How much does camping cost at Outlet Channel ?

Camping fees at Outlet Channel range from $10-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Outlet Channel first-come first-served or reservation?

Outlet Channel 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 Channel before I book?

Yes! Outlet Channel has 3 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. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Outlet Channel ?

Outlet Channel is open January 1 to December 31 annually.. 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 Channel ?

Outlet Channel does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Outlet Channel ?

Yes, pets are allowed at Outlet Channel . 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 Channel ?

Outlet Channel offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Outlet Channel ?

Popular activities at Outlet Channel include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Outlet Channel

4.55

91 reviews

5089B CR 2925, Independence, KS 67301

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Kansas Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Kansas Hiking Camping Kansas +5 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

774 ft

Price

$10 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Book on Outlet Channel Campground Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

774 ft

Price

$10 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Book on Outlet Channel Campground Official Website

Get Directions

Outlet Channel

$10.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary by site type: $16 for Standard Electric, $10 for Standard Nonelectric, $30 for Shelter Electric. Payment is by credit/debit cards only via...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Hookup Site Fee$16.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$30.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

6203362741

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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 91 reviews

64 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanhikingfriendly

"Users consistently praise the campground for its cleanliness, peaceful environment, and helpful camp hosts. Complaints focus on the lack of showers, limited cell service, and issues with the dump station."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5089B CR 2925, Independence, KS 67301

Outlet Channel

5089B CR 2925, Independence, KS 67301

Nearby places

Independence: 5 miles SE

Nearby supplies

Independence, KS (5 miles SE), offers access to shopping and restaurants.

Best Time to Camp at Outlet Channel

Summer brings the best conditions for water-based activities and biking, with daytime highs typically in the mid-80s to low-90s and comfortable nights in the 60s and 70s. This is peak season for shoreline fishing on the Elk River and exploring nearby trails. Early mornings and evenings remain pleasant for hiking and campfires. Expect the busiest crowds during summer weekends and holidays, so advance reservations help.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 7% in KS

Fall/hiking praised for scenic trails and rock formations; quiet season with excellent hiking.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1 to December 31 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Reservations available January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.

About Outlet Channel

Outlet Channel Campground sits below Elk City Dam along the Elk River near Independence, Kansas. The campground offers a mix of tent, RV, and group sites with fees ranging from $10 to $30 per night. With a 4.5-star rating from 91 reviews, campers appreciate the clean facilities and helpful hosts, though the lack of showers and spotty cell service are common complaints.

The Outlet Channel Campground offers a mix of camping options, including sites for tents, RVs, and group shelters.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions for water-based activities and biking, with daytime highs typically in the mid-80s to low-90s and comfortable nights in the 60s and 70s. This is peak season for shoreline fishing on the Elk River and exploring nearby trails. Early mornings and evenings remain pleasant for hiking and campfires. Expect the busiest crowds during summer weekends and holidays, so advance reservations help.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies terrain carved by the Elk River, with Table Mound rising as a dramatic backdrop. Exposed rock formations and weathered outcroppings create a landscape shaped over millions of years. The river itself provides the dominant sound and visual anchor, running past campsites through riparian vegetation. At 774 feet elevation, the setting combines riverside access with views of the surrounding geological features that define this corner of southeastern Kansas.

Geological RegionSet in the dramatic landscape below Table Mound, the campground occupies a unique geological wonderland where ancient natural rock formations tell stories millions of years in the making. The Elk River has carved its path through this terrain, creating a stunning backdrop of exposed stone faces, weathered outcroppings, and the kind of raw natural beauty that makes this corner of the wilderness truly unforgettable.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay: 14 consecutive nights per visit, 14 nights in a rolling 30-day period.

Groups

Group shelters are available, but specific details about the number of people or vehicles they can accommodate are not provided.

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 via recreation.gov or the call center.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly stated, but reservations are encouraged.

Cancellation Policy$10 cancellation fee applies; first night's fee forfeited for late cancellations (after 12:00 AM the day before check-in).

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed, though the campground includes group shelters and wide-open camping areas that may be accessible.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as large and nicely spaced, with grassy areas behind them. One reviewer noted, 'Loved the large camp sites.

PrivacyThe campsites offer a mix of privacy levels, with some being more secluded. Comments like 'Nicely spaced campsites with large grassy area behind' suggest a balance of open and private spaces.

Recommended SitesSite 9 recommended for privacy. Avoid Site 11 due to disturbances from nearby traffic.

Need help booking Outlet Channel ?

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

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Dump station

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Water hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Outlet Channel Campground provides a range of recreational activities including fishing, hiking, mountain biking, basketball, and sand volleyball. The proximity to the Elk River Hiking Trail makes it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention dust from road surfaces and high sewer drain at the dump station as concerns.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services likely in Independence, KS, 5 miles away. Specific details about hospitals, police stations, or ranger stations not provided.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling details are not specifically provided. The campground is noted as clean and well-maintained by multiple reviewers, indicating effective waste management.

Water FeaturesLocated along the Elk River, providing access to fishing and other water activities.

Camp HostMultiple user reviews positively highlight camp hosts as friendly and helpful.

Weather at Outlet Channel

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

91 reviews

Top-Rated

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

Users consistently praise the campground for its cleanliness, peaceful environment, and helpful camp hosts. Complaints focus on the lack of showers, limited cell service, and issues with the dump station.

Review Summaries

Based on 91 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include clean facilities, 'friendly and helpful camp hosts,' and 'great fishing and hiking opportunities.' Many users describe the campground as quiet and well-maintained.

Based on 91 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues raised include the absence of shower facilities, inconsistent cell service, and a poorly designed dump station. One reviewer complained, 'The dump station pipe is way too tall.'

Based on 91 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include bringing firewood and extra supplies due to limited nearby amenities. One reviewer advised to avoid campsite 11 due to privacy concerns and suggested choosing site 9 instead.

Based on 91 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is described as peaceful year-round. Winter reviews highlight the beauty of the Elk River Trail for hiking. Summer reviews emphasize the family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor...

Based on 91 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Loved the large camp sites. The park is clean and well maintained.' - Glenda R.\n- 'Great fishing at the spillway for channel catfish.' - Berlene S.\n- 'The bathrooms were surprisingly very...

Based on 91 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 9 receives positive feedback for its privacy and overall experience. Site 11 was criticized for its location and lack of privacy, as reported by one camper who moved to site 9.

Based on 91 reviews