Damsite - Fall River Lake
3.7047 reviews2453 LAKE ROAD, FALL RIVER, KS 67047, USA
Damsite - Fall River Lake
$6.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $6 for standard non-electric sites to $100 for group standard electric sites per night during the April-to-October peak season. Additional reservation fees may apply.
About this campground
Nestled where the rushing waters of Fall River meet the tranquil expanse of Fall River Lake, Damsite Campground offers an intimate escape into Kansas's hidden natural beauty. This charming 13-site retreat sits just below the spillway, where the gentle sound of flowing water creates a peaceful soundtrack for your outdoor adventure. Each thoughtfully appointed site comes equipped with modern conveniences including electrical hookups, fresh drinking water, and vault toilets, while families will delight in the on-site playground. Despite its modest size, this gem of a campground provides front-row seats to some of the region's most abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Damsite campground accommodates various camping styles with 13 rentable sites, including options for RV camping, tent camping, and group camping.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsFrom April through October, Damsite Campground welcomes visitors to experience the dynamic beauty of Kansas weather. Spring arrives with refreshing rains that bring the surrounding prairies to life, though occasional heavy downpours can create muddy adventures for the prepared camper. Summer settles in with comfortable temperatures perfect for lakeside relaxation, while early fall paints the landscape in warm hues. The ever-changing conditions create a different camping experience with each visit, from misty mornings after spring storms to crystal-clear autumn days ideal for wildlife watching.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to panoramic views where endless rolling prairies meet the shimmering waters of Fall River Lake, which winds gracefully for 15 miles through the heart of the Flint Hills. The campground sits at the convergence of diverse ecosystems—from tree-dotted valleys that provide shade and shelter to dramatic limestone-capped ridges that glow golden at sunset. This unique positioning creates a natural amphitheater where prairie meets water, attracting diverse wildlife and offering photographers endless opportunities to capture the interplay of grassland, forest, and lake.
Geological RegionSet within the captivating Flint Hills region, the campground showcases Kansas's remarkable geological story written in stone and grass. Ancient limestone ridges, formed from prehistoric seas, crown the surrounding hills like natural fortresses, while verdant valleys carved by centuries of water flow create intimate pockets of woodland. These rolling prairies, punctuated by exposed limestone outcroppings and ribbons of trees following hidden streams, represent one of the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems in North America.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are detailed in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Sites Size"The spot was spacious" - Daniel G. "Sites have reasonable spacing between them and are deep enough to provide plenty of room for the travel trailer and truck" - John L.
Sites Privacy"Sites were reasonably level gravel. With a hill on one side and the dam on the other, we felt like there was a good wind break to shield the site." - John L. "Plenty of space between sites." - Gary A.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #005 is recommended for families due to proximity to the playground. Sites 4 and 5 have poor drainage issues during rain, while sites 1-3 are better for avoiding mud.
Best CampsitesSite #005 is mentioned as being close to the playground and scenic. Site #011 is noted for fishing opportunities and quiet ambiance.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
No specific details about the group camping site’s capacity or vehicle limits are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into west and east loops separated by a bridge with weight and clearance restrictions.
Open and Closed SeasonCampground is open from April 1 to October 31, with peak season dates falling between those times.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov and contact centers.
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation PolicyReservation changes or cancellations can incur a fee of $10. Late cancellations for individual campsites result in forfeiting the first night's fee and a $10 cancellation fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors enjoy a variety of recreational activities at Damsite - Fall River Lake, including boating, swimming, fishing, and hiking. The scenic environment also supports birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Anglers find abundant species such as white bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. The playground is popular among families, and geocaching adds a modern twist to outdoor exploration.
Hiking
"The hiking in the area was pretty and not too hard." - David G. No specific trails or lengths are mentioned.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are plentiful, with species including gar, turtles, white bass, and crappie noted by users. "Great camping and fishing!" - Janelle D.Swimming
The lake provides opportunities for swimming, although no additional details about designated areas or safety measures are noted.Boating
Boating activities are highlighted as a key feature of Fall River Lake. "Fall River and Lake provide visitors with endless boating, water skiing, jet skiing opportunities." - Official source.Wildlife viewing
"Loved sitting on the benches by the dam watching the wildlife." - Shannon Hall. Common sightings include prairie chickens, wild turkeys, deer, and quail.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned in the content.Water Sports
Water sports such as jet skiing and water skiing are available for visitors seeking adventure.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Firewood must be bought locally and burned on-site to prevent tree pests.
- Quiet hours are Quiet time policies apply; specific hours are not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include heavy rains causing flooding, dead tree branches posing risks to vehicles, and poorly maintained roads.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 67%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025
Trash and recyclingNo detailed information about trash and recycling facilities is provided. Some reviewers suggest adding hooks for trash bags to prevent wildlife issues, and there are sporadic complaints about debris and uncleanliness.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is directly adjacent to Fall River and its spillway. Fishing opportunities are available with species such as gar, turtle, and bass.
Common complaintsComplaints include poor drainage and muddy campsites, lack of maintenance (dead trees and branches), and limited amenities (locked shower houses, electricity outages).
HostUser reviews mention helpful and friendly hosts. One guest specifically praised Tony Wilson, the camp host.
Campground Map
2453 LAKE ROAD, FALL RIVER, KS 67047, USA
Driving directionsFrom US HWY 400, turn left (north) at mile marker 344 (Z 50 Rd) 0.09 miles, turn right (east) 2.4 miles, turn right (south) at entrance to park.
The campground is accessible via rock roads requiring a turn from US HWY 400. Notably, there is a bridge with limited clearance and a 3-ton weight limit separating the east and west sides of the campground, which larger vehicles may need to bypass.Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
3.7
47 reviews
Damsite - Fall River Lake has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews reveal mixed sentiments. Positive feedback highlights spacious sites, friendly camp hosts, and peaceful surroundings. Complaints largely center on maintenance issues (flood drainage, dead tree limbs, vault toilets) and poor cell service.
Review Summaries
Based on 47 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights from reviews include spacious sites, friendly camp hosts (‘The hosts were very nice.’ - Brian O), proximity to scenic surroundings ('It was quiet, peaceful, and the fishing was great!' -...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Issues mentioned include poor drainage during rainy conditions (‘Sites had serious flooding.’ - Melinda M), maintenance problems (‘Bathrooms could use a little work.’ - Kelly L), and lack of basic...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Reviewers suggest bringing extra water hoses due to odd site setups, preparing for rainy conditions, and bringing board games due to lack of cell service.
Based on 47 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months are noted for heat and occasional flooding ('It is quite hot below the dam during July and August.' - John H), while spring offers quieter, cooler conditions for camping. Heavy rains...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Bathrooms were iffy, but our site was full hookup so it didn't matter to us." - Shannon Hall. "Vault toilets need repair." - Daniel G. "Overall it was a nice place to stay." - John L.
Based on 47 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site #1: High traffic area. Site #5: Close to playground, appreciated proximity. Sites #4 and #5: Poor drainage during rains creating muddy areas. Site #27: Electricity had frequent outages.
Based on 47 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews are provided.
Based on 47 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Some reviews mention the presence of wildlife and dead tree limbs that may be hazardous for pets.
Based on 47 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025