Lawrence's Lake Is One of Kansas' Best Recreational Reservoirs
Why Rent On Clinton Lake
Clinton Lake is a 35-square-mile reservoir in northeast Kansas, just outside the vibrant college town of Lawrence. With 16 boat ramps, eight courtesy docks, a marina, 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, an archery range, a disc golf course, and seasonal swim beaches, Clinton Lake is one of the most activity-rich destinations in the state. A vacation rental near Clinton Lake gives your family access to all of it, plus the considerable cultural offerings of Lawrence just down the road.
Lakehouses and Cabins Near a College Town
Vacation rentals near Clinton Lake offer multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and comfortable outdoor spaces. Pet-friendly properties are widely available, and the combination of lake access and easy proximity to Lawrence means your family never has to choose between a nature day and a culture day. Many rentals feature lake views and outdoor living areas that make evenings at the property feel as rewarding as the days on the water.
Boating, Fishing, Mountain Biking, and Cross-Country Skiing
Clinton Lake is fully open for all watercraft, with excellent fishing for blue catfish and other species throughout the season. The 25-mile trail network serves hikers, mountain bikers, and cross-country skiers depending on the season, and the mountain bike skills course within the park adds a specific draw for families with older kids who ride. Sand volleyball and seasonal swim beaches round out the summer recreation options.
Bald Eagles, Tallgrass Prairies, and Wildlife Viewing
Clinton State Park is home to bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and numerous bird species that make wildlife watching a genuinely rewarding part of any visit. The tallgrass prairie habitat surrounding the lake gives the landscape a distinctly Kansas character that visitors find beautiful and memorable in a way that is hard to anticipate before arriving.
Lawrence, the University of Kansas, and Downtown Culture
Lawrence is one of the most culturally vibrant small cities in the Midwest, with a beautiful downtown, excellent dining, the University of Kansas Natural History Museum, and the Spencer Museum of Art all within a short drive. A vacation rental near Clinton Lake lets your family enjoy the lake for most of the trip and the city for the rest of it. That combination is genuinely hard to beat in Kansas.
- Surface area (mi)
- 17.4
- Max depth (ft)
- 54.99
- Elevation (ft)
- 983.92
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 85.13
Popular activities
- Boating
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Waterskiing
- Wakeboarding
- Hiking
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Marinas on Clinton Lake
Nearby lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Clinton Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, there are designated swimming areas at Clinton Lake. Swimming is allowed in areas marked by buoy lines or other designated areas, but not within 100 yards of bridges, boat ramps, or boat docks.
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Clinton Lake is a popular destination because of its diverse recreational activities. It offers 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, an 18-hole disc golf course, a swim beach, and opportunities for fishing and water sports. The lake is also known for its wildlife viewing, including bald eagles and various other birds and animals.
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For walleye in Clinton Lake, Kansas, the daily creel limit is 2 fish and there is a 21-inch minimum length limit. This applies to walleye, sauger, and saugeye collectively. Other species like channel catfish have a 10 fish daily limit, and black basses have a 5 fish daily limit with a 15-inch minimum length limit.
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The Bloomington Beach at Clinton Lake is best for families. It features a change house with restrooms, an outdoor shower, a playground, picnic shelters, and volleyball courts. There is also a designated swimming area marked by a yellow floating buoy line.
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Towns near Clinton Lake include Lawrence, Lecompton, and Baldwin City. These towns are located in Douglas County, Kansas, with Lawrence being the largest nearby city. Clinton Lake is also close to other smaller towns like Eudora and Edgerton.
