Cedar Bluff State Park

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Cedar Bluff Reservoir Fishing Information
Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area
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Cedar Bluff Alert

PLEASE USE THE ENTRANCE ON HIGHWAY 147 TO ENTER/EXIT THE PARK!  LOCATED JUST 13 MILES SOUTH OF I-70 (N 38° 48.741, W 99°43.610) Google Maps and other mapping software will sometimes route people to the wrong location! 

ATTENTION: Cedar Bluff State Park is currently under a ground fire burn ban.  Park Provided Ground Fire Pits May NOT be used. Please call the office to find out what is allowed.

Water has been turned off to all campgrounds EXCEPT for Despatch and Hoonii which are first-come-first serve.  All other sites are electric only.   

The only Shower House open is located by the Rental Cabins in the Northshore Park (Bluffton Area)

Cedar Bluff State Park is divided into two, unique areas along the shorelines of Cedar Bluff Reservoir. The Bluffton Area, on the north shore, provides nearly 350 acres for visitors.

flowercabin

It is the most developed area and provides a variety of facilities to meet the outdoor enthusiasts needs. They include: two boat ramp facilities, 96 utility campsites, two community shelters, a reservable group utility campground, two large shower houses and dump stations; five modern rental cabins and numerous undesignated primitive campsites and picnic areas. While visiting enjoy some of the opportunities including sand volleyball, horseshoes, shore side basketball, bicycling on our BMX track or swimming on our beach. Fishing can be fantastic in the Bluffton area also. Nearly all of the shoreline is accessible and there's a covered, handicap accessible fishing dock as well.
The Page Creek Area, on the south shore of the reservoir, is nearly 500 acres in size. It is not quite as developed but provides some of the finest primitive camping in the state with its large shade trees and sandy shorelines. The Page Creek Area contains 36 utility campsites, a community shelter, two dumpstations, two boatramp facilities, two showerhouses and two vault toilets; one designated primitive campground and numerous undesignated campsites. This area is a favorite for boaters, jet skiers and for those who seek a little more solitude when relaxing outdoors.

cedarsign
Phone:
Address:
32001 147 Highway
Ellis,KS    67637
County/Counties:
Office Hours:
Monday- Friday 8:00am- 4:00pm

Cedar Bluff Park Office - (785) 726-3212

Regional Office - (785) 628-8614

Questions pertaining to fishing should be directed to Dave Spalsbury, Fisheries Biologist at 785-726-9105.

Questions pertaining to hunting and the wildlife area should be directed to  Kent Hensley, Public Lands Manager at 785-726-9104.

The park office is now open Monday- Friday 8:00am-4:00pm

For Campsite or Cabin Reservations... Visit www.reserveamerica.com

Thirteen miles south of I-70, exit 135, on highway 147.

Park News - Updated: 11/01/2024

OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

NO RESERVATIONS WILL BE TAKEN ONLINE OR THROUGH THE PHONE/OFFICE FROM NOV. 1, 2023 - MARCH 31, 2024: All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

NORTH SHOWER/BATHROOM IS AVAILABLE 24/7 Located by the Rental Cabins in the Bluffton Park Area. The North West Side of the Park.

THE DUMP STATION IS AVAILALBE 24/7 WITHOUT WATER.

WATER WILL REMAIN ON THROUGH THE WINTER AT HOONII & DESPATCH CAMPGROUNDS: Please unhook from the water hydrant if temperatures are at or below freezing.

Check our Facebook  page for the most updated office hour information. Any recent office closures will be listed near the top of the park's news feed. 

Mark your calendar for all our special events!   
May 24th, 2025- Park Party
June 14th, 2025-  OK Kids Day
July 5th, 2025- Celebration of Pets and Vets
August 2nd, 2025 Kids Movie Night
August 30th, 2025- Beach Party
Call the office at 785-726-3212 for details on each event!
OK Kids 2022 Drone
General Information
Phone:
Address:
32001 147 Highway
 
Ellis, KS    67637
County/Counties:
Office Hours:
Monday- Friday 8:00am- 4:00pm

Here are some helpful downloadable documents for your trip to Cedar Bluff State Park.

Cedar Bluff SP (PDF 8.73 MB)

Cedar Bluff Park Office - (785) 726-3212

Regional Office - (785) 628-8614

Questions pertaining to fishing should be directed to Dave Spalsbury, Fisheries Biologist at 785-726-9105.

Questions pertaining to hunting and the wildlife area should be directed to  Kent Hensley, Public Lands Manager at 785-726-9104.

The park office is now open Monday- Friday 8:00am-4:00pm

For Campsite or Cabin Reservations... Visit www.reserveamerica.com

Thirteen miles south of I-70, exit 135, on highway 147.


History

Construction of Cedar Bluff Reservoir began in April of 1949 with the intention of providing flood control, irrigation and recreation. The reservoir was completed in 1951 and filled that same year. This Bureau of Reclamation owned reservoir, which is managed by the

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 Department of Wildlife and Parks, quickly became a popular recreational destination. The reservoir and surrounding public lands provided many opportunities that had previously been non-existant to this region. In 1962, Cedar Bluff State Park was developed to accommodate the public by providing outdoor recreational facilities and activities. Cedar Bluff State Park continues to thrive today. Annual visitation is consistently over the 250,000 mark.

Cedar Bluff State Park in central Kansas is the gateway to a canyon noted for its historic significance. Threshing Machine Canyon, accessible by a road west of the park, was the site of a station on Butterfield’s Overland Despatch (BOD) or the Smoky Hill Trail, called Bluffton Station.

In 1867, a wagon train transporting a threshing machine to Brigham Young in Salt Lake City camped for the night beneath a bluff overlooking the canyon floor. A group of Native Americans attacked the encampment, killed the travelers, and set the threshing machine on fire. Remains of the old burned threshing machine could be seen for years.

Travelers along the trail carved their names in the limestone bluffs. Threshing Machine Canyon was visited as early as 1849 (quite possibly earlier) and up to the present. In the historic canyon, you will find carvings dating back to the mid-1800s, and some are still visible today. Many of the inscriptions were carved by the "Pike's Peakers" in 1859 and U.S. cavalrymen (3rd Wisconsin and 13th Missouri) traveling along the BOD in 1865.

 

Cedar Bluff Areas
Page Creek
  • Camping Available: Yes
  • ADA Camping Available: Yes
  • Reservable Sites: No
  • Primitive Camping: 243
  • Water, Electric: 37
  • Click for more information

Bluffton Overview
Bluffton
  • Camping Available: Yes
  • ADA Camping Available: Yes
  • Reservable Sites: Yes
  • Primitive Camping: 250
  • Water, Sewer, Electric: 16
  • Water, Electric: 87
  • Click for more information

Cedar Bluff Cabins

Important Cabin Information:  Reservation Terms and Conditions, Cabin Reservation Information

Reserve Now

Cedar Bluff State Park offers three styles of rental cabins, each with its own, unique atmosphere. All cabins are available year-round. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a base camp for your next outdoor adventure, our cabins are sure to accommodate your needs.

"RUSTIC CABINS"

Whitetail Ridge1

We offer two, two bedroom rustic cabins; "Whitetail Ridge" and "The Trapper's Lodge". Each are equipped with two, twin over full bunkbeds, electricity, air conditioning and heating, table and chairs, a small refrigerator, coffee maker and a microwave. Just outside, under the shaded patio, a charcoal grill, picnic table and fire ring; two exterior outlets are also available for your convenience.

Whitetail Ridge9

"The Upland" is a one bedroom, rustic cabin which can sleep up to five. Bedding consists of a large, full over full sized bunkbed and a twin sized Murphy Bed. This cabin also includes a modest living area, dining table and chairs, a large counter, a microwave, a coffee maker, a charcoal grill, a small refrigerator, air conditioning and heat and a freeze proof hydrant just outside. The Upland is also equipped with a spacious deck and picnic table, which is shaded by a cedar pergola, exterior outlets and lighting and a large campfire ring. This facility is handicap accessible and within a very short walking distance to a family style showerhouse facility which is open year-round.

 

We also offer three, Modern Cabins. Each cabin is equipped with a twin sized bed and two bunkbeds, picnic tables, kitchenettes with electric countertop ranges, small refrigerators, a microwave, a coffee maker and bathrooms with showers. All three have electricity and are equipped with air conditioning and heating.

The Flyway1
 A Fly

The two, modern two bedroom cabins (The Flyway and Gobbler's Roost)can comfortably accommodate up to six adults.

The Flyway2

The one bedroom (The Jumpin' Catfish) has one set of bunk beds containing two double size beds.  A bar style table and intimate front porch overlooking the lake.  Perfect size cabin for a couple or a small family.

Cedar Buff State Park's rental cabins provide a unique opportunity to experience the outdoors, and all come with a fantastic view of the park and reservoir area. Reservations can be completed online by clicking the specific cabin below and the "Make a Reservation" button.

The Upland
  • Type of Facility: Primitive Cabin
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38 48.779 W99 44.451
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve The Upland
  • Click for more information

    "The Upland" is a one bedroom, rustic cabin which can sleep up to five. Bedding consists of a large, full over full sized bunkbed and a twin sized Murphy Bed. This cabin also includes a modest living area, dining table and chairs, a large counter, a microwave, a coffee maker, a charcoal grill, a small refridgerator, air conditioning and heat and a freeze proof hydrant just outside. The Upland is also equipped with a spacious deck and picnic table, which is shaded by a cedar pergola, exterior outlets and lighting and a large campfire ring. This facility is handicap accessible and within a very short walking distance to a family style showerhouse facility which is open year-round.

    (Linens and cooking utensils are not provided)

    Rental Fees: 

    October - March

    • Weekdays: $55 /night
    • Weekends: $65 /night

    April - September

    •  Weekdays: $65 /night
    • Weekends: $70 /night - two nights minimum weekends

The Trapper's Lodge
  • Type of Facility: Rustic Cabin
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38 48.673 W99 44.443
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve The Trapper's Lodge
  • Click for more information
    TL7

    The Trapper's Lodge is a two bedroom cabin capable of accommodating up to six comfortably. Constructed and finished with a trapping theme in mind, this cabin provides air conditioning and heating, dining table and chairs, a freeze proof hydrant just outside with water available year around; two twin over full bunkbeds and a countertop including storage space and a microwave. Just outside on the shaded patio awaits a large picnic table, a charcoal grill and fire ring; also included are two exterior outlets for cooking or for charging up the boat's batteries!

    TL1
    TL2

    (Linens and cooking utensils are not provided)

    Rental Fees: 

    October - March

    • Weekdays: $55 /night
    • Weekends: $65 /night

    April - September

    •  Weekdays: $65 /night
    • Weekends: $70 /night - Two night minimum on weekend

Whitetail Ridge
  • Type of Facility: Rustic Cabin
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38 48.701 W99 44.420
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Whitetail Ridge
  • Click for more information

    Named and finished with one of Kansas' most sought after big game species in mind, the Whitetail Ridge Cabin is a newly remodeled, rustic, cabin which is capable of sleeping up to six. Amenities include: Two bedrooms and a common area, air conditioning and heating, dining table and chairs, and a large countertop with microwave. Outside on the shaded patio area, there is a freeze proof hydrant, a charcoal grill, picnic table and fire ring. There are also exterior outlets for cooking or charging your boat's trolling motor batteries.

    A WTL

    Keep a sharp eye out, those Whitetails will be running the ridge at dawn and dusk!

    (Linens and cooking utensils are not provided!)

    Rental Fees: 

    October - March

    • Weekdays: $55 /night
    • Weekends: $65 /night

    April - September

    • Weekdays: $65 /night
    • Weekends: $70 /night - two night minimum on weekend
    Whitetail Ridge9
    Whitetail Ridge3
    Whitetail Ridge4
    Whitetail Ridge8

Gobbler's Roost
  • Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
  • Location of Facility: N38 48.678 W99 44.264
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Gobbler's Roost
  • Click for more information
    AGob

    The Gobbler's Roost, which is finished with a Wild Turkey theme, is a full-service, two-bedroom facility capable of accommodating up to six comfortably. This cabin is sure to meet your desires; it includes: two bunkbeds and one full-sized bed, dining table and chairs, air conditioning and heating, a kitchenette with range top and sink, a full bathroom including a shower and a small refrigerator and microwave.

    Just outside, the large, covered porch provides a perfect vantage point for watching the morning sunrises or evening sunsets. A large picnic table, fire ring and exterior outlet are also available just outside for your convenience.

    AGOB

    (Linens and cooking utensils are not provided)

    Rental Fees: 

    October - March

    • Weekdays: $90 /night
    • Weekends: $100 /night

    April - September

    •  Weekdays: $100 /night
    • Weekends: $110 /night - two night minimum

Jumpin' Catfish
  • Type of Facility: Full Service Cabin
  • Location of Facility: N38 48.680 W99 44.239
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Jumpin' Catfish
  • Click for more information
    A Jumpy

    This cozy little one bedroom cabin comes with a set of bunk beds with 2 double full beds.  This cabin is able to accommodate four very comfortably. It comes equipped with air conditioning and heating, a restroom with shower, a small kitchenette which includes a sink, electric range, counter and microwave; a small refrigerator is also available. Just outside, there is an exterior outlet for charging up the boat's trolling motor batteries, a large picnic table and a fire ring.

    (Linens and cooking utensils are not provided)

    Rental Fees: 

    October - March

    • Weekdays: $80 /night
    • Weekends: $85 /night

    April - September

    • Weekdays: $85 /night
    • Weekends: $90 /night - two nights minimum on weekend

The Flyway
  • Type of Facility: Modern Two Bedroom Cabin
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38 48.693 W99 44.321
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve The Flyway
  • Click for more information
     A Fly

    The Flyway, which is finished with a waterfowl theme in mind, is a full-service, two-bedroom facility capable of accomodating up to six comfortably. This cabin is sure to meet your desires; it includes: two bunkbeds and one full-sized bed, dining table and chairs, air conditioning and heating, a kitchenette with range top and sink, a full bathroom including a shower and a small refrigerator and microwave.

    A Flyy

    Just outside, the large, covered porch provides a perfect vantage point for enjoying the morning sunrises or evening sunsets. A large picnic table, fire ring and exterior outlet are also available just outside for your convenience.

    (Linens and cooking utensils are not provided)

    The Flyway1
    Sunsetb
    The Flyway2

    Rental Fees: 

    October - March

    • Weekdays: $90 /night
    • Weekends: $100 /night

    April - September

    •  Weekdays: $100 /night
    • Weekends: $110 /night - two night minimum

Cedar Bluff Calendar

Email Cedar Bluff

This form allows you to email Cedar Bluff State Park with any questions you might have about the State Park and its facilities. This includes season openings and closings, campsite reservations, special events, etc.