Longview

Longview Campground is situated on Perry Lake in the lush Kansas forest, offering peaceful, family-oriented camping. Longview offers families the chance to camp together in a group camp setting overlooking the lake. Perry Lake has a reputation for being one of the best sailing lakes in the region; however, boaters of all types will enjoy the many opportunities offered here, whether it's sailing, power boating or canoeing. Fishing is excellent: white crappie, flathead catfish, walleye, white bass, channel catfish and sauger are in abundance throughout the lake. In addition to the vast lake, the area has approximately 27,000 acres of public land dedicated to wildlife management, where turkey, deer, quail, pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, duck and geese are all found. For hikers, the 29-mile Perry Lake loop trail offers a range of terrain and difficulty, from easy, gentle slopes in the south to rugged, varying elevation changes in the north. The loop trail is for hikers only, but horseback riders will find plenty of dedicated equestrian trails on the west side of the lake, near Perry State Park. Longview has two group camp areas. The upper loop has 26 individual 30-amp electric sites located in a heavily wooded area at the top of a bluff overlooking the lake, perfect for large parties or family functions. The lower loop is entirely primitive, offering a picnic shelter, fire-pit and vault toilet. The shower and restroom facility is located near the entrance gate, right between the two loops. Perry Lake Dam was completed in 1969 to help with flood control for the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Today the lake boasts 159 miles of shoreline and 12,000 surface acres of water, earning it the nickname "paradise on the plains." The campground is situated on a high ridge overlooking the lake, surrounded entirely by lush forests. Come for the camping, stay for the disc golf. Directly adjacent to the group campground is one of the premier 18-hole disc golf courses in the state. With elevation changes on almost every hole, and plenty of trees to snag a disc, novice and pro alike can have a good time. Perry Lake is also a short drive from Lawrence, Topeka and Kansas, each offering their own array of unique shopping, dining and attractions.