Card Creek Campground

Greetings, fellow Kansans! Let’s explore a truly exceptional outdoor destination that offers both tranquility and adventure: Card Creek Campground. Nestled along the beautiful Elk River near Elk City Lake, this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) site provides a peaceful retreat for campers and a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding natural wonders. While it's noted for potential flooding during heavy rains, and fishing success can vary, the overwhelming sentiment from local users highlights its charm as a "Great place for some quiet camping" and a gateway to a "gorgeous" river system. For local users, Card Creek Campground represents an accessible, well-equipped, and serenely beautiful "campground" that allows for deep immersion in the Kansas outdoors.

For those living in and around Southeast Kansas, particularly the Independence area, or indeed anyone across our beautiful state seeking a refreshing outdoor experience, Card Creek Campground provides an engaging and unique environment. It's a place where families can enjoy a small play area, where boaters can explore a stunning river, and where nature lovers can find true quiet. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what makes Card Creek Campground a valuable asset to our community, highlighting its convenient location, the diverse range of services it offers, its appealing features and hidden highlights, and why it's an ideal spot for your next local outdoor excursion.

Whether you're a seasoned camper with your own RV or tent, a passionate paddler or boater looking for new waterways, or simply someone yearning to experience the tranquility and beauty of a Kansas river, Card Creek Campground deserves your attention. The reviews from real customers truly capture its essence: "Great place for some quiet camping. COE site with state park nearby. This camping ground sets at the Elk river near Elk City State Park. 15 site with electric and shares water. 5 spots primitive. The only problem is the flooding from the river during heavy rains. Small play area for the kids. Fishing dock and boat ramp." Another enthusiastic review states: "I went here for a 3 day weekend with thoughts that I'd sneak over to the new State Park (Lehigh) and check out the trails and lake. This campground and area was so cool I never left! This is my new favorite river to run in KS. Narrow deep and gorgeous!! The facilities are top notch! Plenty of gravel roads for biking (DO NOT TRY TO BIKE THE HIKING TRAIL) and the river system goes for miles in both directions. The river was so fun I'm taking my mud motor off my boat and putting on a proper outboard this week to take advantage of the increased speed you can travel due to minimal water hazards. The locals said it's low this year but I don't think I encountered a spot less than 7ft deep until I got close to the lake (it was too silted in to get through even with the mud motor. You can also take Card Creek way back into the country as well. Independence area has some real great recreation spots and this one is right at the top!" These testimonials underscore its quiet charm and exceptional recreational opportunities, particularly for river enthusiasts.

The term "campground" for Card Creek Campground, from a local user's perspective, signifies a well-managed outdoor recreational area overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE). This generally implies a structured environment with designated sites and basic amenities, designed for both short-term stays and longer getaways. It accommodates various camping styles, offering both electric hookups for RVs and primitive sites for tent campers seeking a more rustic experience. While it's part of the broader Elk City Lake/State Park area, Card Creek specifically emphasizes river access and a quieter atmosphere, making it distinct from the busier sections of the state park. For Kansans, such a "campground" is a cherished public resource, providing accessible means to enjoy the state's natural beauty, whether for a quiet fishing trip, an adventurous river journey, or a weekend campout in a serene setting.

Card Creek Campground is ideally located in Elk City, KS 67344, USA, positioning it perfectly for outdoor enthusiasts in Southeast Kansas. More specifically, it "sets at the Elk River near Elk City State Park" and is "5 miles west of Independence Kansas," offering both convenient access to a local town and immediate proximity to significant natural features. This location allows for a serene camping experience right next to the river, with the added benefit of being near the amenities and extensive recreational opportunities of Elk City State Park and Elk City Lake.

For those living in nearby communities like Independence, Cherryvale, Parsons, or even further afield in Wichita or Topeka, Card Creek Campground is generally accessible via Kansas's well-maintained highway system leading to the more localized roads around Elk City. The drive itself offers a pleasant journey through the Kansas countryside. While some rural roads might require attention, the general accessibility is good. Ample parking is typically available at the campground for both campers and day-use visitors utilizing the boat ramp or fishing dock. The ease of access, combined with its peaceful riverfront setting, makes it an ideal spot for spontaneous outings or planned camping trips for local Kansans, particularly those with a love for river activities.

From the perspective of a local user, the location is a significant advantage. Its proximity to Independence means that campers are never too far from supplies or services, providing a convenient balance between natural seclusion and urban accessibility. More importantly, its direct access to the Elk River makes it a prime location for boating, kayaking, or simply enjoying the tranquil flow of the water, a feature highly valued by those seeking river-based recreation in Kansas.

Card Creek Campground, as a COE site, offers a well-defined set of services and facilities designed to provide a comfortable and functional camping experience. Based on customer reviews and public information, here are the key services you can expect:

• Diverse Campsite Options:
  • Electric Campsites: Features 15 sites with electric hookups, suitable for RVs and tents requiring power. These sites likely share water access.
  • Primitive Campsites: Offers 5 primitive spots for tent campers seeking a more rustic experience without hookups.
• Restroom and Shower Facilities: A shower building restroom is available, providing essential hygiene amenities for campers. Additionally, a vault toilet is on-site for convenience.
• Boat Ramp: Provides a boat ramp, offering direct access to the Elk River and Elk City Lake for boating, kayaking, and canoeing.
• Fishing Dock: A designated fishing dock is available, providing a convenient spot for anglers to cast their lines directly from the campground.
• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is provided for RV waste disposal.
• Drinking Water: Shared water access points are available for campers.
• Play Area: A "small play area for the kids" is on-site, making the campground family-friendly.
• Gravel Roads: The presence of "plenty of gravel roads for biking" suggests a well-maintained internal road system suitable for recreational activities within the campground area.
• Year-Round Camping: Information indicates that camping is available year-round, offering flexibility for off-season visits.
• Proximity to Hiking Trails: The campground is adjacent to the Elk River Hiking Trail and near other extensive trail systems in Elk City State Park.

These services collectively support a wide range of outdoor activities, catering to various camping styles and recreational interests.

Card Creek Campground boasts several distinctive features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for local outdoor enthusiasts in Kansas. These attributes, vividly described by visitors and confirmed by public data, underscore its unique appeal:

• Exceptional River Access and Scenery: A standout feature is its direct proximity to the "gorgeous" Elk River, described as "Narrow deep" and "my new favorite river to run in KS." This makes it ideal for river activities like boating, kayaking, and exploring the river system for miles in both directions, offering a unique landscape often unexpected in Kansas.
• Tranquil and Quiet Atmosphere: Reviews consistently praise it as a "Great place for some quiet camping," emphasizing its serene environment. This provides a genuine escape from noise and crowds, allowing for true relaxation.
• COE Managed Site: Being a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) site typically indicates a well-maintained and regulated facility, ensuring a consistent standard of quality and oversight.
• Diverse Camping Options: The offering of both 15 electric campsites (with shared water) and 5 primitive spots caters to a wide range of camping preferences, from those seeking basic hookups to those desiring a more rustic experience.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The "small play area for the kids" makes it an inviting destination for families, providing a dedicated space for children's recreation.
• Boating and Fishing Infrastructure: A dedicated boat ramp and fishing dock offer convenient access for water-based recreation, even if fishing success (as noted by one reviewer for specific species) can vary. The river itself is described as "absolutely full of Gar and schooling Shad," indicating a vibrant ecosystem.
• Extensive Recreational Opportunities: Beyond the immediate campground, its location near Elk City State Park provides access to extensive hiking and biking trails, including the Elk River Hiking Trail and "plenty of gravel roads for biking," making it a hub for active outdoor pursuits.
• Accessibility to Other Natural Areas: The ability to explore "Card Creek way back into the country" further expands the adventurous possibilities, offering more secluded areas to discover.

These features collectively create a unique and highly recommended destination that serves both the practical needs of campers and the desire for serene, active outdoor experiences in Kansas.

To plan your camping trip, inquire about site availability, or learn more about the amenities and features at Card Creek Campground, you can easily reach out using the provided contact information. For the most current conditions, particularly regarding river levels or any advisories about flooding, direct communication is highly recommended.

Address: Elk City, KS 67344, USA (located 5 miles west of Independence, KS, along the Elk River)

Phone: (620) 336-2741

Mobile Phone: +1 620-336-2741

As a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) site, Card Creek Campground can also be found and potentially reserved through the Recreation.gov website (search for "Card Creek, Elk City Lake"). This platform often provides detailed information on site availability, fees, rules, and online reservation systems. It is always a good practice to check this official site or call ahead, especially during peak season or if you have specific needs regarding site amenities. Given the past issues with flooding, checking current river conditions with the campground or local authorities before your visit is a wise precaution.

Connecting with them directly by phone or utilizing the Recreation.gov platform will allow you to get the most precise and timely information for your planned visit, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience at this unique Kansas outdoor gem.

Card Creek Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination for locals in Kansas for a multitude of compelling reasons, cementing its place as a truly valuable community resource for outdoor recreation. For Kansans seeking genuine tranquility and an immersive river experience, its "quiet camping" atmosphere and direct access to the "gorgeous" Elk River are unparalleled. This allows for peaceful relaxation and exceptional opportunities for boating, kayaking, and exploring the river's deep, narrow stretches, offering a distinctive natural adventure right in our backyard.

Its management by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) typically ensures a well-maintained facility with structured amenities, including both electric and primitive campsites, a bath house, boat ramp, and a fishing dock. This provides a reliable and comfortable camping experience for a variety of preferences. While the river's fishing can be challenging for some species, the sheer "aliveness" of the river, with its abundant Gar and Shad, presents a unique ecological spectacle and adds to the wild beauty of the area.

Furthermore, the campground's proximity to Elk City State Park and its extensive network of hiking and biking trails means that visitors have a vast array of additional recreational opportunities within easy reach. Whether it’s hitting the trails, exploring the native landscapes, or enjoying the small play area with kids, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast. The ability to explore "Card Creek way back into the country" offers even more secluded adventure for those willing to venture further.

In conclusion, Card Creek Campground is perfectly suited for locals because it offers a unique blend of serene camping, exceptional river recreation, and convenient access to broader outdoor activities. It's a place where you can truly escape, connect with nature, and explore the often-underestimated beauty of Kansas's rivers and woodlands. It truly serves as a valuable local resource that significantly contributes to the active, adventurous, and peaceful lives of Kansans, proving to be a top-tier destination for those who cherish the state's natural treasures.

Card Creek Campground

Elk City, KS 67344, USA