How much does camping cost at Card Creek?

Camping fees at Card Creek range from $12-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Card Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Card Creek 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 Card Creek before I book?

Yes! Card Creek has 3 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 Card Creek?

Card Creek is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Card Creek?

Yes, Card Creek has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Card Creek?

Cell phone service at Card Creek is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Card Creek have?

Card Creek has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Card Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Card Creek. 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 Card Creek?

Card Creek offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Card Creek?

Popular activities at Card Creek include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Card Creek

4.33

103 reviews

19065 Cherryvale Parkway, Cherryvale, KS 67335

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Kansas Hiking Camping Kansas

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

817 ft

Price

$12 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

817 ft

Price

$12 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Card Creek

$12.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Electric and water : $18.00; Electric: $16.00; Nonelectric: $12.00; Shelter: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

620-336-2741null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

19065 Cherryvale Parkway, Cherryvale, KS 67335

Card Creek

19065 Cherryvale Parkway, Cherryvale, KS 67335

Nearby places

Independence - 5 miles east.

Weather at Card Creek

Current alert: Campsite 14 is closed for maintenance until further notice.

Best Time to Camp at Card Creek

Best season: summer. Summer offers the fullest range of water-based activities with warm water temperatures ideal for boating, swimming, and fishing (typical daytime highs in the mid-80s to low-90s °F, nights in the 60s). The creek-to-lake access means you can launch a boat or fish right from camp, and long daylight hours make hiking and wildlife viewing especially rewarding. Expect higher weekend crowds around holidays and pleasant evenings for campfires — reserve early for electric sites on summer weekends. Peak months: June, July, August, September

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: warm days, comfortable water temps and full lake activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Card Creek

Card Creek sits on Elk City Lake near Independence, Kansas, offering budget-friendly tent, RV, and primitive camping with both electric and water hookups at select sites. This small seasonal campground provides direct lake access for boating and fishing, plus hiking and biking trails through low-elevation terrain. Reviewers praise the spacious sites and quiet atmosphere, though flooding and occasional maintenance lapses can affect the experience.

Card Creek Campground offers both developed and primitive camping accommodations. Options include electric sites, non-electric sites, and a group shelter.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the fullest range of water-based activities with warm water temperatures ideal for boating, swimming, and fishing (typical daytime highs in the mid-80s to low-90s °F, nights in the 60s). The creek-to-lake access means you can launch a boat or fish right from camp, and long daylight hours make hiking and wildlife viewing especially rewarding. Expect higher weekend crowds around holidays and pleasant evenings for campfires — reserve early for electric sites on summer weekends. Peak months: June, July, August, September

Elevation817 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies the junction where Card Creek meets Elk City Lake, creating dual habitat zones that attract herons, deer, and diverse bird species. Limestone bluffs frame the area, exposing sedimentary layers carved by the creek over millennia. Mature trees provide shade across most sites, while open prairie sections offer lake views. The creek-to-lake access means you can launch directly from camp. Elevation sits at 817 feet. The landscape reflects southeastern Kansas character: rolling prairie interrupted by water, with enough topography to make the scenery interesting without being dramatic.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs highlighted for this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

Ashelter electric site is available for group camping. However, specific details about group size and vehicle limits are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityCard Creek Campground does not explicitly highlight accessibility features in the provided materials, and user reviews did not provide specific insights into accessibility.

Site SizeThe campground offers standard electric, non-electric, and group shelter sites. Reviews mentioned that the campsites are 'quite large and well spaced' and suitable for various camping setups, including large tents.

PrivacySites are described as peaceful, with 'a lot of space between spots,' which suggests a good level of privacy. However, issues with noise were occasionally mentioned during hunting seasons.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 13 is described as fairly level and close to shared water access, but it may experience noise from nearby construction and camp host activities. Site 20 is noted to be extremely unlevel.

Best CampsitesSite 13 appears repeatedly in positive reviews. Site 20 requires leveling blocks for trailers due to slope. Reviewers note that sites are generally large and well-spaced regardless of number, with good distance between spots for privacy.

Need help booking Card Creek ?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Card Creek Campground features a variety of amenities to enhance the camping experience. There are 15 electric campsites, 5 primitive campsites, and facilities such as a shower building and a vault toilet. The campground also includes a boat ramp, dump station, and picnic shelters. Campers can benefit from on-site drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, and paved roads. Additional amenities include a playground, grills, and group cooking facilities.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Campers can enjoy a wide range of activities at Card Creek Campground. Popular activities include fishing, hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing. The campground is also suitable for picnicking and stargazing. The adjacent hiking trail offers scenic views and opportunities for outdoor exploration.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

103 reviews

Recommended

Card Creek is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Card Creek Campground is frequently praised for its peaceful environment, fishing opportunities, and well-maintained facilities. However, some users pointed out maintenance issues, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Review Summaries

Based on 103 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 103 reviews.

Site #13Mentioned
Site #13 is well-reviewed for being level and having access to shared water.
Site #20Mentioned
Site #20 is criticized for being extremely un-level.

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the quiet and clean environment, spacious campsites, and the friendliness of the camp host. Activities such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking were frequently highlighted.

Based on 103 reviews

Common Concerns

Some complaints included inconsistencies in maintenance, such as unclean grills and shower facilities, lack of water hookups at some sites, and issues with campsite leveling (e.g., site #20 being...

Based on 103 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own toilet paper as restrooms may not always be stocked. For site #20, bring concrete blocks to level trailers. Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience, and consider using the...

Based on 103 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is noted to be quieter outside of hunting and waterfowl seasons. Winter visits are described as peaceful but cold. Flooding has occasionally impacted facilities.

Based on 103 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Lovely place to go camping.' - Jacob Stevenson. 'This place was amazing. Host was nice and friendly. Amenities were in great shape and well kept.' - Shawn H.

Based on 103 reviews

Accessibility Features

User reviews do not provide specific insights into accessibility features or experiences.

Based on 103 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are welcome but must remain leashed. There is 'plenty of room to take them away from the crowd to let them run,' noted one reviewer.

Based on 103 reviews

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Campgrounds

Elk City Lake

Card Creek

About Elk City Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Card Creek , sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

A precipitous rock bluff marks the north margin of the river for several miles above the dam site. The State of Kansas uses 11,680 acres of project lands for wildlife management and public hunting.

Directions

From Independence, 7 miles north on US 75, 4 miles west and 2 miles south on county road.