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Kansas
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Kansas State Parks

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Northeast Kansas Region
Milford State Park
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MILFORD STATE PARK
MILFORD STATE PARK
3612 State Park Rd.
Milford, Kansas   66514

Phone: 785-238-3014
Located near Junction City on the shores of the state's largest lake, 16,000-acre Milford Reservoir, Milford State Park is a favorite getaway for outdoors loving visitors. Park facilities include modern campgrounds, shower buildings, toilets, swimming beaches, boat ramps, picnic shelters, a full-service marina, and a multi- purpose trails system. The park also houses a large yacht club.

Nearby Milford Nature Center and Milford Fish Hatchery offer a variety of interpretive exhibits and displays.

The park comprises five campgrounds with 120 electric/ water utility sites. Thirty of these sites also include sewer hookups. More than 100 improved primitive campsites are also available throughout the park.

The state park is a popular destination for anglers eager to experience the excellent fishing available in Milford Reservoir. Walleye concentrate along the face of the dam in early April to spawn, then move to the flats at Farnum Creek and mud points near School Creek. Nearly all of the brushy and rocky coves contain crappie and largemouth bass, but coves in the Rolling Hills and Curtis Creek areas are traditional hot spots for crappie. White bass and catfish are plentiful in a variety of locations, and smallmouth bass frequent the face of the dam, as well as rocky points in the lower half of the lake.

Many game species are present on the 18,800-acre Milford Wildlife Area, and a permanent 1,100-acre wildlife refuge has been established on the northern end of the reservoir for waterfowl management.
Camping
Our campgrounds are open year round. We leave the water on as long as possible, but usually have to shut it off the first part of November. We turn on the water on as soon as the weather permits, usually in March. Sump stations close down as soon as the water is shut off. We do have a frost- free hydrant available near the main office. Each campground has a camphost available in season to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Most camphosts offer firewood for a small fee. Proceeds of the firewood go to the Milford Friends Group. Most camp sites have fire rings and picnic tables. If you are planning for a big group, simply request additional picnic tables and we will be happy to assist you. We have a group shelter available for reservation. Several Boy Scout groups and church organizations have utilized this area for their camping trips. Available upon request are porta- potties, horseshoes, volleyball, additional picnic tables and trash bins. Electric and water hook-ups are also available.

HICKORY HOLLOW

Hickory Hollow is a full service campground. It has electric, water and sewer hook-ups. There are 31 sites available. This campground is nestled in an area surrounded by trees. A dump station is available near the campground.

CEDAR POINT

Looking for that water view? Cedar Point has electric and water facilities along with lakeside sites. Forty-two sites are available at this campground, along with a new shower building and a dump station. Cedr Point campground also has 9 primitive sites available.

PRAIRIE VIEW

Prairie View is a beautiful campground with 20 electric and water sites available. All of these sites come with a lakeside view. Portable restooms are available.

WOODLAND HILLS

This is Milford State Park's largest campground. It has 30 sites with electric and water hook-ups and 60 sites for primitive camping. Whether it be a lake view or being surrounded by trees, with 60 sites available you will have your choice of primitive camping. Woodland Hills also has a newly renovated shower house.

WALNUT GROVE

Do you have a jet ski? Do you want to camp? Walnut Grove is the campground for you. Walnut Grove has 30 primitive camping sites along with a personal watercraft launching area. Walnut Grove is also the home of the Southwind Yacht Club. There is a basketball court and a newly renovated shower house available at this campground.
Swimming
1. Milford State Park offers a designated swimming beach for visitors.
2. Lifeguards are not provided, so swim at your own risk.
3. Swimming is allowed during daylight hours only.
4. The park's clear lake water makes it ideal for swimmers of all levels.
5. No pets or glass containers are permitted on the beach area to ensure safety and cleanliness.

Boating
Southwind Yacht Club - The Southwind Yacht Club is located in Walnut Grove Campground. It sits back in one of the many coves located on the lake. A boat ramp is located right next to the Yacht Club's exclusive use shelter. For information regarding the Yacht Club or Membership contact Michael Meyer (402)- 420- 1116.

Rush Creek Marina - Need a cold drink, snack, fishing tackle. . .? Rush Creek Marina can meet your needs, they may even have a fishing tip or two. The marina is open Mon - Thurs 8am to 6pm and 7am to dark Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On the weekends they serve biscuits and gravy. They have a few boat slips left to lease for the coming season. Slip rentals run $545 to $615 for a six month lease or $7 per day. Questions? Please call the marina at (785) 238-4010.
Fishing
Impoundment Type: ReservoirSurface Acres: 16,200 acresMaximum Depth: 65 feetNormal Lake Level: 1144.4

The lake has Motor Boat Access

Fishing Population:Bluegill, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Flathead Catfish, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Walleye, White Bass, Wiper



Picnicking
Milford State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables and grills. Some sites have shelters, electricity, and water access.
Bicycling
Be aware that biking options are limited. The park offers a 1-mile bike trail, suitable for beginners or families.

It's important to note the terrain is mostly flat and easy-going - perfect for leisurely rides.

However, there aren't any challenging trails available within this location if you're an advanced cyclist seeking thrill.

Remember to bring your own equipment as rental services may not be readily accessible in this area.

Also consider exploring nearby areas outside of the park boundaries which might offer more diverse cycling routes.

Always remember safety first when bicycling; wear helmets and follow all posted rules on paths/trails.
Trails


Pipeline Trail - The beginning of a segmented trail system that links all of our campgrounds together and acts as a shortcut between areas.

Waterfall Trail - A .6 mile walk that leads you through woodland and prairie habitats. A man made waterfall and pond is located at the trailhead.

Crystal Trail - This trail is 2.2 miles. It passes by an old quarry where small geode rocks can be found. Deer viewing is good along open fields and by food plots. Bald Eagle watching is excellent from November through March along the water's edge.

Eagle Ridge Equestrian Trail - Over 8 miles of horseback riding on some of the most scenic and diverse areas that Milford Lake has to offer.

Wildlife Viewing Tower and Trail - The tower is accessed from a wrap-around staircase, which rises 21' to the top platform. Excellent wildlife viewing is made available with nearby food plots. The best time to visit is near dusk and dawn when most animals are active. Stargazing is excellent on clear nights. Bring your binoculars!

Old River Bluff Trail - 1.5 miles. This trail joins Milford State Parks's Eagle Ridge Trail with Junction City's Riverwalk Trail. The trail allows for a one way trail ride, trail walk or bike ride of 17.5 miles. Since it is a linear trail, it requires that ou come back the way you came so the distance will actually double. A trailer parking area is available below the dam. Look for a horse trail campground in the near future that will make all three of these trails even nicer.
Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting over 300 species of birds, including migratory and nesting varieties. The park features seven designated bird-watching areas with diverse habitats such as wetlands, woodlands and prairies. Birding events are also held throughout the year for enthusiasts to participate in guided tours or workshops.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 23 Nice but underused park by The Traveling Maidas
park review stars; one to five We are TX state park users but enjoyed our June stay in Milford. Grandchildren enjoyed the swimming and catching their first fish. We all enjoyed the bicycle riding. Park also center of a lot of sightseeing. Everyone must see Wizard of Oz museum and Eisenhower museum. Really surprised that you could bring your own horses and stable them near by. We will go back.
April 28 The Place to Be by shannon
park review stars; one to five Milford lake ROCKS! For fishing, hiking, kayaking, bar-b-que, just to get out in the beautiful natural habitat. American eagles, fish jumping and peaceful, it is my favorite place and I have been all over the United States and other countries. I could live here. I am considering it...
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Directions
Milford State Park8811 State Park Rd.Milford, KS 66514(785) 238-3014 (Park Office)

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Kansas
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Kansas State Parks

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