Wilson Lake
- Road
- Paved
- Permit
- Required
Entry needs a reservation or permit. Entry fee: Kansas state park vehicle permit required for state park areas. Wilson Lake is a lake cove in Russell County, Kansas.
Closures and warnings
Swim only in designated beach areas. Open-water and boat traffic hazards outside marked swim zones. As of September 28, 2026.
Before you swim
| Swimming allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Water type | Lake cove |
| Entry | Walk in |
| Current | None |
Access
| Road | Paved |
|---|---|
| Road note | Wilson Lake / Wilson State Park near Sylvan Grove in Russell and Lincoln counties. State park beaches and Corps recreation areas around the reservoir. |
| Parking | Wilson State Park and Corps recreation area lots |
| Fee | Kansas state park vehicle permit required for state park areas; Corps day-use fees may apply at some sites |
| Reservation or permit | Required |
| Managed by | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Wilson Lake) / Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (Wilson State Park) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
|---|---|
| Picnic sites | Yes |
| Note | Camping, marinas, trails, and designated swim beaches in state park units |
Rules
| Camping | Allowed |
|---|
Common questions
Common questions
Is Wilson Lake open?
Swim only in designated beach areas. Open-water and boat traffic hazards outside marked swim zones. As of September 28, 2026.
Can you swim at Wilson Lake?
Yes, swimming is allowed at Wilson Lake. No current is reported here.
How do you get to Wilson Lake?
The road in is paved. Wilson Lake / Wilson State Park near Sylvan Grove in Russell and Lincoln counties. State park beaches and Corps recreation areas around the reservoir. Parking: Wilson State Park and Corps recreation area lots.
Do you need a reservation for Wilson Lake?
Yes. A reservation or permit is required.
Is there a fee at Wilson Lake?
The fee is Kansas state park vehicle permit required for state park areas; Corps day-use fees may apply at some sites.
What facilities are at Wilson Lake?
Restrooms and picnic sites. Camping, marinas, trails, and designated swim beaches in state park units.
What are the rules at Wilson Lake?
Camping is allowed.
Nearby
Sources
2
- https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Wilson (accessed September 28, 2026; backs manager / waterbodyName / access.roadNote / access.fee / access.permitRequired, swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed / waterType / access.amenities / rules.camping, swimmerNotes.current / entryType, access.roadSurface)
- https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes/Wilson-Lake/ (accessed September 28, 2026; backs hazardNote / access.parking, manager)
More: Kansas swimming holes