Slough Creek

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.

Perry Lake offers excellent fishing: 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: turkey, deer, quail, pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, duck and geese are all found on these federal lands.

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 Slough Creek trailhead for the Perry Lake Trail is located on-site. There is also a short loop trail through the Slough Creek Area called the Thunder Ridge Trail with the trailhead just outside the main campground gate. The Thunder Ridge Trail is approximately 2.5 miles and offers a diverse array of terrain and scenery in such a short trail.

Slough Creek Campground offers 174 reservable spacious campsites, ranging from walk-in tent sites to full electric and water hookup sites.

In addition to the individual campsites, one large group camp is available for large parties or family functions and provides privacy from the main campground.

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, creating countless recreational activities for visitors, and earning it the nickname "paradise on the plains."

The campground is surrounded by the lake on one side and a dense canopy of forest on the other, making it ideal for those wishing to enjoy the best of both environments.

For facility specific information, please call (785) 597-5144.

Perry Lake is a short drive from Lawrence, Topeka, and Kansas City--each with their own array of shopping, dining, and attractions.