Card Creek
4.4355 reviews19065 Cherryvale Parkway, Cherryvale, KS 67335
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
Total Campsite Fees$18.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider620-336-2741null
About this campground
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.
Historical SignificanceStep into the pages of American history at Card Creek, where you're just a 30-minute journey from the cherished site of Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie. This proximity to one of literature's most beloved childhood homes adds a layer of historical richness to your camping experience, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of pioneers while enjoying modern camping comforts. The area resonates with the spirit of the frontier, making it an ideal basecamp for history enthusiasts and families alike.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationCard Creek Campground rests in the gently rolling terrain of southeastern Kansas, where the landscape creates natural amphitheaters perfect for camping. The subtle changes in elevation provide varied perspectives of the creek and surrounding woodlands, offering both creekside sites and slightly elevated spots with broader views.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the symphony of birdsong and the gentle babble of Card Creek as it winds its way toward Elk City Lake. The campground's prime waterfront location creates a haven for wildlife watchers, where herons fish in the shallows and deer emerge at twilight to drink. Mature trees provide natural shade canopies, while open meadows invite exploration. The convergence of creek and lake ecosystems creates diverse habitats that support an impressive array of birds and wildlife, making every morning a new opportunity for discovery.
Geological RegionPositioned in the heart of southeastern Kansas where Card Creek joins the waters of Elk City Lake, this campground showcases the region's characteristic limestone bluffs and prairie landscapes. The creek has carved its path through ancient sedimentary layers, creating a diverse ecosystem where prairie meets water, offering campers a front-row seat to the geological story written in stone and stream.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityCard Creek Campground does not explicitly highlight accessibility features in the provided materials, and user reviews did not provide specific insights into accessibility.
Sites 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.
Sites 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 CampsitesSite 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 is mentioned multiple times in reviews.
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.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutIncludes 15 electric campsites and 5 primitive campsites. Site layout follows a traditional campground design with spread-out sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round for camping. Reservations open June 20, 2025, through December 19, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies along with forfeiture of the first night's use fee for late cancellations.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
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
There 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.Fishing
Fishing 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.Biking
There are biking opportunities on hilly roads near the campground. 'We enjoyed biking the hilly road and look forward to returning,' shared one user.Boating
Boating 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 viewing
Wildlife 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
Winter activities are not explicitly detailed, but camping is available year-round, and some users visited during colder months, finding the area 'peaceful.'Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are popular water sports at Card Creek, with kayakers often using the campground's ramp to access Elk City Lake.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted, but only within designated fire pits.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsSome 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 forecast
56
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 64%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 14.5 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
null
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 through December 31 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available on-site. However, some reviews noted issues with timely trash pickup, particularly during periods of lower staffing, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along Card Creek with direct access to Elk City Lake. A boat ramp is available.
Common complaintsFlooding, unmaintained grills, lack of water hookups at some sites, and occasional maintenance issues with bathrooms and trails were noted.
HostCamp hosts are generally described as friendly and helpful; however, some users reported lack of responsiveness to issues like dead tree limbs.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.4
55 reviews
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 55 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 55 reviewsCommon 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 55 reviewsShow more
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 55 reviewsShow more
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 55 reviewsCamper 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 55 reviewsSite-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 55 reviewsAccessibility Features
User reviews do not provide specific insights into accessibility features or experiences.
Based on 55 reviewsPet-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 55 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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