How much does camping cost at Outlet(Melvern)?

Camping fees at Outlet(Melvern) are $25 - $78/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Outlet(Melvern) first-come first-served or reservation?

Outlet(Melvern) 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 Outlet(Melvern) before I book?

Yes! Outlet(Melvern) has 9 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.

What is the best time to visit Outlet(Melvern)?

Outlet(Melvern) is open April 01 to October 30. 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 Outlet(Melvern)?

Yes, Outlet(Melvern) has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Outlet(Melvern) have?

Outlet(Melvern) has 140 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Outlet(Melvern)?

Yes, pets are allowed at Outlet(Melvern). 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 Outlet(Melvern)?

Outlet(Melvern) offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Outlet(Melvern)?

Popular activities at Outlet(Melvern) include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Outlet(Melvern)

4.55

1.0K reviews

30442 River Pond Parkway

Top 6% in KSSpring

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

C+Report Card

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

981 ft

Price

$25 - $78/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

140 campsites

Season

Open from April 1 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

981 ft

Price

$25 - $78/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

140 campsites

Season

Open from April 1 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Outlet(Melvern)

$25.00 - $78.00 / night

Campsite Fees

A Loop - Standard Electric 30 Amp / Water : $26.00; B Loop - Standard Electric 50 Amp / Water / Sewer: $28.00; C Loop - Standard Electric Premium 50...

Standard Site Fee$26.00

Get Notified When Available

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

785-549-3318

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

30442 River Pond Parkway

Outlet(Melvern)

30442 River Pond Parkway

Nearby places

Nearby cities include Lyndon (approximately 10 miles), Topeka (approximately 25 miles), and Emporia (approximately 30 miles). Travel times are not specifically mentioned.

Weather at Outlet(Melvern)

Best Time to Camp at Outlet(Melvern)

Best season: spring. Spring offers mild temperatures (typically 50–75°F from April through May), lush green tallgrass, and peak wildflower and songbird activity — making it ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. Water levels at Melvern Lake are usually good for boating, fishing, and swimming after the ice-free season, and afternoon showers help keep the prairie vibrant without the extreme heat of summer. Crowd levels are moderate: weekends can be busy but weekdays are peaceful, so you can enjoy prairie Peak months: May, April, September, October Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 6% in KS

Spring listed as best season (50–75°F), lush tallgrass, peak wildflowers and songbird activity.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to October 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 1 to October 30 for reservations. Closed from October 30 to April 1.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Outlet(Melvern)

Outlet Campground sits on the shores of Melvern Lake in eastern Kansas, operated by the Melvern Lake Project Office. This large facility offers full-hookup RV sites and tent camping with access to lake recreation including boating, fishing, and swimming. The campground features modern amenities like showers and laundry, plus extensive trail systems through tallgrass prairie terrain.

Outlet Campground offers diverse camping accommodations, including tent sites, RV sites, and group camping options. The campground is noted for its spacious full hookup sites in Loop C, while Loop B is criticized for being cramped.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers mild temperatures (typically 50–75°F from April through May), lush green tallgrass, and peak wildflower and songbird activity — making it ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. Water levels at Melvern Lake are usually good for boating, fishing, and swimming after the ice-free season, and afternoon showers help keep the prairie vibrant without the extreme heat of summer. Crowd levels are moderate: weekends can be busy but weekdays are peaceful, so you can enjoy prairie Peak months: May, April, September, October Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation981 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies rolling terrain where tallgrass prairie meets Melvern Lake. Big bluestem, switchgrass, and Indian grass stretch across the surrounding hills, shifting color with the seasons. Scattered trees provide shade throughout the campground, though prairie vistas dominate the views. The lake itself offers waterfront access from Loop C, where sites overlook the water. Elevation sits at 981 feet, placing you in the heart of the Flint Hills grassland ecosystem.

Lodging & AccommodationsHotel-style lodging options are not mentioned in any source material.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping is allowed for up to 14 consecutive nights per visit within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guests per site were not explicitly mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov (online or via app) and by calling their contact center.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible fishing docks, trails, and vault toilets. It is generally described as well-equipped for accommodating campers with disabilities.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, accommodating large RVs and trailers. Specific reviews mention sites being easily navigable and well-spaced in Loop C, while Loop B is highlighted as cramped.

PrivacySite privacy varies widely depending on the loop. Loop C offers better privacy and spacing between sites, while Loop B is criticized for cramped conditions. One user commented, "Loop C is best with waterfront sites.

Total Campsites140 campsites

Recommended SitesLoop C is preferred for privacy and spacing between sites. Loop B is noted for its cramped layout, while Loop A has spacious sites but lacks sewer hookups.

Best CampsitesWaterfront sites in Loop C get the most recommendations from campers. These spots offer better spacing and lake views. Loop B is cramped, especially for larger RVs, and campers consistently advise avoiding it. Loop A provides spacious sites but lacks full hookups.

Need help booking Outlet(Melvern)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Laundry facilities are no longer available to all campers.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Outlet(Melvern)

A variety of recreational activities are available to campers, including hiking, fishing, kayaking, swimming, and boating. The facility also features a playground and accessible trails. Several user reviews highlight the beauty of the hiking trails and the quality of fishing opportunities.

Hiking4.0/5

Tallgrass Heritage Trail (4 mi) begins in campground; trails described as well‑maintained.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Sightings of deer, turkeys, ducks and good bird/wildflower activity in spring noted.

Biking3.5/5

Water Sports3.5/5

Kayaking permitted on the lake and boat ramp access; mentioned in activities list.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Open tallgrass prairie and low tree cover suggest good night skies; no direct mentions.

Photography4.0/5Prairie vistas, seasonal wildflowers, lake scenes and wildlife provide strong photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available and generally reported as well-maintained. "Clean sites thanks to Kelly who comes around daily to pick up trash," one review stated.

Cell CoverageMixed reviews were provided regarding cell phone service. "Moderate phone service on Verizon" and "None on Tracfone," noted one user. Another review remarked, "Cell phone service was awful. I have US Cellular and most of the time had no service."

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.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

Rate Outlet(Melvern)

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From Booking Sources

4.6

1.0K reviews

Top-Rated

Outlet(Melvern) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the campground’s cleanliness, spacious sites, and helpful staff. However, complaints about cramped sites in Loop B, maintenance issues, and rule enforcement were mentioned.

Review Summaries

Based on 1029 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 1029 reviews.

Loop CLoved
Loop C sites are praised for privacy and spaciousness, while Loop B is often criticized for being cramped.
Site 066Issues noted
Site 066 in Loop B, for example, was noted for poor enforcement of rules.

What Campers Love

Clean and spacious sites, helpful staff, and abundant recreational opportunities are frequently mentioned. "The park is spotless," and "The sites are extremely clean and people are nice," are...

Based on 1029 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues include cramped sites in Loop B, lack of fire pits in some loops, and maintenance concerns, such as unmowed grass and broken picnic tables. "Grass was not maintained," and "Picnic tables in...

Based on 1029 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include booking early due to high demand, using a water pressure gauge, and avoiding Loop B for larger RVs due to its cramped layout. "Make sure to use water pressure gauge," one...

Based on 1029 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall receive the highest praise for mild weather and fewer bugs. Summer reviews often mention excessive heat, geese activity, and poor water cleanliness. Winter reviews are limited due to...

Based on 1029 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This is ABSOLUTELY the best campground my family and I have EVER been to. Very clean amenities." "Caught a 38.5 lb. flathead catfish behind my camper!" "Loop C is best with waterfront sites."

Based on 1029 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are generally praised, but specific user reviews on accessibility are limited.

Based on 1029 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Mixed reviews regarding pets. Several complaints were raised about unleashed dogs, including one user reporting being bitten. "Dogs need to be on leashes," is a recurring theme.

Based on 1029 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Outlet(Melvern)

$25.00 - $78.00 / night

Campsite Fees

A Loop - Standard Electric 30 Amp / Water : $26.00; B Loop - Standard Electric 50 Amp / Water / Sewer: $28.00; C Loop - Standard Electric Premium 50...

Standard Site Fee$26.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · Premium adds 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

785-549-3318

Go if

You want a well-maintained campground with helpful staff and can request a spacious Loop C site for privacy.

Skip if

You're assigned to Loop B and need generous space or strict enforcement of campground rules, since sites there run cramped and oversight is inconsistent.

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Campgrounds

Melvern Lake

Outlet(Melvern)

C+

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 50% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 775 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade B+.Cleanliness
Grade B+.Facilities
Grade B+.Safety

Watch-outs

Grade C-.Rules & policies
Grade C-.Booking
Grade C-.Scenery

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Kansas grades overall

About Melvern Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Outlet(Melvern), sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Melvern Lake is situated on the eastern edge of Kansas' Flinthills Region. It draws outdoor enthusiasts from a wide range of disciplines. Melvern Lake covers approximately 7,000 acres of water and 18,000 acres of land open for public use. The lake contains five parks with amenities ranging from basic campsites to full hook-ups with 50-amp service.

Directions

From Topeka, 40 miles south on US 75. From Kansas City, 90 miles south on I-35.

Outlet(Melvern)

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Outlet(Melvern)

Campground Map

Weather at Outlet(Melvern)

Best Time to Camp at Outlet(Melvern)

Planning Tips

About Outlet(Melvern)

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Outlet(Melvern)?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Outlet(Melvern)

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Nearby alternatives

Eisenhower Campground

Carbolyn Park

Coeur D'Alene

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Directions

Ask Camp Sage about Outlet(Melvern)

Best Time to Camp at Outlet(Melvern)

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Outlet(Melvern)?

Amenities available

Things to do at Outlet(Melvern)

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Nearby alternatives

Eisenhower Campground

Carbolyn Park

Coeur D'Alene