Farnum Creek
3.8682 reviews5203 N. K57 Hwy, Junction City, KS 66441, USA
Farnum Creek
$14.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$14.00
Hookup Site Fee$22.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees vary by site type: Standard Electric ($22-$24), Standard Nonelectric ($14), Tent Only Nonelectric ($14). Prices do not include taxes or additional charges.
About this campground
Discover your perfect lakeside retreat at Farnum Creek, where two thoughtfully designed camping loops embrace the stunning shores of Milford Lake, Kansas. This waterfront paradise invites you to cast a line into crystal waters, launch your boat for endless adventures, or simply float the day away. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with nature here—spacious RV pull-through sites with electric hookups await your arrival, while hot showers refresh you after sun-soaked days. Children delight in the playground as parents prepare evening meals, and the convenient boat ramp puts you mere minutes from open water. Whether you're scanning the skies for migrating birds or pedaling scenic trails on two wheels, Farnum Creek transforms every stay into an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Farnum Creek accommodates both RV and tent camping. Official descriptions highlight its pull-through RV pads and tent sites. "Of the 59 camp sites, more than half have electric hookups," making it well-suited for RV camping, but user reviews indicate challenges with leveling and crowded layouts.
Weather and SeasonsPeak season brings Kansas at its finest—brilliant blue skies stretch endlessly above while comfortable temperatures invite all-day exploration. The prairie winds that sweep across Milford Lake can pick up during busy summer weekends, offering natural air conditioning on warmer days. While occasional heat waves remind visitors they're in the heartland, and spring rains sometimes swell the shoreline, these natural rhythms only add to the authentic Midwest camping experience. Seasoned visitors know to pack layers and embrace the elements that make each visit unique.
ElevationPerched at 1,200 feet above sea level, Farnum Creek offers a refreshing escape where gentle breezes flow more freely and summer temperatures feel just a touch more forgiving. This elevated position grants sweeping vistas across Milford Lake's vast expanse, where morning mists dance across the water and evening light paints the sky in brilliant hues. The subtle altitude provides natural relief from the heat of lower plains, creating an ideal microclimate for comfortable camping throughout the season.
Natural Features and SceneryFarnum Creek cradles campers in a natural amphitheater where mature trees form living cathedral ceilings overhead, their branches offering dappled shade throughout the day. Along 163 miles of sinuous shoreline, Milford Lake reveals new treasures at every turn—hidden coves perfect for swimming, rocky outcrops ideal for sunset watching, and quiet inlets where herons stand motionless in the shallows. While nature's cycles have claimed some older trees, creating openings for stunning lake views, the remaining canopy provides a perfect balance of shelter and scenery that frames your lakeside memories.
Geological RegionWelcome to the crown jewel of Kansas waterways—Milford Lake spreads across 15,700 acres of transformed prairie, where the Republican River once carved its ancient path. As the largest reservoir in the Sunflower State, this engineering marvel boasts 163 miles of scenic shoreline that wind through rolling hills and grasslands. At 1,200 feet elevation, the lake sits perfectly positioned in the Kansas landscape, creating a vast oasis where water meets sky in an endless horizon. This remarkable transformation of river valley into recreational paradise showcases both human ingenuity and nature's adaptability, offering visitors a unique blend of geological history and modern outdoor adventure.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers one accessible pull-through RV site among its five pull-through pads. Specific details regarding ADA compliance for other facilities are not provided.
Sites SizeSite sizes vary greatly, with some campers describing them as tight and crowded. "Our site was lakeside, level, amazing," noted one camper, while others mentioned that sites could be "small" and "very steep."
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are inconsistent depending on the site. "Camping pads are close together so it feels a little crowded," said one review. Another camper stated, "Lots of shaded spots with plenty of space to park your vehicles."
Total Campsites59 campsites
Recommended CampsitesWaterfront sites offer great views but less shade. Outer loop sites are more level than interior ones. Avoid sites like A017 due to extreme unlevel terrain.
Best CampsitesSites along the water such as A042 and A034 are highlighted for their scenic views, though they may require additional leveling.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in at 6 PM
Check-out
Check-out by 6 PM
Stay Limit
14 nights during a visit or within rolling 30 days.
Groups
No specific group sites are mentioned in the authoritative content.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutA double-loop layout with 59 campsites, including pull-through RV pads and sites with electrical hookups.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season starts from April 15 to September 30, 2025, with reservations available starting June 21, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website or app, contact center, or in-person methods.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability may be limited due to reserved slips placed early for sites. User reviews indicate this practice caused dissatisfaction among potential walk-in guests.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed up to the scheduled arrival date with a $10 fee. Late cancellations incur additional fees, such as forfeiting the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Farnum Creek offers a diverse range of recreational activities tied to its location on Milford Lake. "Boating, swimming, fishing, birding, and biking are among the many things to do at Milford Lake," according to official descriptions. User reviews highlight fishing and wildlife viewing as popular activities.
Fishing
Fishing is popular at Milford Lake, though reviews indicate mixed experiences. "Great fishing location," mentioned one camper, while another complained, "Could not fish due to boats and jet skis getting too close to shoreline."Swimming
Swimming is available at Milford Lake, although no specific safety measures or designated swimming areas are outlined.Biking
Biking is noted as a possible activity, though details on trails and terrain are not provided.Boating
Boating is a featured activity at Milford Lake, supported by a boat ramp at Farnum Creek. Jet skiing and other watercraft activities are common.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are available around Milford Lake. "Nice quiet area with plenty of trees," mentioned one user who enjoyed the natural surroundings.Winter Activities
No winter activities are noted for Farnum Creek specifically.Water Sports
Water sports like jet skiing and boating are popular at Milford Lake, as evidenced by user reviews that describe frequent watercraft activity.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed but visitors are encouraged to buy local firewood to prevent tree-killing pests.
- Quiet hours until 9 PM
Hazards
General hazardsIssues with unlevel sites noted by multiple user reviews. Some sites have dead trees posing dangers, ticks reported in the area, and safety concerns with rocky shoreline for children.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.4 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
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 closest to the campground include facilities in Junction City, KS.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 15, 2025 - September 30, 2025
Trash and recyclingMultiple reviews raised concerns about maintenance and cleanliness, such as the presence of trash around the campground and insufficient cleaning of sites between campers.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located directly on Milford Lake, providing boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include unlevel campsites, dead trees needing removal, crowded loops, inadequate restroom supplies, and malfunctions with shower temperature.
HostHosts Howard and Vicky are frequently mentioned in reviews for their helpfulness, although some users report rude interactions.
Campground Map
5203 N. K57 Hwy, Junction City, KS 66441, USA
Driving directionsTake I-70 to exit 295 then north on Highway 77. Drive 11 miles to park entrance.
The campground can be accessed via paved roads from I-70 and Highway 77. No specific seasonal closures or navigation challenges are mentioned.Nearby places
Manhattan: approximately 30 minutes away. Ft Riley: close proximity.
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, camping essentials, and fuel can be accessed in Junction City, KS.
Camper Reviews
3.9
82 reviews
Farnum Creek has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Farnum Creek are highly mixed, ranging from extremely positive experiences praising the scenic views and facilities to negative sentiments highlighting unlevel pads, poor maintenance, ticks, and overcrowding. "The facilities are first class," said one user, while another stated, "None of the pads are level, leaves completely filled the site."
Review Summaries
Based on 82 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive highlights include "Beautiful sites, clean bathrooms, well maintained." Another reviewer said, "Shade trees and very clean," and "Camp hosts were great." Many campers appreciated the scenic...
Based on 82 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include "Ticks everywhere," "Sites were extremely unlevel," and "Shower and restroom facilities need repaired and updated." Crowded campsites and issues with site maintenance,...
Based on 82 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users suggest bringing leveling blocks due to uneven pads and preparing for potential maintenance issues like ticks and water pressure variability. "Make sure you attach your water pressure...
Based on 82 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal trends indicate the campground is highly popular during summer, but crowding and maintenance issues become prominent in peak season. "Camping spots could be more level," noted one summer...
Based on 82 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Great fishing location, but the rocky shoreline is not a place for kids," "Ticks everywhere!" "Our site was lakeside, level, amazing," "Showers are poorly designed and the water is far too hot,"...
Based on 82 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews highlight notable issues: "Site 42 is not usable and not safe for most RVs/campers," "Site A17... incredibly unlevel," "Site A039... most uneven, rough trailer pad I've ever...
Based on 82 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Few reviews address accessibility directly. It is noted that one of the RV sites is accessible, but no detailed accounts from users with disabilities were found.
Based on 82 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are mentioned indirectly in reviews. Complaints include "Lots of people letting their dogs run around" and concerns about unleashed pets.
Based on 82 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025