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Lake Finney State Park adventures

Lake Finney State Park Adventures

Lake Finney State Park offers a peaceful outdoor retreat with opportunities for fishing, boating, camping, and hiking in southwestern Kansas near the Cimarron River.

230
Acres Protected
5
Miles of Trails
15,000
Annual Visitors
1958
Year Established

About Lake Finney State Park

 

Located in Scott County, Kansas, Lake Finney State Park centers around Lake Finney, a reservoir created on the Winterset Creek. The park covers a modest area that provides visitors with outdoor recreational activities such as fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and crappie, as well as boating on the calm lake. The park’s terrain consists of rolling plains characteristic of southwestern Kansas, with scattered woodlands and grasslands that support local wildlife including deer, small game, and various bird species. Established in the mid-20th century, the park serves as a convenient natural respite for residents and travelers along U.S. Highway 83. Visitors can enjoy developed campgrounds with facilities, picnic areas, and multiple trails suitable for hiking and wildlife viewing. The gentle landscape and accessible water body make it a family-friendly location to engage in paddle sports and casual outdoor activities. Notable nearby features include the Cimarron River valley and the surrounding agricultural lands that highlight the park’s rural Kansas setting. Lake Finney State Park is favored for its quiet ambiance, fishing opportunities, and moderate camping infrastructure, offering a low-key alternative to larger state parks in the region.

Highlights

Highlight

Lake Finney reservoir, ideal for fishing and boating

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Trails along the Winterset Creek offering wildlife viewing

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Quiet, family-friendly camping facilities with lake views

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Proximity to the Cimarron River valley landscapes

Notable Natural Features

Lake Finney

A 170-acre reservoir that serves as the park’s central feature and primary recreational hub.

Winterset Creek Trail

A 3-mile trail following the creek, suitable for easy hiking and observing local flora and fauna.

Campground with Lakeside Sites

Developed camping area providing easy access to the lake's shore and equipped with modern amenities.