Elk City State Park

Lovey park outside Independence. We stayed in the Sunset point loop which gave us gorgeous sunsets but warm afternoon sun. Worth it though since we could launch our kayak just a couple hundred feet away. Sites are close together but we had nobody on either side during the week. I’m sure it’s busy on weekends. The Prairie Meadow loop is lovely and if I were to return we might go there. Large shade trees and tons of green space.
Nice big boat launch area. Laundry house with two washers and dryers. Bathhouse is quite old and could use a good cleaning. WIFI was spotty but good enough for the basics, no streaming.
If you like ice cream, go to Braums in Independence, so yummy.

We stayed at the Prairie Meadow campground in site 115 (a parallel pull-thru site) on the night of 05/04-05/2022. The sites here feature lush grass with average-quality asphalt pads. Also, there are average-quality asphalt paved access roads and above-average grass, trees, and scenery throughout the campground. Widely spaced sites, but there is generally no privacy. In early May, the only other campers were what we believe to be the camp hosts on the far other side of the campground. We rate the campground as 4.5/5. Okay to stay again.

The other three campgrounds are closer to the lake. Some sites in the other campgrounds are close enough to the lake to carry canoes and kayaks directly to the lake without using a vehicle for transport.

We stayed at the Prairie Meadow campground in site 115 (a parallel pull-thru site) on the night of 05/04-05/2022. The sites here feature lush grass with good-quality asphalt pads. Also, there are good-quality asphalt paved access roads and above-average grass, trees, and scenery throughout the campground. Widely spaced sites, but there is generally no privacy. In early May, the only other campers were what we believe to be the camp hosts on the far other side of the campground. We rate the campground as 4.5/5. Okay to stay again.

The other three campgrounds are closer to the lake. Some sites in the other campgrounds are close enough to the lake to carry canoes and kayaks directly to the lake without using a vehicle for transport.

We stayed at Sunset point. There were several other trailers here but no one between us and the lake so we had unobstructed views. Site was fairly level and had nicely kept picnic table on cement slab. Shower houses were not open and no explanation was posted as to why. Maybe we are just too early in the season. But an explanation would have been nice.

Wonderful state park outside of Independence, Kansas. We had site number 119, or 19, depending on whether you look at the map or the post. It faces the sun in the evening, so beware if it is still hot outside. We took in most of the hiking trails which were easy to moderate. Went and saw the big lake and also played some disc golf that was a fairly easy course. Prairie Meadow spots are more spread apart from your neighbors which is what we like for privacy. A short drive and you can see the Elk Lake overlook and take the nature trail. Who knew Kansas had cliffs? At almost 900ft elevation, it is surprising. Site was flat with a asphalt pad. Would go again, just on the other side of the road to bring the natural shade in the evening. Be sure to take the short drive to see the Little House on the Prairie museum. If you are coming in from the south, you can stop on your way. It is about 15 miles from the park. Enjoyed the museum.

First off, let me say that I am not a state park campground person. I prefer more remote, national forest campgrounds. But this place is great! There are several different camping areas within the park. Some are the more "typical" state park type. Plenty of people close together, having a great time, cooking, kids playing, families hanging out. And yet there are some others where there is a much quieter vibe with lots of space. (Prairie Meadow). There are playgrounds for kids, disc golf, boating, hiking, and a swimming beach. There are flush toilets, showers, dump stations, and even a laundry area. Many sites have full hook-ups and most have water and electric. The campground is on a lovely large lake set amidst rolling hills.

Pick your campsite, hook up, and then go pay for your site. Here squatters get first choice on sites. Most sites are 30/50 Amp hook ups with water. Dump on your way out. They have two play ground areas, horse shoes, archery, boating, hiking, biking. The park is so big that you have big sites, small sites, no shade, lots of shade, level sites, unlevel sites. I am glad that we did a walk up check in instead of booking online.