Marked by a precipitous rock bluff at the northern margin of the river, Elk City Lake offers spectacular nature viewing and sightseeing opportunities, as well as camping options for the recreational vacationer. Located about five miles northwest of Independence in Kansas, this US Army COE park is a great place to enjoy a wide range of recreational pursuits. Featuring seven scenic trails that provide the chance to explore the park on foot and by bike, boat ramps for launching on to the lake, and a wildlife area available for hunting enthusiasts, you are guaranteed a wonderful time at the park. The lake is home to a wide variety of fish species that anglers can test their fishing skills with. Moreover, individual and group picnic opportunities are also open to campers. The flora and fauna present incredible nature views for lovers of wildlife, bird, and nature viewing. The topography of the park is also another spectacle. More recreational opportunities are available at Elk City State Park and Big Hill Lake. Elk City Lake features RV campgrounds with campsites that are equipped with electric hookups and those without. Campground amenities include flush toilets, showers, dump station, and playground.
Located about five miles northwest of Independence, Kansas, off US Highway 160, Elk City Lake can be easily accessed by RVs, trailers, and other motorized vehicles. There are a number of local roads that lead to the park making it is easy to drive to the park. Besides, local roads within the park also connect the campgrounds and sites of interest. If you require an RV or trailer, you’ll find one at the nearby Elk City State Park.
There are parking areas available for RV campers and visitors at Elk City Lake to park their motorhomes and cars. The campgrounds also have parking pads. Moreover, overnight parking is available.
There are no direct public transportation services to Elk City Lake.
Card Creek Park is a COE campground at Elk City Lake that features 19 pet-friendly campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Reservations are not accepted at this lake park campground. The campground is open year-round and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 95 feet. Tents are also allowed in the campground.
Amenities and facilities available at Card Creek Park include flush toilets, showers, water, RV dump station, and boat launch. 15 of the campsites are equipped with electric hookups for RVs and trailers. Fishing and boating are recreational activities that campers often enjoy at this campground.
Outlet Channel COE campground at Elk City Lake consists of 16 pet-friendly campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Reservations are not accepted at this lake park campground. The campground is open between April and October and can accommodate tents, as well as RVs and trailers up to 95 feet.
Amenities and facilities available at Outlet Channel include flush toilets, showers, water, RV dump station, and boat launch. None of the campsites are equipped with hookups for RVs and trailers. Fishing and boating opportunities are, however, available at this campground.
One of the most popular things about Elk City is its seven scenic trails - Table Mound Trail, Eagle Rock Mountain Bike Trail, Post Oak Self-Guided Nature Trail, Elk River Hiking Trail, Green Thumb Nature Trail, Squaw Creek Trail, and Timber Ridge Hiking Trail.
These trails offer opportunities for hiking and mountain biking in the park and meander through the colorful oak and hickory forest that surrounds the lake. Get ready to see interesting rock formations and spectacular views of Elk River as you hike and bike on the park’s trails.
As you arrive at Elk City Lake, you’ll be able to enjoy recreational boating experiences on the lake and get the chance to explore the park’s waters. There are boat ramp facilities available around the lake at this Army COE park for RV campers and visitors who fancy boating. All who wish to launch on to the water are required to operate their boat in a controlled and safe manner while on the lake. Note that boating in this lake park is in accordance with both Kansas state laws and the USS Army COE regulations.
There are excellent opportunities for fishing at Elk City. So, you should carry your fishing gear and tackle in your RV as you visit the park. Be prepared to catch fish species such as wipers, white crappie, largemouth bass, and white bass. In addition to these, other fish that anglers often catch at Elk City Lake include flathead, channel catfish, and various sunfish.
In addition to the recreational fishing opportunities available at this Army COE park, fishing tournaments are also welcome.
If you love to hunt while on vacation, then you shouldn’t think twice about visiting Elk City Lake for your RV camping trip. This US Army COE park features hunting areas that are open to public hunting. Campers will be able to hunt for bobwhite quail, mourning dove, cottontail rabbit, white-tailed deer, and fox squirrel. Various duck species, geese, and turkey are also found within the wildlife area in this lake park and are open to hunting. Take note of the areas marked “Public hunting areas” so that you can be properly guided. You are required by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to practice safe hunting and obey posted signs.
All RV campers and visitors at Elk City Lake have good opportunities to enjoy nice picnic meals with fellow campers, family, and friends at any of the picnic sites available. Group picnic shelters are also available for those who wish to have group picnics and meals. The picnic shelter has a number of amenities that make the experience very exciting. Swimming areas and boat launch sites are located close to the picnic shelters for those that may want to take a dip before or after their meal.
There are so many beautiful and amazing things to view while at Elk City Lake. What stands out first to the camper is the topography of the park that varies from steep slopes to broad lands. Another key feature is the precipitous rock bluff at the northern part of the river valley above the dam site.
If you’re a nature lover, then you’ll be impressed by the native trees and shrubs, hickory, oak, sycamore, birch and other vegetation within the park areas. Wildlife enthusiasts are also treated to sightings of a myriad of reptiles, birds, mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates that inhabit the park.
