Elk City State Park

We stayed at Sunset point. There were several other trailers here but no one between us and the lake so we had unobstructed views. Site was fairly level and had nicely kept picnic table on cement slab. Shower houses were not open and no explanation was posted as to why. Maybe we are just too early in the season. But an explanation would have been nice.

Wonderful state park outside of Independence, Kansas. We had site number 119, or 19, depending on whether you look at the map or the post. It faces the sun in the evening, so beware if it is still hot outside. We took in most of the hiking trails which were easy to moderate. Went and saw the big lake and also played some disc golf that was a fairly easy course. Prairie Meadow spots are more spread apart from your neighbors which is what we like for privacy. A short drive and you can see the Elk Lake overlook and take the nature trail. Who knew Kansas had cliffs? At almost 900ft elevation, it is surprising. Site was flat with a asphalt pad. Would go again, just on the other side of the road to bring the natural shade in the evening. Be sure to take the short drive to see the Little House on the Prairie museum. If you are coming in from the south, you can stop on your way. It is about 15 miles from the park. Enjoyed the museum.

First off, let me say that I am not a state park campground person. I prefer more remote, national forest campgrounds. But this place is great! There are several different camping areas within the park. Some are the more "typical" state park type. Plenty of people close together, having a great time, cooking, kids playing, families hanging out. And yet there are some others where there is a much quieter vibe with lots of space. (Prairie Meadow). There are playgrounds for kids, disc golf, boating, hiking, and a swimming beach. There are flush toilets, showers, dump stations, and even a laundry area. Many sites have full hook-ups and most have water and electric. The campground is on a lovely large lake set amidst rolling hills.

Pick your campsite, hook up, and then go pay for your site. Here squatters get first choice on sites. Most sites are 30/50 Amp hook ups with water. Dump on your way out. They have two play ground areas, horse shoes, archery, boating, hiking, biking. The park is so big that you have big sites, small sites, no shade, lots of shade, level sites, unlevel sites. I am glad that we did a walk up check in instead of booking online.

We stayed here because we hadn't camped in Kansas and this was about the only thing I could find along our route. I really didn't expect much. Wow, was I surprised! We stayed in the Sunset Point section. The name describes one of its best features. The sunset over the lake was a highlight every day. There are also a number of great hiking trails of various difficulty levels.

When we arrived, no one was at the check station, so we we picked up a check-in card and drove straight to our reserved site. Note that there is a $5/day vehicle permit. This is reflected in my nightly rate ($21 site charge + $5 vehicle permit). Pay attention to site length. Some sites on the lake won't accommodate larger rigs or toads. The campground has clean electricity, good water and level sites. There is also a coin laundry in the campground ($1.50 wash, $1.00 dry). You can buy rolls of quarters at the camp office nearby. The campground has an 18 hole short game golf course and a Frisbee golf course. Fishing must be great, because there were fishermen everywhere. Verizon service was dependable.