Prairie Meadow Campground — Elk City State Park

Dense oak and hickory woodlands meet rolling meadows of big bluestem and indian grass at this striking 857 acre park located 5 miles West of Independence KS. The 4,500 acre Elk City Reservoir and the 12,000 acre wildlife area adjacent to the park offer outdoor lovers ample room to pursue their favorite pastimes.

Campgrounds at Elk City offer an array of well shaded sites appealing to recreational vehicles or primitive campers. Conveniently located restrooms and shower-houses, swimming beach group shelters, fishing piers, exercise trail, disc golf, 18 hole par 3 golf course, kids fishing pond, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, basketball goals and a 3 lane boat ramp offers popular amenities for park visitors.

A nationally-recognized trails system invites visitors to take a closer look at the rich variety of flora and fauna in and around Elk City State Park. The Green Thumb Trail is a 1-mile self guided trail. The Table Mound Hiking Trail is a 2 3/4 mile trail that will take you along the reservoir's bluffs among the ash and oak trees. The Post Oak and the 4 mile bike trail is also some of the Parks favorite attractions. Elk City Reservoir offers good to excellent fishing opportunities for channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass and crappie. A handicapped-access fishing dock is also located inside the state park.

You must be 18 or older to rent a cabin or campsite.

• Subject to regulations and posted notices, any individual over 21 may possess, consume, or drink alcoholic liquor. Kegs and party balls are strictly prohibited.
• Complete regulations may be viewed and printed online at ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Park-Regulations
• Any motorized vehicles must purchase and display a valid state park vehicle permit. Electric and gas powered scooters and skateboards cannot be operated in the state park. ATV use is prohibited in the state park.
• Camping is allowed only in designated areas and is subject to restrictions as posted. All campers and camping units are limited to a stay of not more than 14 consecutive days although a 14-day extension may be obtained with written permission from the park manager. A five-day absence is required before returning to the park to camp again. Any property left unused or unoccupied for 48 hours is subject to removal. Only one camper/RV per utility site is allowed.
• Fires are allowed in fireplaces, fire rings, and cooking grills only. Fires must be completely extinguished prior to leaving the area.
• Swimming is allowed in designated areas. Liquor and beer are prohibited on swimming beaches or in waters designated by buoys or other markers as swimming areas. For other beverages, only shatterproof containers are allowed.
• Pets must always be restrained by a camper, cage, hand-held leash, or tethered chain no longer than 10 feet. They are not allowed on swimming beaches or swimming areas that are delineated by buoys or other markers or in public buildings or structures. Dogs participating in authorized activities or assisting the visually or hearing impaired are not subject to these restrictions.
• A special event permit is required for any event involving entrance fees, exclusive use of an area, sales, organized competition, amplified sound, or reservation of a specific site or facility. Check with the park office for details.
• Fishing is prohibited on boat ramps, courtesy docks, swimming beaches, and in swimming areas marked with buoys. In state parks, fish may only be cleaned at designated fish cleaning stations or other locations as posted.
• Boats may not be operated within 200 feet of any area posted specifically for swimming and delineated by markers. No-wake speeds are required within 200 feet of a boat ramp, boat dock. Vessels left unattended at courtesy docks are subject to removal.
• Fireworks are allowed in designated area only....during July 4th.
• Digging holes, removing or defacing geological formations, archeological relics or ruins, or vegetation is prohibited.
• Quiet hours are 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Actions which alarm, anger, or disturb others are prohibited. Generators cannot be used during quiet hours. Failure to comply may result in expulsion from the park.
• Firearms may only be discharged in areas specifically designated for hunting or target practice.
• All litter must be properly disposed of in the provided trashbins. Where no bins are provided, patrons must carry their trash out with them.
• DUMPING OF GREY WATER IS PROHIBITED. Grey water must be disposed of at the dump station.
• Trails are open during daylight hours only. No camping, fires, or motorized vehicles are allowed on the trails. Please use caution when crossing roadways.
• Cabin renters may check in after 3:00pm and check out by Noon everyday. Smoking is not allowed in cabins. Pets and pet carriers are not allowed inside or on the porches of cabins. Cabin renters are not allowed to grill or cook from the porch deck. The cabin must be clean prior to departure. Cabin renters shall be responsible for full payment of any damages incurred during the length of stay. Damages will be billed to the renter for payment.