Coeur D'Alene
4.5365 reviews31408 Coeur dAlene Parkway
Coeur D'Alene
$16.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Fees range from $16 per night for non-electric sites to $28 per night for premium electric sites during peak season. Additional charges include a $20 no-show fee and a $10 cancellation/change fee.
About this campground
Nestled within the stunning Melvern Lake Recreation Area, Coeur d'Alene Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of water adventures and prairie exploration. This well-appointed retreat features 47 thoughtfully designed campsites, including fully accessible options and convenient electric hookups. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, launching your boat for a day on the water, or setting off on scenic nature trails, you'll appreciate modern comforts like hot showers and flush toilets waiting for you after your adventures. From hunters tracking game through the grasslands to hikers discovering hidden prairie vistas, this campground serves as your gateway to endless outdoor possibilities.
Coeur d'Alene Campground accommodates various camping styles, including RV sites, tent camping, and group picnic shelters. Primitive camping and cabin lodging are not explicitly mentioned.
Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure unfolds in one of America's most precious natural treasures – the Flint Hills, home to the last remaining expanse of tallgrass prairie that once covered 170 million acres of North America. This living piece of history represents not just an ecosystem, but a cultural legacy that shaped the American frontier. Here, you're camping where Native Americans once followed buffalo herds and where pioneers marveled at grass so tall it could hide a horse and rider.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Kansas weather at Coeur d'Alene, where summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for lake activities and evening campfires. Spring and fall offer ideal conditions for hiking and wildlife watching, with comfortable temperatures and gentle breezes rustling through the prairie grasses. While summer thunderstorms occasionally roll across the plains, bringing nature's light show and temporary respites from activities, they only add to the authentic prairie camping experience.
ElevationPerched atop the gentle rises of the iconic Flint Hills, the campground offers commanding views across sweeping vistas of prairie and lake. While you won't find towering peaks here, the rolling topography creates perfect vantage points for watching storms approach across the plains or catching that perfect sunrise photo. The elevation provides natural air circulation, keeping your campsite comfortable even on warm summer evenings.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to panoramic views of shimmering Melvern Lake framed by the undulating waves of tallgrass prairie that define the Flint Hills. Scattered groves of trees provide welcome shade and wildlife habitat, while the surrounding grasslands create an ever-changing canvas of colors and textures throughout the seasons. Visitors consistently rave about the spectacular sunsets that paint the sky in brilliant oranges and purples, reflecting off the lake's surface – a nightly show that becomes the highlight of many camping trips. The interplay of water, prairie, and sky creates a uniquely Kansas landscape that captures hearts and cameras alike.
Geological RegionSet within Kansas's legendary Flint Hills, Coeur d'Alene Campground sits atop ancient limestone and chert formations that have protected this prairie ecosystem for millennia. This remarkable landscape showcases nature's resilience, where native big bluestem can grow eight feet tall, switchgrass sways in mesmerizing waves, and Indian grass turns the hills to copper each fall. The rocky soil that prevented farming has preserved this tallgrass prairie paradise, creating a camping destination where you can experience the same views that greeted travelers on the historic Santa Fe Trail.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySite 1 is accessible with 50-amp electric, water, and sewer hookups. No further details on accessibility features were provided.
Sites SizeThe campground offers generous room at campsites, accommodating various sizes of RVs and tents. However, several reviews note that some sites are smaller or less level than expected.
Sites PrivacySites vary in privacy levels, with some offering secluded areas near the water while others are positioned closer to amenities like restrooms.
Total Campsites47 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites near the lake for views or higher ground for sunsets. Sites 44-49 offer shade and access to trails.
Best CampsitesPopular sites include Site 1 (accessible with full hookups) and lakeside spots like Site 26, noted for proximity to water and quiet ambiance.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in 2 PM local time.
Check-out
Check-out noon local time.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights during a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Exact guest limits per site are unspecified
- guidelines permit typical occupancy for family or RV sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are arranged in loops with electric and non-electric options. Includes pull-through and back-in sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for reservations from May 1 to September 29 during peak season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited first-come, first-served availability. High demand during holidays and weekends.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made more than 24 hours before check-in incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's rate.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Coeur d'Alene Campground can engage in a wide range of recreational activities including boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, hunting, wildlife viewing, and trail exploration. The location is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts due to its proximity to Melvern Lake and the Flint Hills.
Hiking
Two trails, the Breakwater Trail and the 4-mile Tall Grass Heritage Trail, connect the campground to neighboring areas. Hiking opportunities abound in the surrounding Flint Hills.Fishing
Fishing is popular at Melvern Lake. Anglers can catch walleye, crappie, various types of bass, and catfish. User reviews highlight the lake's fishing opportunities.Swimming
The swimming beach features sandy areas but has been described as having mucky water and mud. Some reviews also mention a cove with small rocks instead of large ones.Boating
Boating is a prominent activity at Melvern Lake with facilities including a boat ramp and marina. Certain reviews also point out areas ideal for paddleboarding or kayaking.Wildlife viewing
The Flint Hills provide opportunities for wildlife observation, including deer, turkeys, squirrels, and various bird species.Beach activities
Beach-related activities include swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. However, user reviews mention mixed experiences with the quality of water and sand.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities, such as snowshoeing or ice fishing, are described.Water Sports
Boating, fishing, and limited paddleboarding opportunities are noted. Specific water sports like kayaking and canoeing are possible but not formally structured.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted using locally-sourced firewood.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM - 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsTicks reported during summer months; storms can disrupt facilities. Some sites have uneven terrain.
Active alertsMaintenance issues reported in user reviews include uneven camper pads and occasional road resurfacing.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 56%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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
Nearest hospital is in Emporia (approximately 30 miles). Police and sheriff patrols are conducted within the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 - September 29
Trash and recyclingNo specific trash and recycling facilities are mentioned. Users are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly adjacent to Melvern Lake; swim beach and boat docks available.
Common complaintsUnlevel campsites and limited water access to all sites. Some campers noted noise from nearby train tracks.
HostCampground hosts are available but have mixed reviews ranging from "friendly and attentive" to "rude and unhelpful."
Campground Map
31408 Coeur dAlene Parkway
Driving directionsFrom US-75, take the Melvern Exit and travel 2 miles south on Melvern Lake Parkway, then 1 mile northwest on Coeur d'Alene Parkway (campground road).
Roads are paved and accessible year-round. Some reviews mentioned road maintenance issues, such as tar and gravel being repeatedly laid and removed.Nearby places
Melvern (2 miles), Topeka (30 miles north), Emporia (30 miles southwest).
Nearby supplies
Melvern has limited services
campers are advised to bring all needed supplies. Eisenhower State Park offers additional amenities and is located nearby on the north side of the lake. Fuel and groceries are available in nearby larger towns like Emporia or Ottawa.
Camper Reviews
4.5
65 reviews
Coeur D'Alene is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews provide a mixed but generally positive picture of Coeur d'Alene Campground. Highlights include clean restrooms, helpful staff, and scenic views. Complaints mostly center around the leveling of campsites, lawn maintenance, and electric hookups.
Review Summaries
Based on 65 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects frequently mentioned include clean and well-maintained facilities, free life jackets at boat ramps, beautiful views of Melvern Lake, and a quiet atmosphere.
Based on 65 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common issues raised by users include uneven campsites, long distances to restrooms, low voltage during peak times, and mucky swimming areas.
Based on 65 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Tips include bringing leveling blocks for uneven sites, using inverter generators for quieter stays, and planning ahead for less accessible sites.
Based on 65 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that the campground is particularly popular in summer, with many visitors enjoying boating, swimming, and fishing. Fall experiences highlight quietness and cleanliness. Storm safety...
Based on 65 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Restrooms were very clean and stocked." – Harold A
"Nice lake. Campsites provide generous room. Decent facilities." – Richard M
"Nice cove to swim in and has small rocks instead of big rocks." –...
Based on 65 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 24, 47, and 50 are often praised for their scenic views and proximity to amenities. Site 1 is highlighted for its accessibility features. Some sites, such as 35 and 42, are noted as uneven or...
Based on 65 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Site 1 is accessible with 50-amp electric, water, and sewer hookups. No negative feedback was found specifically regarding accessibility.
Based on 65 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, but one user noted finding ticks on their pets. No specific pet-friendly amenities were mentioned.
Based on 65 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025