Lake Scott State Park
Scott City, KS
A spring-fed lake in a canyon, with the ruins of El Cuartelejo, the northernmost known pueblo. A shady campground and good swimming.
Lake Scott State Park covers about 1,020 acres (over 400 hectares) in Scott County, western Kansas, between Oakley and Scott City. It lies about a mile west of U.S. Highway 83 on K-95 and surrounds the spring-fed Lake Scott. The lake is open for fishing, there is a swimming beach, and several miles of hiking and horse trails. Wild turkeys, deer, beavers and bobcats are often seen.
The park's historic highlight is El Cuartelejo: the ruins of a pueblo in Ladder Creek Canyon, regarded as the northernmost and only known pueblo in Kansas. Sources give different dates for its construction; it is linked to Taos and Picuris groups from New Mexico and to Plains Apache. The seven-room building was partly reconstructed after excavations in the 1970s, and signs explain the site. It has been a National Historic Landmark since 1964. The park also holds the sandstone Steele House, now a museum.
Campers will find both modern and basic sites. Check reservations and amenities beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Scott City, KS
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 38.6725, -100.9163
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Historic Lake Scott State Park Elm Grove CampgroundCampsite0 mi from Lake Scott State Park
- Historic Lake Scott State Park Apache CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Lake Scott State Park
- Historic Lake Scott State Park Lakeside CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Lake Scott State Park
- Historic Lake Scott State Park Flatland CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Lake Scott State Park
- Historic Lake Scott State Park Circle Drive CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Lake Scott State Park
- Historic Lake Scott State Park Boat Ramp CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Lake Scott State Park
All campsites in Kansas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Lake Scott State Park?
Lake Scott State Park is in Scott City, KS, at GPS 38.6725, -100.9163. It is about 32 mi from Oakley.
Can you camp near Lake Scott State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Historic Lake Scott State Park Elm Grove Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 9 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Lake Scott State Park?
Lake Scott State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Kansas chalk badlands.
What is there to see near Lake Scott State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park (8 mi), Monument Rocks (12 mi), Castle Rock (42 mi) and Boot Hill Museum (80 mi).
When is the best time to visit Lake Scott State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)