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Best Campgrounds near Elk City, KS

153 Reviews

Camping options around Elk City, Kansas primarily center on Elk City State Park, which contains multiple developed campgrounds including Comfort Cove, Prairie Meadow, Timber Road, and Sunset Point. Located in southeastern Kansas, these campgrounds offer both recreational vehicle and tent camping sites, with some areas also providing cabin accommodations. The park surrounds Elk City Lake, a key attraction for campers seeking fishing, boating, and water activities. Beyond the state park, nearby options include the Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed camping area, Card Creek, and Outlet Channel campgrounds, all within reasonable driving distance of Independence and Cherryvale.

Most campgrounds in this region feature water and electrical hookups, particularly at the developed Elk City State Park locations. Primitive camping exists at Montgomery State Fishing Lake, where campers can stay at no cost but with minimal amenities. Reservations are recommended for the more developed campgrounds, especially during summer months when the lake attracts visitors. Weather conditions can affect camping experiences, with seasonal flooding occasionally impacting certain areas. According to one review, "Sunset Point is beautiful, but I'd recommend it only in the summer and on weekends when there is no chance of rain. We were soaked all weekend."

The campgrounds receive positive feedback for their natural settings and recreational opportunities. Elk City State Park is noted for its hiking trails, with the 11-mile trail frequently mentioned as a highlight in visitor reviews. "The best hiking trails in the State of Kansas are in and around this lake and state park," noted one camper at Timber Road Campground. Water access ranks highly in importance for visitors, with many sites providing views of the lake. Comfort Cove and other lake-adjacent camping areas tend to be busier, while the Timber Road area is described as "quiet, shaded and just beautiful" by campers seeking more solitude. Fishing opportunities attract many visitors to both the state park and Montgomery State Fishing Lake, with several designated fishing areas and boat ramps available throughout the region.

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Best Camping Sites Near Elk City, Kansas (93)

    1. Timber Road Campground — Elk City State Park

    5 Reviews
    Independence, KS
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 331-6295

    $10 - $21 / night

    "When we moved from Oregon to Kansas, we wanted to find a good place to camp! The first place we camped was Elk City and we’ve camped there three times now - it’s a great spot."

    "The best hiking trails in the State of Kansas are in and around this lake and state park. From this camp ground you can hop on an awesome trail that leads up to the dam over look area."

    2. Sunset Point Campground — Elk City State Park

    3 Reviews
    Independence, KS
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 331-6295

    $10 - $21 / night

    "This is a beautiful lake near Independence, Kansas that has plenty to do. There is a very challenging hiking trail that is 11 miles one way so take plenty of fluids & snacks."

    "I'd definitely return because the park has nice trails, great views, and a serene lake setting, but I'd make sure I'm in a different campground than Sunset Point."

    3. Card Creek

    2 Reviews
    Elk City, KS
    4 miles
    Website

    "There is a boat ramp with access to Elk City Lake. Most of the campers when we were their were either hunters or fishermen. The site so have power, 30 amp, and there is a dump station."

    "Great camping with and without electricity (both rv and plug) clean water spouts and hiking trail. Clean(ish) bathrooms and shower with hot water and changing area!"

    4. Comfort Cove Campground — Elk City State Park

    3 Reviews
    Independence, KS
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 331-6295

    $19 - $22 / night

    "Had a good time on the lake fishing and I was able to hike the Elk River hiking trail about 10 miles with my dog. What a blast!"

    5. Outlet Channel

    2 Reviews
    Independence, KS
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 336-2741

    $18 / night

    "This park sits on the Elk City Lake. It has modern (brand new) playgrounds, basketball courts, and even a sand volleyball court."

    6. Prairie Meadow Campground — Elk City State Park

    2 Reviews
    Independence, KS
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 331-6295

    $21 - $95 / night

    "Fantastic hiking along the lake bluff will be sure to wear out your legs! All RV sites are water and electric and most are pull through. It's the most level site I have ever had."

    7. Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Independence, KS
    14 miles
    Website

    "Saw several deer across the lake at dusk, eating grass.
    Beautiful spot not far off Highway 75."

    "Very close to town so you never have to miss anything you may have forgotten. And heck its free!"

    8. Montgomery State fishing lake

    1 Review
    Independence, KS
    14 miles

    "Free spot on a State fishing lake. Nice view well kept. Spots all around lake. Pit toilet, 1 trash can if you can find it."

    9. Norman No.1 Museum RV Park

    1 Review
    Fredonia, KS
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 325-5316

    10. Elk Falls RV Park

    1 Review
    Elk City, KS
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 550-1175

    $30 / night

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Recent Camping Photos near Elk City, KS

32 Photos of 93 Elk City Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Elk City, KS

153 Reviews of 93 Elk City Campgrounds

  • michelle T.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Sweetwater Forge Campground

    Clean, inviting, quiet, wonderful owners.

    Jeff and Stacy are incredibly kind and accommodating. This campground is wonderful. We were able to use their new pavilion for a family get-together, which was great. They also have several new cabins and a private bathhouse/laundry room, coming soon. We will definitely be coming back again and again. Even when it poured down rain one day, there were no puddles or muddy areas to navigate around.

    Thank you, 

    Jeff & Stacy Beach, for a wonderful 4 days!

  • Dana H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Osage Hills State Park Campground

    Beautiful

    Nestled in a forested and very hilly canyon, this state park is absolutely beautiful. A lake with canoe/kayaks for rent and complementary life jackets for use, a river, and many hiking trails. An r.v., campground, tent camping scattered throughout, two playgrounds, a seasonal pool, a tennis court with volleyball in the day use area. Toilets/showers are throughout the park. Tents/yurts and cabins for rent. You're going to love it. Word of warning, the roads are narrow with drop-offs here and there.

  • Spicy M.
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Montgomery State fishing lake

    Free

    Free spot on a State fishing lake. Nice view well kept. Spots all around lake. Pit toilet, 1 trash can if you can find it.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2025

    Woodson State Fishing Lake

    Chill Spot

    Was easy to find a quiet little spot along the water to set up my tent for the night. Went on a Wednesday and it was v quiet other than a couple other folks a ways away.

  • Mela R.
    Apr. 22, 2025

    Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed

    Love love love it!

    I loved it! It's so quiet and peaceful. Very close to town so you never have to miss anything you may have forgotten. And heck its free!

  • M
    Mar. 13, 2025

    Riverside RV Park

    Stayed for a month

    Great location, friendly staff, and very reasonable pricing. $395 for the month + electric. Laundry room on site is nice, inexpensive, and includes plenty of washer and dryers. There’s a paved walking trail right next to the campground that is well maintained and leads to the campgrounds dog park. Dog park is clean and spacious. My only thing to note is that the campground is all rock/dirt so it is very dusty, however the staff to a great job of keeping up with the area and making it a nice place to stay.

  • David H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 28, 2024

    Rollin RED Vandever Memorial Park

    Antique equipment show grounds

    I was here in November, not sure that it's even open. 8 sites with electric and water

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2024

    Wilson State Fishing Lake Dispersed

    Nice spot

    When I got here it was very windy and the spot directly across the lake from here ended up being better and a little more out of the wind since there were more trees. Couldn’t find any rules for camping for camping in this area but ended up staying for several days without a problem. Had between 5-10 cars drive by each day so barely any traffic. Most of the spots on this lake are good in size and some have a nice open view of the sky for solar and Starlink which was great.

Guide to Elk City

Camping near Elk City, Kansas, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Head to Wilson State Fishing Lake for some great fishing. One camper mentioned, "Aways enjoyable super clear water this place is a premier fishing destination especially for predator fish."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Cross Timbers State Park Campground where one visitor said, "Spent an October weekend here and had a great time with the kids fishing, hiking, and roasting marshmallows."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a day at the beach at Whitehall Bay. A reviewer noted, "The area itself is very beautiful and the lake had a great rocky shoreline worth exploring."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area. One review states, "Bathrooms were clean. Showers in the other two loops were always clean and rarely used."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spaciousness at Overlook. A camper shared, "Beautiful place to camp. Lots of shade and space between sites."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers at Whitehall Bay appreciate the helpful camp hosts. One visitor said, "Camp Hosts are awesome. You won't be disappointed."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: At Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area, there are no showers available. A camper warned, "No Showers in this loop so beware."
  • Busy Weekends: Expect crowds on weekends, especially during the summer. A reviewer mentioned, "This place is pretty busy with locals on the weekends between June and August."
  • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds, like Whitehall Bay, have tricky access roads. One camper noted, "The last 2-3 miles are riddled with potholes."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Elk City State Park. A parent shared, "My kids enjoyed the playground."
  • Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites, such as Cross Timbers State Park Campground, where families can spread out. One camper said, "Some of the most amazing views and awesome hiking trails."
  • Water Activities: Plan for swimming and fishing at places like Lake Parsons. A family mentioned, "Fun for the whole family."

Tips from RVers:

  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups, like Toronto Point — Cross Timbers State Park. A reviewer noted, "This lake is packed during holidays. Any other time it is first come first serve lots."
  • Level Sites: Choose campgrounds with level sites for easier setup. One RV camper at Elk City State Park said, "Most are pretty level."
  • Quiet Areas: Seek out quieter spots away from busy areas. A visitor at Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area mentioned, "Spots can be a bit narrow for bigger rigs but not too bad."

Camping near Elk City, Kansas, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Elk City, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, Elk City, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 93 campgrounds and RV parks near Elk City, KS and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Elk City, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elk City, KS is Timber Road Campground — Elk City State Park with a 4-star rating from 5 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elk City, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Elk City, KS.

What parks are near Elk City, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Elk City, KS that allow camping, notably Big Hill Lake and Oologah Lake.

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