School Creek Camground
3.966 reviewsUSACE, 5203 N. Hwy. K57, Junction City, KS, 66441
School Creek Camground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
Standard Nonelectric sites are $10 per night during the peak season from April 15, 2025 to September 30, 2025.
About this campground
Escape to the untamed shores of Kansas' legendary Milford Lake at School Creek Campground, where primitive camping meets endless water adventures. This back-to-basics retreat invites you to pitch your tent along the scenic waterfront, with direct access to a boat ramp and dock for launching your aquatic explorations. While you won't find electric hookups or running water at your site, the campground's vault restrooms and prime lakeside location offer the perfect balance of rustic simplicity and natural comfort. Adventure seekers will love the adjacent School Creek ORV area, making this the ideal basecamp for both water enthusiasts and off-road explorers.
School Creek Campground is a primitive camping area catering to tent and RV campers without hookups.
Historical SignificanceSchool Creek Campground stands as a gateway to one of Kansas' most impressive engineering achievements—Milford Lake. This camping haven connects modern adventurers with the timeless tradition of lakeside recreation that has drawn families and outdoor enthusiasts to these waters for generations.
Weather and SeasonsFrom April's first warm breezes through September's golden sunsets, School Creek Campground welcomes visitors during Kansas' most inviting months. These prime camping seasons bring ideal conditions for swimming, boating, and stargazing, with warm days perfect for lake activities and cool evenings made for campfire gatherings. The campground's seasonal operation ensures you'll experience Milford Lake at its finest, when wildflowers bloom along the shoreline and the water beckons with endless recreational possibilities.
ElevationNestled along the gently rolling shores of Milford Lake, School Creek Campground offers level camping spots that provide easy access to the water's edge while maintaining comfortable positions above the waterline.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to breathtaking views across Milford Lake's vast expanse, where 15,700 acres of shimmering water stretch to the horizon. This aquatic paradise, carved by the Republican River, boasts an incredible 163 miles of varied shoreline that ranges from peaceful coves to windswept points. From your campsite, watch herons wade through the shallows at dawn, observe eagles soaring overhead, and witness spectacular sunsets painting the water in brilliant hues of orange and gold.
Geological RegionSituated along the mighty Milford Lake—Kansas' crown jewel of reservoirs—School Creek Campground occupies a unique position where the Republican River's waters have been transformed into a 15,700-acre aquatic playground. This impressive man-made lake, with its remarkable 163 miles of diverse shoreline, showcases the dramatic interplay between human ingenuity and natural beauty, creating a landscape where prairie meets water in spectacular fashion.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information about accessibility features is available.
Sites SizeCampsites are standard size and designed to accommodate primitive camping setups.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary. A user review mentioned issues with fishermen walking through an occupied site, suggesting some sites may lack seclusion.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLoop A and Loop B campsites are recommended for their quietness and proximity to the lake.
Best CampsitesUser reviews highlight Loop A and Loop B campsites for clean and maintained conditions (e.g., Reviews by MICHAEL E and WALTER Z).
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Information not explicitly provided.
Groups
No information on group sites is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is organized into loops, such as Loop A and Loop B.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 15, 2025 with reservations available until September 30, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, via their app, or by contacting their center.
Walk-in AvailabilityDetails about walk-up availability are not explicitly stated.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made anytime before the arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations additionally subtract the first night’s fee. No-shows incur a $20 fee and forfeit the first night’s recreation use fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
School Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational activities including boating, birding, fishing, and ATV riding. The nearby Milford Lake enhances these opportunities.
Hiking
Hiking trails are nearby in the Milford State Park area, including the Waterfall Trail and the Crystal Trail.Fishing
Fishing is popular at Milford Lake, with one user noting the area is 'nice for catching nice size catfish.'Boating
A boat ramp and dock are available for use within the campground.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with a wildlife viewing tower and trail available nearby.Winter Activities
No details about winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No specific details about non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted using provided campfire rings.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsHazards include water-related risks as life jackets are recommended, and potential wildlife considerations due to the proximity to natural areas.
Active alertsNo active alerts stated.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 46%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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 are most likely accessible in Junction City, KS.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 15, 2025 - September 30, 2025
Trash and recyclingNo information about trash and recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresAll campsites are on the banks of Milford Lake, providing direct access to the water.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention issues with fishermen intruding on campsites (e.g., Review by Tay Mar).
HostHost information is not provided.
Campground Map
USACE, 5203 N. Hwy. K57, Junction City, KS, 66441
Driving directionsTake I-70 to the 290 exit and proceed north 5 miles to 837/244 Hwy. Turn left on 837/244 Hwy. for 10 miles to reach Luttman Rd and turn right. Continue on Luttman Rd. for 1 mile to reach the entrance of the ATV area or turn right after 1 mile to go to the campground.
The campground has accessible paved roads leading to it, but there are no mentions of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies are available in Junction City, KS.
Camper Reviews
4.0
6 reviews
School Creek Camground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for School Creek Campground are mixed. While some users appreciated the cleanliness of the facilities and the tranquility of the area, others highlighted issues with site privacy and interactions with other visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews mention clean and well-maintained vault toilets, peaceful surroundings, and good fishing opportunities. For instance, one user stated, 'The restrooms were very clean and...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users raised concerns about privacy, particularly in sections of the campground where fishermen were reported walking through occupied campsites. One user expressed frustration: 'Multiple...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers with RVs are advised to bring generators, as there are no electric hookups. Anglers might benefit from a fish cleaning station, as one reviewer suggested adding this amenity.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No significant differences in user experiences by season are noted, although the campground is only open from April 15 to September 30.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The restrooms were very clean and comfortable.' 2. 'Nice coves for catching nice size catfish!' 3. 'Multiple fishermen came and parked at our occupied campsite and walked through it.' 4....
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite 1 in Loop A is noted positively for its quietness. Another review mentioned that Loop D, located on a peninsula, is less private due to fishermen accessing the area.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews about accessibility features are available.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews about pet policies or experiences with pets are available.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025