Elk City, Kansas camping areas accommodate a range of recreational vehicles in southeastern Kansas. Most RV parks in this region offer level sites on either concrete pads or gravel surfaces. Temperatures reach into the 90s during summer months with high humidity, while winter camping requires preparation for potential freezing temperatures and occasional snow.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Beaumont Hotel & RV Park offers access to nearby ponds that are particularly beautiful at sunset. "The path to the ponds at sunset was beautiful," notes one camper who appreciated the evening scenery after setting up camp.
Historical exploration: Travelers interested in local history can discover railroad heritage near camping areas. "Beaumont with their own airport, hotel, campground, and cafe with a lot of Frisco Railroad History," writes a visitor who camped in a tent at Beaumont in September.
Stargazing: Clear Kansas nights provide exceptional astronomy opportunities away from city lights. A tent camper at Beaumont Hotel & RV Park reported "quiet evening and fantastic stargazing" during their stay, making this an excellent choice for night sky enthusiasts.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Camping near water features provides opportunities to observe local fauna. At Riverside RV Park, campers report regular animal sightings: "We stayed right on the river and watched the deer come down and drink every day. It was amazing."
Walking trails: Several campgrounds connect to maintained paths for exercise. "It sits in a strip of forest along Caney River with a walking/biking trail right adjacent to the park," explains a Riverside RV Park visitor, while another notes "There's a paved walking trail right next to the campground that is well maintained and leads to the campgrounds dog park."
Central location: The region serves as a convenient base for exploring multiple attractions. A Riverside visitor reports, "Centrally located, quick drives to Osage Hills State Park, Woolaroc, Tulsa, Pioneer Woman Mercantile. Close to Oklahoma Wesleyan University."
What you should know
Water pressure considerations: Some campgrounds deliver extremely high water pressure. A visitor at Hillside RV Park advises, "NOTE: BRING A WATER PRESSURE REGULATOR. Their pressure is about 90 psi."
Noise factors: Be aware of potential noise sources near otherwise peaceful campgrounds. One Riverside RV Park camper cautions: "On the other side of the street though is an Emergency Center where all the EMS calls originate. Ergo sirens at all hours."
Variable site spacing: Layout and proximity to neighbors differs substantially between parks. At Riverside RV Park, a visitor observed: "There were about 32 of the 70 sites occupied year-round. The rest of us were stacked too close to the next RV." Contrast this with My Green Country RV Park where sites are described as "very large, with enough room for our 35+ foot 5th wheel and F350."
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly facilities: Many area campgrounds accommodate pets with dedicated amenities. At Riverside RV Park, a visitor notes the "dog park is clean and spacious" making it suitable for traveling with four-legged family members.
Swimming options: During hot Kansas summers, water recreation becomes essential. Riverside RV Park receives praise for its "pristine" pool according to summer visitors, providing relief from heat.
Local attractions: Norman No.1 Museum RV Park provides access to historical exhibits suitable for educational family outings. The nearby Big Brutus (the largest electric shovel in the world) offers an unusual attraction that interests children and adults, located a short drive from Oswego.
Tips from RVers
Utility reliability: While most parks offer functional hookups, quality varies. One RVer at Elk Falls RV Park notes the "Cute Little Park with electric, water, picnic tables and fire pits," though another campground received feedback that "The electricity worked. We had to bail out green water from our water hookup and the drinking water had a green tinge."
Overnight convenience: Many parks accommodate single-night stays for travelers passing through. "We stopped for an overnight stay on the way home to Texas. Total for one night stay was $31.25," reports a My Green Country RV Park guest, while another mentions, "Pad is gravel and was level. Had water, sewer and power hook ups at site."
Seasonal considerations: Proximity to grocery stores becomes important during longer stays. A Hillside RV Park reviewer notes, "Grocery store is literally minutes away. The RV Park is located at the south end of town on Highway 59." This convenience factor helps when restocking supplies during extended camping trips.