Elk City State Park

4.52

92 reviews

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

Summer Destination

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

Quick Facts

974 ft

Price

$5 - $23/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

857 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Elk City State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

974 ft

Price

$5 - $23/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

857 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Elk City State Park site

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...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$23.00

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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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 92 reviews

546 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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Some mention

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"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."

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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

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.

Nearby places

Independence: 5 miles (10-minute drive)

Nearby supplies

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

Best Time to Camp at Elk City State Park

Experience the full symphony of seasons at Elk City, where each time of year brings its own unique charm. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and wildflower blooms, while autumn transforms the dense woodlands into a tapestry of gold and crimson. Summer invites long days on the water, though the Kansas heat and humidity remind you to seek shade beneath the towering oaks. Winter brings a peaceful solitude to the park, with crisp air and occasional dustings of snow creating a serene wilderness retreat. Pack layers and rain gear year-round, as Mother Nature keeps things interesting with regular showers that nurture the lush landscape.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Open summer activities (boating, swimming) but summers can be hot/humid and busier.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is a favorite season in reviews for cooler weather and scenic foliage/views.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring brings wildflower blooms and gentle warmth; trails and wildlife viewing improve seasonally.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Park open year-round but winter reviews are sparse and few winter-specific activities noted.

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.
Current Alerts: Seasonal flooding may impact park access.

About Elk City State Park

Nestled across 857 acres of pristine Kansas landscape, Elk City State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its enchanting blend of dense oak and hickory forests and sweeping meadows. The park's crown jewel is its spectacular 4,500-acre reservoir, where morning mist dances across the water and sunset paints the sky in brilliant hues. Whether you're seeking a full-service RV site beneath the protective canopy of ancient trees or a secluded primitive camping spot where you can truly disconnect, the park's thoughtfully designed campgrounds offer the perfect basecamp for your adventure.

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.

Historical SignificanceThe ancient rocks and rolling hills of Elk City State Park whisper stories of ages past, where geological forces shaped the dramatic bluffs and valleys that define today's landscape. This land holds deep connections to the region's natural and cultural heritage, with each outcropping and meadow serving as a testament to the powerful forces that created this outdoor sanctuary. While specific historical details await discovery, visitors can feel the weight of time in every weathered stone and mature tree.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full symphony of seasons at Elk City, where each time of year brings its own unique charm. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and wildflower blooms, while autumn transforms the dense woodlands into a tapestry of gold and crimson. Summer invites long days on the water, though the Kansas heat and humidity remind you to seek shade beneath the towering oaks. Winter brings a peaceful solitude to the park, with crisp air and occasional dustings of snow creating a serene wilderness retreat. Pack layers and rain gear year-round, as Mother Nature keeps things interesting with regular showers that nurture the lush landscape.

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 SceneryDramatic limestone bluffs rise above the shimmering reservoir, creating picture-perfect vistas that change with every season. Ancient ash and oak trees form cathedral-like groves where dappled sunlight filters through the canopy, while expansive meadows wave with native big bluestem and Indian grass, painting the landscape in shades of green and gold. The massive reservoir serves as both a playground for anglers and boaters and a stunning backdrop for unforgettable sunrises and sunsets that reflect off the water's surface.

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.

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.

Groups

No specific details about group site capacities or restrictions were provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutFeatures multiple campgrounds with sites spread among dense woodlands and lakeside areas. Includes Prairie Meadow and Timber Road.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

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.

HikingThe 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.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at Elk City Reservoir, with opportunities to catch channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, and crappie. The park includes a handicapped-accessible fishing dock and designated fishing piers. One review noted, 'Great place to catch fish, camp, and enjoy the lake.'

SwimmingSwimming is allowed in designated areas, including the park's beach and reservoir. However, the beach received mixed reviews, with one visitor calling it 'sad looking' due to grass and weeds growing on the beach.

BikingThe park includes trails suitable for biking, though specific details about trail terrain and difficulty are not provided.

BoatingBoating is a major attraction at the park, supported by a 3-lane boat ramp. Visitors can engage in kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boating. A review mentions, 'Kayak rentals are available, and we did that twice!'

Wildlife viewingThe park is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a great spot for wildlife viewing. Trails provide opportunities to see various species, though no specific animals are highlighted.

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.

Active AlertsSeasonal flooding may impact park access.

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.

Weather at Elk City State Park

Reviews

4.5

92 reviews

Top-Rated

Elk City State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 92 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the amazing trails, clean facilities, friendly staff, and a variety of activities such as kayaking, hiking, and fishing. One user noted, 'The camp spots are big and cemented....

Based on 92 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 92 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend choosing campsites carefully for privacy and shade, bringing water shoes for rocky beaches, and being aware of poison ivy on trails. Early risers are advised due to morning noise...

Based on 92 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 92 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 92 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 92 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 92 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 92 reviews

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