Best Campgrounds near Independence, KS
Elk City State Park serves as the primary camping destination near Independence, Kansas, offering multiple developed campgrounds including Timber Road, Comfort Cove, Prairie Meadow, and Sunset Point. Located approximately 8 miles west of Independence, these areas provide a range of accommodations from tent and RV sites to cabins with electric hookups. The park features shaded camping areas nestled along the shoreline of Elk City Reservoir, with both reservable and first-come sites available. Additional camping options include Montgomery State Fishing Lake for primitive dispersed camping and several Corps of Engineers campgrounds at Big Hill Lake near Cherryvale, about 15 miles east of Independence.
Campground amenities vary considerably throughout the region, with most established sites offering drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings. "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 and snacks," noted one visitor about Elk City State Park. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making water access and shade important considerations when selecting a campsite. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Cell service is generally reliable at developed campgrounds but can be spotty at more remote locations. Reservation systems exist for many sites, particularly during peak summer weekends when lakefront spots fill quickly.
Lakefront campsites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors, particularly at Elk City State Park where sites provide direct water access for fishing and boating. The landscape features a mix of oak-hickory forests and prairie, creating diverse habitats for wildlife viewing. Several campgrounds include access to hiking trails, with the 11-mile Table Mound Trail at Elk City State Park being particularly notable. As one camper described their experience at Timber Road Campground: "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. Timber Road area is quiet, shaded and just beautiful." Noise levels vary considerably, with waterfront and more developed campgrounds often experiencing higher traffic, especially during summer holidays and weekends.
