Wilson Lake, Kansas

[tk]

Has anyone camped at or near Wilson Lake, Kansas? A piece in the KC Star this AM says it's great for mountain biking. Thought it would be a great place to take the kid and his buddies. Would appreciate comments on the mountain biking as well as the camping from a tenter's point of view.

Best,
Tom

[Mukilteo]

[JuneBug]

There are 9 reviews of this trail on MountainBiker dot com (http://www.mtbr.com) Here is one review, and sounds like it is from the trail builders:

It is a 12 mile loop that will defintly test your fitness. There are technical patches here and there but mostly climb and descend riding. 100% singletrack that is well defined. We keep adding to these trails regularly so it will likely grow. A whole lot of fun. Call 1 800 561 2453 for events and trail conditions.

From reading the reviews, you may want to think twice before you take kids out there for a long ride -- it sounds challenging -- and the total distance is now 20 miles. But, hopefully, there is a mellow section out of that 20 miles that will be fun for kids!

[JuneBug]

The name of the trail is the Lake Wilson Rollercoaster, and it seems mtbr.com has the most complete trail reviews.

[sahaanco]

funny you should ask I just got back from there a couple of hours ago. can't help you out much on the mountain biking but i can tell you it's a great place to go teardrop camping. there are allot of trails out there and it is very hilly with allot of cliffs dropping off to the lake. If you have anymore questions let me know I only live a hour away from there.

[Kevin & Sandy]

We camped there on a Thursday night on our way to the Crawford State Park Gathering. Beautiful campsite, the kiddies may enjoy the new playground equipment, or the many places to fish. We were the only ones there on a Thursday, unfortunately didn't stay long, just a quick overnight, then headed on south east.

We camped right at the waters edge for a pretty view from camp but, sorry, can't tell you much about the biking trails.

[dh]

I grew up not to far from Wilson Lake. I liked camping there, but haven't been there in years. Tent campers have a primative camping area away from the RVs. I liked the MB trails too. If I remember correctly, there are some easier loops. Nothing too technical, just lots of climbs and dropps, just depend what the kids are used to riding/thier age.

Don't know if you are familiar with KS state parks, you will need a parking permit, either daily or yearly, good at all KS state parks.

I recomend going up to the overlook, it is accessable by car or by trail.

Also, check out Kansas Originals and the winery outlet (maybe not with the kids) off I 70 nearby.

I assume you will be coming from Kansas City as you mentioned the KC Star. I'd highly recomend hitting the Berkville Hotell in Abeline on the way for a fried chicken dinner.

[Nobody]

Been many years but, we camped at Wilson Lake SP when our grandaughters were 5 & 8 (they're 25 & 28 now ) on our way to Colorado. Was a beautiful campground & the girls had a great time swimming. Our campsite was on a small 'finger' of land that faced the open lake to the west. During the night we had a very strong T'Storm & either a Tornado or strong straight-line winds that came down the lake. We were thankful that the rear 'sloped' end of our camper faced the lake . Next morning we had to search for the girls' swim suits & towels, & there were boats & docks scattered all over the lake (saw a 'deck boat' upside down near the causeway). We always remember Wilson Lake because of the storm, & the girls still mention it occasionally.

[dh]

Wow, I almost forgot about that storm, I was only 10. Didn't some people get hurt? I seam to remember a picture of a camper on its side in the paper.

Been many years but, we camped at Wilson Lake SP when our grandaughters were 5 & 8 (they're 25 & 28 now ) on our way to Colorado. Was a beautiful campground & the girls had a great time swimming. Our campsite was on a small 'finger' of land that faced the open lake to the west. During the night we had a very strong T'Storm & either a Tornado or strong straight-line winds that came down the lake. We were thankful that the rear 'sloped' end of our camper faced the lake . Next morning we had to search for the girls' swim suits & towels, & there were boats & docks scattered all over the lake (saw a 'deck boat' upside down near the causeway). We always remember Wilson Lake because of the storm, & the girls still mention it occasionally.

[tk]

Thanks all for the responses. 'The kid' is a fifteen-year-old daredevil. The trail maybe should be afraid of him. I'm the one who should not ride that trail. Sounds like a good possiblity for us. Thanks again.

Best,
Tom