Clinton State Park News
IMPORTANT INFORMATION.... 5/1/2013
- The Fish Cleaning station is now OPEN! (Located on the upper parking lot near the Clinton Marina.)
- Water is now on at both dump stations.
- We're still looking for 2 trade for service workers. What does working as a trade for service worker mean? In exchange for working 16 hours a week, you will be assigned a camp site to keep your camper on for the whole summer. (April - October) You pay for your vehicle permit and camping permit and we provide the water and electric at your campsite. Come by the office or call if you are interested or have any questions! 785/842-856
- We'll need a two person team to work as ENTRANCE BOOTH ATTENDANTS at the entrance booth on Sunday's from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. You'll be selling daily & annual state park permits, hunting / fishing licenses and giving out information to customers.
- ANIMAL CARE WORKER - someone to help us care for our live animals on display here in the Park Office. The Park Office is open from 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday and Saturday's from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. You choose when you can preform the required 16 hours when the office is open. No experience necessary! We'll remove the animals from their cages and you help maintain their homes. (Cleaning filters, rocks, glass, changing bedding, dusting etc...) The animal care worker can be a year round position.
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The Park Office will now be open on Saturday's! 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. We sell:
• all types of Hunting and Fishing licenses,
• Turkey tags,
• state park Annual Permits for your vehicle and camping,
• Reservations for camping or a cabin stay,
• Boat Registration’s
- 5150 Camping Reservations.... You can start making your own camping reservations for the upcoming Kansas 5150 being held here in May, Starting @ 8 am on Thursday, March 21st! Visit reserveamerica.com and type in 66049 as the zip code to find out state park the fastest. Choose Campground #3. (CG#3 has sites with B as the leader number in front of the campsite number.) All normal regulations and camping rules & FEES apply for this event. (Please read your confirmation carefully!) We are not reserving the whole campground for this event, just the sites that normally can be reserved.
- 2013 Kansas 70.3 IRONMAN Reservation information listed BELOW!
Our State Park IS open year round for camping. Water at Campsites have been shut off for the winter months, but Water will still be available at frost free hydrants, dump station and Shower House in CG#3.
We have almost 400 campsites and 2 cabins. If you would like set-up your customer profile to help expedite the check-in procedure or make a reservation for a cabin stay, please visit reserveamerica.com Type in 66049 to find us the fastest. Reservations to camp may be done for stays from April – September may be made.
. (Excluding camping in CG#3 for the June Kansas Ironman Triathlon. We're still taking camping reservations for this June Event. As of 3/5/13 we have 10) 30 amp utility sites and 70 non-utility camp sites still available. Contact us here at the Park Office to make your reservation. 785/842-8562)
Camp Host in Campground #3 is available to take camping fees or sell permits and licenses. See hours listed below...
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2013 Annual State Park permits & licenses are on sale now! - Annual Vehicle Permits are $25.00/each unless you qualify for a Senior or Disabled Permit for $13.75. (To qualify for the Senior/Disabled parking permits you must be either: be at least 65 years old and a Kansas Resident, have a Kansas Handicap Placard OR Handicap License Plate issued to Kansas Registered Vehicle. Provide the Vehicle REGISTRATION for EACH vehicle to receive the discount.) You may purchase your Annual Permit or License at the Park Office, Entrance Booth or Camp Host at the hours listed below. You may also buy them online. After you receive your printed receipt, bring it to our location and exchange it for the actual sticker.
New this year you may purchase a special discounted Kansas State Parks Passport through the KS Dept. of Revenue at your county clerks office. More detailed info here: http://www.kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/State-Parks/Parks-Passport
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For wildlife area questions, please call the Manager Jason Tarwater @ 785/887-6882 Or you may call our local Natural Resource Officer, Jon Entwhistle @ 785/256-1204.
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TROUT SEASON - Trout was stocked for the first time this year on January 15th. There will be one more stocking of 725 fish each in February and March. The season dates are Nov. 1, 2012 - April 15, 2012. You can come get your trout stamp anytime!! (Remember: You have to have a vehicle permit, fishing license and a trout stamp to fish in Lake Henry during trout season even if you aren't fishing for trout. Just in case you catch one!) (Last stocked on 3/7/2013)
Entrance Booth WINTER Hours - (The booth will be staffed for your convenience to purchase daily & annual vehicle permits, annual camping permits, hunting/fishing licenses, Trout Stamps etc.. They do accept: Cash, Check with ID, Visa, Master Card and Discover Credit Cards as payment.)
Friday's - 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturday's - 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday's - Noon - 4 p.m.
Camp Host WINTER Hours - (The Host in Campground #3 will be available to take your camping fees, other hunting / fishing licenses and permits. She can also accept: Cash, Check with ID, Visa, Master Card and Discover Credit Cards as payment.)
Wednesday's - 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday's - 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday's - 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. and then again 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday's - 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
REMEMBER..... To expedite the check-in procedure please go to reserveamerica.com and CREATE YOUR OWN CUSTOMER PROFILE. Camping on any site, requires us to enter your account information and payment into our new reservation system. The internet connect at Camp Host sites isn't what we'd like and sometimes it may take a few minutes to navigate through all of the screens of the program. Creating your own profile ahead of time saves us all time so you can get started with your fun right away!
Set up your Customer Profile @ Reserveamerica.com......... We encourage you to go the reservation site to make a reservation OR to setup your customer profile. All camping done in the state park must be entered into this new system. (Reservations AND Walk-in Sites) By having this step done ahead of time, you'll make the check-in procedure much faster. Type in our zip code - 66049 to find us the fastest when making a reservation.
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70.3 Kansas Ironman Participants, Volunteers and Spectators that would like to reserve a campsite in Campground #3 during the upcoming Kansas 70.3 Ironman Triathlon on June 9, 2013 may contact the Clinton State Park Office.
Phone Calls ONLY please! 785-842-8562 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (M-F) We have only one phone line, so please be patient.
As of 3/5/13 - There are 110 sites left to reserve in campground #3 - most on the run route.
7 Utility Sites - About 2 of those sites have SHADE! (1 on the run route - no shady spots on the run route.)
70 Primitive Sites - About 30 of those sites have SHADE! (Still plenty of sites with shade.)
A two night minimum stay is required. (If you stay Friday and Saturday you’ll have until 6 p.m. on Sunday to vacate the campsite before you’ll be required to pay another day’s fees with the campground host.)
A maximum of three (3) campsites may be reserved by each person. Payment will be taken at the time of your reservation by using a Visa, Master Card or Discover Credit Card.
Required Information… If you aren’t already in the State of Kansas database we will be required to have the following information so that we may create you a new account. Once you’re in the system, you’ll be able to make future purchases easily by using the computer generated **KDWPT#, your name or your phone #. We’ll not have to ask for this personal information in the future. This State of Kansas database is a very secure program and your information will not to be disclosed. (Please see above Reserve America info regarding how to expedite your reservation and check-in!)
· **KDWPT# or Social Security Number
· Name & Address
· Phone #
· Email Address
Fee Schedule……
Non-Utility Primitive Site per night = $26.00 (Plus onetime $3.00 Non-refundable Transaction Fee) You’ll be able to pitch up to THREE Tents and have 2 vehicles at the site.
Utility Site with Water & Electricity(20 & 30 Amp plug-ins) per night = $27.50 (Plus onetime $3.00 Non-refundable Transaction Fee) You’ll be able to have ONE camping unit and 2 vehicles at the site.
Prime Site with Water & Electricity (20, 30 AND 50 amp plug in) per night = $29.50 (Plus onetime $3.00 Non-refundable Transaction Fee) You’ll be able to have ONE camping unit and 2 vehicles at the site.
Each numbered campsite has gravel surface parking, includes a picnic table and a fire ring! (Fire Ring’s are half open for a campfire and other half with a grill that raises & lowers. You’ll bring your own firewood, charcoal or “duralog” to burn.)
Once you make the reservation via phone, you’ll receive your vehicle permits, park maps and information along with your official confirmation via email from the park office email: clintonsp@ksoutdoors.com.
Campground #3 Map - A copy of the Campground #3 Map with Site#'s listed is available in the Clinton Gallery. You’ll notice the non-utility sites are highlighted in YELLOW, Utility sites with 20/30 amp are highlighted in GREEN and the 50 amp sites are highlighted in BLUE on the map and the fee schedule above. These reservations are for camp sites in the run course area of Campground #3.
If you would like to see a picture of the actual sites - Paste this URL address into your search browser.
Just click on the site number. (Just FYI - Some of these pictures were taken in late fall. You may not get the "complete" picture of what it will look like, but the "jest" of it.)
http://www.reserveamerica.com/campgroundMap.do?selectedSiteRb=7313&contractCode=KS&parkId=519117
BEFORE MAKING THE CALL FOR YOUR RESERVATION..... PLEASE go to reserveamerica.com and sign up to be a MEMBER. It's easy and FREE! This will create you a profile so when we make your reservation it will be a faster and smoother experience! While you’re there make sure to check out campsites in campground #3 or B as they call it! You can see actual pictures of the campsites!
Like us on Facebook for detailed, up to date information: (Check out pictures from the last three years of the Triathlon while you’re there.) http://www.facebook.com/ClintonStatePark?ref=tn_tnmn
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PLAYGROUND IN CG#3 We installed a new playground in the Fall of 2011 in the campground. It's ready for climbing and FUN!
Come let us help you have a wonderful time @ Clinton Lake!
The Park Office Hours are: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday
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NEW PRICING.... The reservation system adds $3.00 to every transaction made when entering in camping fees. To offset this change the Department has lowered your Camping and Utility Cost.
Daily Vehicle permit is $5.00/day
Camping is $7.00/per camping unit (Camping April - September cost is $8.00/unit per day)
30 amp sites with water are an additional $9.50 (We have water available year round - same price year round.)
We do have 75 campsites with 50 amp service. The extra amp charge is $2.00/day ($11.50 total per day for regular utility charge and 50 amps.) No Charge from Oct. 1st to March 31st.
Add up the fees above for the services you'll require and the additional $3 one time transaction fee to get your total for your stay.
Please see the Gallery for maps & pictures!
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK TO SEE MORE PICTURES AND DETAILS.... http://www.facebook.com/ClintonStatePark
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State Park Open House on March 9, 2013 - FREE Vehicle Day, no vehicle permit required.
- Park Office open extended hours of 10 am - 6 pm on 3/9/13 to sell permits, licenses, take eservations and sign up for Open House drawings.
- Animal Show-n-Tell - Come by the park office and see all of our Live Kansas Animals on Display! You can even get a chance to touch or hold a snake and get your picture taken. We'll post that picture with you via Face Book so you can share it with your family and friends.
- Cabin Open House - Come get a close look in one of our cabins and register for a drawing for a free nights stay while you visit us here in the Park Office!
OK Kid's Day - We're planning our 10th Annual OK KIDS DAY on Saturday,August 10, 2013! We hope you can join us. FREE Entry into the State Park on August 10th. We're bringing back the very successful Fishing Derby in the morning and the Animal Show-n-Tell in the evening. These FREE events encourage kids of all ages to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. Goodie bags & prizes for all kids who attend at both events!
At the Fishing Derby 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Lake Henry (Located just South of the Park Office.) – Learn fish ID’s, improve your casting skills and how to bait your hook from the KDWPT Fisheries Dept. After the 20 minute talk kids will fish for their chance to win a fabulous prize! (The Biggest Fish, Smallest Fish, Most Fish and the weirdest thing caught were some of our winners last year.) This your first time fishing? You’ll be entered into a special First Time Fishermen Award for a special prize drawing. Fishing Poles & Bait will be provided. (You can bring your own equipment if you want!)
At the Animal Show-n-Tell 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. @ Shelter #6 in Campground #3(Right next to our new PLAYGROUND) You'll get the chance to get a close up look of our Live Animal’s on Display.We’ll set our cages up outside and you’ll get a special viewing of our Snakes & Turtles. We’ll talk about everything from our venomous snakes (Timber Rattlesnake, Copperhead and Massauga Rattlesnake.) and how to avoid them to our cute little turtles. Snake ID Booklet to all who attend. (While supplies last.)
Wildlifer Challenge - Kid's can earn extra prizes for completing Wildlifer Challenges. You can do 12 or 13 of the required 15, right here! Go to: www.kansaswildscape.org for more info.
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If anyone has an immediate need to check the lake conditions you may sign on to the US Army Corps of Engineers "Daily Lake Information" web-site for Clinton Reservoir at: http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/cl/daily.cfM
Campground information
Clinton State Park offers 387 improved campsites located in two campgrounds, 240 have water and electricity, the rest are primitive. Regular utility sites have 30amp service while "Prime Sites" have 50amp electric available. Campsites vary in size from smaller primitive campsites, 20'x40' to the larger Prime Sites, 30'x70'. All are outfitted with picnic tables and campfire rings or BBQ grills. As in most campgrounds some sites offer more shade than others, but most are in or near the tree line. The campgrounds at Clinton were built on high bluffs well above the shoreline. This type of development protects the areas from flooding, but makes lake access directly from the campsites difficult if not impossible.
Reservations may be made by visiting reserveamerica.com. (Type in our Zip Code of 66049 to find us the fastest!) The interactive web-site that will provide detailed descriptions and pictures of individual campsites. Sites in both campgrounds may be reserved. All others are on a first come first service basis. Reservations are convenient and guarantee an available campsite, but not particularly necessary except on major holidays. (Reserving on a holiday requires a 5 night stay.)
And there's plenty to do while you're here.
Trails
The park has over 25 miles of multi-use recreation trails, hiking and mountain biking. It is frequently said Clinton offers some of the most technically challenging and physically demanding mountain bike trails in the mid-west.
To round out the biking experience we offer a "Mountain Bike Skills Course". It's a virtual playground for the more technically skilled biker. Similar to a trials course it provides the opportunity to test your finesse with a bit of a thrill as a bonus. Views of the beautiful lake, shoreline and surrounding lands make your hike or bike workout a real sensory treat.
Or, if a leisurely hike or walk is more your taste there are miles of paved road to accommodate you, or a 3/4 mile self guided nature trail through the prairie.
So as not to leave out the "alternative trail enthusiast" we offer a five mile cross country ski trail that's a unique Kansas experience when mother nature cooperates.
Archery
The park has one of the only outdoor archery ranges in the area. Six shooting lanes with soft targets at 20, 40 and 60 yards offer the chance to hone your skills at "target shooting" or for that all important pre-hunting season tune up for you or your equipment.
Disc Golf
There is a disc golf course located in the park. A 9 hole course with some very challenging tee shots, fairways and greens. It's literally carved through the timber and prairie so, you had better have a keen eye and good spotters or plenty of discs to spare.
The Water
Clinton Reservoir has some of the most beautiful water in Kansas, clear, clean and always ready for your boating or fishing fun. A day on Clinton Lake is never a disappointment. Sixteen boat ramp lanes, eight courtesy docks and lighted parking areas make the access a breeze.
If big water fishing isn't your thing there are two smaller ponds in the park. "Lake Henry" is a quiet secluded four acre pond built in the 1940's with healthy populations of sunfish, largemouth bass and channel catfish. And during the trout season its well stocked with trout. The "Prairie Pond" a 3/4 acre kid's only fishing pond stocked with sunfish and channel catffish that guarantees fun for the little fisherman in your group.
You may want to cool off at the beach too. The park has a sand beach and swimming area. It's part of the lake so feel free to moor your boat outside the buoy line or take the trail from the parking lot and get wet.
No commentary on Clinton Lake would be complete without a word about the "Clinton Lake Marina". Located in the state park it's one of the finest marinas in the country. Annual and daily rental boat slips, secure dry storage, a retail shop, boat rentals and a deli round out the operation. The marina is neat and clean it's well kept and professionally operated, you won't find a better selection to fit your boating needs or friendlier service anywhere.
Cabins
Camp Creek and Chicken Creek cabins sit atop a high bluff overlooking Clinton Reservoir with a view as far as the eye can see. From the front porch the vistas are stunning; as miles of rugged timbered shoreline roll on beautiful sunsets illuminate a western skyline with Clinton Lake’s solitary “Pelican Island” centered in this breathtaking view. (5 additional cabins are in construction now. Hopefully they'll be ready to go after the first of the year. One of them is a 2 bedroom cabin that will sleep 9 people.)
Faux log siding, a large sitting porch and concrete parking and patio areas come together to create a homey yet rustic appeal. The spacious three room air conditioned and heated cabins offer all the amenities necessary for a comfortable stay. Accommodations include a full service eat in kitchen, 3/4 bath and master bedroom. With the added pull down twin “Murphy bed” and fold out futon bed the cabin comfortably sleeps six people. All you’ll need to complete the experience are your linens, bed pillows, bath towels, food and toiletries.
Check out the cabin reservation information, rates and procedures at www.reserveamerica.com
Please see the Gallery for maps & pictures! Or become a Face Book Fan! http://www.facebook.com/ClintonStatePark
BE SURE TO VISIT OUR PARK OFFICE 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. (Monday - Friday) TO SEE LIVE ANIMALS. We have several different varieties of Snakes, Turtles, Frogs and Fish to see.
Please feel free to contact us at by phone at 785-842-8562; on the web at http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/ or via our e-mail address at clintonsp@ksoutdoors.com if we can help any further. Thank you for your interest in Clinton State Park.
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