Outlet Campground

The Outlet Park is a great COE park. There are back in and pull through sites within the three main loops. The bathroom and shower facilities are always clean and well maintained. The “C” loop is our favorite and almost all sites have shade. The outlet pond is nice for casual fishing. In addition to Melvern lake above the dam, there is a swimming area adjacent to the outlet pond. The campground has become so popular that it is often difficult to get reservations but with a little planning you can usually secure a site.

The sites, like most COE's are very large with some shade. We got a space that led to the lake/reservoir, but warnings all over regarding zebra mussels and poisonous algae. Many walking trails along the lake. Beach area closed due to the algae. I think we were there during spider mating season as there were many long jawed orb weavers everywhere and the doors to the restrooms and laundry were covered in webs. Also many little flying bugs! When I opened a dryer, a mouse flew out from underneath....but the machines were near brand new and excellent. Very quiet area. Be sure to walk the historic bridge in the park.

Stayed in Site #54 in Loop A on 6/22/21, which was a nice site with an asphalt drive and gravel picnic area. All sites are large, level and staggered for extra privacy with many right on Melvern Lake. There is a grassy area along the lake perfect for relaxing and viewing the sunset and also a gravel path around the entire lake for hiking. Campground was quiet and clean. Previous reviewer mentioned the check in. We came in at 3pm and also discovered there was no direction or way to pay except that an attendant arrives at 4pm. We chose a site but did not set up because the sign also said some sites may be reserved or taken. None were marked. The attendant arrived and stated 4 pm is check-in and check-out time. They do not mark reserved sites, nothing goes on a post. She could not take cash. I asked what to do if coming in late and leaving early as there are no envelopes to leave payment. She shrugged and said there is no way to handle that. Very unusual.

We paid half price here due to the federal discount pass we are eligible for, so regular price is $22 a night.

Cell signal has been great so far, especially for a weekend in summer with a full park. Tmobile has been 12-25 down and 1.5-4 up. Verizon on my phone is labeled 5G and that signal has been 65-86 down and 8-40 up. AT&T signal on a hotspot has been less stellar but still usable enough for basic stuff (2-8 down and around 1-2 up). Sprint 14 down/4-5 up during day and late at night, roaming onto tmobile was up to 65/4.

Bathrooms are big and in great condition, full locking shower door stalls and autoflushing toilets (touchless). Behind the bathhouse for sure in loop B and probably in others, there are laundry room with a couple of washers (1.50) and dryers ($1) that take coins. We don't usually find those at ACOE parks. We are a little close to other campsites here but it's better than some other places. The view to the water is lovely from campsite 79 out the driver side towards the front.

Sewer was not listed on this site on the reservation system and in fact it is full hookups, as are many of the sites around it (yay!). Our site wasn't very level side to side or front to back. Correctable. Checkin was easy they had paperwork ready for us and we just grabbed it and left.

Good location on your way to KC or Topeka.

Please be aware-
1- I could not find where to leave $$ money- sign states-only wanted plastic for payment- yet- no person was ever in guard/ranger station. (fees were not listed anywhere on ranger station.
2- it states at guard house- dry camping only until 2121. Water fill and dump station are open and working. No water at sites- Electrical has also been turned off at all sites -They should say “boondocking ONLY”

Very nice location!
Highly suggested!
Nice level sites-
Huge pull throughs

A resort type experience! Fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, boating, nature trail, wildlife, and playgrounds.

Well maintained and clean campground! Sites are clean and level that are either paved or gravel!

Loop A has electric and water! Loops B and C are FHU. Sites have 20, 30, and 50 Amp! Loops are Big Rig Friendly! Each Loop has a bath house, with a laundry!

Excellent 4 Bars Verizon

There is some highway US 75 and railroad noise.

Will stay here again!