Prairie Meadow Campground

For Kansans seeking a truly picturesque and well-cared-for outdoor escape, Prairie Meadow Campground, nestled within the beautiful Elk City State Park near Independence, offers an exceptional camping experience. This beloved campground is celebrated for its stunning lake views, meticulous upkeep, and the genuinely helpful and friendly staff who make every visit a joy. Whether you're an avid RVer looking for a full-service site, a tent camper desiring a tranquil spot, or simply a nature lover drawn to the serene waters of Elk City Reservoir, Prairie Meadow provides an idyllic setting for your next Kansas adventure.

Elk City State Park is a jewel in the Kansas park system, encompassing vast tracts of diverse woodlands and open meadows bordering the expansive Elk City Reservoir. Prairie Meadow Campground is perfectly positioned to leverage this natural grandeur, allowing campers to immerse themselves in the environment, engage in various recreational activities, and create lasting memories. The consistent positive feedback from visitors, particularly praising the helpful hosts and well-maintained grounds, underscores the commitment to quality and hospitality that makes Prairie Meadow a cherished destination for locals returning year after year. It’s a testament to the accessible and high-quality outdoor opportunities available right here in our own Sunflower State.

Prairie Meadow Campground is located in Independence, KS 67301, USA, specifically within the scenic confines of Elk City State Park. Independence, a vibrant community in Montgomery County, is strategically situated in Southeast Kansas, ensuring that the campground is easily accessible from various regions of the state. The park itself lies approximately 5 miles west of Independence, striking an ideal balance between natural tranquility and convenient proximity to town amenities.

Navigating to Prairie Meadow Campground within Elk City State Park is straightforward, with clear signage guiding visitors directly to the camping area. The park's well-maintained internal roads are designed to accommodate a range of vehicles, including large RVs, facilitating easy arrival and setup. This advantageous location near Independence means campers have quick access to essential supplies, dining options, and local attractions, enhancing the overall convenience of their stay. For Kansans, this accessibility minimizes travel time, allowing more moments to be spent enjoying the beauty and recreational opportunities that Elk City State Park and Prairie Meadow Campground proudly offer.

• Campsites with Utility Hookups: Prairie Meadow offers a variety of campsites, including those with 30-amp and 50-amp electrical hookups, often accompanied by water connections, catering to diverse RV and camping needs.

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

• Restrooms and Showers: Well-maintained and clean restroom facilities, including shower houses, are provided for the comfort and convenience of all campers.

• Sanitary Dump Station: A dedicated RV dump station is available within Elk City State Park, ensuring convenient and hygienic waste disposal for RV users.

• Fire Rings and Picnic Tables: Most campsites are equipped with fire rings for campfires (perfect for cooking or evening gatherings) and picnic tables for outdoor dining.

• Pet-Friendly: Prairie Meadow Campground generally welcomes pets, allowing you to bring your furry family members along for your outdoor adventure (standard leash laws and waste disposal rules apply).

• Online Reservations: Campsites can typically be reserved in advance through the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) reservation system, ensuring your preferred spot is available upon arrival.

• Beautiful Lake Views: Many sites offer direct or clear views of the stunning Elk City Reservoir, providing a picturesque backdrop for your camping experience and opportunities for lakeside relaxation.

• Well-Maintained Campground: Visitors consistently praise the campground for being "Well maintained," indicating a high standard of cleanliness and upkeep across the sites and facilities.

• Helpful and Friendly Staff: Reviews frequently highlight the exceptional service from the "helpful and nice" hosts and "courteous rangers," significantly enhancing the overall positive experience.

• Proximity to Elk City Reservoir: Campers have direct access to the 4,500-acre Elk City Reservoir, offering prime conditions for boating, fishing (known for channel catfish, white bass, crappie, and more), and other water sports.

• Access to Extensive Trail System: Elk City State Park is home to a vast network of trails, including the Green Thumb Nature Trail, Table Mound Hiking Trail, Elk River Hiking Trail, and the acclaimed Eagle Rock Mountain Bike Trail, providing diverse options for hiking, nature walks, and mountain biking.

• Family-Friendly Amenities within Park: Within Elk City State Park, guests can enjoy playgrounds, swimming beaches, group shelters, fishing piers, a disc golf course, an 18-hole par 3 golf course, a kids' fishing pond, horseshoe pits, basketball goals, and a 3-lane boat ramp, ensuring recreational opportunities for all ages.

• Repeat Visitor Appeal: The sentiment "We camp here every year!" demonstrates the strong loyalty and satisfaction among local campers, indicating a consistently positive experience that draws them back.

As a state park campground, Prairie Meadow Campground at Elk City State Park operates under the fee structure established by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). While recurring, publicly advertised promotional offers are not standard, the park offers competitive rates for its well-maintained sites and comprehensive amenities. Standard camping fees typically range, varying based on the type of hookups and site features available.

It is important for all visitors to note that a valid state park vehicle permit is required for any motorized vehicle entering the park, in addition to the campsite fee. These permits can be purchased as annual permits or daily permits. For the most current and precise information on camping fees, vehicle permit requirements, and any specific policies regarding long-term stays or group reservations, it is always recommended to visit the official KDWPT website (ksoutdoors.com) for Elk City State Park or contact the park office directly via the provided phone numbers. Any special event-related camping arrangements would also be communicated through official KDWPT channels or park management. The consistent high quality and positive visitor experiences at Prairie Meadow Campground are a testament to the value it provides to campers.

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 Prairie Meadow Campground, are often facilitated through the ReserveAmerica platform or the official KDWPT website.

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, Prairie Meadow Campground at Elk City State Park stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination for outdoor recreation, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and genuine hospitality. Its accessible location near Independence means that a tranquil lakeside retreat is never too far away, making it ideal for convenient weekend getaways or longer, more immersive vacations without the hassle of extensive travel. This ease of access is a significant advantage for local residents looking to maximize their time in the great outdoors.

The consistent praise for the campground's "Beautiful lake!" and "Well maintained" grounds highlights its commitment to providing a high-quality environment. For RVers, the availability of utility hookups ensures a comfortable stay, while tent campers can revel in the serene natural setting. What truly sets Prairie Meadow apart for locals is the exceptional service from the "helpful and nice" hosts and "courteous rangers." This level of personal touch fosters a welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat visits, turning first-time campers into annual returnees who "camp here every year!"

Beyond the comfortable camping experience, the campground's integration into Elk City State Park provides a wealth of recreational opportunities. From fishing and boating on the stunning Elk City Reservoir to exploring the extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails, there's an activity for every interest. The combination of scenic beauty, excellent amenities, and a truly friendly staff makes Prairie Meadow Campground a treasured local asset. It’s a place where Kansans can truly unwind, reconnect with nature, and create cherished memories with family and friends, all within the familiar and beautiful landscapes of their home state.