Historic Lake Scott State Park – Campground Review

101 W. Scott Lake Dr., Scott City KS 67871 / (620) 872-2061

GPS Coordinates; N38 40.765, W100 54.54720

Verizon service – EXCELLENT

We have all had the experience of putting our hand in a coat pocket or pair jeans and to our surprise discover a once forgotten $20 bill. For me it is euphoria and it was exactly the sensation I felt as I pulled into the Historic Lake Scott State Park in Southwest Kanas.

Historic Lake Scott State Park

For hundreds of mile the Big Brown RV traveled through a relentless sea of flatness with neither yielded a tree nor hill in eyes sight. Some may consider this boring but for me the plains have its own unique style and beauty. I will admit though that after four straight hours it was beginning to dull my senses and I was need of a change of pace.

As I exited I-70 and started south on US 83 there was little difference in landscape. However that quickly changed as I turned onto State Route 93. Suddenly, I began to descending into a canyon with bluffs appearing on both sides of the road and the vegetation began to change. Where there were no trees, Cedars and Cottonwoods began to emerge as well as a variety of flowering plants. Once on the canyon floor Lake Scott came into view and it was like finding unexpected money in my pocket. I was thrilled.

I checked in at the Visitor Center where I received additional information about the park and what I could expect to see. My site was number 1, next door to the camp host (Pam) so I would need to be on my best behavior. It was a wide site wedged between two large Cottonwoods (Big Tooth Aspen) providing awesome shade.

Lake Scott Campground

Historic Lake Scott State Park has 55 utility campsites that are broken into two separate loops, Lakeview and Circle Drive (I was on Circle Drive). Most include 50-amp service with water hookups and there are an ample number of pull-threw sites. There are also 175 primitive campsites scattered around the lake. I checked out many of these and found them to have a lot shade and space between each sites. Many of these sites are located right on the lake which make for a great sunrise or sunset view.

Amenities

The park also has a swimming beach and playground area. A privately owned concessions building is located near the beach and is stocked with basic camping & fishing supplies and has canoes and paddleboat for rent.

Where to eat when in Scott City

Conveniently located 14 miles from Scott City, KS the campground provides a quick drive for groceries, gas or a taste of the local cuisine. Typically on my first night, I run to town for any needed supplies and dinner, it sorta helps me to wind down after a day of breaking camp, driving and setting camp back up. My lazy thought is, why add meal prep and washing dishes to an already busy day? Can I get a witness?

Scott City has several of the common fast food joints but I decided to visit a local establishment called The Grill House. It definitely was your typical hole in the wall restaurant but as so often the case…. the food is excellent! Being in cattle country, beef was on my mind so I ordered the roast beef dinner special. For $8.00 this meal came with a mountain of tender sliced roast beef, a large helping of mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and a dinner roll. When presented with the plate I was shocked at the amount of food and confirmed with the server that all this was for only 8 bucks? She just smiled and said of course. I guess pie would be out of the question tonight.

Historical and Natural interests

There are also a few additional attractions near or in the campground if you are interested in history, Native American Culture and of course natural beauty. Within the park is the Steel Homestead Museum which honor the original white residents of the park. There is also Pueblo Indian ruins showing where they dwelled in the 1600’s. A few mile south on 95 is the historic Battle of Punished Woman’s Fork. This was the last encounter between the US Calvary and the native Indians in Kansas. It is also where Colonel William H Lewis was injured in battle and later died, making him the last white causality of the Indian Wars in Kansas.

What are Chalk Pyramids in Kansas?

Finally if it is nature and geology you like, then visit Monument Rocks approximately 30 minutes north of the campground. This is a unique natural feature that have been described as Chalk Pyramids. It is part of privately owned ranch but the owners graciously allow visitors to walk the site. It is unique and a definite must see, especially at sunrise or sun set.

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If you are ever find yourself traveling through west Kanas don’t pass up a night or two at Lake Scott it is truly a gem in the prairie. I found myself Losing Track of Time just looking at the lake, the bluffs and of course the stunning sunsets. Oh and did I mention the fishing was quite good!