Richey Cove Campground is located on the 3,310-acre Council Grove Lake in the green expanses of eastern Kansas.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Boating is a popular pastime at the lake, and a boat ramp is located in the campground for visitors' convenience.</p>



<p>The lake is known for its fishing opportunities, with crappie and catfish being the most abundant.  Council Grove was also the first lake in Kansas to receive stocking of Saugeye. </p>



<p>Hunters will find populations of quail, prairie chicken, wild turkey and deer on the nearly 2,700 acres of public hunting lands surrounding the lake. </p>



<p>Hiking trails wind along the lake shore and into the forest. Pioneer Nature Trail is known as the most scenic trail, with plenty of wildlife, greenery and wildflowers creating a beautiful background. </p>



<p>Council Grove is also a starting point for the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway. This byway travels through the best of the remaining remnants of the Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem in North America.</p>

<p> Along the byway and 25 miles south is the National Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, where visitors can spot colorful wildflowers in the spring and array of autumn colors in the fall.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>North Richey Cove Campground offers 8 reservable campsites. </p>



<p>The campground has plenty of shade, along with open grassy areas for games and recreation.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>Council Grove Lake sits in the rolling, grassy Flint Hills. The lake is created by a dam built in 1964, and now offers recreational opportunities to hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.</p>


<p>Historically this area is where the Osage Indians signed a treaty to establish the Old Santa Fe Trail. A marker in the town of Council Grove indicates the place where the treaty was signed.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>The town of Council Grove, located about 2 miles southeast of the lake, is a National Historic District, with seven Santa Fe National Historic Trail sites in the community.</p>

North Richey Cove sign

North Richey Cove Map

North Richey Cove

## Overview

Richey Cove Campground is located on the 3,310-acre Council Grove Lake in the
green expanses of eastern Kansas.

## Recreation

Boating is a popular pastime at the lake, and a boat ramp is located in the
campground for visitors' convenience.  
  
The lake is known for its fishing opportunities, with crappie and catfish
being the most abundant. Council Grove was also the first lake in Kansas to
receive stocking of Saugeye.  
  
Hunters will find populations of quail, prairie chicken, wild turkey and deer
on the nearly 2,700 acres of public hunting lands surrounding the lake.  
  
Hiking trails wind along the lake shore and into the forest. Pioneer Nature
Trail is known as the most scenic trail, with plenty of wildlife, greenery and
wildflowers creating a beautiful background.  
  
Council Grove is also a starting point for the Flint Hills National Scenic
Byway. This byway travels through the best of the remaining remnants of the
Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem in North America.  
  
Along the byway and 25 miles south is the National Tallgrass Prairie Preserve,
where visitors can spot colorful wildflowers in the spring and array of autumn
colors in the fall.

## Facilities

Richey Cove Campground offers 43 reservable campsites, including one group
camping area that can accommodate up to 40 guests. Electric hookups, flush
toilets and other modern amenities are provided.  
  
The campground has plenty of shade, along with open grassy areas for games and
recreation.

## Natural Features

Council Grove Lake sits in the rolling, grassy Flint Hills. The lake is
created by a dam built in 1964, and now offers recreational opportunities to
hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.  
  
Historically this area is where the Osage Indians signed a treaty to establish
the Old Santa Fe Trail. A marker in the town of Council Grove indicates the
place where the treaty was signed.

## Nearby Attractions

The town of Council Grove, located about 2 miles southeast of the lake, is a
National Historic District, with seven Santa Fe National Historic Trail sites
in the community.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Richey Cove Campground is located on the 3,310-acre Council Grove Lake in the green expanses of eastern Kansas.<h2>Recreation</h2>
Boating is a popular pastime at the lake, and a boat ramp is located in the campground for visitors' convenience.
<br/><br/>
The lake is known for its fishing opportunities, with crappie and catfish being the most abundant.  Council Grove was also the first lake in Kansas to receive stocking of Saugeye. 
<br/><br/>
Hunters will find populations of quail, prairie chicken, wild turkey and deer on the nearly 2,700 acres of public hunting lands surrounding the lake. 
<br/><br/>
Hiking trails wind along the lake shore and into the forest. Pioneer Nature Trail is known as the most scenic trail, with plenty of wildlife, greenery and wildflowers creating a beautiful background. 
<br/><br/>
Council Grove is also a starting point for the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway. This byway travels through the best of the remaining remnants of the Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem in North America.<br/><br/> Along the byway and 25 miles south is the National Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, where visitors can spot colorful wildflowers in the spring and array of autumn colors in the fall.<h2>Facilities</h2>
Richey Cove Campground offers 43 reservable campsites, including one group camping area that can accommodate up to 40 guests. Electric hookups, flush toilets and other modern amenities are provided. 
<br/><br/>
The campground has plenty of shade, along with open grassy areas for games and recreation.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Council Grove Lake sits in the rolling, grassy Flint Hills. The lake is created by a dam built in 1964, and now offers recreational opportunities to hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.<br/><br/>
Historically this area is where the Osage Indians signed a treaty to establish the Old Santa Fe Trail. A marker in the town of Council Grove indicates the place where the treaty was signed.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
The town of Council Grove, located about 2 miles southeast of the lake, is a National Historic District, with seven Santa Fe National Historic Trail sites in the community.

Richey Cove Sign

RICHEY COVE 3

Richey Cove Map

RICHEY COVE BOAT RAMP.

Richey Cove Beach from Causeway

RICHEY COVE BOAT RAMP

Richey Cove Beach

RICHEY COVE 2

Richey Cove Site

RICHEY COVE 4

RICHEY COVE 1

From Richey Cove Beach

Richey Cove

## Overview

Santa Fe Trail Campground is located on the 3,310-acre Council Grove Lake in
the green expanses of eastern Kansas.

## Recreation

Boating is a popular pastime at the lake, and a boat ramp is located in the
campground for visitors' convenience.  
  
The lake is known for its fishing opportunities, with crappie and catfish
being the most abundant. Council Grove was also the first lake in Kansas to
receive stocking of Saugeye.  
  
Hunters will find populations of quail, prairie chicken, wild turkey and deer
on the nearly 2,700 acres of hunting lands surrounding the lake.  
  
Hiking trails wind along the lake shore and into the forest. Pioneer Nature
Trail is known as the most scenic trail, with plenty of wildlife, greenery and
wildflowers creating a beautiful background.  
  
Council Grove is also a starting point for the Flint Hills National Scenic
Byway. This byway travels through the best of the remaining remnants of the
Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem in North America.  
  
Along the byway and 25 miles south is the National Tallgrass Prairie Preserve,
where visitors can spot colorful wildflowers in the spring and array of autumn
colors in the fall.

## Facilities

Santa Fe Trail Campground offers 35 reservable campsites, including one group
camping area that can accommodate up to 75 guests. Electric hookups, flush
toilets and other modern amenities are provided.  
  
The campground has plenty of shade, along with open grassy areas for games and
recreation.

## Natural Features

Council Grove Lake sits in the rolling, grassy Flint Hills. The lake was
created by a dam built in 1964, and now offers recreational opportunities to
hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.  
  
Historically this area is where the Osage Indians signed a treaty to establish
the Old Santa Fe Trail. A marker in the town of Council Grove indicates the
place where the treaty was signed.

## Nearby Attractions

The town of Council Grove, located about 2 miles southeast of the lake, is a
National Historic District, with seven Santa Fe National Historic Trail sites
in the community.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Santa Fe Trail Campground is located on the 3,310-acre Council Grove Lake in the green expanses of eastern Kansas.<h2>Recreation</h2>
Boating is a popular pastime at the lake, and a boat ramp is located in the campground for visitors' convenience.
<br/><br/>
The lake is known for its fishing opportunities, with crappie and catfish being the most abundant.  Council Grove was also the first lake in Kansas to receive stocking of Saugeye. 
<br/><br/>
Hunters will find populations of quail, prairie chicken, wild turkey and deer on the nearly 2,700 acres of hunting lands surrounding the lake. 
<br/><br/>
Hiking trails wind along the lake shore and into the forest. Pioneer Nature Trail is known as the most scenic trail, with plenty of wildlife, greenery and wildflowers creating a beautiful background. 
<br/><br/>
Council Grove is also a starting point for the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway. This byway travels through the best of the remaining remnants of the Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem in North America. <br/><br/>
Along the byway and 25 miles south is the National Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, where visitors can spot colorful wildflowers in the spring and array of autumn colors in the fall.<h2>Facilities</h2>
Santa Fe Trail Campground offers 35 reservable campsites, including one group camping area that can accommodate up to 75 guests. Electric hookups, flush toilets and other modern amenities are provided. 
<br/><br/>
The campground has plenty of shade, along with open grassy areas for games and recreation.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Council Grove Lake sits in the rolling, grassy Flint Hills. The lake was created by a dam built in 1964, and now offers recreational opportunities to hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.<br/><br/>
Historically this area is where the Osage Indians signed a treaty to establish the Old Santa Fe Trail. A marker in the town of Council Grove indicates the place where the treaty was signed.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
The town of Council Grove, located about 2 miles southeast of the lake, is a National Historic District, with seven Santa Fe National Historic Trail sites in the community.

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Council Grove Lake