Elm Grove Campground sits within Lake Scott State Park, accessible via paved roads that descend into a natural canyon carved from the flat Kansas plains. The state park accepts reservations and allows pets, with sites offering water and electric hookups distributed across multiple camping loops.
The campground occupies different terrain zones around the spring-fed lake, from elevated sites with lake views to areas closer to the water's edge. Several campers note the contrast between this tree-lined canyon environment and the surrounding farmland visible from the rim. Jason W. observes "as you approach this lake, you will think your GPS is lying to you" due to the hidden nature of the canyon setting. Sites vary significantly in levelness and spacing, with some tent areas requiring careful setup on sloping ground.
Fishing draws many visitors to the small lake, with catfish commonly caught from shore or the ADA-accessible fishing docks. The lake also supports swimming at a designated beach area and accommodates kayakers. A disc golf course runs through the park grounds, and hiking trails lead along the bluffs above the canyon. The park's historical sites include preserved structures and interpretive areas, though facility hours can be limited during weekdays.
Bathroom facilities receive mixed feedback from campers, with some reviewers noting cleanliness issues and unusual shower designs without doors or curtains. Stacy R. mentions "a good cleaning to remove dead bugs would've went a long way" regarding the bathhouse conditions. Geese frequently occupy lakeside sites, particularly during certain seasons, which can limit camping options near the water. The campground tends to fill with RVs on weekends while offering more tent site availability during weekdays.
Scott City lies 15 miles south for supplies and dining options. For additional camping choices in the region, see camping near Scott City.
Description
Hidden within the western Kansas prairie, Lake Scott State Park is a startling oasis of natural springs, deep wooded canyons, and craggy bluffs. A 100 acre spring fed lake created by a dam constructed in 1930 is nestled among the picturesque hills. Groves of hackberry, ash, elm, willow, walnut, and cedar trees compliment the bank and several majestic cottonwoods as old as the lake also accent the area. Rich in history and scenic splendor,Lake Scott State Park provides a perfect recreational setting for swimming, canoeing, camping, hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife observation.
You must be 18 or older to rent a cabin or campsite.
- Due to extremely dry conditions of Western Kansas, a fireban may be implemented during certain times of the year. Please observe the fire ban notices at the park entrances or contact the park office for updates.
- Subject to regulations and posted notices, any individual over 21 may possess, consume, or drink alcoholic liquor. Kegs and party balls are strictly prohibited.
- 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.
- 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.
- Digging holes, removing or defacing geological formations, archeological relics or ruins, or vegetation (except for noncommercial use of edible wild plants, wild fruits, nuts, or fungi) is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Actions which alarm, anger, or disturb others are prohibited. Generators can not 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.
- DUMPING OF GREY WATER IS PROHIBITED. Grey water must be disposed of at the dump station.
- Cabin renters may check in after 3:00pm and check out by Noon everyday, year round. 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.
- ** Information in this brochure has been prepared as a guide, not a complete list of regulations. Complete regulations may also be viewed and printed online at ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Park-Regulations. **
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Additional tents may require an additional $10.00 per night fee at check-in.
**2026 CAMPSITES Holiday Minimum Stay Rule:** - **Memorial Day Weekend - 4-night minimum** , customer choice of Thursday through Sunday nights, May 21–24, 2026 or Friday through Monday nights, May 22–25, 2026 - **July 4th Weekend - 3-night minimum,** customer choice of Thursday through Saturday nights, July 2–4, 2026 or Friday through Sunday nights, July 3–5, 2026 - **Labor Day Weekend - 4-night minimum,** customer choice of Thursday through Sunday nights, September 3–6, 2026 or Friday through Monday nights, September 4–7, 2026 **CABIN 2026 Holiday Minimum Stay Rule:** Memorial Day holiday is Fri/Sat/Sun May 22, 23, 24; July 4th holiday is Fri/Sat July 3, 4; Labor Day holiday is Fri/Sat/Sun Sept 4,5, 6 **CABIN 2027 Holiday Minimum Stay Rule:** Memorial Day holiday is Fri/Sat/Sun May 28, 29, 30; July 4th holiday is Fri/Sat/Sun July 2, 3, 4; Labor Day holiday is Fri/Sat/Sun Sept 3,4, 5
Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
**COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY, SUCH AS THE RENTING OF SITES AND RESELLING SAID RESERVATION, IS OCCURRING ON STATE PARK PROPERTY THAT IS AGAINST AGENCY REGULATIONS. KDWPT REGULATION K.A.R. 115-8-19 STATES THAT NO PERSON SHALL ADVERTISE, ENGAGE IN, OR SOLICIT ANY BUSINESS, OR MAKE A CHARGE FOR ANY EVENT OR SERVICE EXCEPT AS AUTHORIZED BY THE DEPARTMENT-ON-DEPARTMENT LANDS AND WATERS. PERSONS OR BUSINESSES FOUND TO BE ENGAGING IN THIS ACTIVITY CAN BE TICKETED RESULTING IN A COURT APPEARANCE AND RELATED FINES/COSTS.**
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundElm Grove — Historic Lake Scott State Park is located in Kansas
Directions
Lake Scott State Park 101 W Scott Lake Drive Scott City, Kansas 67871 Scott State Park is located west of Highway 83 between Oakley and Scott City on K 95. From the North, take Hwy 83 South to North K 95 and turn right. Follow K 95 3.5 miles and turn right into park entrance. From the South, take Hwy 83 North to South K 95 and turn left, follow K 95 3.0 miles, turn left into park entrance.
Address
101 W. Scott Lake Drive
Scott City, KS 67871
Coordinates
38.6652168 N
100.91862882 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 36 min from Pueblo, CO
- 3 hrs 50 min from Wichita, KS
- 3 hrs 53 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 4 hrs 1 min from Grand Island, NE
































