Card Creek

Star4.38
103 reviews
19065 Cherryvale Parkway, Cherryvale, KS 67335
Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

817 ft

Price

$12 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Card Creek
$12.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Rates include $18 and $16 for standard electric sites, $12 for standard non-electric sites, and $30 for shelter electric sites. Displayed rates do...
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Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 103 reviews

17 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspacioushiking

"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."

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Campground Map

19065 Cherryvale Parkway, Cherryvale, KS 67335

Card Creek

19065 Cherryvale Parkway, Cherryvale, KS 67335

Driving directionsFrom Independence, follow Highway 160 west to the brown directional sign and follow the blacktop to the park.
Access is via Highway 160 and blacktop roads. No mentions of unpaved roads or navigation challenges.
Nearby places
Independence - 5 miles east.
Nearby supplies
Independence, approximately 5 miles east of the park, provides stores and places to eat.

Best Time to Camp at Card Creek

Experience the changing moods of southeastern Kansas throughout the year at Card Creek, where each season paints the landscape in different hues. Open year-round, the campground transforms from spring's vibrant greenery to summer's golden warmth, autumn's spectacular colors, and winter's peaceful solitude. Whether you're seeking summer adventures on the water or a quiet autumn escape, Card Creek welcomes visitors in every season.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for boating, fishing and lake use; facilities support water activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers quiet camping, scenic colors and good wildlife viewing; hunting/waterfowl seasons noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring brings migratory birds, budding scenery and creek flows; good wildlife/fishing season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; visits described as peaceful but cold and occasional flooding affects facilities.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 through December 31 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round for camping. Reservations open June 20, 2025, through December 19, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Campsite 14 is closed for maintenance until further notice.

About Card Creek

Nestled along the gentle waters of Card Creek, this intimate campground offers a peaceful retreat where the creek's meandering path leads directly to the expansive Elk City Lake. With 15 electric sites for modern comfort and 5 primitive sites for those seeking a more rustic experience, Card Creek strikes the perfect balance between convenience and natural immersion. The campground features essential amenities including a shower building with restrooms, vault toilet facilities, convenient boat ramp access, and a dump station, ensuring your stay is both comfortable and worry-free.
Card Creek Campground offers both developed and primitive camping accommodations. Options include electric sites, non-electric sites, and a group shelter.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Official check-in time not provided.
Check-out
Official check-out time not provided.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

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.
HikingThere is a hiking trail adjacent to the campground. While a few users praised the peaceful and scenic trails, some mentioned the need for trail maintenance. 'The trail out of Card Creek is nice but be very alert to see the tree markings for the trail,' noted one reviewer.
FishingFishing is a major draw at Card Creek. It is described as 'very good,' with opportunities for both shoreline and boat fishing. However, one reviewer noted they did not catch fish during their visit despite previous success.
BikingThere are biking opportunities on hilly roads near the campground. 'We enjoyed biking the hilly road and look forward to returning,' shared one user.
BoatingBoating is well-supported with facilities like a boat ramp and dock. The campground's water access is ideal for kayaks, canoes, and motorboats. Flooding has occasionally impacted dock use.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight at Card Creek. The area is known for its birding opportunities, including sightings of Western Tanagers. Deer are often seen on the roads leading to the campground.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome reviews mention flooding issues that may affect site availability. There were dead trees and hanging limbs reported, which could pose safety risks.
Active AlertsCampsite 14 is closed for maintenance until further notice.

Weather at Card Creek

Reviews

4.4
103 reviews
Recommended
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

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...
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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...
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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

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #13 is well-reviewed for being level and having access to shared water. Site #20 is criticized for being extremely un-level.
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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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