How much does camping cost at Elk City State Park?

Camping fees at Elk City State Park range from $5-$23/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Elk City State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Elk City State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Elk City State Park before I book?

Yes! Elk City State Park has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Elk City State Park?

Elk City State Park is open Specific peak season dates not provided.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Elk City State Park?

Yes, Elk City State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Elk City State Park have?

Elk City State Park has 857 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Elk City State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Elk City State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Elk City State Park?

Elk City State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Elk City State Park?

Popular activities at Elk City State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Elk City State Park

Q: Can I have a campfire at Elk City State Park?

Fire policies at Elk City State Park: Campfires allowed only in designated rings, fireplaces, and grills. Fires must be extinguished before leaving.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.48

105 reviews

4825 Squaw Creek Creek, Independence, Kansas, 67301, United States

Top 25% in KSFall

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Kansas#1 Swimming Camping Kansas Hidden Gem Campgrounds Kansas +10 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

974 ft

Price

$5 - $23/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

857 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Elk City State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

974 ft

Price

$5 - $23/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

857 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Elk City State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Elk City State Park

$5.00 - $23.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite fees range from $5 per day (vehicle fee) to $23 for sites with full hookups. Annual permits are available for $25, covering Kansas state...

Hookup Site Fee$23.00

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Campground Map

4825 Squaw Creek Creek, Independence, Kansas, 67301, United States

Elk City State Park

4825 Squaw Creek Creek, Independence, Kansas, 67301, United States

Nearby places

Independence: 5 miles (10-minute drive)

Nearby supplies

Grocery stores, fuel stations, and camping supplies are available within 10 miles in Independence.

Driving directionsHwy 75 North of Independence, turn west on CR 5400 to CR 2925 turn South go across dam to park Entrance. Junction of Hwy 75 and 160 turn North on CR3325, turn West on CR 4600, turn North on CR3300 to park Entrance. Hwy 160 turn North on 'Peter Pan Road' CR 3525, turn West on CR 4800 to park Entrance.

Accessible year-round, primarily via paved county roads. Seasonal flooding may affect some access routes.

Weather at Elk City State Park

Current alert: Seasonal flooding may impact park access.

Best Time to Camp at Elk City State Park

Fall brings the best conditions. Daytime highs settle into the 60s and 70s, nights drop to the 40s and 50s, and the hardwoods put on their color show in October. The reservoir calms down for late-season boating and fishing improves. Crowds thin after Labor Day and midweek sites open up, though fall hunting seasons overlap with camping season. Summer heat and humidity push campers toward shaded sites or the water. Spring and winter see fewer visitors but the park stays open year-round.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 25% in KS

Fall called 'best conditions' with cooler temps and strong leaf color.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Specific peak season dates not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Specific dates for seasonal closures are not provided.

About Elk City State Park

Elk City State Park spreads across 857 campsites near Independence, Kansas, ranging from primitive tent spots to full-hookup RV pads ($5–$23/night). The park sits along a 4,500-acre reservoir surrounded by oak-hickory forest and tallgrass prairie at 974 feet elevation. Campers choose between lakeside sites with water access and quieter inland areas tucked into the woodlands.

Elk City State Park accommodates a variety of camping preferences, from primitive tent camping to RV sites with electricity and water hookups. Group sites and cabins are also available.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best conditions. Daytime highs settle into the 60s and 70s, nights drop to the 40s and 50s, and the hardwoods put on their color show in October. The reservoir calms down for late-season boating and fishing improves. Crowds thin after Labor Day and midweek sites open up, though fall hunting seasons overlap with camping season. Summer heat and humidity push campers toward shaded sites or the water. Spring and winter see fewer visitors but the park stays open year-round.

ElevationThe park's gently rolling terrain creates an ever-changing landscape of hills and valleys, offering varied perspectives and microclimates throughout your camping experience.

Natural Features and SceneryDense oak and hickory woodlands meet rolling meadows of big bluestem and Indian grass across 857 acres. Flat terrain with grasslands and scattered trees surrounds the 4,500-acre Elk City Reservoir and adjacent 12,000-acre wildlife area.[1][3][5]

Geological RegionElk City State Park sits proudly within the remarkable Neosho Region, where nature has crafted a diverse ecosystem of dense oak and hickory woodlands interwoven with prairie meadows. This unique geological setting creates a rich tapestry where towering hardwoods give way to rolling grasslands dominated by iconic tallgrass prairie species like big bluestem and Indian grass, offering campers a front-row seat to one of Kansas's most captivating natural landscapes.

Scenic ViewsLakefront sites offer direct views of Elk City Reservoir, while other sites showcase wooded surroundings.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground offers various lodging options, but no specific hotel-style lodges were noted. Cabins are available for rent, subject to specific rules, including no smoking, no pets, and a mandatory cleaning policy.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific cultural or educational programs were detailed in the source materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

3:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Astay of 14 consecutive days is allowed. Extensions of 14 days can be granted with written park manager permission.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limited to a single camper/RV per utility site. Information on group or additional guest limits not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutMultiple campground areas spread between dense woodlands (Prairie Meadow, Timber Road) and lakeside zones. Sites are spacious with both primitive options and concrete RV pads. Shade and privacy vary by location. Inland loops keep their tree canopy, lakeside areas open up for views and access.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at ksoutdoors.com, through phone numbers provided, or in-person at the ranger station.

Walk-in AvailabilityLikely available; specific number of walk-up sites or fill patterns not detailed.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation rules and penalties are not clearly specified.

AccessibilityThe park includes accessible trails and a handicapped-accessible fishing dock. However, detailed accessibility information for campsites and other areas was not provided.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as generous and spacious, with options ranging from primitive sites to concrete pads for RVs.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by location. Some areas, such as Prairie Meadow, are noted for being quiet and secluded, while sites closer to the lake may be crowded and less shaded.

Total Campsites857 campsites

Recommended SitesFor tent camping, choose Timber Road for shade and proximity to water. Prairie Meadow offers quiet and privacy.

Best CampsitesNo specific site recommendations from campers; park offers 11 full utility sites (water, electric, sewer), 85 water/electric sites, and 54 primitive sites, with well-shaded options for RVs and primitive camping.[1][2]

Need help booking Elk City State Park?

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When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Elk City State Park offers a wide range of amenities to suit various camping preferences. These include electric hookups, conveniently located restrooms and shower houses, a dump station, and laundry facilities. Additional features include a swimming beach, group shelters, fishing piers, an exercise trail, and recreational facilities such as disc golf, basketball goals, horseshoe pits, and playgrounds. The park’s 3-lane boat ramp and its proximity to the Elk City Reservoir enhance its appeal for water-related activities. Some campers highlight the availability of ice and firewood for purchase, as well as kayak rentals. However, there are mixed reviews regarding the showers' cleanliness and availability.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Elk City State Park offers a plethora of activities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can engage in hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and more. The park also features biking trails, a disc golf course, and an 18-hole par-3 golf course. Swimming and kayaking are popular activities, while cultural and educational programs are occasionally noted by visitors.

Hiking

The park features a nationally recognized trail system. Highlights include the Green Thumb Trail, a 1-mile self-guided trail; the Table Mound Hiking Trail, a 2.75-mile trail along reservoir bluffs; and the Post Oak Trail. Reviews praise the well-maintained and well-marked trails, with one user stating, 'Amazing hiking trails that are well marked.' Some trails are noted for their challenging terrain and scenic rock formations.

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include poison ivy along trails, rocky terrain near grills, and seasonal flooding. Dead trees near campsites were mentioned as a safety concern.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed only in designated rings, fireplaces, and grills. Fires must be extinguished before leaving.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesEmergency services including hospitals, clinics, and first aid supplies are available within 10 miles in Independence.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins and recycling stations are available, and proper disposal is a requirement. However, some users reported occasional litter on trails.

Water FeaturesNear the 4,500-acre Elk City Reservoir, featuring accessible fishing docks and boat ramps.

Camp HostPark staff praised for friendliness and professionalism; hosts are helpful but specific contact information not detailed.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

105 reviews

Recommended

Elk City State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the park's cleanliness, range of activities, and well-maintained facilities. Many visitors praise the hiking trails and the park's overall natural beauty, though there are occasional complaints about locked restrooms, cleanliness issues, and the beach's condition.

Review Summaries

Based on 105 reviews

What Campers Love

Well-shaded sites, scenic woodlands and meadows, ample recreation space, relaxing nature escape.[1][3]

Based on 105 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints revolve around the beach conditions, occasional bathroom closures, and lack of shade at certain campsites. Some visitors found the park crowded or noisy and reported poor social...

Based on 105 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Prairie Meadow is noted for being quiet and secluded, while Sunset Point is described as crowded and noisy due to boat activities. Sites #1-#5 are highlighted for nice lake views.

Based on 105 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Holiday minimum stay rules apply (e.g., 4 nights Memorial Weekend); additional tents may incur fees; pack out trash where no bins provided; no grey water dumping except at station; 14-day max stay...

Based on 105 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest summer visits can be hot and humid, with high activity levels. Fall appears to be a favorite season for its cooler weather and scenic beauty. Winter and spring reviews are sparse, but...

Based on 105 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful campsites, especially the ones with electric hookups right by the lake!' - Holly Spinelli 2. 'Check-in was easy breezy! Kathy was professional and had a colorful wit and charm.' - Scott...

Based on 105 reviews

Accessibility Features

One user highlighted accessibility features such as the handicapped-accessible fishing dock, but detailed reviews about experiences from disabled visitors are limited.

Based on 105 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be restrained at all times. They are not permitted in swimming areas or cabins. Specific pet-related user experiences are limited.

Based on 105 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Anglers, boaters, and hikers who book Prairie Meadow for the shade and quiet, the Table Mound Trail along the reservoir bluffs is worth the trip alone, and catfish and crappie fishing on the 4,500-acre reservoir is genuinely good.

Skip if

Sunset Point and lakeside sites get loud on weekends, the beach has weeds and patchy grass, restrooms get locked without warning, and seasonal flooding can cut off access, check conditions before you drive out from Independence.

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