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Access Site KS

Slough Creek

Slough Creek - Perry Lake

Source: u_s__geological_survey Updated 1 year ago

City: Thompsonville, KS
County: Jefferson County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 39.13699808, -95.42377320
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
Slough Creek Campground offers excellent boat access to Perry Lake, Kansas's second-largest lake, located near Thompsonville in Jefferson County. This Army Corps of Engineers facility is the largest and most popular recreation area at Perry Lake, with well-maintained boat ramps that provide easy water access for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats. The campground sits on 700 acres of public-use land with mature trees and some campsites positioned near the water's edge, making it convenient for paddlers who want to combine overnight stays with time on the water.

The facility is open year-round and accessible from Highway 24 via Ferguson Road north from Perry, Kansas. Note that campground gates close from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights and during holiday weekends, with an exit lane available for departing visitors. For reservations, camping information, or specific details about boat ramp conditions, contact the facility at 785-876-3127. Perry Lake's proximity to the Kansas City metro area (Topeka, Lawrence, and Kansas City) makes this a accessible option for paddlers in the region.
Federal Facility Information
785-876-3127 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview

Slough Creek Campground is situated on Perry Lake in the lush Kansas forest. As the largest and most popular recreation area at the lake, Slough Creek is an ideal destination for family camping trips.CAMPGROUND GATE POLICY--Park entrance gates will be closed from 10pm-6am on Friday and Saturday nights and the entirety of holiday weekends. An exit lane is provided with one way traffic...

Overview

Slough Creek Campground is situated on Perry Lake in the lush Kansas forest. As the largest and most popular recreation area at the lake, Slough Creek is an ideal destination for family camping trips.CAMPGROUND GATE POLICY--Park entrance gates will be closed from 10pm-6am on Friday and Saturday nights and the entirety of holiday weekends. An exit lane is provided with one way traffic only. No late entrance will be allowed and only Park Staff or Emergency Personnel will be permitted though the gate after 10pm.
Recreation
Perry lake has a reputation for being one of the best sailing lakes in the region; however, boaters of all types will enjoy the many opportunities offered here, whether it's sailing, power boating or canoeing.

Perry Lake offers excellent fishing: White crappie, flathead catfish, walleye, white bass, channel catfish and sauger are in abundance throughout the lake.

In addition to the vast lake, the area has approximately 27,000 acres of public land dedicated to wildlife management: turkey, deer, quail, pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, duck and geese are all found on these federal lands.

For hikers, the 29-mile Perry Lake loop trail offers a range of terrain and difficulty from easy, gentle slopes in the south to rugged, varying elevation changes in the north. The Slough Creek trailhead for the Perry Lake Trail is located on-site. There is also a short loop trail through the Slough Creek Area called the Thunder Ridge Trail with the trailhead just outside the main campground gate. The Thunder Ridge Trail is approximately 2.5 miles and offers a diverse array of terrain and scenery in such a short trail.Facilities
Slough Creek Campground offers 174 reservable spacious campsites, ranging from walk-in tent sites to full electric and water hookup sites. In addition to the individual campsites, one large group camp is available for large parties or family functions and provides privacy from the main campground.
Natural Features
Perry Lake Dam was completed in 1969 to help with flood control for the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Today, the lake boasts 159 miles of shoreline and 12,000 surface acres of water, creating countless recreational activities for visitors, and earning it the nickname "paradise on the plains."

The campground is surrounded by the lake on one side and a dense canopy of forest on the other, making it ideal for those wishing to enjoy the best of both environments.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (785) 597-5144.
Nearby Attractions
Perry Lake is a short drive from Lawrence, Topeka, and Kansas City--each with their own array of shopping, dining, and attractions.

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Nearby Recreation Areas
Perry Lake Located within
Nearby Boat Facilities
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