Four developed campgrounds are conveniently located around Kanopolis Lake. The Corps manages two of these campgrounds - Venango and Riverside. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism manage Horsethief and Langley state parks. A private concessionaire manages the Tower Harbor Marina.
Fees for Venango and Riverside Campgrounds (1st May - 30th September) include $22.00 electric/water, $20.00 electric, and $16.00 non-electric. There is a $10 per night utility fee at sites with electrical hook-ups from the 1st October – 30th November and 1st April - 30th April in Riverside Campground. During the months of 1st October - 30th April in Venango Campground utilities are unavailable; with primitive camping available free of charge.
The Venango campground is located on the northwest end of the dam and the facilities include: 126 camping sites (81 electric hookups with 30 having both water and electricity), boat ramp, dump station, primitive group camp area with shelter house, reservable picnic shelters, shower house, swimming beach, playgrounds, ATV area and nature trail. The Riverside campground is located on the southeast end of the dam along the Smoky Hill River and the facilities include: 25 camping sites (16 electric and 9 non-electric), dump station, shower house, playground, 9 hole disc golf course, and river access.
Campgrounds contain level campsites, picnic tables, and fire rings. Shower buildings, sanitary dump stations, playgrounds, and drinking water are located in most parks.
Entrance stations are located at most campgrounds and all campgrounds are patrolled routinely by Park Rangers.
Make a Reservation at Venango Campground
Make a Reservation at Riverside Campground