Elk City State Park
00 review4825 Squaw Creek Creek, Independence, Kansas, 67301, United States
Elk City State Park
$5.00 - $23.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
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 parks.
About this campground
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park includes accessible trails and a handicapped-accessible fishing dock. However, detailed accessibility information for campsites and other areas was not provided.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as generous and spacious, with options ranging from primitive sites to concrete pads for RVs.
Sites 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 CampsitesFor tent camping, choose Timber Road for shade and proximity to water. Prairie Meadow offers quiet and privacy.
Best CampsitesPrairie Meadow Campground is highly rated, offering quiet and shaded sites.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutFeatures multiple campgrounds with sites spread among dense woodlands and lakeside areas. Includes Prairie Meadow and Timber Road.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Specific dates for seasonal closures are not provided.
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.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Laundry Facilities
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.
Hiking
The 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.Fishing
Fishing 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.'Swimming
Swimming 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.Biking
The park includes trails suitable for biking, though specific details about trail terrain and difficulty are not provided.Boating
Boating 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 viewing
The 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.Beach activities
Beach activities are available, but the beach itself has received mixed reviews. One review noted flat, water-worn rocks that provided a unique experience for children.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities were noted in the source materials.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular at the park.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed only in designated rings, fireplaces, and grills. Fires must be extinguished before leaving.
- Quiet hours are 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsHazards 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.
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 78%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.5 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services including hospitals, clinics, and first aid supplies are available within 10 miles in Independence.
Good to know
Peak season datesSpecific peak season dates not provided.
Trash and recyclingTrash bins and recycling stations are available, and proper disposal is a requirement. However, some users reported occasional litter on trails.
Proximity to water featuresNear the 4,500-acre Elk City Reservoir, featuring accessible fishing docks and boat ramps.
Common complaintsComplaints include locked bathrooms due to vandalism, small or poorly maintained beaches, and insufficient shade at lakeside sites.
HostPark staff praised for friendliness and professionalism; hosts are helpful but specific contact information not detailed.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Elk City State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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
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....
Show more
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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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.
Accessibility Features
One user highlighted accessibility features such as the handicapped-accessible fishing dock, but detailed reviews about experiences from disabled visitors are limited.
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.
Last updated August 10, 2025