Comfort Cove Campground

For Kansans seeking a truly comfortable and enriching outdoor experience, Comfort Cove Campground, nestled within the expansive Elk City State Park near Independence, stands out as a premier destination. This campground is celebrated for its excellent facilities, stunning natural beauty, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit a pleasure. Whether you're an RV enthusiast desiring full hookups, a tent camper looking for serene views, or an outdoor adventurer eager to hit the trails, Comfort Cove offers a top-notch experience right here in Southeast Kansas.

Elk City State Park is a jewel in the Kansas park system, boasting diverse landscapes of rolling hills, dense woodlands, and the magnificent Elk City Reservoir. Comfort Cove Campground capitalizes on this spectacular setting, providing campers with direct access to a wealth of recreational opportunities. From challenging hiking trails to tranquil lakeside relaxation, the park caters to a wide array of interests. The consistent positive feedback from visitors, particularly regarding the park staff, underscores the commitment to hospitality that makes Comfort Cove a favored spot for locals looking to unwind and reconnect with nature. It’s more than just a place to park your rig; it’s a community of outdoor lovers enjoying the best of Kansas.

Comfort Cove Campground is located in Independence, KS 67301, USA, specifically situated within the picturesque Elk City State Park. Independence, in Montgomery County, is a key community in Southeast Kansas, making the campground easily reachable from various points across the state. The park itself is approximately 5 miles west of Independence, providing a perfect blend of natural seclusion and convenient access to town amenities.

Accessing Comfort Cove within Elk City State Park is straightforward, with clear directional signage throughout the park. The internal roads are designed to accommodate a range of vehicles, including large RVs, ensuring a smooth arrival and departure. This proximity to Independence means that campers are never far from necessary supplies, dining options, or emergency services, adding an extra layer of comfort and security to their outdoor adventure. For Kansans, this accessibility means less time traveling and more time enjoying the beauty and activities that Elk City State Park and Comfort Cove have to offer.

• Full Hookup Campsites: Comfort Cove features numerous sites offering full utility hookups, including 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service, water connections, and sewer drops, providing maximum convenience for RVers.

• Water and Electric Sites: Many sites also provide electric and water hookups for those who don't require sewer connections at their site.

• Primitive Campsites: For campers who prefer a more rustic experience, the broader Elk City State Park, including areas like Timber Road, offers primitive campsites without utility hookups, suitable for tents.

• Restrooms and Shower-Houses: Well-maintained and conveniently located restrooms and shower-houses are available, ensuring cleanliness and comfort for all campers.

• Sanitary Dump Station: A dedicated dump station is provided within Elk City State Park for convenient and hygienic waste disposal for RVs.

• Potable Water: Access to potable drinking water is available throughout the campground.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: All campsites are typically equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for outdoor dining and enjoying campfires under the stars. Wood is sometimes supplied for campfires, as noted by a grateful reviewer.

• ADA Accessible Camping: The campground includes ADA-accessible campsites, ensuring comfort and convenience for campers with disabilities.

• Friendly and Professional Staff: Consistently praised by visitors, the campground boasts a "Fab-u-lous lady Cathy who checks you in with a smile, professionalism and wit and charm," and a "nicest guy" in Jacob, the Park Ranger/manager. The entire staff is noted as "friendly and constantly busy," contributing significantly to a positive camping experience.

• Beautiful Views: Campers can enjoy "great views," with some sites offering waterfront access or proximity to Elk City Lake, enhancing the natural appeal of the stay.

• Well-Maintained Hiking Trails: The hiking trails are highlighted as "very well maintained, marked and a little challenging," offering excellent opportunities for outdoor exercise and exploration.

• Clean and Spot-On Amenities: The campground's amenities are described as "spot on" and the sites are "clean," indicating a high standard of upkeep and functionality crucial for a comfortable stay.

• Proximity to Elk City Reservoir: Direct access to the 4,500-acre Elk City Reservoir provides abundant opportunities for boating, fishing (including channel catfish, white bass, crappie, etc.), and other water-based activities.

• Diverse Recreational Facilities within Park: Elk City State Park itself offers numerous amenities including swimming beaches, group shelters, fishing piers, an exercise trail, a disc golf course, an 18-hole par 3 golf course, a kids' fishing pond, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, basketball goals, and a 3-lane boat ramp, ensuring diverse activities for all ages.

• Allowance for Extended Stays: Unlike many state parks with strict 10-14 day limits, Comfort Cove "seems to allow exceptions" for extended stays, catering to "full timers" and those seeking longer retreats, though official KDWPT regulations state a 14-day limit with a possible 14-day extension with park manager permission, and a five-day absence before returning.

Comfort Cove Campground, as part of the Kansas State Park system, adheres to the fee structure set by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). While regular promotional discounts are not typical for state parks, the value is inherent in their established rates and comprehensive amenities. Standard camping fees range from approximately $10 to $21 per night, depending on the type of hookups and site features.

It is crucial for visitors to be aware of the state park vehicle permit requirement. In addition to the campsite fee, a valid state park vehicle permit is necessary for any motorized vehicle entering the park. This can be purchased as an annual permit or a daily permit ($5.00). A specific point of note, as raised by a reviewer, is that an RV (motorhome) with an engine may require its own vehicle permit even when stationary, in addition to any towed vehicle. It is highly recommended to consult the official KDWPT website (ksoutdoors.com) or contact Elk City State Park directly via the provided phone numbers for the most current and precise details on all fees, including daily vehicle permits, camping rates, and any specific policies regarding extended stays or RV types, as policies can evolve. While the park is noted for allowing extended stays, official state park regulations typically limit consecutive stays to 14 days, with a possible 14-day extension if approved by the park manager, and a required five-day absence before returning to the same campground.

For reservations, detailed information on site availability, and clarification on park fees and regulations, please use the contact information below. Reservations for Kansas State Parks, including Comfort Cove, are often facilitated through the ReserveAmerica platform.

Address: Independence, KS 67301, USA (located within Elk City State Park)

Phone: (620) 331-6295

Mobile Phone: +1 620-331-6295

For the most current information and online reservation options, visitors are encouraged to check the official Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website for Elk City State Park (ksoutdoors.com).

For Kansans seeking an exceptional camping experience that blends comfort, natural beauty, and outstanding service, Comfort Cove Campground at Elk City State Park is an ideal choice. Its location near Independence makes it easily accessible for a wide segment of the state's population, facilitating convenient weekend escapes or more extended vacations without the hassle of long-distance travel. This accessibility is a key factor for local residents who value making the most of their leisure time in their home state.

The campground's "Top Notch" status, as praised by visitors, stems from its comprehensive amenities, including full hookups for RVs, clean facilities, and the provision of essential conveniences like campfire wood. This attention to detail ensures a hassle-free and enjoyable stay. Furthermore, the "Fab-u-lous" and "friendly" staff, highlighted in reviews, play a crucial role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment, making campers feel genuinely valued – a quality highly cherished in local communities.

Beyond the excellent facilities and service, Comfort Cove offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation typical of the Kansas landscape. The "very well maintained" hiking trails provide a challenge and connection to nature, while the direct access to Elk City Reservoir ensures endless possibilities for fishing, boating, and enjoying stunning lake views. The park's amenities, from playgrounds to disc golf, cater to diverse interests and age groups, making it perfect for family outings. While the vehicle fee structure might be a point of clarification for some, the overall value and quality of the experience at Comfort Cove consistently earn high praise. It’s a testament to the fact that you don't need to travel far to find a truly exceptional and memorable outdoor adventure right here in the heart of Kansas.