Lake with heavenly refelection

Lake Dabinawa Vacation Rentals

Fish the cool, spring-fed water with your family at Lake Dabinawa near the welcoming town of Lawrence, Kansas.

A Spring-Fed Community Lake Near Lawrence, Kansas

Show on map
Lake Dabinawa
Show on map

Why Rent On Lake Dabinawa

Lake Dabinawa is a 125-acre spring-fed private community lake in McLouth, Kansas, known for its stable water level and the mature oak and hickory woodland that surrounds it. With about 170 homes around the lake and a strong full-time community presence, Dabinawa has a welcoming, established character that families find immediately comfortable. A vacation rental here gives your family a genuine private lake community experience just a short drive from Lawrence.

Cozy Lakehouses in a Wooded Setting

Vacation rentals at Lake Dabinawa offer multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and relaxing outdoor spaces set among mature hardwoods with abundant wildlife visible from the porch. Pet-friendly options are available, and the community’s no-jet-ski policy keeps the water calm and peaceful for families with younger children. The wooded setting gives every property a genuine sense of natural privacy that is hard to find at more heavily developed lake communities.

Swimming, Water Skiing, Fishing, and a 3.7-Mile Trail

Lake Dabinawa is open for swimming, water skiing, and tubing, with designated fishing areas for rod and reel anglers targeting large bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and flatheads. The 3.7-mile loop trail around the lake is excellent for jogging, walking, and exploring the wooded shoreline at a relaxed pace. Community events throughout the year, including a fireworks display, boat regatta, and Fourth of July parade, add festive energy to the calendar.

Lawrence Culture and the University of Kansas

Lawrence is just a short drive from Lake Dabinawa, offering the University of Kansas Natural History Museum, the Spencer Museum of Art, and one of the best small-city restaurant scenes in the Midwest. The historic downtown area of Lawrence is worth an evening stroll, and the broader cultural energy of a Big 12 university town gives adults on the trip real options for evenings when they want more than the lake.

A Private Lake Community with the Right Priorities

Lake Dabinawa is built around calm water, good fishing, shaded trails, and a genuine community spirit. A vacation rental here gives your family those things in abundance, along with the proximity to Lawrence that makes the location genuinely practical. For families who want a private, wooded lake community without driving to the Ozarks, Lake Dabinawa is one of the best-kept secrets in eastern Kansas.

Best time to go
Visit Lake Dabinawa in late spring, particularly May, when the water sparkles under clear blue skies. Experience serene fishing outings, vibrant wildflower blooms, and the annual Dabinawa Water Sports Festival, where thrill-seekers gather. Delight in tranquil mornings and warm, sunlit afternoons, all while avoiding summer crowds.
Water Quality
Lake Dabinawa's water is typically azure with crystal-clear clarity, offering a pristine and transparent environment for various recreational activities.
Surface area (mi)
0.2
Max depth (ft)
25
Elevation (ft)
997.38
Shoreline length (mi)
3.7

Popular activities

  • Boating
  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Cross-country Skiing
  • Ice Skating
pencil

Planning a trip?

Tell us about your upcoming trip and how we can help!

Send us a message

Marinas on Lake Dabinawa

Nearby lakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Lake Dabinawa has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Yes, swimming is allowed in Lake Dabinawa. Swimming is permissible, but it is at the lot owner’s own risk, and it must be off the owner’s property.

  • Lake Dabinawa is a popular destination because it offers various recreational activities. The lake is stocked with large bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and flatheads, making it great for fishing. Additionally, it allows swimming, skiing, and tubing, and has a scenic 3.7-mile loop for jogging or walking.

  • For fishing in Lake Dabinawa, specific methods and gear are regulated. The lake follows general Kansas fishing regulations, which include restrictions on seine nets, fish traps, and dip or cast nets. For example, seine nets must not be larger than 15 feet long and four feet deep with a mesh no larger than 1/4 inch.

  • There is no public beach at Lake Dabinawa. The lake is a private, 125-acre man-made lake in McLouth, KS, and its amenities are primarily for the residents of the surrounding homes. Swimming is allowed, but it is not a public facility.

  • Lake Dabinawa is near the towns of McLouth, Oskaloosa, Williamstown, and Tonganoxie. It is also close to Lawrence, Kansas, which is about 20 miles south. These towns are all located in the surrounding areas of Jefferson County.