Perry Lake State Park Beach is situated on Perry Lake in Jefferson County, Kansas, approximately 20 miles northeast of Topeka. The lake covers roughly 12,000 acres and was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the Delaware River as a flood-control and recreational reservoir. The state park, managed by Kansas Wildlife and Parks from its headquarters near Ozawkie, surrounds much of the lake's western and southern shorelines and offers a designated swim beach alongside camping, fishing, and hiking amenities.
The swim beach features a sandy shoreline with a relatively gradual entry into the lake's warm summer water. The water takes on a brown-green tint typical of plains reservoirs but warms to comfortable swimming temperatures by late May and sustains them through September. The lake's open profile means afternoon breezes are common, and the absence of large commercial development around the lake keeps the atmosphere quiet and natural compared to some of the more heavily visited Kansas reservoirs closer to Wichita and Kansas City. Visitors frequently comment on the park's relaxed, uncrowded character even during peak summer weekends.
Hiking trails adjacent to the park wind through wooded upland terrain along the lake's edges, providing a shaded alternative to the beach and giving the park a more varied outdoor character than many flat-water recreation sites in Kansas. Fishing piers and boat ramps serve the reservoir's catfish, walleye, white bass, and crappie populations, and the park includes playground equipment and picnic areas to support full-day family outings. Tent and RV campgrounds are on-site, and reservation availability through the Kansas Wildlife and Parks system makes planning ahead practical for summer weekends.
Access to Perry Lake State Park Beach is via US-24 east from Topeka to Perry, then north on Ozawkie Road to the park entrance at 5441 W Lake Rd. A Kansas State Park vehicle permit is required. The park's location — closer to Topeka than to any other major city — means it draws primarily from the northeast Kansas population base and remains one of the more understated state park beach options in the region.
Amenities
- Swimming beach
- Boat ramps
- Fishing piers
- Camping
- Picnic areas
- Restrooms
- Playground
- Hiking trails adjacent
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, fishing, hiking, camping
Location
5441 W Lake Rd, Ozawkie, KS 66070
39.1271, -95.4326 View on map
Highlights
- Swimming beach on 12,000-acre Perry Lake, 20 miles northeast of Topeka in Jefferson County
- Adjacent hiking trails through wooded upland terrain alongside the lake shoreline
- Fishing piers and boat ramps on a reservoir known for walleye and catfish
- Playground and picnic areas supporting full-day family outings
- Comparatively uncrowded atmosphere relative to larger Kansas reservoir parks
Tips for visiting
- Perry Lake sees lighter traffic than larger Kansas reservoirs — weekday visits are especially quiet and relaxed
- The hiking trails adjacent to the park are well maintained and offer shaded walking through wooded uplands
- Arrive with a full cooler as on-site food options are limited outside of summer peak periods
- Kansas State Park vehicle permits are required; day passes can be purchased at the entrance kiosk
- The boat launch area is separate from the swim beach — follow park signs to reach the correct area
When to visit
Memorial Day through Labor Day is the peak season for swimming and camping. The beach is comparatively quieter than many Kansas state park beaches, making summer weekday visits particularly pleasant and unhurried.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Perry Lake State Park from Topeka?
The park is approximately 20 miles northeast of Topeka via US-24 east and Ozawkie Road, a drive of roughly 30 to 35 minutes.
Are there hiking trails at Perry Lake State Park?
Yes, the park features hiking trails that run adjacent to the lake shoreline through wooded terrain, accessible from the main park area near the beach and campgrounds.
Is the beach supervised by lifeguards?
Lifeguards are not typically stationed at Perry Lake State Park Beach. Swimmers are responsible for their own safety, and adult supervision of children is strongly advised near the water.
What types of camping are available?
The park offers tent and RV campsites with varying levels of hookups. Reservations for summer weekends are recommended and can be made through the Kansas Wildlife and Parks online reservation system.