Pomona State Park
4.6(547)google
3.6(5)yelp
OutdoorNature
Overview
Pomona State Park, previously called Vassar State Park, is located on the south shore of Pomona Lake, northeast of the community of Vassar in Osage County, Kansas, United States. In addition to a dozen different campgrounds with some 350 modern and primitive campsites and a full-service marina, the park offers facilities for swimming, hiking, and picnicking. It is accessed by K-368, between Vassar, Kansas and nearby Overbrook, Kansas.
Practical Info
Mon–Thu8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fri8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeThe sunny summer months from May to September are optimal for watersports, jet-skiing, and lakeside camping. A weekend afternoon visit after 4:30 PM is highly recommended; the low-angle sun dances across the calm waters of Pomona Lake, creating warm, soft conditions ideal for shoreline twilight photography and camp family barbecues.
Getting ThereSituated in Vassar, KS, at 22900 S Highway 368. Driving a car is mandatory: travel south out of Topeka along the US-75 S highway for 30 miles, turn east onto K-268 E, and head north onto K-368 N. The lakeside property channels directly into the state park vehicle permit gates, featuring expansive free open-air paved lots.
Travel Tips
- In high summer, localized reservoirs trigger toxic blue-green algae warnings; if regulatory notices are posted, absolute bans apply to human swimming and canine water contact due to fatal neurotoxin concentrations.
- The natural trail loops feature dense oak woodlands harboring heavy colonies of aggressive Lone Star ticks and poison ivy vines; ensure trousers are securely tucked into high socks and stay centrally aligned on cleared paths.
Reviews
Positive
- A beautifully tranquil, shaded lake park sanctuary! Pomona Lake offers exceptionally calm waters that are absolute bliss for relaxed kayaking and paddleboarding.
- The lakeside rental cabins are superb; they are crisp, clean, feature modern kitchenettes, and open directly onto panoramic waterfront sunrise views.
- Excellent layout for multi-generational family picnics; the lawns are manicured and dotted with high-end stone pavilions featuring clean cooking grills.
- Completely free of heavy commercialism; the reservoir is a paradise for white bass fishing, backed by exceptionally stable public fishing docks.
Heads up
- Located in a very quiet, isolated rural pocket of eastern Kansas; outside the park gates, dining options are limited to basic gas station snacks.
- Enforces the mandatory daily vehicle entry permit fee at the gate, which can feel like an annoying markup if you only plan to stay for a quick 20 minutes.
- The dense intersection of woods and shoreline marsh breeds immense swarms of mosquitoes during hot summer nights, making sitting outdoors brutal.
- The lake floor at the public swimming beach is a bit mucky, soft, and muddy rather than fine sand, making water shoes highly recommended for comfort.