Army Corps of Engineers · Pomona Lake · Kansas

Cedar Park

Tucked away on the scenic northern shoreline of Pomona Lake, Cedar Park offers a rustic escape just 35 minutes southeast of Topeka, Kansas. This primitive haven features 17 non-utility campsites and two vault toilets, making it the perfect destination for campers looking to unplug and experience the golden age of traditional camping. Equestrian enthusiasts will find tailored accommodations with eight dedicated horse campsites complete with secure horse pens and spacious trailer parking. The park also serves as a vital trailhead for the scenic Blackhawk Horse Trails, making it a premier regional hub for horseback riding and group trail events.

More like this: reservable in Kansas

Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗

Site mix

RV, no hookups17
Most sites here open on Recreation.gov six months ahead, at 10 a.m. Eastern. Sold out is not final: cancellations come back into the pool, most of them two to three days out. How to catch one

Site guide

17 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.

SiteEntrySurfaceShadeWater / sewerWaterfrontPeople / vehiclesRating
1Back-inGravelPartialNo / –– / 2Basic
2Back-inGravelPartialNo / –– / 2Basic
3Back-inGravelNoneNo / –– / 2Basic
4Back-inGravelPartialNo / –– / 2Basic
5Back-inGravelNoneNo / –– / 2Basic
6Back-inGravelNoneNo / –– / 2Basic
7Back-inGravelPartialNo / –– / 2Basic
8Back-inGravelNoneNo / –– / 2Basic
9Back-inGravelPartialNo / –– / 2Basic
10Back-inGravelPartialNo / –Lakefront– / 2Basic

Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 06:00 PM, checkout 04:00 PM.

Amenities & rules

FeesAll campsites are $10

Cedar Park offers rustic, low-impact facilities designed for a true primitive experience, featuring 17 non-utility campsites and two basic vault toilets without electric or water hookups. For equestrian visitors, the park provides eight dedicated horse campsites equipped with horse pens and a spacious gravel parking lot for truck and trailer maneuvering. A simple, unimproved boat ramp is also available on-site, providing an easy launch point for kayaks, canoes, and small fishing boats directly into Pomona Lake.

Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.

Getting there

To reach Cedar Park from Topeka (about 35 minutes), head south on US-75 S for 24 miles, exit east onto K-268 E toward Pomona Lake, turn north onto K-368 N at Vassar, and then take an immediate right onto 257th Street to enter the park.

AreaRecreation.gov lists no exact point for this campground. The recreation area is at 38.65° N, 95.56° W. Call the office before you drive.

Explore

Video

Campground Review - Cedar Creek Campground Mt. Juliet, Tennessee

Natural features

Cedar Park is characterized by its dense deciduous woodlands, consisting of native Kansas hardwoods like oak, hickory, and walnut that frame the scenic northern shoreline of Pomona Lake. This quiet forest canopy and the adjacent lakeside wetlands create a highly active corridor for local wildlife, where visitors frequently spot white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and a rich variety of migratory birds—including bald eagles roosting in the tall shoreline trees during the winter months. The intersection of these mature lakeside timbers with the calm, fish-rich waters of the lake makes the park a thriving, undisturbed natural habitat perfect for wildlife viewing and quiet outdoor recreation.

Recreation

Cedar Park serves as a premier destination for primitive and adventure-based recreation, anchored by its direct access to Pomona Lake and local trail systems. The park is a major hub for equestrian activities, offering eight dedicated horse campsites with pens, trailer parking, and immediate access to the scenic Blackhawk Horse Trails for long-distance riding. Water enthusiasts can utilize the park's unimproved boat ramp for quick access to fishing, kayaking, and boating, while the surrounding natural landscape provides excellent seasonal opportunities for hunting, wildlife photography, and shoreline bird watching. With 17 primitive campsites designed for those looking to unplug, the park seamlessly blends rugged overnight camping with active daytime exploration.

Guidebooks for Kansas and camping across the country

We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.

  • Kansas Trail Guide
    Jonathan M. Conard and Kristin M. Conard, 2015
    Find at Bookshop.org
  • Frommer's Exploring America by RV
    Harry Basch and Shirley Slater, 2012
    Find at Bookshop.org

Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.

Reference

Questions people ask

Do I need a reservation at Cedar Park?

Sites at Cedar Park are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.

Source: Recreation.gov

How much does it cost to camp at Cedar Park?

All campsites are $10

Source: Recreation.gov

What time is check-in at Cedar Park?

Check-in 06:00 PM, checkout 04:00 PM.

Source: Recreation.gov

How many sites does Cedar Park have?

17 sites, including 17 RV sites without hookups.

Source: Recreation.gov

What is there to do at Cedar Park?

Cedar Park serves as a premier destination for primitive and adventure-based recreation, anchored by its direct access to Pomona Lake and local trail systems. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.

Source: Recreation