Tuttle Creek State Park
00 review5800A River Pond Road, Manhattan, Kansas, 66502, United States
Tuttle Creek State Park
$15.00 - $35.00 / 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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range depending on amenities; utility campsites are charged at higher rates compared to primitive campsites. Additional costs may apply for cabins and other facilities.
About this campground
Escape to Tuttle Creek State Park, where 1,250 acres of Kansas wilderness await your next adventure. This outdoor paradise seamlessly blends modern amenities with untamed nature, offering everything from full-service utility sites to secluded primitive camping spots. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters, navigating scenic hiking trails, perfecting your disc golf game, or exploring miles of equestrian paths, Tuttle Creek transforms every visit into an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Flint Hills.
Tuttle Creek offers various camping options, including utility, primitive, group, and cabin accommodations. Tent and RV camping sites are available, along with pet-friendly cabins.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Kansas seasons at Tuttle Creek, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Spring arrives with gentle breezes and wildflower blooms, while autumn wraps the shoreline in golden warmth. Summer brings intense heat that calls for early morning adventures and afternoon swims in the reservoir. Winter transforms the park into a crisp, quiet retreat where the beauty of frost-covered prairies rewards the hardy camper. Pack accordingly—summer visitors should bring plenty of water and sun protection for those blazing Kansas days.
ElevationThe park's gently rolling terrain creates perfect vantage points for sunset watching and comfortable camping, though specific elevation details await your personal discovery.
Natural Features and SceneryTuttle Creek Reservoir stretches across 12,500 acres like a sapphire jewel set in the Kansas prairie, its waters embraced by 100 miles of rugged, wooded shoreline that beckons explorers. The surrounding Flint Hills rise and fall in ancient rhythms, their tallgrass prairies swaying in the wind like an endless green ocean. This stunning convergence of water, woodland, and prairie creates a photographer's paradise and a naturalist's dream, where every sunrise brings new discoveries.
Geological RegionNestled in the legendary Flint Hills of Northeast Kansas, Tuttle Creek showcases one of North America's last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems. This ancient landscape, sculpted by centuries of wind and water, features dramatic limestone outcroppings hidden among wooded ravines and expansive prairie vistas that stretch to the horizon. The rugged shoreline tells the geological story of Kansas, where prehistoric seas once covered the land that now hosts your camping adventure.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specifically detailed in the source materials.
Sites SizeCampsite sizes are not specifically detailed in the source materials.
Sites PrivacyThe privacy level of campsites is not specifically mentioned in the source materials.
Total Campsites711 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommendations include cabins located in Cedar Ridge and River Pond Area.
Best CampsitesSpecific site numbers and rankings are not provided.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
- 14 consecutive days
- written permission required for extensions
Guests Allowed Per Site
Only one camper/RV per utility site is allowed.
Groups
Details about the number of people and vehicles allowed at group sites are not mentioned in the source.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into five areas: River Pond, Rocky Ford, Cedar Ridge, Fancy Creek, and Randolph.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be checked in after 3 PM; access codes are issued by email.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly mentioned; reservation guidelines specify advance booking for cabins and campsites.
Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly mentioned.
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.
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Sewer hookups
Camp Store
Laundry Facilities
Activities you can enjoy
Tuttle Creek State Park offers a variety of recreational activities that cater to nature lovers, sports enthusiasts, and families. These include hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and equestrian trails. Visitors can engage in disc golf, archery, and wildlife viewing. The park is also unique for its Fancy Creek Shooting Range, which operates on specified weekends and Thursdays.
Hiking
The park features numerous nature trails, moderate mountain bike trails, and scenic equestrian trails. These trails offer opportunities to explore the Flint Hills and tall grass prairies.Fishing
Tuttle Creek is known for excellent channel cat and flathead fishing in the lake and river. Bass and crappie can be found near standing timber and brush piles, while saugeye are often caught off the dam face and in the river below.Swimming
Swimming is permitted in designated areas, including a park lake and reservoir.Biking
The park includes moderate mountain bike trails designed for outdoor enthusiasts.Boating
Boating facilities are available with boat ramps, a marina, and courtesy docks. Various types of boating activities are supported, including kayaking and paddle boating.Wildlife viewing
The park has a nearby 12,000-acre wildlife area offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.Beach activities
Visitors can enjoy sunbathing and other beach-related activities at the designated swimming beach.Cultural and Educational Programs
The park hosts archeology, history, instructional, nature, and recreational programs.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not detailed in the source materials.Water Sports
Visitors can rent kayaks, pedal boats, and other watercraft for recreational water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires permitted in designated areas; must be extinguished before departure.
- Quiet hours are 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include heat during summer, freezing conditions in winter, and wildlife-related dangers.
Active alertsNo active advisories or alerts are mentioned.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 47%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Emergency services are available within 10 miles, including hospitals and medical clinics.
Good to know
Peak season dates: null
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, with visitors required to dispose of waste properly. Dumping of grey water is prohibited.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Tuttle Creek Reservoir, featuring boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities.
Common complaintsComplaints about noise may arise during non-quiet hours.
HostHosts provide assistance with camping facilities; specific contact information is missing.
Campground Map
5800A River Pond Road, Manhattan, Kansas, 66502, United States
Driving directionsDIRECTIONS FOR ALL TUTTLE CREEK STATE PARK AREAS: For the River Pond, Rocky Ford, and Riley Point Areas - From north I-80, take US-77S exit 397, merge on US-77 South, continue for approximately 118 miles. US-77 becomes US-24E/Tuttle Creek Blvd. Continue for 10 miles, turn left onto HWY 13, and proceed across the dam to the first right-hand turn which brings you below the dam. From Eastbound I-70, take exit 303 ramp, turn left on K-18N/K-18 Bypass N, continue for 11.3 miles to K113/Seth Child Rd, turn left on K113N/Seth Child Rd, merge right on US-24E/Tuttle Creek Blvd. for 1 mile, turn left onto HWY 13, and continue across the dam to the first right-hand turn. For Westbound I-70, take exit 313 ramp onto K-177 North for 8.5 miles, take the exit for Fort Riley Blvd/Tuttle Creek Blvd/K-18/K-177, turn left on Tuttle Creek Blvd/K-177 N/US-24W, continue approximately 6 miles, take a slight turn right onto HWY 13.
The roads leading to Tuttle Creek State Park are generally paved and accessible year-round. Attention is drawn to specific entrances, such as the west entrance off Tuttle Creek Blvd, which is noted as now being open.Nearby places
Manhattan (null miles, null minutes)
Randolph (north of HWY 77 and HWY 16 junction, east of HWY 16)
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, camping equipment, and fuel are available within 10 miles.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Tuttle Creek State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the park's diverse recreational opportunities and well-maintained facilities but note some concerns regarding pet restrictions and campground privacy.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Visitors appreciate the variety of activities such as boating, hiking, fishing, and the availability of pet-friendly cabins. The park's clean and organized facilities receive praise.
Common Concerns
Some users express dissatisfaction with pet restrictions, including areas where pets are not allowed. Privacy between campsites is also occasionally mentioned as lacking.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend exploring the equestrian and mountain bike trails and suggest early reservations for cabins, especially the pet-friendly ones.
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal reviews indicate that summer is ideal for water activities and wildlife viewing, while fall offers cooler weather suited for hiking and fishing.
Camper Quotes
"The park's trails are fantastic for mountain biking, and the equestrian trail offers a peaceful ride through the prairies." "Fishing here is top-notch—caught several bass and even saw someone reel...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Details about specific campsite reviews are not provided in the source materials.
Accessibility Features
Information about accessibility reviews is not available.
Pet-Friendly Features
Mixed reviews highlight the pet-friendly cabins as a positive but criticize restrictions on pets in certain areas, including swimming beaches.
Last updated August 10, 2025