Couer d'Alene Park Campground

For Kansans looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Flint Hills and enjoy expansive lake activities, Coeur d'Alene Park Campground stands as an inviting destination. Situated on the picturesque Melvern Lake, near Lebo, this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) managed campground offers a robust and engaging outdoor experience. It's a place where the rolling prairies meet the vast waters, providing a perfect backdrop for everything from relaxing shoreline exploration to active boating and fishing adventures.

Coeur d'Alene Park Campground is more than just a place to set up camp; it's a vibrant hub for recreational activities that truly showcase the best of Kansas's natural landscape. With its diverse range of campsites, well-maintained facilities, and direct access to Melvern Lake, it caters to a wide array of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're an avid angler hoping to reel in walleye or catfish, a family looking for a safe and clean environment for a weekend getaway, or a hiker eager to explore scenic trails, this campground provides the infrastructure and natural setting to make your visit memorable. Reviewers often praise the "beautiful camp sites," "very clean bathrooms," and the "gorgeous lake," highlighting the overall positive experience visitors can expect.

This campground emphasizes accessibility and enjoyment for all, making it a cornerstone for outdoor recreation in this part of Kansas. It’s an ideal spot for local residents to escape the daily routine, reconnect with nature, and create cherished memories with family and friends amidst the tranquil beauty of the Flint Hills.

Coeur d'Alene Park Campground is strategically located at 31408 Coeur dAlene Parkway, Lebo, KS 66856, USA. This places it directly on Melvern Lake, a significant impoundment on the eastern edge of the Flint Hills of Kansas. The campground’s setting offers a blend of natural serenity with convenient access for residents across Kansas.

Accessibility to the campground is generally straightforward. From US-75, visitors can take the Melvern Exit and travel approximately 2 miles south on Melvern Lake Parkway, then proceed 1 mile northwest on Coeur d'Alene Parkway (which is the campground road). The roads leading to and within the park are typically well-maintained, accommodating various vehicle sizes, including large RVs and travel trailers.

The proximity to Melvern Lake is a major asset, providing campers with direct access to the water for a multitude of activities. While Lebo is a smaller community, larger towns like Emporia and Topeka are within a reasonable driving distance, offering more extensive services such as grocery stores, gas stations, dining options, and other amenities that campers might need during their stay. This balance ensures that visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the lake and campground while still having essential conveniences within reach. The location's integration into the Flint Hills also means picturesque views and opportunities to experience one of America's last expanses of intact tallgrass prairie.

Coeur d'Alene Park Campground provides a comprehensive suite of services and facilities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for a variety of visitors:

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground offers a total of 47 campsites. Of these, 33 sites come with electric hookups (ranging from 20-amp, 30-amp, to 50-amp service), with some sites also including water hookups. Site 1 is notably an accessible site with 50-amp electric, water, and sewer hookups. There are also basic 30-amp electric sites and potentially non-electric sites for tent camping.

• Restroom and Shower Facilities: Visitors benefit from clean and well-maintained flush toilets, vault toilets, and showers, ensuring comfort and hygiene during their stay.

• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available throughout the campground, easily accessible to all campers.

• Dump Station: A convenient sanitary dump station is available on-site for RV and trailer campers, facilitating waste disposal.

• Boat Ramp, Dock, and Marina: Direct access to Melvern Lake is provided through a boat ramp, courtesy docks, and a nearby marina, making it easy for boaters to launch and store their vessels.

• Fish Cleaning Station: For anglers, a dedicated fish cleaning station is available, offering a convenient space to prepare their catch.

• Picnic Shelters and Family Sites: Two group day-use picnic shelters with electric hookups are available for larger gatherings, and several family picnic sites can be used on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Playgrounds: The campground features three playgrounds, providing excellent recreational opportunities for children.

• Swim Beach: A designated swim beach offers a safe and enjoyable area for swimming in Melvern Lake.

• Nature Trails: The campground is connected to two trails: the Breakwater Trail and the 4-mile Tall Grass Heritage Trail, which connects to Arrow Rock Campground, ideal for hiking and exploring the natural surroundings.

These services collectively ensure that Coeur d'Alene Park Campground is well-equipped to host a wide range of campers, providing essential amenities and recreational facilities for an enjoyable outdoor experience.

Coeur d'Alene Park Campground is rich with features and highlights that make it a standout destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Kansas:

• Melvern Lake Access: The campground's prime location on the 7,000-acre Melvern Lake is its biggest draw. This vast body of water offers extensive opportunities for boating, swimming, waterskiing, and general water recreation.

• Exceptional Fishing: Melvern Lake is renowned for its excellent fishing, with anglers frequently targeting walleye, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, black bass, white bass, striped bass, and smallmouth bass. The availability of a fish cleaning station further enhances the fishing experience.

• Extensive Trail System: The park provides access to over 18,000 acres of land surrounding Melvern Lake, featuring plentiful hiking opportunities. The Breakwater Trail and the 4-mile Tall Grass Heritage Trail (connecting to Arrow Rock Campground) offer scenic routes for walking and exploring the unique Flint Hills ecosystem.

• Family-Friendly Amenities: With three playgrounds and a designated swim beach, the campground is particularly well-suited for families with children, ensuring there are plenty of activities to keep younger visitors entertained. Reviewers mention "the little park!" being loved by families.

• Wildlife Viewing and Hunting: The surrounding land provides excellent wildlife habitat, making it a great spot for birdwatching and observing local fauna. During designated seasons, there are extensive hunting opportunities for deer, quail, turkeys, ducks, rabbits, and squirrels.

• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Visitors frequently commend the cleanliness of the campgrounds and facilities. Reviews specifically mention "Beautiful camp sites" and "Very clean bathrooms," contributing significantly to a pleasant stay.

• Scenic Flint Hills Environment: Camping here offers an immersive experience in the iconic Flint Hills, America's last remaining expanse of intact tallgrass prairie. While some areas within the campground might have sparser trees, the overall natural setting is beautiful and unique to Kansas.

• Variety of Site Types: The mix of electric, water/electric, and fully hooked-up sites, along with primitive options, ensures that campers with different equipment and preferences can find a suitable spot.

These features collectively make Coeur d'Alene Park Campground a versatile and highly attractive destination for a wide array of outdoor interests in Kansas.

For all inquiries, reservations, and information regarding Coeur d'Alene Park Campground, please use the following contact details:

• Coeur d'Alene Park Campground (Managed by US Army Corps of Engineers):

  Phone: (785) 549-3318

  Mobile Phone: +1 785-549-3318

  These phone numbers generally connect to the Melvern Lake Project Office, which oversees the campground and lake operations. For direct local information, these are the best numbers.

• Address:

  31408 Coeur dAlene Parkway, Lebo, KS 66856, USA

  This is the physical location of the campground for navigation.

• Online Reservations and Information:

  As a USACE campground, reservations are typically made through the national recreation reservation system. Detailed information about site availability, fees, and rules can also be found there.

  Website: Recreation.gov (Search for "Coeur d'Alene Melvern Lake" or similar terms)

  Additional general information can sometimes be found on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website for Melvern Lake (corpslakes.usace.army.mil).

• General USACE Reservation Line:

  For broader inquiries or reservation assistance, you might also use the general USACE reservation line: (877) 444-6777.

It is always advisable to check the official Recreation.gov website or call the campground directly for the most current information on site availability, seasonal closures, specific regulations, or any alerts before planning your visit.

Coeur d'Alene Park Campground on Melvern Lake is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for residents of Kansas. Its blend of accessible location, diverse recreational opportunities, and well-maintained facilities makes it an ideal choice for a wide spectrum of local outdoor enthusiasts.

Firstly, its strategic location in eastern Kansas, particularly near Melvern Lake, offers an accessible escape for many Kansans. This means less travel time and more time spent enjoying the natural environment. Whether planning a quick weekend trip or a longer family vacation, the convenient drive allows locals to maximize their leisure time and minimize logistical hurdles. The integration with the broader Melvern Lake area, which includes other parks and amenities, further enhances its convenience as a regional outdoor hub.

Secondly, the campground's comprehensive offerings cater perfectly to the diverse interests of Kansas families and individuals. The excellent fishing opportunities on Melvern Lake, with a variety of popular species, are a significant draw for local anglers. The expansive lake also provides ample space for no-wake boating, kayaking, and swimming at the designated beach, catering to water sports enthusiasts. For those who prefer land-based activities, the extensive trail system offers opportunities for hiking and exploring the unique tallgrass prairie ecosystem of the Flint Hills. The presence of playgrounds and the "family friendly" shoreline, as noted by reviewers, ensures that children have plenty of activities, making it an ideal spot for family outings.

Furthermore, the commitment to cleanliness and the presence of essential amenities like clean restrooms, showers, and a dump station contribute to a comfortable camping experience that appeals to a broad range of campers, from seasoned RVers to those new to the outdoors. The natural, yet managed, environment allows for both relaxation and active engagement with nature.

In conclusion, Coeur d'Alene Park Campground is a fantastic local resource for Kansans. It offers an accessible, activity-rich, and well-appointed outdoor experience right in their home state, providing ample opportunities to enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, and simply unwinding in the beautiful natural setting of Melvern Lake and the Flint Hills. It's a place where lasting memories can easily be made, fostering a deeper appreciation for Kansas's natural treasures.

Couer d'Alene Park Campground

31408 Coeur dAlene Parkway,, Lebo, KS 66856, USA