Elk City State Park provides camping options on a 4,500-acre lake in southeast Kansas with an 11-mile hiking trail along limestone bluffs and wooded ridges. Located near Independence, the park sits at approximately 800 feet elevation with hot summers reaching 90°F and mild winters. Camping areas range from developed sites with utilities to free dispersed camping alternatives nearby.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Big Hill Lake offers trophy fishing experiences with multiple species available. "Big Hill Lake is one of the clearest lakes in Kansas and considered a trophy fishing lake. Sport fish include largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye and sunfish," notes a camper from Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area.
Hiking trail exploration: The Ruth Nixon Memorial Trail provides a gentler alternative to the longer Elk River Trail. "The trail enjoys blue bird houses that were set in honor of Ruth Nixon. It is about one mile and offers the hikers the chance to observe local wildlife. The scenery along the way is spectacular," according to visitors at Overlook.
Water recreation: The lake supports various water activities beyond fishing. "Upon arrival at Big Hill Lake a visitor may choose from a plethora of fun activities. Camping with and without electricity, boat launches, ball field, swimming beach and so much more," reports a camper at Overlook.
What campers like
Quiet camping zones: Some areas provide more secluded options for those seeking peace. "We've stayed up in the Timber Road area which we just love. It's quiet, shaded and just beautiful. You can walk to the Table Mound Trail quite easily if you're in this area," shares a visitor at Timber Road Campground.
Free dispersed camping: Budget travelers appreciate the free camping alternatives. "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!" reports a camper at Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed.
Seasonal variations: Spring and fall offer special attractions beyond summer recreation. "Wildflowers are in abundance in the spring and fall along with the beautiful trees such as persimmon, osage orange, redbud and dogwood," notes a visitor to Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Many facilities operate seasonally with reduced services in winter. "Flush toilets and showers are closed outside of the reservation season, however vault toilets are available in the north loop," cautions a camper at Big Hill Lake.
Site variations: Campsite quality and size vary significantly between areas. "Our site is miniature. No place for a clothes line, no fire pit to speak of even though everyone else has one. We are boxed in tighter than a KOA and we feel it. There are sections more spread out with more room per site but not Site 243," warns a visitor at Timber Road Campground.
Weather considerations: The area experiences seasonal flooding that affects camping. "I visited this campground in October of 2018. The campground itself is beautiful, but recently part of it had been submerged in water which was problematic for us tent campers," explains a visitor at Sunset Point Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature recreational facilities for children. "This park sits on the Elk City Lake. It has modern (brand new) playgrounds, basketball courts, and even a sand volleyball court," shares a visitor to Outlet Channel.
Swimming areas: Designated swimming beaches provide family-friendly water access. "Swimming on the sandy beaches along the lake is a joy. Alcohol is not allowed on the beach area. Glass containers are also not allowed on the beach or in the water," notes a camper at Overlook.
Wildlife viewing: The area offers opportunities to see native wildlife. "Saw several deer across the lake at dusk, eating grass. Beautiful spot not far off Highway 75," reports a visitor to Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Some sites present challenges for level parking. "Camping spot was very unlevel from to back but level side to side. Had to set the tongue of the camper on the ground and back was up almost 3 ft. Most of the other spots looked fairly level," warns a camper at Comfort Cove Campground.
Water pressure issues: Utility reliability can vary during peak season. "Lost water pressure for a couple days and lost all water for 1/2 a day. With low pressure I just filled my tank and ran off the pump so wasn't an issue," advises another Comfort Cove Campground visitor.
Pet-friendly camping options: Most areas welcome pets with standard restrictions. "We hiked the little over 14 mile trail over 2 and a half days it was awesome!" shared a camper who enjoyed pet-friendly camping near Elk City, Kansas with their dog.
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