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Wilson Lake in Kansas



wilson lake in kansas
Photo by blmurch
Wilson Lake in Kansas offers the outdoorsman plenty of activities. From sailing, boating and water skiing to fishing, hiking and camping, this lake is a great destination. Located 48 miles west of Salina, this 9,000 acre reservoir is one of the prettiest and clearest lakes in the entire state of Kansas.

Wilson State Park is on the south side of the lake. There are five campgrounds around Wilson Lake. Primitive sites, electrical hookups and sanitary dump stations are available. There are some cabins available to rent with modern amenities as well, although you do need to provide your own bedding. These cabins are located in the Hell Creek and the Elm in the Otoe areas. They are not reservable… it is first come, first served.
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Trails

For those who enjoy hiking and biking, the Dakota Trail gives you one of the most spectacular views of the prairie and the lake. The Cedar Trail in Otoe is handicap-accessible. It is about a mile long and has an asphalt surface.

The Rocktown Hiking Trail is found in nearby Lucas Park. This 3 mile loop is full of rolling hills and massive sandstone rock formations that rise up to 30 feet above the ground. The name comes from the formations, which give an impression of a city skyline.

The Bur Oak Nature Trail is located in Sylvan Park. This short nature walk has many stops along the way and is self-guided. For bicyclists, the Switchgrass Bike Trail is an excellent adventure. Approximately 20 miles long, this popular trail is enjoyed by many year round.

Boating and Fishing

For water fans, there are two boat ramps available. A marina provides slip rentals if you want to keep your boat in the water during your stay. Boating, sailing, water skiing, and swimming are very popular choices.

For those who like to fish, Wilson Lake in Kansas provides abundant amounts of white bass, walleye, white perch, catfish, stripers and crappie. These fish provide plenty of sport for every angler, from the newest beginner to the most seasoned fisherman.

Wildlife

For hunters, photographers and those who just like to observe wildlife, there are 7,000 acres devoted to wildlife management. This region contains pheasant, turkey, waterfowl, white-tail and mule deer, prairie chicken, quail, rabbit, coyote, beaver, bobcat, mink, raccoon, opossum and muskrat. Hunters must have the appropriate licenses and follow all regulations.

A waterfowl refuge was established in 1996. For birdwatchers, the many species of waterfowl, game birds and songbirds will be a treat.
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Explore the History

If you like a little history with your relaxation, Wilson Lake in Kansas will provide you with a lot to explore. Native peoples made burial mounds in this region that date back to AD 1 and AD 900. Petroglyphs date back to this time period and the subsequent period of AD 900 to 1500. Coronado explored this area in the 1500s, and Zebulon Pike explored it in the 1800s.

If you like fossils, the surrounding limestone and sandstone are full of ammonites, shark teeth and plant fossils from the Cretaceous era, when Kansas was part of an inland sea. One dinosaur fossil of Silvisaur (a relative of Ankylosaur) was discovered at Wilson Lake in 1988.

Amenities

Other amenities include a kid's fishing pond, playgrounds, a swimming beach, showerhouses, a marina and a modern fish cleaning station.

Wilson Lake Information

  • County: Russell
  • Location: 5 miles North of Wilson, Ks
  • Surface Acres: 9,040 acres
  • Lake Type: Reservoir
  • Current Lake Level: Wilson Water Level
  • Recreation Areas: Lucas, Minooka, Sylvan Parks, Wilson State Park and Otoe State Park.
  • Maps:Wilson Lake Map
    KDWP State Park Brochure/Map
  • GPS: N38°54.715 W98°30.066
  • Official Contact Info: KDWP Wilson State Park #3 State Park Road Wilson, KS 67490 Park Office - (785) 658-2465
    Link to the KDWP Website
    Corps of Engineers Wilson Project Office U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
    4860 Outlet Blvd. Sylvan Grove, KS 67481 Tel: 785-658-2551 Fax: 785-685-2554
    Link to the Corps of Engineers Website
  • Fish Species Present:Bluegill, Channel Catfish, White Crappie Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, Walleye, White Bass, White Perch
  • What to Hunt:Pheasant,Quail, Prairie chicken, Whitetail and Muledeer, Turkey, Waterfowl, Rabbit

Wilson Lake Area Business Services

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Fishing Reports

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KDWP fishing reports for Region 1

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Nearby Towns to

  • Wilson
  • Ellsworth
  • Lincoln
  • Russell
  • Osborne
  • Salina
  • Lucas
  • Sylvan Grove

Reservoirs in Region 1

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