Hickory Campground

For local users searching within the "camping near me" category, Hickory Campground, located at N 1182 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA, presents a camping option in the vicinity of Clinton Lake. With contact phone numbers (785) 843-7665 and +1 785-843-7665, this campground has received varied feedback from recent visitors, highlighting both its positive aspects and significant challenges that potential campers should be aware of.

The environment surrounding Hickory Campground is situated near Clinton Lake, offering the potential for scenic views and access to the natural beauty of the area. One positive review from a solo female traveler mentioned "really pretty view full moon views of the lake" and the presence of deer in the morning, contributing to a peaceful atmosphere. This suggests that under favorable conditions, the campground can offer an enjoyable natural setting. However, a more concerning review from the summer of 2019 paints a different picture, describing the area as "very flooded" with "half the campsites under 6-12 ft of stagnant water." This indicates that the campground's environment can be significantly impacted by weather conditions, potentially rendering a large portion of it unusable. The same reviewer also noted "tons of bugs," specifically mosquitos and ticks, attributing this to the stagnant floodwater and "too tall and overgrown" grass due to rain. This suggests that during certain times of the year, particularly after periods of heavy rain, campers may face significant challenges with insects. It is crucial for potential visitors to inquire about the current conditions of the campground, especially regarding flooding and insect levels, before planning a trip.

The services and amenities at Hickory Campground appear to be somewhat basic, particularly given the reported flooding. One positive aspect mentioned is a "well kept" playground, which could be a draw for families with children. Additionally, a nearby sculptures park and boat ramp are noted as being accessible, although the reviewer strongly advises against boating due to the "stagnant flood water" and the potential for hazardous bacteria like E.coli. The review from 2019 also indicates that the bathrooms were not working at that time, with port-a-potties being provided as a temporary solution. Importantly, this reviewer stressed the need to bring personal hand sanitizer or soap, implying that these may not be readily available with the temporary facilities. The positive review from the solo female traveler who parked a van with no hookups suggests that the campground may offer more basic, less expensive options compared to surrounding RV parks that charge higher rates even for sites without hookups. However, this also implies that full hookups (water, electricity, sewer) may not be standard or even available at all sites within Hickory Campground. Potential campers should contact the provided phone numbers to confirm the availability of specific amenities, the status of the permanent restrooms, and the nature of the campsites offered (e.g., with or without hookups).

The features of Hickory Campground seem to be primarily its location near Clinton Lake and the availability of a playground. The potential for peaceful and scenic views, as mentioned by one reviewer, could also be considered a feature under favorable conditions. The proximity to a boat ramp might typically be an advantage for those wishing to access the lake, but the reported stagnant floodwater and associated bacterial risks significantly detract from this. The availability of a playground suggests that the campground may cater to families with young children. However, the overriding feature highlighted in the more critical review is the severe flooding that can impact a large portion of the campsites and the associated issues with excessive bugs due to the stagnant water and overgrown vegetation. The affordability compared to surrounding RV parks, as noted by one camper, could be a feature for budget-conscious travelers willing to accept more basic amenities and potentially challenging environmental conditions. The lack of safe lake-related activities due to the floodwater, as pointed out by one reviewer, is a significant limitation that potential visitors should be aware of.

For local users searching for "camping near me," Hickory Campground presents a potentially affordable option near Clinton Lake. The positive mention of peacefulness and scenic views, along with the playground, might be appealing to some. However, the significant concerns raised in the 2019 review regarding widespread flooding, excessive insect populations (mosquitos and ticks posing a potential health risk), overgrown grass, non-functional bathrooms (with reliance on port-a-potties and the need to bring personal sanitation supplies), and the unsafe conditions for lake-related activities cannot be ignored. Potential campers must consider the possibility that these conditions may still exist or could recur, especially after periods of significant rainfall. It is strongly recommended to contact the campground directly using the provided phone numbers to get the most up-to-date information on the current conditions, including campsite availability, water levels, insect activity, and the status of amenities.

Local users utilizing the "camping near me" platform to prepare for a visit to Hickory Campground should prioritize finding resources for insect repellent, especially those effective against mosquitos and ticks. If the flooding issues persist, it may be necessary to look for alternative campgrounds in the area that are less affected by high water levels. If planning to use the port-a-potties, bringing ample hand sanitizer and soap is essential. Those traveling with children may appreciate the playground, but should still be prepared for potential bug issues. If considering boating on Clinton Lake, it would be wise to verify the current water quality and safety recommendations from local authorities or the park management. Local camping supply stores listed under "camping near me" can provide advice on dealing with insects and the potential challenges of camping in a potentially flooded environment.

Given the strong negative feedback related to flooding and its consequences (bugs, unsafe lake conditions, bathroom issues) from a review in the summer of 2019, it is difficult to identify any current promotional aspects of Hickory Campground without updated information confirming that these issues have been resolved. The affordability mentioned by one reviewer might be a draw for some, but this needs to be balanced against the potential discomfort and safety concerns raised by the other review. Any promotional material for Hickory Campground should ideally address the past flooding issues and highlight any improvements made to the facilities and the management of insect populations. In the absence of such information, potential visitors should rely on direct communication with the campground to get an accurate picture of the current situation.

In conclusion, Hickory Campground near Lawrence, KS, offers a potentially affordable camping option near Clinton Lake, with one reviewer noting peacefulness and scenic views. However, a significant review from 2019 raises serious concerns about widespread flooding, excessive and potentially dangerous insect levels, overgrown vegetation, non-functional bathrooms, and unsafe conditions for lake activities. Local users searching for "camping near me" should be extremely cautious and are strongly advised to contact Hickory Campground directly at (785) 843-7665 or +1 785-843-7665 to obtain current information on the campground's conditions, amenity status, and any potential hazards before making a reservation. While the playground might be a positive feature for families, the overall experience appears to be heavily dependent on the current environmental conditions, particularly regarding flooding and insects. Thoroughly investigating the present situation is crucial for anyone considering a stay at Hickory Campground.

Hickory Campground

N 1182 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA