Visit the Recreation Area

Recreational facilities include the 100-acre Williams Creek Lake, a campground, picnic grounds, fishing dock, a swimming beach, a shelter house, a biking and hiking trail, an equestrian trail and a special-use camping area. The park also has abundant wildlife. The recreation area is open daily from 7 a.m. to one-half hour after sunset. The trails close at sunset. See Rules and Regulations for user information.

Camping

Williams Creek Lake. Fishing
Bass, catfish, crappie and sunfish are plentiful in Williams Creek Lake, which has a boat launching area with a courtesy boat dock. Boat motors used on the 100-acre lake are restricted to 10 horsepower or less. An accessible fishing dock is located near the western end of the dam. A permit must be purchased at the office for night fishing.

Special-Use Camping Area
A primitive camping area is available for organized youth groups from March through November. The area is divided into five sections, each with a picnic table and a fire ring. The area has a vault toilet but no water. There is direct access to the bike trail. Groups interested in reserving a campsite in the special-use camping area should call 816-580-3387 during office hours. The special-use camping area is located on the east side of the facility and is accessed from Endsley Road.

Swimming
Check beach status
A large sand swimming beach is located at the north end of the lake near the picnic areas. The beach is open for the season and can be accessed from 10 a.m. to sunset. A change house is located near the beach. See Rules and Regulations for more information.

Picnicking
There are two picnic areas, with tables and grills, and additional picnic tables and grills are located along the bike trail near the beach and the shelter house area. Picnic areas are available on a first-come first-served basis. Pony Truss Bridge Picnic Area is open year-round and connects directly to the bicycling trail. Hill Top Picnic Area is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. (Fox Hunt Picnic Area is closed during 2010.)

Shelter House
An open shelter is available and may be reserved by calling 816-580-3387 during office hours. Reservations cost $40 and are recommended for weekends April through October. The shelter has picnic tables, cooking grills and a water hydrant and can accommodate up to 80 people. The bike trail is easily accessed from the shelter and a pit latrine is located next to the parking lot. A damage deposit is required for groups who wish to use alcohol.

Wildlife
The wooded landscape of the recreation area abounds in whitetail deer and wild turkey. The roads and trails provide many opportunities to observe these and other wildlife. Numerous songbirds, water birds, and raptors make bird watching a popular pastime at Watkins Woolen Mill.