Lake Scott State Park Kansas

[Adrian W]

My son and his wife and 9 month daughter just visited this state park and gave glowing reviews. It even has a New Mexico connection.

The valley, along US-83 about 30 miles south from the Oakley exit of I-70 (180 miles west of Salina), has a storied past. Long before Europeans arrived in North America, migrating Native Americans camped there. In 1680, a short-lived pueblo was built along the creek. The El Quartelejo Pueblo ruins, believed to mark the northernmost pueblo settlement in America, are now a National Historic Landmark. You can visit the ruins at the park and learn more about the pueblo at the El Quartelejo Museum in Scott City, 15 miles south of the lake.

A dam built across the valley 71 years ago created the 110-acre spring-fed lake. Visitors can swim, boat and fish in the cool waters. Rent a paddleboat or canoe at the bathhouse. Hiking and equestrian trails fan out from the lake, past cattail marshes and up yucca-studded slopes

http://www.keystonegallery.com/area/lake_scott.html

http://www.kansastravel.org/scottstatepark.htm

Description:
Hidden in the western Kansas prairie, Scott State Park is a startling oasis of natural springs, deep wooded canyons, and craggy bluffs. The 1,020-acre park surrounds the 100-acre, springfed Scott State Fishing Lake.

The park has 55 utility campsites, including some with 50-amp service and water hookups. Three modern shower buildings, 100 primitive campsites and several vault toilets are also available. Visitors enjoy a swimming beach and playground, and a privately operated concessions building stocks camping and fishing supplies. Canoe and paddleboat rentals are available at the concession facility seasonally.

Nature trails accommodate hikers, horseback riders, and naturalists and provide excellent opportunities to observe wildlife in natural habitats. Wild turkey, deer, bobcat and beaver are common in the area. A horse camp area provides amenities for equestrian visitors.

Rich in history, this park provides an ideal setting for camping, boating, swimming, hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. Hunting is allowed at the adjacent public hunting area. The Steele home, the dwelling of the original settlers on the area, has been preserved much as it was 100 years ago. The park also boasts the northernmost pueblo in the U. S. - El Cuartelejo.