Tuttle Creek Cove
4.4671 reviews6040 Tuttle Cove Road, Manhattan, KS 66503, USA
Tuttle Creek Cove
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$24.00
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 electric site fee is $24 during peak season (Apr 15 to Oct 31). Additional fees may apply for reservation services ($8-$9 online, $3 in-person). Discounts are available for eligible Interagency pass holders.
About this campground
Nestled along the shimmering waters of Tuttle Creek Lake, this intimate Corps of Engineers campground beckons with 39 thoughtfully designed sites that balance modern comfort with natural beauty. Each campsite comes equipped with water and 50-amp electric hookups, ensuring you can power your RV while still feeling connected to the great outdoors. Modern shower facilities and convenient flush toilets mean you won't sacrifice comfort for adventure, while the playground keeps young explorers entertained and the boat ramp opens up endless possibilities for water recreation.
Tuttle Creek Cove Campground accommodates various camping styles, including RVs and tents. It does not have glamping or cabin lodging options.
Historical SignificanceYour gateway to Kansas heritage awaits just beyond the campground, where the magnificent Konza Prairie Biological Station preserves one of the last stands of tallgrass prairie in North America. The vibrant college town atmosphere of nearby Kansas State University offers cultural events, dining, and entertainment, while the historic Fort Riley provides a fascinating glimpse into America's frontier military history. This unique location places you at the crossroads of natural wonder and cultural richness.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of four distinct seasons at Tuttle Creek Cove, where spring awakens the landscape with wildflowers and perfect camping temperatures, while autumn paints the hills in warm golds and rust. Summer brings warm days ideal for lake activities and starlit evenings around the campfire. Even winter has its charm with crisp, moderately cold days that offer peaceful solitude for the hardy camper seeking off-season tranquility.
ElevationPerched at the gentle elevation of the Kansas Flint Hills, the campground offers commanding views across Tuttle Creek Lake and the surrounding prairie landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to breathtaking lake views from every campsite in this Flint Hills paradise, where ancient limestone cliffs frame the water's edge and rolling prairie stretches to the horizon. As one enchanted visitor noted, 'The views from all campsites are gorgeous if you like lake views.' Watch majestic bald eagles soar overhead, spot white-tailed deer grazing at dawn, and listen for the distinctive gobble of wild turkeys echoing through the hills. The dramatic landscape of flat-topped hills and steep limestone outcrops creates an ever-changing canvas of light and shadow throughout the day.
Geological RegionDiscover the timeless beauty of the Flint Hills, where millions of years of geological history have sculpted a landscape unlike anywhere else in Kansas. Ancient limestone outcrops tell stories of prehistoric seas, while steep-sided hills and winding stream channels create dramatic vistas at every turn. This unique ecosystem, with its characteristic flat-topped hills and rocky slopes, provides a stunning backdrop for your camping adventure. The region's warm summers invite exploration, while moderately cold winters transform the landscape into a serene prairie wonderland.
Campsite details
AccessibilityTerrain between campsites and shower buildings is steep and does not meet accessibility standards, according to official notes and user feedback.
Sites SizeWide, long, flat gravel pads that are neatly groomed. However, some sites are narrow, requiring leveling blocks for vehicles.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are generally spacious and offer privacy, but some areas have close proximity to neighbors. 'Sites are close together but the size of the sites makes that a potential non-issue.'
Total Campsites39 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites away from the water to avoid wind. Site-leveling blocks may be required for uneven terrain.
Best CampsitesSite 36 is noted for excellent views of Tuttle Creek Lake and space. "One of the biggest sites in the campground." (user review).
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not provided.
Check-out
Check-out time not provided.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 nights per visit.
Groups
No specific group camping site details were found in the provided materials.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutDivided into loops with varying terrain and proximity to amenities.
Open and Closed SeasonSeason opens April 15 and closes October 31. Reservations are available starting June 21.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website or app.
Walk-in AvailabilityUnclear from provided data, though user reviews indicate that reservations might be challenging.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations allow full refunds minus a $10 fee if made before the scheduled arrival date. Late cancellations (after midnight 1 calendar day before arrival) subtract the first night's fee from refunds.
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
Tuttle Creek Cove Campground offers a wide range of activities, mostly centered around outdoor recreation. These include boating, fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Some unique offerings include canoe, kayak, and paddleboat rentals at the nearby state park.
Hiking
The campground is near the Blue River Trail, a one-mile loop that provides excellent views of wildlife and is accessible in all seasons. Additional trails are available in the surrounding parks.Fishing
Fishing opportunities abound with species such as crappie, walleye, and channel catfish available in Tuttle Creek Lake. However, no user reviews specifically commented on fishing.Biking
Miles of biking trails are available at Tuttle Creek Lake, providing diverse terrain options suitable for different skill levels.Boating
Boating activities are a highlight at Tuttle Creek Lake. Canoeists and kayakers enjoy River Pond below the dam, while power boaters take advantage of the lake's large water body for skiing and pleasure boating.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is abundant, including bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, and wild turkeys. 'The campsite was beautiful, with amazing bird life and fireflies.'Winter Activities
Winter recreation is not explicitly mentioned, but the campground is accessible year-round.Water Sports
Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are available at the nearby state park, enhancing water-based recreation options.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Use of local firewood encouraged to avoid pest infestation. No specific fire restrictions mentioned.
- Quiet hours are Entrance gates are closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., suggesting quiet hours during this period.
Hazards
General hazardsSteep terrain and occasional flooding issues noted. Spiders and bugs may be problematic as per user reviews.
Active alertsThe campground has experienced flooding in the past, leading to closures of swimming areas.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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
For emergencies, Manhattan provides a hospital, police services, and fire departments approximately 15 minutes away. The campground itself appears unstaffed during some periods as noted by user reviews.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 15 to October 31
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly described in authoritative or user reviews, but trash bags were noted to have been provided in earlier visits.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on the shores of Tuttle Creek Lake. Some sites are on elevated cliffs above the water.
Common complaintsPower outages, lack of camp host presence, steep terrain, unlevel sites, and spiders and bugs in restroom facilities.
HostMixed reviews about camp hosts. Some highlight helpfulness, others cite absence and lack of engagement.
Campground Map
6040 Tuttle Cove Road, Manhattan, KS 66503, USA
Driving directionsFrom the intersection of US-24 and K-13 at the west end of the dam, turn east onto K-13, then immediately turn north onto Tuttle Cove Road and continue 3 miles to the campground entrance.
The campground is accessible by paved roads. Some reviews note steep terrain within the campground that may pose challenges for accessibility. "The roads are very hilly and steep in places" (user review).Nearby places
Manhattan (approximately 8 miles, 15 minutes drive). Other nearby population centers include Junction City and Wamego.
Nearby supplies
Dara's Fast Lane in Manhattan, approximately 8 minutes drive, offers groceries, fuel, and other essentials. "Dara's (about 8 min drive) has anything you might need." (user review)
Camper Reviews
4.5
71 reviews
Tuttle Creek Cove is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Tuttle Creek Cove Campground receives mixed reviews. It is often praised for its cleanliness, beautiful lake views, and spacious campsites. However, issues such as unlevel sites, bugs, inconsistent host presence, and restricted swimming are common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 71 reviews
What Campers Love
Guests appreciate the peaceful environment, scenic views, spacious campsites, and clean facilities. Some reviews emphasized the friendly and helpful camp hosts and the value provided by the...
Based on 71 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most frequent complaints include unlevel sites requiring leveling blocks, bugs (including spiders in restrooms), inconsistent presence of camp hosts, and the permanent closure of the swimming...
Based on 71 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Guests recommend using GPS coordinates for better navigation, preparing for unlevel sites with leveling blocks, and avoiding tent camping due to vault toilet issues. 'More photos or descriptions of...
Based on 71 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest quieter stays during weekdays and after Labor Day. Summer visits often highlight issues with bugs and lack of shade, while fall visits emphasize peacefulness and cooler weather as...
Based on 71 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
'It has a majestic view during the moon rise!' 'Very clean, great lake location, peaceful and quiet.' 'Vault bathrooms are clean and well stocked, but modern facilities require driving.'
Based on 71 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site 36 is noted for its excellent lake views and spacious size. Site 30 features direct lakefront views from the front window of an RV. Site 23 is scenic but has a slope, making leveling difficult.
Based on 71 reviewsAccessibility Features
Terrain is steep, and accessibility for those with disabilities may be challenging. 'The roads are very hilly and steep in places.'
Based on 71 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025