OUTLET(MELVERN), Melvern, KS

Introduction / Overview

For Kansans seeking an outstanding camping experience that combines natural beauty with exceptional facilities, Outlet Park Campground at Melvern Lake is an absolute must-visit. This highly-rated campground has consistently impressed visitors with its remarkable cleanliness, family-friendly atmosphere, and the genuinely kind and thoughtful campground hosts who go above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. It's not just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a vibrant outdoor destination where children have ample space to play, and the swimming beach is often hailed as "one of the nicest around." If you're planning a trip to Melvern Lake, or simply looking for a top-tier camping spot in Kansas, Outlet Park Campground should be at the very top of your list.

What truly sets Outlet Park Campground apart is its dedication to providing a superior guest experience. Reviewers frequently commend the meticulous upkeep of the facilities, noting that "they keep everything so clean." This attention to detail extends to the overall environment, creating a welcoming and comfortable setting for all campers. The "awesome" campground hosts play a pivotal role in this, fostering a positive and helpful atmosphere that makes visitors feel genuinely appreciated. The diverse campsite options, catering to different preferences for shade and spacing, further enhance its appeal, ensuring that every camper can find their ideal spot. This commitment to quality and visitor satisfaction means that many, like one reviewer, would "go out of way to camp here again."

Beyond the practical amenities, Outlet Park Campground offers a holistic recreational experience. Its location provides immediate access to the expansive Melvern Lake, renowned for its fishing and boating opportunities, while also boasting designated areas for swimming and play. This blend of natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and a strong emphasis on visitor comfort makes Outlet Park Campground a standout choice for Kansans looking to create lasting memories in the great outdoors.

Location and Accessibility

Outlet Park Campground is strategically located on River Pond Parkway in Melvern, KS 66510, USA. This prime address places it directly below the Melvern Lake Dam, offering visitors immediate access to the expansive Melvern Lake and its surrounding natural wonders. Melvern Lake, situated on the eastern edge of the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas, is a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts. The campground's specific location allows for convenient entry and exit, making it easily accessible for all types of camping setups, from tents to large RVs.

For Kansans, the drive to Outlet Park Campground is a manageable journey, positioning it as an ideal destination for weekend getaways or longer vacations without extensive travel time. The campground's proximity to the lake means that boating, fishing, and swimming are readily available activities right on your doorstep. Beyond the immediate lakeside recreation, the surrounding 18,000 acres of land offer plentiful hiking and hunting opportunities, with several trails winding around the lake, including the 4-mile Tallgrass Heritage Trail that begins within the campground itself. This extensive network of trails provides ample opportunities for exploration and connecting with the unique tallgrass prairie ecosystem of the Flint Hills.

The accessibility is further enhanced by its placement within a well-managed area by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ensuring well-maintained roads and clear signage. While the A loop might have "not any shade" due to its giant campsites, the C loop offers "great shade" and the B loop is close to the boat ramp, providing options that cater to different preferences and needs. This thoughtful layout and strategic location make Outlet Park Campground a convenient and desirable camping destination for local Kansans seeking to immerse themselves in the state's outdoor beauty and recreational offerings.

Services Offered

Outlet Park Campground (Melvern) provides a comprehensive array of services and amenities designed to enhance the camping experience for all visitors. The focus on cleanliness and thoughtful facilities is evident in the positive feedback received from campers.

Campsites: The campground offers a large number of family sites, with approximately 140 available. These include full hookup sites with electric, water, and sewer connections (many with 50-amp service), as well as sites with water and 30-amp electric hookups. Primitive camping options may also be available.
Variety of Loops: The campground features distinct loops (A, B, and C), each offering different characteristics. A loop has "giant campsites" and excellent bathroom/shower houses. C loop provides "great shade" with average-sized sites. B loop has slanted pull-through sites that are closer together but also boasts a "really nice shower house" and proximity to the boat ramp.
Restrooms and Showers: Excellent and clean bathroom and shower houses are available, consistently praised by campers for their cleanliness and quality.
Swimming Beach: A highly regarded swimming beach is one of the standout features, providing a clean and enjoyable area for water recreation.
Playgrounds: There are "lots of place for kids to play," including dedicated playground facilities, making it very family-friendly.
Picnic Tables and Fire Pits: Most campsites come equipped with picnic tables, and many also include fire pits for cooking and campfires.
Dump Stations: Convenient dump stations are available for RVs, ensuring proper waste disposal.
Boating and Fishing Access: Proximity to Melvern Lake provides direct access to a boat ramp, accessible dock, and a fish cleaning station. A stocked fishing pond is also on-site.
Hiking and Biking Trails: Several miles of trails, including paved and gravel surfaces, cater to hikers, bikers, and those looking to explore the natural environment. The 4-mile Tallgrass Heritage Trail begins in the campground.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at all campsites, accommodating furry family members.
Group Day-Use Picnic Shelters: Two reservable group shelters with electrical hookups are available for larger gatherings.

Features / Highlights

Outlet Park Campground (Melvern) offers a wealth of features and highlights that make it a premier camping destination in Kansas:

Exceptional Cleanliness: Reviewers consistently praise the campground for being "really great" and "so clean," indicating meticulous maintenance of all facilities and grounds.
Awesome Campground Hosts: The hosts are frequently highlighted as "very kind and thoughtful," contributing significantly to a welcoming and supportive environment.
Fantastic Swimming Beach: Described as "one of the nicest around," the swimming beach is a major draw for families and those seeking water recreation.
Diverse Campsite Options: With various loops (A, B, C), campers can choose sites based on preferences for size ("giant campsites" in A loop), shade (C loop), or proximity to amenities like the boat ramp (B loop).
Spacious Sites: Specifically, the "giant campsites in A loop" offer ample room and privacy, a highly valued feature for many campers.
Modern & Clean Facilities: Excellent bathroom and shower houses across different loops provide comfort and convenience.
Abundance of Play Areas for Kids: "Lots of place for kids to play" ensures that younger campers have plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun.
Proximity to Melvern Lake: Direct access to boating, fishing (walleye, crappie, catfish, bass), and scenic views of the nearly 7,000-acre lake.
Extensive Trail System: Multiple trails for hiking and biking, including the 4-mile Tallgrass Heritage Trail, provide opportunities for active outdoor exploration.
Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding 18,000 acres of land offer chances to spot deer, quail, turkeys, ducks, rabbits, and squirrels.
Pet-Friendly Environment: All campsites allow pets, making it inclusive for the entire family.
Go-Out-Of-My-Way Recommend: A strong testament to guest satisfaction, indicating a highly positive and memorable experience.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a campground managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Melvern Lake, Outlet Park Campground generally adheres to a standardized fee structure, rather than offering frequent, independently run promotional discounts. Their value proposition lies in the high quality of their facilities and the extensive recreational opportunities available at reasonable, federally set rates. However, for Kansans, there are common practices and potential considerations that can offer value:

Standardized Pricing: Rates are typically published and consistent across different booking platforms (like Recreation.gov). These rates are often competitive for the level of facilities and access provided.
America the Beautiful Passes: For eligible individuals (e.g., seniors, military personnel, individuals with disabilities), national park passes may offer discounts on camping fees. Since it's a Corps of Engineers park, these passes often apply.
Off-Season Rates: While not explicitly advertised as a "promotion," camping rates can sometimes be lower during the off-peak seasons (e.g., late fall to early spring) when demand is reduced. It's worth inquiring about seasonal variations in pricing.
Reservation System: The park uses a reservation system (likely Recreation.gov), which allows campers to plan and secure their desired site well in advance, avoiding disappointment, especially for the popular "best spots on the lake" which "are rarely available."

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, availability, and any potential discount programs for which you might be eligible, Kansans should visit the official Recreation.gov website for Outlet Park Campground or contact the Melvern Lake Project Office directly. While you might not find flashing "deals," the consistent value, cleanliness, and extensive amenities at Outlet Park Campground make it a consistently attractive and worthwhile choice for outdoor enthusiasts in Kansas.

Contact Information

For Kansans planning a visit to the highly-rated Outlet Park Campground (Melvern) and seeking to make reservations or inquire about specific details, direct contact with the park management is the most reliable method. The campground hosts are noted for being "awesome, very kind and thoughtful," suggesting that any inquiries will be met with excellent customer service.

Address: River Pond Prkwy, Melvern, KS 66510, USA

Phone: (785) 549-3318

Mobile Phone: +1 785-549-3318

When you contact Outlet Park Campground, it's advisable to inquire about the availability of specific site types (e.g., full hookup, shaded sites in C loop, giant sites in A loop), reservation policies, pet restrictions, and any specific rules or regulations for the swimming beach or boat ramp. Given its popularity and the fact that "it's very hard to get reservations, as they fill up fast," booking well in advance is highly recommended. This direct communication will ensure you have all the necessary information for a smooth and enjoyable camping experience at this exceptional Melvern Lake destination.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Outlet Park Campground at Melvern Lake is an exceptionally suitable destination for Kansans seeking a premier outdoor experience right in their home state. Its strong suitability for locals stems from a combination of outstanding features and a consistently positive reputation. The campground offers a "really great" and "very clean" environment, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant stay for all. For families, the "lots of place for kids to play" and the "swimming beach which is one of the nicest around" provide endless opportunities for wholesome fun and active recreation, making it an ideal family getaway. The fact that the campground hosts are "awesome, very kind and thoughtful" creates a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, where visitors feel valued and well-cared for.

Beyond the amenities, the campground's strategic location below the Melvern Lake Dam provides immediate access to extensive water-based activities like fishing and boating, as well as a network of hiking and biking trails that showcase the natural beauty of the Flint Hills. The variety of campsite options, from "giant campsites in A loop" to shaded spots in C loop, caters to diverse preferences, ensuring every Kansan can find their perfect fit. The consistent high praise from reviewers, with many stating they "would go out of my way to camp here again," underscores the park's ability to deliver a memorable and satisfying experience. For any Kansan looking for a top-tier campground with excellent facilities, friendly service, and abundant recreational opportunities near Melvern Lake, Outlet Park Campground stands out as an unparalleled choice for creating lasting outdoor memories.