Wilson Lake, one of the best lakes to visit in Kansas, Kansas's purest lake, is located in the Smoky Hills of Central Kansas. It's breathtaking to see the prairie landscapes and the rolling hills that surround the shimmering lake. Although it was first constructed for flood management, this lake is now a well-liked recreation area. Management of wildlife is another use for it.

The largest of the four state parks that line the lake's shore is Wilson State Park. You can find everything here, from swimming beaches to hiking trails, camping supplies to boat ramps.

The Rocktown Natural Area is located in Lucas Park, which is on the northeastern portion of the 3,660-hectare lake. Additionally, it has boat ramps, swimming beaches, and hiking trails.

Location: Russell and Lincoln counties in Kansas

Milford Lake is the biggest artificial lake in the state, at 6,400 hectares. The lake was built when the Milford Dam along the Republican River was being built.

Both in and out of the water, there is a ton to do here. In the southeast corner of the lake, the Milford State Park is a boater's paradise with a number of boat ramps, a marina, a jet-ski beach, and an exclusive yacht club. Visit Nudie Beach as well; it's reachable by boat. When you hear its name, don't be alarmed; the beach is a great place to spend time with your loved ones.

People visit the Milford Lake to take part in water sports, have picnics, and see wildlife. Camping, biking, horseback riding, and hiking are other options. You can hike on several trails close to the lake and see many different birds and animals.

Location: Geary / Clay / Dickinson counties in Kansas

The picturesque Tuttle Creek Lake is located along the Big Blue River in the Flint Hills. This lake, which spans 5,000 acres, is located northeast of Kansas along the Big Blue River. Although Turtle Creek Lake was primarily constructed for flood control, it is now a well-liked recreational lake. Nowadays, this is one of the best lakes to visit in Kansas.

The second-largest lake in Kansas has a lot of state parks along its shoreline. The swimming-friendly artificial beach at Tuttle Creek State Park is located at the lake's northernmost point. The Heartland Stampede Music Festival, which had previously taken place here until 2018, moved its headquarters to Topeka in 2019.

Fancy Creek State Park, which is famous for its 13-kilometer mountain bike trail, is located on the lake's northern shore. In addition, there are ten additional state parks along the 100-mile shoreline that are furnished with volleyball courts, picnic shelters, and campsites in addition to biking and hiking trails.

Location: Pottawatomie / Riley / Marshall counties in Kansas

Perry Lake, also known as "Paradise on the Plains," is a sort of paradise for people who live in Topeka and Lawrence. It is a well-known location in the Dissected Till Plains area and is a wonderful weekend getaway.

Many people enjoy visiting Perry Lake, which is located in the northeastern part of the state. Go to the Perry Lake National Recreational Hiking Trail, which runs along the eastern side, if you wish to take in the surrounding picturesque panoramas. You will see beautiful scenery all the way through the 30 kilometers of the trail. You can treat your eyes to an additional treat by visiting a place that is home to a variety of wildlife species. Numerous camping options are available if you want to stay longer than a day. The 4,511-hectare lake is a popular place to go horseback riding, boating, and fishing.

The Perry Dam is situated at the southern end of the lake, which is situated alongside the Delaware River. Although many people use it for recreational purposes, flood control is its main objective.

Location: Jefferson County, Kansas

Kanopolis Lake is a lake that is 446 meters above sea level and is situated in the Smokey Hills area. The Kanopolis Dam, which impounds the Smoky Hill River, created the 1,378-hectare lake. The Smokey Hills' picturesque man-made reservoir is a part of Kanopolis State Park, the oldest state park in Kansas. The lake's surroundings, which include rolling hills, soaring bluffs, and lush vegetation, will undoubtedly appeal to you. You can also indulge in a variety of recreational activities, including boating and swimming.

You can go on a hike along the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway or visit one of the many fascinating caves if you want to learn more. Horsethief Canyon is another location inside the state park that provides fascinating historical details about ancient Indian rock carvings.

There is so much to see in Kanopolis Lake that it will be impossible to see it all in one day. You can enjoy being outside by staying the night at one of the campsites.

Location: Ellsworth County, Kansas

Between Cherryvale and Parsons, in Kansas' southeast, is where Big Hill Lake is located. Both locals and visitors enjoy taking part in leisure activities at the 500-hectare lake.

The lake has campsites, picnic spaces, boat ramps, and a sandy beach. Along with enjoying other water sports, many visitors also come to go fishing and water-skiing. The lake and its environs are located along the 27-kilometer Big Hill Horse Trail. People of all ages and abilities can enjoy the trail because of its varied terrain. The Big Hill Lake Horse Trail will take you through a stunning and peaceful forest environment.

Big Hills Lake, which is 5 miles from Cherryvale in southeast Kansas, features lovely, tall trees lining its shoreline creating a tranquil atmosphere. One is enticed to the lake by its clear waters to enjoy the different water activities. On a hot day, you can splash around in the water on the beach before unpacking your picnic baskets and eating a filling meal in the shade.

Location: Labette County, Kansas

Fall River Lake, which is situated alongside the Fall River, is considered one of the best lakes to visit in Kansas, is a well-liked location for leisure activities. All ages of people come to the lake to go swimming, water skiing, boating, and picnicking. Due to the lake's abundance of white bass, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish, it is also well-liked by anglers. Birdwatchers from all over the world come here to observe the birds in the area.

Fall River Lake is a nature lover's heaven because it is encircled by mountains and lovely valleys. It not only offers beautiful views, but you can also see many birds and their families. You wouldn't want to miss the spellbinding experience of watching the sunset by the lake. You can choose to spend the night in one of the campsites in Fall River State Park, which is located on the lake's southern shore. You could also reserve a rental cabin with a view of a lake as an alternative. Visit the lake in the winter to see the trees' dazzling color changes.

Location: Greenwood County, Kansas

In west-central Kansas, the Smokey Hill River and the surrounding towering cliffs are visible from Cedar Bluff Reservoir, which flows beside the river. The bluffs make a fantastic vantage point for strolling around the lake and are a wonderful site to enjoy a gorgeous sunrise or sunset. The Smokey Hill River Valley's bright wildflowers and prairie grasses add to its visual attractiveness.

The same-named state park, which has camping areas, boat ramps, and swimming beaches, is located on its eastern end. The Cedar Bluff Reservoir's water is very large, providing lots of space for boating and fishing for walleye, bass, crappie, wiper, and catfish. The lake spans more than 10 square miles, and visitors can find Cedar Bluff State Park on some of its shores. The park is divided into two sections, one on the northern shore and one on the southern side.

The historic Threshing Machine Canyon is also accessible from the park. Numerous carvings from the 1800s can be seen here on the rock.

Location: Trego County, Kansas

Visitors are pleasantly pleased to find Clark State Fishing Lake situated in the deep Bluff Creek canyon, a geographically stunning location, especially when compared to the flat plains that surround it, after approaching through flat farmland and pastureland. On both sides of the lake, a number of quick drives or strolls offer picturesque views of this wild western Kansas treasure.

The one-mile Jay Wood Memorial Nature Trail and the 2.2-mile gravel road loop that runs from the trailhead to the K-94 highway are two wonderful excursions that may be taken in the vicinity of the lake. Visitors can launch their boats at the lake's boat launch, and if they're lucky, they might catch some channel catfish, white bass, crappies, or even walleye there. Around the lake, there are 900 acres of hunting land, and those who enjoy camping can find many rustic campsites where they can unwind and watch the wildlife.

Location: Clark County of southwest Kansas