Outlet(Melvern)

4.54

1.0K reviews

30442 River Pond Parkway

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Melvern Lake Project Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Melvern Lake Project Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Outlet(Melvern)

$25.00 - $78.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary based on the campsite type and season. Standard electric sites range from $26 to $78 per night during peak season (April 1 to October 30)....

Standard Site Fee$26.00

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

785-549-3318

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What Campers Say

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 1.0K reviews

233 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousstaffsites

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

30442 River Pond Parkway

Outlet(Melvern)

30442 River Pond Parkway

Driving directionsFrom US-75, take the Melvern exit. Turn west onto Melvern Lake Parkway and continue 1/4 mile to the cut-off road, then another 1/4-mile west to River Pond Parkway and follow into the campground.

The campground is accessible via paved roads and is suitable for regular vehicles. Seasonal conditions like snow or storm may affect accessibility, but this was not explicitly stated in the source.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

The closest supplies, including groceries and fuel, can likely be found in Lyndon, approximately 10 miles away. Specific stores or gas stations were not mentioned.

Best Time to Camp at Outlet(Melvern)

Experience the gentle rhythm of Kansas seasons at Outlet Campground, where warm summer days invite long hours by the water, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers that keep the prairie grasses green and vibrant. Spring and fall wrap the campground in mild, comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. While the warmer months bring out nature's smaller residents—including ticks and ants that seasoned campers know to prepare for—these minor inconveniences pale in comparison to the spectacular sunsets and star-filled nights that define summer camping in the heartland.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Open and active in summer but reviews mention heat, geese and water cleanliness issues reducing appeal.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall praised for mild weather, fewer bugs and great trail experiences in reviews.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring highly rated for mild weather, prairie growth and trail enjoyment per reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is closed Oct 30–Apr 1; winter stays not applicable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 1 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.
Current Alerts: No current alerts or advisories are mentioned.

About Outlet(Melvern)

Nestled beneath the impressive Melvern Lake Dam, Outlet Campground sprawls across the Kansas landscape as a gateway to endless outdoor adventures. This expansive camping destination invites you to cast a line in pristine waters, launch your boat for a day of exploration, or trek through scenic trails that wind through authentic tallgrass prairie. Modern comforts meet natural beauty here, where full hookup sites, welcoming picnic shelters, and family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and hot showers ensure your stay is as comfortable as it is memorable. Whether you're seeking the thrill of the hunt or simply a peaceful escape in the heart of the Flint Hills, Outlet Campground delivers an authentic Kansas outdoor experience.

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.

Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure unfolds in the storied Marais des Cygnes River Valley, a landscape that has captivated travelers and settlers for generations. This historic waterway, whose French name means 'Marsh of the Swans,' has long been celebrated as a corridor of remarkable natural prairie and rich biodiversity. Here, you're not just pitching a tent—you're becoming part of a continuing story of human connection with one of America's most iconic landscapes.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythm of Kansas seasons at Outlet Campground, where warm summer days invite long hours by the water, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers that keep the prairie grasses green and vibrant. Spring and fall wrap the campground in mild, comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. While the warmer months bring out nature's smaller residents—including ticks and ants that seasoned campers know to prepare for—these minor inconveniences pale in comparison to the spectacular sunsets and star-filled nights that define summer camping in the heartland.

ElevationThe gently rolling terrain of Outlet Campground offers varied vistas and comfortable camping spots throughout the grounds, with natural contours that enhance both drainage and scenic views across the Flint Hills landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Flint Hills region, where Outlet Campground serves as your basecamp for exploring tallgrass prairie vistas and gently wooded rolling hills. While scattered trees throughout the campground offer welcome pockets of shade for afternoon respites, the real magic lies in the expansive views of native grasslands that seem to stretch endlessly toward the horizon. This is landscape photography at its finest, where golden prairie grasses dance in the breeze and create an ever-changing canvas of color and movement.

Geological RegionPerched on the eastern edge of the legendary Flint Hills of Kansas, Outlet Campground offers you a front-row seat to America's last great expanse of intact tallgrass prairie. This remarkable ecosystem, dominated by majestic big bluestem reaching skyward, graceful switchgrass swaying in the wind, and resilient Indian grass painting the landscape in seasonal hues, represents a living piece of American heritage. The Flint Hills stand as a testament to the prairie that once covered vast portions of North America, making your camping experience here not just a getaway, but a journey into the heart of the continent's natural history.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out ends at 11:00 AM.

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

Site layoutThe campground is divided into three loops: A, B, and C. Loop B is described as cramped, Loop C offers more space, and Loop A is spacious but lacks full hookups.

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

Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are available on a first-come-first-served basis, but availability during peak season can be limited.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be done one day before check-in for individual sites, otherwise a $10 cancellation fee and the first night's fee will be forfeited. For group sites, cancellations made within 14 days of arrival forfeit the first night's fee.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

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.

HikingHiking trails are available, including the 4-mile Tallgrass Heritage Trail that begins in the campground. Reviews note the trails as well-maintained but occasionally overgrown. "Enjoyed the walking paths and updated signage," one camper noted.

FishingFishing is supported and popular. Species such as walleye, crappie, bass, and catfish can be caught. "Caught a 38.5 lb. flathead catfish behind my camper!" one camper remarked enthusiastically.

SwimmingSwimming is available at designated beaches. However, some reviews noted concerns about water cleanliness and geese activity, with one camper stating, "The swimming beach was basically a goose toilet."

BikingBiking is a favored activity, with trails available near the campground. Reviews are generally positive, citing easy terrain and enjoyable paths.

BoatingBoating is permitted in Melvern Lake, and a boat ramp is available at the campground. Kayaking is particularly popular, as noted by reviewers.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include observing deer, turkeys, ducks, and squirrels. "The reproduction steel cable suspension bridge across the stream is very scenic," one camper stated.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks, ants, and geese are common concerns as mentioned in user reviews. The campground enforces rules to mitigate risks such as blue-green algae in water bodies.

Active AlertsNo current alerts or advisories are mentioned.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted only in designated fire rings. Loop B lacks fire rings, so campers may bring their own elevated fire pits.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced but specific times are not listed.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services can be found at Lyndon Regional Hospital, located approximately 10 miles away. The Melvern Lake Project Office (785-549-3318) may also provide assistance.

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.

Water FeaturesMelvern Lake and its outlet pond are accessible from the campground. The outlet pond offers fishing and kayaking opportunities.

Camp HostCamp hosts are described in user reviews as friendly and helpful. They assist with site assignments and enforce rules.

Weather at Outlet(Melvern)

Reviews

4.5

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 1026 reviews

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 1026 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 1026 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 1026 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 1026 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 1026 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews provide detailed feedback on individual sites and loops. Loop C sites are praised for privacy and spaciousness, while Loop B is often criticized for being cramped. Site 066 in...

Based on 1026 reviews

Accessibility Features

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

Based on 1026 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 1026 reviews

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