The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District welcomes you to Milford Lake.  Milford Lake has 15,700 surface acres of water and 163 miles of shoreline, making it the largest in Kansas.  Further information may be obtained at the project office/information center located at the south end of the dam.

Multipurpose lake projects such as Milford are authorized by Congress only when the anticipated benefits are substantially greater than the costs.  Since the Milford Lake and dam began operating in 1967, it has prevented an estimated $165 million in flood damages, over 3 times the initial cost of the project's construction.  

While most of the lake's tangible benefits are credited to its ability to prevent flood damages in the Kansas and Missouri River basins, the lake also releases water for  municipal and industrial needs, navigation and downstream water quality.  The Kansas Water Office and the Corps work together to regulate water releases through the dam.

The lake provides excellent habitat for many types of wildlife, a fact that contributes to its reputation as one of the prime hunting and fishing areas in Kansas.

Each year the lake attracts thousands of visitors who enjoy and take advantage of the many recreational opportunities available.

USACE Pass Information

USACE Annual Pass = $40. Pass holders receive free entrance to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-operated sites nationwide that charge day use fees. The pass may not be used at areas operated by other agencies even if those areas may be located on USACE-owned property. Camping fees are not included. Pass valid for one year. Valid through month and year shown on the pass. Sold only at USACE projects, please call ahead to ensure the office is open to the public.

Federal Interagency Pass Information

Approximately 240 USACE recreation projects nationwide began issuing America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Interagency Passes on Jan. 1, 2016. These include:

1) Interagency Senior Pass, $80, valid for lifetime of the pass owner and available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents age 62 or older. 

2) Interagency Senior Annual Pass $20, valid one year from month of purchase, available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents 62 or older, the Senior Annual Pass can be upgraded to the Lifetime Senior Pass by exchanging four previously purchased Senior Annual Passes or paying the difference between the purchase of one to three Senior Annual Passes to equal the value of the Senior Lifetime Pass, $80. 

3) Access Pass, free for lifetime with documentation of permanent disability for U.S. citizens or permanent residents. *Documentation required.

4) Interagency Annual Pass, $80, anyone can purchase this pass.

5) Interagency Military Pass, free to current U.S. military members and their dependents. *Documentation required.

6)  Interagency Every Kid in a Park 4th Grade Pass, free to current 4th grade students with valid Every Kid in a Park voucher (visit: https://everykidoutdoors.gov/ for details).

7) Interagency Volunteer Pass, earned with 250-plus hours of volunteer service on public lands. 

8) Interagency Military Lifetime Pass, free to gold star families and veterans. *Documentation required. 

These passes allow their holders free access to boat launches and swimming beaches managed by USACE. Senior and Access America the Beautiful passes also provide holders a 50 percent discount on campsites at USACE-managed campgrounds. Additionally, USACE will continue to sell its own annual day use pass for $40, which allows visitors free access to boat launches and swimming beaches managed by USACE. 

All America the Beautiful passes can be purchased online at http://store.usgs.gov/. There is an additional $10 processing fee for online purchases. They can also be obtained in person at many locations which can be found at https://www.nps.gov/ Please call ahead to ensure the office is open to the public and to ensure pass availability.

Milford Lake Fee Brochure

Milford Lake Map (pdf)

Milford Lake Interactive Hunting Map

Milford Lake Day-Use Map

West Rolling Hills Park Brochure

Farnum Creek Park Brochure

Curtis Creek Park Brochure

School Creek Park/ORV Brochure

Timber Creek Park

Milford Lake Fee Brochure

Milford Lake Fish Structure Map

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages six boat ramps on Milford Lake. Below is a list of all ramps on the lake with approximate elevations.

These elevations are not exact but close enough to assist boaters in launching during high or low water conditions. Please be aware that naturally occurring debris such as rocks, limbs, etc. may gather at the end of ramps and may hinder launching operations. Prop wash, undercutting and settlement may also create voids at the end of the concrete ramp or uneven concrete slab transitions on the ramp itself. During abnormal lake elevations please use extreme caution.

Multipurpose Pool Elevation: 1144.40 msl
Flood Pool Elevation: 1176.20 msl
Recorded High Lake Elevation: July 25, 1993 1182.02 msl
Recorded Low Lake Elevation: January 13, 2003 1136.88 msl

*This ramp is the longest and should remain viable under low lake conditions.

** This ramp has frequent obstructions and should be visually inspected for safe conditions prior to launching

The Corps of Engineers manages five campgrounds at Milford Lake. Curtis Creek, Farnum Creek and West Rolling Hills are class A parks.  These parks all offer full hookup sites, shower buildings and are available to make reservations. Please visit the links on the right to make a reservation in these parks.

School Creek and Timber Creek parks are class C parks that offer camping in a more rural setting. Timber Creek has water available but no electricity and School Creek has no utilities.  Both parks are now available to make reservations online by clicking the link to the right.  Next to School Creek Park is the School Creek ATV area that offers nearly 300 acres for riders to take advantage of, but please no riding in the campground area.

Make a Reservation

Curtis Creek

Farnum Creek

West Rolling Hills

School Creek

Timber Creek

Fishing at Milford Lake

Milford Lake Interactive Hunting Map

For information on hunting Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks managed land click here.  All people accessing KDWP managed lands must be signed into their Go Outdoors Kansas account.

Milford Lake: Policy on trail cameras, blinds, tree stands, decoys and baiting on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Managed Wildlife Areas

Trail cameras.  Trail cameras are prohibited on all USACE managed lands at Milford Lake.

Blinds, tree stands, and decoys.  Subject to provisions and restrictions as established by posted notice, blinds, tree stands, and decoys shall be allowed on public property as follows:

(a) Portable tree stands used for hunting may be placed not more than 14 days before the hunting season for which the blind or stand will be used and shall be removed from public property within 14 days after the hunting season for which the blind or stand was placed has ended.

(b) Portable tree stands used for purposes other than hunting may be placed for a period not to exceed 14 days and shall be removed from public property at the conclusion of 14 days or after the intended use of the blind or stand has ended, whichever time period is less.

(c) Ladders, screw in metal steps, and steps attached by ropes, cables or chains may be used for access to portable tree stands and shall be removed when the portable tree stand is removed as required by subsection (a) or (b).

(d) Natural blinds may be used for any authorized activity and shall be constructed of natural herbaceous materials or woody debris, or both, that are dead and down and that are present at the site of the natural blind.  Live trees and standing dead trees may NOT be cut.

(e) Any individual may use a placed portable blind, portable tree stand, or natural blind when the blind or stand is not occupied.

(f) Any blind, stand, or climbing device not in conformance with regulations or posted notice provisions or restrictions may be removed/impounded or destroyed by the government.

(g) Each portable blind and portable tree stand shall be marked with either the user’s name and address or the user’s Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks (KDWP) department-issued identification number in a visible, legible, and weatherproof manner.

(h) No individual shall place more than two portable blinds or tree stands on any single corps owned project (including KDWP department-managed property on that same project).

(i) Portable blinds shall not be left unattended overnight

(j) Decoys shall not be left unattended overnight

Bait; hunting. (a) No person shall place, deposit, expose, or scatter bait while hunting or preparing to hunt on public lands or place, deposit, expose, or scatter bait in a manner that causes another person to be in violation of this policy.

(b) Hunting shall be prohibited within 100 yards of any bait placed, deposited, exposed, or scattered on public lands.  Bait shall be considered placed, deposited, exposed, or scattered on public lands for 10 days following complete removal of the bait.

(c) Nothing in this policy shall prohibit the hunting or taking of wildlife over standing crops, grain found scattered solely as the result of normal agricultural operations, or grain found scattered solely as the result of normal weather conditions.

(d) For the purposes of this policy, “bait” shall mean any grain, fruit, vegetable, nut, hay, salt, sorghum, feed, or other food, or mineral that is capable of attracting wildlife.  Liquid scents and sprays shall not be considered bait.

Violations of this policy are subject to a written warning or citation in accordance with Title 36 CFR 327.8 Hunting, fishing, and trapping – (d) Additional restrictions pertaining to these activities may be established by the District Commander.

For additional information regarding hunting on Corps of Engineers managed ground please call the project office at 785-238-5714.

Milford Lake Marina

Thunderbird Marina & Resort

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages four day-use parks at Milford Lake. These include: North Overlook, East Rolling Hills, Outlet and South Outlet Parks. These parks are free to use. Those individuals wanting to reserve a shelter or swim at the East Rolling Hills beach will be required to pay the associated fees.

In these parks there are nine picnic shelters available for reservations. All shelters are $25 a day, except for shelter one in East Rolling Hills which is $50 a day. If the shelter is not posted RESERVED for the day, you are free to use it at no charge. Shelters are available for reservations April - September, to make a reservation click here or call 1-877-444-6777. East Rolling Hills also has a swim beach available, for a flat fee of $5 per vehicle. Fees are charged May 15 - September 15. East Rolling Hills also offers a boat ramp that is free of charge.

Milford State Park

Eagle Ridge Equestrian Trail - 6 miles of horseback riding, mountain biking, or hiking on some of the most scenic and diverse areas that Milford Lake has to offer. 

Crystal Trail - This trail is 2.2 miles. It passes by an old quarry where small geode rocks can be found. Deer viewing is good along open fields and by food plots. Viewing of bald eagles is excellent from November through March along the water's edge.

Radio Tower Trail - This trail is 1.93 miles long.

Dogwood Trail - A 0.6 mile walk that leads you through woodland and prairie habitats.

Pipeline Trail - This trial is 0.5 miles long. A good trail for a quick walk or ride.

Wildlife Viewing Tower & Trail - The tower is accessed from a wrap-around staircase, which rises 21' to the top platform. Excellent wildlife viewing is made available with nearby food plots. The best time to visit is near dusk and dawn when most animals are active. Stargazing is excellent on clear nights. Bring your binoculars! 

Junction City Parks & Recreation Department

Riverwalk Trail - A 4.8-mile route along the Republican River between Outlet Park at Milford Lake and Fort Riley, KS. The trail is open to hikers, bicycles, equestrian use, and snowmobiles when appropriate. 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

ORV Trails - The School Creek ORV area consists of approximately 287 acres of trails restricted to vehicles that are 50 inches wide or less. No side-by-side vehicles are allowed.

Outlet Park/Old River Bluff Trail - 1 1/4 mile connecting the Riverwalk Trail to the Milford State Park Eagle Ridge Equestrian Trail creating over 14 miles of equestrian trails. 

Milford Nature Center

Tallgrass Trail - A 1/2-mile loop or a longer 1 1/2-mile hike takes you through wooded areas, native prairie grass, and down to a nearby pond. 

Kansas Landscape Arboretum

Meadow Willow Trail - A 1/2 mile trail with 7 bridges to cross, one of which is a covered bridge. 

Wild Acres Trail - A 1/4 mile walk to discover Kansas' wildflowers. 

Woodland Trail - A 1-mile trail that travels through a bird sanctuary and down to a small pond oasis.

Milford Lake is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operated reservoir located on the Republican River, a tributary to the Kansas River, near Junction City, Kansas. Milford Lake was authorized under the Flood Control Act of 1954. The authorized purposes are flood risk reduction, water quality, water supply, fish and wildlife conservation and navigation (authorized but not an operating purpose). Construction of the reservoir began in 1962 and operation of the dam began 1967. Milford Lake is one lake in a larger network of lakes, including Clinton Lake, Perry Lake and Tuttle Creek Lake, that operate in parallel with each other. This network functions as a system to play a vital role in managing water resources in the Kansas River Basin for their respective nearby and downstream communities.   

Congress provided direction and funding in Fiscal Year 2022 for USACE districts across the nation to update Water Control Manuals, or WCMs to evaluate whether any changes in physical, social and environmental conditions around the dam warrant updating the WCP, include a drought contingency plan and meet new requirements for formatting and updating information.

WHAT IS A WATER CONTROL MANUAL?

Water Control Manuals, or WCMs, are operating manuals for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or USACE, dams. USACE makes day to day decisions about releasing water through its dams according to Water Control Plans, or WCPs, that are included in dam specific-WCMs. The objective of all WCMs include operating the dam and reservoir for the purposes authorized by Congress and other applicable law, maintain the structural integrity and operation integrity of the dam (sometimes called a “project” to include reservoir operations) and avoid risk to public health and safety, life and property.

The WCMs are being updated because Congress provided direction and funding in Fiscal Year 2022 for USACE districts across the nation to update WCMs to evaluate and potentially update WCPs as necessary, include a drought contingency plan for managing water releases from dams when there is a drought and meet new requirements for formatting and updating information. Each WCM and its WCP was developed when each project was authorized. They are updated periodically to determine whether there are changes in the physical, environmental and social conditions that need to be accounted for in a dam’s operation.  

NEPA PROCESS

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a law that requires all federal agencies to take a 'hard look' at how their actions may affect the human and natural environment. It spells out the steps an agency must take to identify environmental issues that need to be considered, identify options or alternatives that would correct the problems identified and explain its final decision while complying with environmental regulations. NEPA also gives the public a voice in the decision-making process about the proposed actions. The public is asked to provide input through public meetings and opportunities to provide written comments. The first opportunity happens during the scoping phase. Additional opportunities occur when the environmental review is complete and alternatives for action identified. These comments will be considered before the federal agency makes a final decision. 

Did you miss a public meeting? No problem! Click the presentation below to review the slideshow from previous public meetings. 

Milford Lake Value to the Nation

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Hours of Operation

Visitor Center:

7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Campground Fee Booths:

Wednesday - Sunday 7 a.m. to 8 a.m / 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. April 15th - September 30th.

Recreation.gov

America the Beautiful Passes

Milford State Park

Milford Lake Nature Center

Acorns Resort

Clay County Park

Flagstop Park

Kansas City District Dam Safety Program

Kansas City District Water Management

Kansas City District Water Quality Program