Activities

  • camping

    Basic and electric campsites are available. Click here for more information.

  • fishing

    Bass, catfish, crappie and sunfish are plentiful in Williams Creek Lake. Click here for more information.

  • boating

    Gain access to Williams Creek Lake via the park's boat launch and courtesy boat dock. Boat motors are restricted to 10 horsepower or less. A nearby hard surface parking area is available for vehicles and trailers.

  • Bicycling

    Take a scenic ride around Williams Creek Lake on this paved trail. Click here for more information.

  • swimming

    Cool off at the large sand swimming beach. Click here for more information.

  • hiking

    Take a stroll around the lake or hike through the woods. Click here for more information.

  • Horseback Riding

    Bring your horse for a ride on the equestrian trail system. Click here for more information.

  • picnicking

    Enjoy lunch in one of the picnic areas or near the lake. Click here for more information.

  • Interpretive Programs

    Interpretive programs are offered during the summer months.

  • Playground

    Playground equipment is available in the campground. 

  • metal_detecting

    Metal detecting is allowed. Click here for more information.

Park information

A 100-acre lake with a paved bicycle path around it, plentiful fishing, a picturesque campground and choice picnic spots make Watkins Mill State Park an ideal place for an afternoon or longer. Located near the Kansas City area, the park has ample fishing opportunities and an abundance of whitetailed deer and wild turkeys to watch. The park is adjacent to the Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark.

See video

Park Hours

Day-Use Areas

  • Williams Creek Picnic Area
    Open year-round
  • Hill Top Picnic Area
    Open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day

Visitor Center hours

  • April through October
    9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday
    10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday
  • November
    9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday
    10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Sunday
  • December through February
    9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Friday, Saturday and holiday Mondays
    10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Sunday
  • March
    9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday
    10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Sunday

Swimming Beach hours

May 27 through Sept. 5, 2011

10 a.m. to sunset daily