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Kansas State Parks

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Western Kansas Region
Cedar Bluff State Park
Cedar Bluff State Park © Ngresonance (talk) (Uploads) / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
A mud flat at Cedar Bluff State Park with birds.A mud flat at Cedar Bluff State Park with birds.
Cedar Bluff State Park © Ngresonance at English Wikipedia / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Limestone on the edge of Cedar Bluff State Park, Kansas, USA.
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CEDAR BLUFF STATE PARK
CEDAR BLUFF STATE PARK
32001 Kansas 147
Ellis, Kansas   67637
(lat:38.8075 lon:-99.7372) map location

Phone: 785-726-3212
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.

It is the most developed area and provides a variety of facilities to meet the outdoor enthusiasts needs. They include two boatramp facilities, 96 utility campsites, two community shelters, a reservable group utility campground, two large showerhouses and dumpstations 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.
History of the Area
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.

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 Butterfields Overland Despatch BOD or the Smoky Hill Trail, called Bluffton Station.
Swimming
1. Cedar Bluff State Park offers a designated swimming beach located on the north shore of its reservoir.
2. The park's large, sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing and water play with family or friends.
3. Swimming in areas other than the marked swim area at your own risk as there are no lifeguards present.
4. Visitors can enjoy refreshing swims during warm weather months when the waters of Cedar Bluff Reservoir are open to swimmers.
5. Besides swimming, visitors can also engage in boating and fishing activities within this 6, 800-acre state park.

Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. The 6,800-acre reservoir provides ample space for all types of watercraft including motorboats, sailboats and personal watercraft like jet skis. There are two boat ramps available in the Bluffton Area on the north shore to launch boats into the lake easily. Boaters can enjoy fishing or simply cruising around enjoying scenic views from their vessels.
Fishing
Two reservoir areas offer angling opportunities. Species include walleye, crappie, largemouth bass and channel catfish among others.

The Bluffton Area on the north shore is ideal for catching white bass and wipers.

South Shore's Page Creek area offers excellent fishing spots with a variety of fish species available to catch.

Fishing tournaments are held regularly throughout the year in both areas attracting anglers from all over.

Boat ramps provide easy access to water bodies while bank-fishing options also exist for those without boats.

Anglers can enjoy night fishing as well since park regulations allow 24-hour access to certain parts of it.


Location
Cedar Bluff State Park is

Picnicking
Cedar Bluff State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters. Some spots overlook the scenic reservoir.
Bicycling
While biking is allowed, there are no designated bike trails. Be cautious of uneven terrain and shared paths.

The park's roads offer a cycling option but be mindful as they're also used by vehicles.

Biking on the hiking trail isn't recommended due to its rugged nature which may pose safety risks for cyclists.

Remember that helmets and other protective gear should always be worn when bicycling in this area for your own safety.

Please respect wildlife habitats while exploring; avoid off-road biking where it might disturb local fauna or flora.

Always check weather conditions before setting out, sudden changes can make routes slippery or hazardous quickly.
Geocaching
Venture into the wild and discover hidden treasures with geocaching! Unearth numerous caches scattered around this 14,500-acre reservoir in Kansas.

The park is divided into two areas: Bluffton (on the north) and Page Creek (south). Both offer unique caching experiences.

Bluffton has a variety of cache types to challenge your skills - traditional, multi-cache or mystery puzzles await you amidst its rugged landscape.

Page Creek offers an easier terrain for beginners but doesn't skimp on excitement. Find both small trinket-filled containers as well as larger boxes here!

Don't forget to log your finds online after each discovery; it's part of the fun! The thrill lies not just in finding but also sharing stories about these adventures.

Remember that some caches may require hiking off-trail so come prepared with sturdy shoes and plenty of water. Happy hunting!
Birding
The park offers a variety of birding opportunities with over 200 species spotted. It is divided into two areas: the Bluffton Area and Page Creek Area, each offering unique habitats for different birds. The former area provides sightings of prairie chickens while the latter hosts waterfowl and shorebirds due to its reservoir location. Birdwatchers can also spot bald eagles during winter months along with other migratory birds like warblers in springtime.

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