John Redmond Reservoir

Description

John Redmond Reservoir is a reservoir on the Neosho River in eastern Kansas. Built and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, it is used for flood control, recreation, water supply, and wildlife management. It borders the Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge to the northwest. The Corps of Engineers manages three parks at the reservoir: Dam Site Park, Riverside East Park, and Riverside West Park. Dam Site Park is located at the northeast end of the dam on the reservoir’s eastern shore. Riverside East Park and Riverside West Park lie immediately below the dam on both sides of the Neosho River. Both Dam Site and Riverside West host boat ramps. Dam Site and Riverside East each include hiking trails. All three parks include camping and picnic facilities. In addition, the Corps manages three recreation areas which also provide boat ramps: the Otter Creek Recreational Area, located on the western shore at the southwest end of the dam, and the Strawn and Hartford Areas, both located upstream in the Flint Hills Wildlife Refuge. The Otter Creek Area occupies 240 acres (97 ha) and is open for off-road vehicle use. Lastly, the Corps manages the Hickory Creek trail on the reservoir’s north shore. The trail is open to hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. John Redmond Reservoir is open for sport-fishing. Hunting is allowed, with restrictions, on the public land around the reservoir including in the Flint Hills Refuge.