Visitors will find a large number of bird species that vary with the seasons.
An extensive hiking/biking trail system make this park and adjacent 9,200-acre (37 km2) wildlife area an attractive destination for outdoors enthusiasts including hikers, nature photographers, mountain bicyclists, wildflower enthusiasts, wildlife observers, and even cross-country skiers.
Park staff work closely with Lawrence and University of Kansas individuals and organizations to present several concerts and other special events each year. The park is the former to host the Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival. Since 2008, Clinton State Park is the annual site of the Ironman Kansas 70.3triathlon. The swim portion of the competition is held in Clinton Lake, and the run portion of the competition occurs on the park campgrounds and roads.