School Creek Orv Area

About School Creek ORV Area

School Creek ORV Area is a 287 acre off road riding area on the northwestern shore of Milford Lake, managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. It carries about ten miles of trail through wooded terrain, it is free to ride, and it is open year round during daylight hours. Unlike most Corps off road areas in Kansas, this one is restricted to narrow machines, which makes it a dirt bike and ATV area rather than a four wheel drive park.

Wooded Trails, Not Open Prairie

The riding here runs through trees rather than across open ground, which is not what most people expect from Kansas. The mix includes woods trails, hill climbs, open play areas and some genuine single track.

Most of the trails are fairly rugged and narrow, and the property rates out as mostly intermediate terrain. Experienced dirt bike riders get the most from it. That said, there are easier trails on the east side of the parking lot where a beginner or a younger rider can build confidence without being thrown into the tight stuff.

The surface is mostly hardpack with patches of loose dirt and sand, and it holds mud after rain. Rocks are few, steep hills are limited, and jumps and berms are minimal. This is trail riding rather than motocross. Elevation runs between roughly 1,150 and 1,250 feet, so the climbs are real but not extreme.

Vehicle Restrictions

This is the rule that catches people out, so check it before loading. Maximum vehicle width is 50 inches, and the entrance has gates or posts that enforce it physically.

Dirt bikes and ATVs up to 50 inches wide are permitted. Side by sides and UTVs are prohibited. So are registered Jeeps and four wheel drive trucks, dune buggies and sand rails. If you ride a side by side, Tuttle Creek ORV Area to the northeast is the Corps property that accommodates wider machines.

A spark arresting exhaust is required on all vehicles, noise limits are enforced, and helmets are required for riders.

Access, Hours and Fees

There is no permit, no entry fee, no parking fee and no riding fee. The area is open year round.

Riding hours run from 8:00 in the morning until sunset. Night riding is not permitted. Alcohol is prohibited on the property.

The main staging area has plenty of room for trailers, along with a loading ramp and a vault toilet. There is no water on site.

Camping and campfires are both prohibited inside the ORV area. School Creek Campground sits a couple of miles south and allows both, with a modest nightly fee charged from mid April through the end of September and free primitive use with no services from October through mid April. Curtis Creek Campground further south has potable water, RV hookups and a dump station.

One thing to plan for: there is no direct trail access from any of the nearby campgrounds. Machines have to be hauled to and from the ORV area even if you are staying two miles away.

Getting There

At School Creek Orv Area, the area is on Luttman Road near Wakefield in Clay County, on the northwest side of Milford Lake.

From Junction City, take State Route 57 northwest about two miles, turn left onto State Route 244 and continue four miles, turn right onto County Road 837 and continue eight miles, then turn right onto Luttman Road and go about a mile and a half to the staging area.

Fuel, diesel and basic supplies are available at the convenience store in Wakefield, a few miles north. The Corps office for Milford Lake is at 5203 North K-57 in Junction City and can be reached at 785-238-5714.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to ride at School Creek ORV Area?

No. There is no permit, entry, parking or riding fee.

Can I ride a side by side there?

No. Maximum vehicle width is 50 inches, which limits the area to dirt bikes and ATVs. UTVs, side by sides, Jeeps and four wheel drive trucks are all prohibited.

What are the riding hours?

8:00 AM until sunset, year round. Night riding is not allowed.

How much trail is there?

About ten miles across 287 acres, mostly wooded and rated mostly intermediate, with some easier trails on the east side of the parking lot.

Is a spark arrestor required?

Yes, on all vehicles, and noise limits apply. Helmets are required.

Can I camp at the riding area?

No. Camping and campfires are prohibited within the ORV area. School Creek Campground is a couple of miles south and allows both.

Can I ride from the campground to the trails?

No. There is no direct trail access from nearby campgrounds, so machines must be hauled.

What is at the staging area?

Room for trailers, a loading ramp and a vault toilet. There is no water.

Where is School Creek ORV Area located?

Luttman Road near Wakefield, Kansas 67487, on the northwest shore of Milford Lake. The Corps office number is 785-238-5714.

More information on School Creek ORV Area; Click here https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes/Milford-Lake/Trails/

For ATV and off road venues click here: https://www.plainspowersports.com/category/atv/

For more motorcycle venues click here: https://www.plainspowersports.com/category/motorcycle/