Council Grove Lake
Swimming hole in Council Grove, Kansas · Lake
Council Grove Lake is a Flint Hills Corps reservoir about 90 minutes northeast of Wichita. The only designated swim beach is at Richey Cove (1268 Highway 177), marked with boat-exclusion buoys. Hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors 16 and older who are not camping pay a USACE day-use fee at the gatehouse or beach fee station.
Typical season: June through early August
About Council Grove Lake
Council Grove Lake is a lake swimming beach about 90 minutes northeast of Wichita, in the Flint Hills. The only designated swim area on the lake is Richey Cove, off Highway 177, surrounded by a boat-exclusion boom. This is the farthest of the Wichita day-trip beaches and the most scenic prairie setting. rolling tallgrass rather than suburban reservoir. It is still a Corps lake with warm summer water and HAB risk in August. Day users 16+ who are not camping pay a USACE fee at the gatehouse or beach station. Beach hours 8 a.m., 10 p.m.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- 1268 Highway 177, Council Grove, KS 66846
- Water type
- Lake
- Water body
- Council Grove Lake
- Fee
- USACE day-use fee at Richey Cove beach if not camping (ages 16+)
- Nearest town
- Council Grove
- State
- Kansas
- Coordinates
- 38.70083, -96.49745
- Best season
- June through early August; beach open 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Access difficulty
- Easy designated beach at Richey Cove.
- Lifeguard
- None — assume unguarded
- Camping
- Richey Cove and other Corps parks via Recreation.gov.
- Land manager
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Activities
- Swimming, camping, fishing, Flint Hills sightseeing
- Facilities
- Richey Cove beach with boat-exclusion boom, loaner life jackets, gatehouse, camping.
- Listing last updated
- September 6, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitJune through early August; beach open 8 a.m., 10 p.m.
- AccessEasy designated beach at Richey Cove.
- FacilitiesRichey Cove beach with boat-exclusion boom, loaner life jackets, gatehouse, camping.
- Camping nearbyRichey Cove and other Corps parks via Recreation.gov.
Highlights & features
- Only designated swim beach on the lake (Richey Cove)
- Flint Hills tallgrass setting
- Life-jacket loaner board on the beach
- Santa Fe Trail town of Council Grove next door
How to get there
From Wichita, plan about 90 minutes northeast toward Council Grove (US-77 / US-56). Richey Cove is at 1268 Highway 177, Council Grove, KS 66846 (N38 42.050′, W96 29.847′). Gate attendants: (620) 767-5800.
Plan your visit
Make a Flint Hills day of it: swim at Richey Cove, then walk the Santa Fe Trail sites in town. Closer options are Marion Reservoir and El Dorado Lake.
Access & fees
USACE day-use fee at Richey Cove for ages 16+ if you are not camping. Pets and glass are not allowed on the beach. Children younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Council Grove Lake?
The only designated swim area is Richey Cove (1268 Highway 177). It is marked with a floating boat-exclusion pipe and buoys. Beach hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Children under 16 must be with an adult. No lifeguards. Pets and glass are not allowed on the beach.
How much does Council Grove Lake swimming cost?
If you are not camping in a Corps campground, visitors 16 and older pay a USACE day-use fee at the Richey Cove gatehouse or the self-deposit station at the beach. Annual passes are sold at the gate.
How do you get to Council Grove Lake from Wichita?
About 90 minutes northeast via US-77 / US-56 toward Council Grove. Richey Cove has direct access from Highway 177 (N38 42.050, W96 29.847). Gate phone (620) 767-5800.
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Map & location
Conservation
Pack out trash; stay inside the boat-exclusion boom; report blooms to KDHE.
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Reference sources
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.