Normal business hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4 PM.  Doors will be locked and unanswered when Rangers are working in the field.  We are currently in an office staff shortage.  Please contact the office to schedule and appointment or with any questions at 785-658-2551.

Wilson Lake is regulated by Title 36 CFR 327 governing public use of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water resources development projects. For a list of all rules and regulations please reference this link.

Regular Season Camping Fees:

Regular season camping is from May 15 to September 15 in Minooka, Lucas, and Sylvan Campgrounds. 

Basic campsite (no water) - $18.00 (electricity) 

Electric campsite - $24.00

Electric and water campsite - $26.00

Boat Launch Fees (Spillway Boat Ramp, Lucas Boat Ramp, and all 3 Minooka Ramps):

Day Use Fees run from 1 May to 30 September at all applicable ramps.

Day Use - $5.00

Offseason Camping Fees:

Offseason camping is September 16 to May 14 in Minooka, Lucas, and Sylvan Campgrounds. 

Overnight camping on primitive site - Free

Overnight camping on utility site (water and/or electric) - $20.00

Annual Pass Fees:

America the Beautiful Annual Pass - $80.00 (valid at Federal recreation sites nationwide)

US Army Corps of Engineers Annual Pass - $40.00 (valid at all Corps of Engineers day-use areas including swim beaches and boat ramps)

America the Beautiful Passport: Issued @ OFFICE Only.  Provides Free boat launch and half price fees at federal rec areas.

Annual Senior Pass - $20 (valid to those 62 years and older)

Lifetime Senior Pass - $80 (valid to those 62 years and older)

Access Pass - FREE (valid to those providing correct disability identification).

Spillway Ramp:  All lanes are open.  Courtesy dock is available. Corps Day Use Fee will be charged at this ramp May 1- SEPT 30.  $5/day at self pay station or purchase a $40 Annual Pass at Corps Office.

Lucas Park Ramp: All lanes are open.  Courtesy dock is currently available.  Corps Day Use Fee will be charged at these ramps May 1- SEPT 30.  $5/day at self pay station or purchase a $40 Annual Pass at Corps Office. 

Otoe State Park Ramp (KDWPT):  All lanes are open.  Courtesy dock is available.  KDWPT day use fee is required.

Hell Creek State Park Ramp (KDWPT):  All lanes are open.  Courtesy dock is available.  KDWPT day use fee is required.

Minooka Ramps (East /Middle/West):  All ramps are open.  Courtesy dock is available at all ramps.  Corps Day Use Fee will be charged at these ramps May 1- SEPT 30.  $5/day at self pay station or purchase a $40 Annual Pass at Corps Office. 

Elm Creek / Cedar Creek Ramps (KDWPT):  All ramps are open.

Sylvan Park

There is a $20 utility fee charge during the non-recreational season (September 16^th to May 14^th) at sites that provide electrical hookups. Standard sites without utility hookups are free. The shower building will remain open year round and has heated concrete floors.

Minooka Park

There is a $20 utility fee charge during the non-recreational season (September 16^th to May 14^th) at sites that provide electrical hookups. Standard sites without utility hookups are free. Shower building is closed until May 15th and the vault toilets will remain open.

Lucas Park

There is a $20 utility fee charge during the non-recreational season (September 16^th to May 14^th) at sites that provide electrical hookups.  Standard sites without utility hookups are free. Shower building is closed until May 15^th and the vault toilets will remain open.

Q: What is happening?

A: Overnight disbursed camping in Marshall Cove Loop (within Minooka Park, Wilson Lake) will not be permitted beginning May 15, 2025.Marshall Cove Loop remains open for public recreation access, including to private dock holders and guests.  All other facilities and use within Minooka Park remain unchanged. However, after reviewing usage at Minooka Park and other USACE-managed areas, we've determined that maintaining previous overnight camping services is unsustainable with current resources. A review of utilization rates both at Minooka Park, and other public use areas managed by USACE, indicate there are sufficient designated camping opportunities to support historic demand.

Q: What alternatives are available to those seeking overnight use (camping)?

A: Alternative facilities for both primitive and improved overnight use (camping) at Corps of Engineers managed facilities at Wilson Lake remain available at Minooka Park, and nearby Lucas and Sylvan Parks. Reservations are available, and accepted through www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.  For alternatives at Wilson State Park, contact the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks at www.ksoutdoors.com or 785-658-2465.

Q: Is public access available in Marshall Cove Loop after 10:00 p.m. for overnight use not related to camping (i.e. shoreline fishing, boat access, etc.)?  Will visitors be able to access their docks/vessels overnight?

A: Yes, vessels moored at authorized docks may be used for incidental recreational boating and fishing, however overnight occupancy of vessels is unauthorized.

Q: What will happen if visitors violate this rule?

A: Persons in violation are subject to enforcement under “Rules and Regulations Governing Public Use of Water Resource Development Projects Administered by the Chief of Engineers” (36 C.F.R., Part 327).

Q: Why is this change being made?

A: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, Wilson Lake project; in alignment with established recreation operation and maintenance standards, will improve public safety, staff safety, and protect environmental resources of the area by referring users to designated campsites.

Q: Has public input been considered?

A: We understand this change impacts long-standing practices and are committed to implementing this necessary change to improve public safety, staff safety and protect environmental resources of the area.

Q: Is this change related to recent significant changes in operations at other U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake / river projects?

A: No, this is a permanent operational improvement, unless utilization indicates reconsideration.

Q:  What is the staffing/resource limitations?

A: Staffing resources are shared amongst lake and river projects within the Kansas City District where feasible. Currently there are fewer recreational support staff throughout the district, influencing opportunities across the district, including at Wilson Lake.

Q:  How is dispersed camping a visitor/staff safety concern?

A:  Marshall Cove Loop was not designed for disbursed overnight use (camping).  Prior camping activities have caused traffic congestion, negatively impact safe ingress and egress for recreators, staff, and first responders.  Implementing this necessary change to improve public safety, staff safety and protect environmental resources of the area by referring users to designated campsites.

Q:  Will USACE build designated campsites in Marshall Cove Loop?

A:  Funding has not been provided to make improvements in Marshall Cove Loop.  Should interest exist for operation and maintenance of the area through a lease or license agreement, USACE will consider proposals.