The state of Kansas has set up a number of state fishing areas across the state and you can camp for free at most of them for up to a week. I targeted the Kingman State Lake area for a couple day stay in my continuing movement towards Nashville where I had plans to meet up with an old high school friend.
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The fishing area is about 10 miles west of Kingman, KS |
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The lake comprises 144 acres of water and has a maximum depth of 11 feet. Among fish species anglers fish for are catfish, large mouth bass, northern pike, and bluegill. A Kansas fishing license is required to fish in the lake.
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Kingman State Lake |
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There were about 8 or 9 campsites along the east side of the road and while there was a pretty good local day use fishing representation during the day I had my choice of spots as I was the only camper there during my two day stay.
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The Tank's site along Kingman Lake shore. |
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Here's the Kingman State Lake data sheet:
Hookups: None
Fire ring: Yes
Water Access: Yes
Fresh Water: No
Trash Service: No
Toilets: Yes
(vault)
Showers: No
Dump station: No
WiFi: No
Level sites: Yes
Laundry: No
Store: No
Pool: No
Shade: Yes
Verizon reception: 4G,
3 bars
Internet reception: 3 bars
Cost: Free for up
to 7 nights
There is mild road noise at the camping areas at Kingman State Lake due to it being only a mile or so north of Kansas State HWY 400 but I didn't find it too intrusive. There is a boat ramp where several locals launched fishing boats onto the lake and there are also a number of floating piers that allow the "boatless" to fish the lake.
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Boat ramp and fishing pier at Kingman Lake |
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Out on one of my walks I came across some rental log cabins that were for rent although I couldn't find any information regarding rental costs at the cabins themselves or online at the Lake's website.
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One of the rental cabins at Kingman State Lake |
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From talking to some of the local folks i learned that Kingman State Fishing Lake is one of the better equipped state fishing lakes in Kansas and it showed with the brand new vault toilets and new rental cabins. I liked the camping experience at Kingman State Fishing Lake and can fully recommend it. If I hadn't been on a schedule to get to Nashville I would have surely extended my stay. I now have another favorite spot to stay over on my east-west meanderings.
Thanks for reading!