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Northeast Kansas Region
Tuttle Creek State Park
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TUTTLE CREEK STATE PARK
TUTTLE CREEK STATE PARK
5800 A River Pond Rd
Manhattan, Kansas   66502

Phone: 785-539-7941
Located near Manhattan in northeast Kansas, Tuttle Creek State Park offers visitors a broad variety of outdoor recreation possibilities and plenty of room to roam. The communities of Manhattan, Wamego, Fort Riley, Olsburg, Randolph and Westmoreland offer nearby eating establishments or visitor opportunities. Tuttle Creek Reservoir, the state's second largest impoundment, offers 12,500 acres of water and about 100 miles of rugged, wooded shoreline to explore.

Four units (River Pond, Spillway, Fancy Creek and Randolph) make up the 1,200 - acre park. Electric and water hookups, a swimming beach, boat ramps, courtesy docks, and dump stations are available. Campgrounds contain 118 water/electric campsites, 24 electric-only campsites, 7 electric sites with community water and 500 primitive campsites. By May 2006, the Randolph Area horse campground will be completed and will provide an additional 13 electric campsites with community water.

Four cabins are offered at Tuttle Creek State Park. Each cabin offers a full kitchen with basic pots and pans, table service for four, a full bathroom, heating, A/C, covered patio, picnic tables, grill and fire-ring. Reservations can be made by contacting the park office.

Numerous nature trails, a mountain biking trail, and a scenic equestrian trail offer explorers a variety of routes to experience the aesthetic Flint Hills environment. Scenic picnic areas, an 18-hole disc golf course, volleyball courts, horse shoe pits, and conveniently placed restroom and shower facilities accommodate park visitors. The state-of-the-art Fancy Creek Shooting Range is open the first and third full weekends of each month.

Excellent channel cat and flathead fishing is available in the lake and in the river above and below the lake. Fair numbers of bass are caught near standing timber and brush piles, and walleye can be taken off the face of the dam as well as in the river below. During the Spring there is ample opportunity to catch master angler white bass and crappie. The 12,000-acre wildlife area adjacent to the park offers excellent hunting and wildlife watching opportunities.
Cabins
Tuttle Creek State Park is pleased to offer modern log cabins as an additional camping opportunity. The cabins are available year around and are located in the beautiful River Pond Area.

Enjoy the beauty of our park from the comfort of one of our cabins. Each cabin has a full kitchen with refrigerator, stove, microwave, and basic kitchen amenities. Cabins offers a master bedroom with a full size mattress as well as a full or queen size sofa sleeper in the living room. One of the cabins offers bunk beds in the living area as well. Three cabins have a loft which is perfect for use with a sleeping bag. Enjoy the comfort of a full bathroom in each cabin. Pawnee cabin is ADA compliant for your convenience. Each cabin will accommodate up to six people. Cabins are air conditioned and heated, but do not have televisions or phones. Outside the cabins a concrete shelter is located for each cabin and has a picnic table, fire-ring and bbq grill.

Recreational Opportunities:

Tuttle Creek State Park has many recreational opportunities within walking distance of your cabin. You will find fantastic fishing in the River Pond for species like catfish, crappie, white bass, and saugeye. Our stream that runs through the River Pond area also offers trout fishing! A swimming beach, canoe and kayak rental and a laundry and concession facility are located nearby to serve you. There is also an 18-hole frisbee/disc golf course that winds thru the park.

Cabin Reservation Deposits:

Cabin reservation deposits cannot be refunded. However, when you notify the park office at least 14 days prior to your reserved date, the remaining cabin rental fee may be refunded or alternate reservations may be arranged depending on availability and your fee applied to a new reservation.



What you should take with you:

Bedding and or sleeping bags are a must, as well as towels, dish clothes, hot pads, washcloths, soap, shampoo, food, ect. Cabins do have modern bathrooms. You will need to provide your own pillows and linens. Kitchen items provided include basic pots and pans, coffeemaker and filters, dishes, and silverware to serve four. Kitchens also include a stove, microwave, toaster, and refrigerator.
Camping
Tuttle Creek State Park offers both utility and primitive camping. The River Pond area has 118 water and electric sites, many being pull-through sites although back-in sites are available as well. Of these sites, 44 offer 50 amp. electrical service and 16 new sites are winterized with frost-free water hydrants. Primitive camping is also available in the River Pond area.

The Spillway Park offers primitive camping on a self-pay basis. The main boat ramp on Tuttle Creek Reservoir is located here. Spillway Park also has the only marina on the lake. A new shower building was added in the Spillway Area in July 2005.

Fancy Creek Park has a more secluded utility campground with 24 electrical service sites, pull-through and back-in sites are available. Two new ADA accessible restrooms are open year round. Water, while not available in the Fancy Creek Park itself, is obtainable nearby.

The North and South Randolph areas have primitive camping with a shower house and water service. Horse corrals have been added to South Randolph. A new ADA accessible vault toilet has been recently added to the South Randolph Area. 20 electric campsites with community water are being developed in the Randolph Area and targeted towards horse campers. Currently 7 of the sites are completed, total completion is expected by May 2006.

Rent - A - Camp ProgramFor those visitors that need camping gear, the Rent - A - Camp Program provides tents, stoves, lanterns and other camping supplies for a modest fee from the park office. The equipment is set up for you and all you need to do is have fun! ALL THE EQUIPMENT IS NEW AND IS VERY NICE.
Swimming
1. Tuttle Creek State Park offers a designated swimming beach in the River Pond Area.
2. No lifeguards are on duty, so swim at your own risk.
3. Swimming is prohibited from boat docks and ramps for safety reasons.
4. The park's large reservoir provides ample space for open water swimmers to practice their skills safely.
5. Visitors can also enjoy snorkeling within permitted areas of the lake during summer months.

Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options. It features multiple boat ramps for easy access to the water, including courtesy docks and high-water ramps in case of flooding. The lake is suitable for all types of boats from sailboats to powerboats, with no restrictions on motor size or speed except in designated areas like swimming beaches or marinas. There are also opportunities for canoeing and kayaking along the river trails within the park's boundaries.
Fishing
Impoundment Type: ReservoirSurface Acres: 12,500 acresMaximum Depth: 50 feetNormal Lake Level: 1075 mls

The lake has Motor Boat Access

Fishing Population:Blue Catfish, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Flathead Catfish, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Saugeye, White Bass, Walleye, Trout



Picnicking
1. Tuttle Creek State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables and grills.
2. Shelters are available for larger gatherings or events.
3. Some sites offer stunning views of the lake, perfect for a scenic lunch.
4. Picnic spots near playgrounds keep kids entertained while adults relax.
5. Many picnic locations have nearby restrooms and drinking water facilities.

Bicycling
For cycling enthusiasts, a variety of trails are available. Be cautious as some paths can be challenging and steep.

The park offers both paved roads for casual biking and rugged terrains for mountain bikers. Safety gear is recommended.

Biking near the lake provides scenic views but requires careful navigation due to occasional loose gravel or sand patches.

During peak seasons, cyclists should remain vigilant as these routes may become crowded with hikers and other outdoor adventurers.

Nighttime bicycling isn't advised due to limited visibility on certain parts of the trail system; daylight hours are best utilized.

Remember that wildlife encounters could occur during your ride so always maintain safe speeds while enjoying nature's beauty around you.

Always adhere strictly to safety rules when riding in this area - helmets must be worn at all times by riders under 18 years old according to Kansas law.
Trails
The trail at Fancy Creek offers 6 miles of mountain biking and hiking for advanced outdoor enthusiasts. This trail provides users with varying and rugged terrain and beautiful Kansas vistas. Experienced mountain bikers will find this a challenging course and it is one of the best in Kansas. Winding through 6 miles of dense cedar forest into open native grassland, the trail runs along rocky ridges with scenic overlooks along the way.

Located across the lake at the Randolph State Park are over 12 miles of equestrian trails that can also be enjoyed by hikers. The horse trails are accessible year round, however, the south entrance of the park is closed during the winter.

The Spillway area provides park users with a new ADA accessible hiking trail. Scenic views and interesting landscapes make up this half-mile trail. It also provides great opportunities to view wildlife year round. The parking area is located up the hill east of the boat ramp with new ADA accessible restrooms open. This trail is great for all ages due to it's length and low level of difficulty. The Cedar Ridge Trail in the Spillway area is the Coalition for Recreational Trails National ADA Trails Award Winner for 2001.

The Cottonwood Trail in the River Pond area provides users with a short but attractive nature trail with educational information stations. It is very convenient for campers as it is adjacent to the River Pond campground. The trail length is a quarter mile of easy walking making it very inviting for children and elderly hikers.

We encourage everyone to take advantage of our trails at Tuttle Creek. Look for additions and improvements in the near future.
Birding
Bird watchers can enjoy spotting various species like bald eagles, waterfowl and songbirds. The park also offers birding trails for enthusiasts to explore diverse habitats. During migration season, the reservoir attracts a wide variety of birds making it an ideal spot for observation.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
February 10 Congratulations by Jerry Hover
park review stars; one to five Todd,Joyce and gang, congratulations on your good work in achieving the Blue Chip award.
May 3 Lax Rules by Rule follower
park review stars; one to five Driving and Parking on non paved or gravel surfaces rules are not inforced.
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Directions


Tuttle Creek State Park Office5800 A River Pond Rd.Manhattan, KS 66502(785) 539-7941 (Park Office)

Directions to Tuttle Creek State Park, Fancy Creek Area

1.Coming to Manhattan via I-70 --- The Manhattan Exit is #313. Take Hwy 177 North to Manhattan. This will be a divided 4 lane hwy.2.As you come into town the hwy narrows to 2 lanes and you will cross the Kansas River.3.Take the exit for Tuttle Creek Blvd and Fort Riley Blvd. This will be a right hand lane exit. You will come to a stop light. You want to turn to the left onto Tuttle Creek Blvd.4.Tuttle Creek Blvd will also be marked Hwy 24 West. Just stay on Tuttle Creek Blvd. You will go past the Mall and Walmart. Keep going!5.Stay on Hwy 24 west ( also called Tuttle Creek Blvd) clear through town until you see the turn off for The Tuttle Creek Dam. This is also HWY 13. Take a right on to Hwy 13 and go across the dam.6.You will drive aprx 17 miles to the junction with HWY 16. The sign will say OLSBURG and you can only turn left.7.Take Hwy 16 west thru Olsburg and across the lake.8.You will take the SECOND right (Riley Co Road #893). This will take you directly into Fancy Creek State Park.

If you are exiting I-70 from Junction City on HWY 77 North,

1. Take Hwy 77 north thru Riley, continue north on Hwy 77 just thru Randolph.2. At the junction of Hwy 77 and Hwy 16, turn right and go approximately 1 mile to Riley County 893. Turn left into the Fancy Creek Park

Fancy Creek Area - N39*26.418' W096*44.667'

Directions From I-70

1.Coming to Manhattan via I-70 --- The Manhattan Exit is #313. Take Hwy 177 North to Manhattan. This will be a divided 4 lane hwy.2.As you come into town the hwy narrows to 2 lanes and you will cross the Kansas River.3.Take the exit for Tuttle Creek Blvd and Fort Riley Blvd. This will be a right hand lane exit. You will come to a stop light. You want to turn to the left onto Tuttle Creek Blvd.4.Tuttle Creek Blvd will also be marked Hwy 24 West. Just stay on Tuttle Creek Blvd. You will go past the Mall and Walmart. Keep going!5.After approximately 5 miles or so you will see mile marker 312. Immediately after the mile marker sign will be a sign for Tuttle Creek State Park.6.You will exit to the right and then go parallel with Tuttle Creek Blvd on a black top road.7.This will take you along the backside of the dam. You will go around the tubes where they release water. Just follow this road. There are signs as you enter the River Pond Area.8.The campground is marked and the Host trailers are right up by the road. They will be able to help you find your individual campsite. If you don?t find the Host, Our office is just on up the road a little ways from the camp ground.

River Pond Office - N39*15.446' W096*34.765'

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