Clinton State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Clinton State Park is a popular destination in the state of Kansas, located near Lawrence.


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Summary

There are many reasons to visit the park, including hiking, fishing, boating, and camping. The park also offers a range of facilities and amenities, such as playgrounds, picnic areas, and a swimming beach.

One of the main points of interest at Clinton State Park is the Clinton Lake Dam, which provides flood control and hydroelectric power. Visitors can take a guided tour of the dam and learn about its history and engineering. The park also has several hiking trails, including the North Shore Trail and the Eagle Ridge Trail, which offer scenic views of the lake and surrounding landscape.

Interesting facts about the park include that it covers over 1,500 acres and was established in 1975. The lake itself is a popular destination for anglers, with a variety of fish species including bass, crappie, and catfish.

The best time of year to visit Clinton State Park varies depending on the activities you are interested in. Spring and fall are popular for hiking and outdoor activities, while summer is a great time for swimming and boating. Winter can be a quieter time to visit, with opportunities for cross-country skiing and ice fishing.

Overall, Clinton State Park offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests, making it a great destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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