🌤 Weather at Elk City State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36–76 °F | 65–90 °F | 36–81 °F | 23–49 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Columbus, 13 mi away, elevation 893 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Elk City State Park is a public state park in Kansas near Independence in Montgomery County. Spanning 857 acres and established in 1967, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Kansas |
| Nearest City | Independence |
| County | Montgomery |
| Park Size | 857 acres |
| Established | 1967 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.4/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Elk City State Park is located near Independence, Kansas. The park’s coordinates are 37.2833, -95.0333.
Things to Do
Kansas state parks center largely around the state’s 24 federal reservoirs and lakes, offering outstanding water-based recreation in the heart of the Great Plains. Activities include boating, sailing, and water skiing on large prairie lakes, fishing for walleye, crappie, and striped bass, swimming at sandy reservoir beaches, camping under dramatic open skies, hiking through tallgrass prairie and limestone canyons, mountain biking developing trail networks, hunting (in season), and observing spectacular night skies with minimal light pollution.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) provide the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities. Summer (June–August) is peak season for lake recreation but brings intense Kansas heat (95°F+) and humidity. Fall is excellent for hiking and fishing as temperatures cool. Winter can be harsh with cold winds, but it offers solitude, eagle watching, and some of the lowest camping fees. Wildflower season on the Flint Hills prairies (April–May) is a must-see natural spectacle.
Visitor Tips
Kansas state parks require a vehicle permit ($5/day or $25/year for residents, $50 out-of-state). Camping reservations through the Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism website. Many Kansas parks are designed primarily around lake recreation — bring your own watercraft or rent from concession marinas. Shade can be limited at prairie parks, so bring sun protection. Wind is a constant factor — check forecasts before boating.
Explore More Kansas State Parks
Elk City State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Kansas. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Kansas guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Crawford State Park (Kansas) (within about an hour’s drive) or Crawford State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
⛺ Camping at Elk City State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Areas data by campground: Timber Road 1 water/electric (reservable); Day Use 48 primitive + 68 water/sewer/electric + 20 water/electric (reservable, ADA camping available); Comfort Cove 9 primitive + 52 water/sewer/electric + 43 water/electric (reservable, ADA camping available). |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 1 cabin - Prairie Meadow, ADA accessible, modern. |
| Pets | Statewide KDWP rule: pets must be restrained by leash, chain or kennel no longer than 10 feet and are not allowed on swimming beaches or in buildings. |
| Reservations | Book via KSOutdoors.com/CampItKS.gov or ReserveAmerica.com, by phone, or at the park office, (620) 331-6295. Vehicle permits required. General KDWP cancellation policy applies. |
| Special sites | Diverse trail system: Eagle Rock Mountain Bike Trail, Post-Oak and Green Thumb Nature Trails, Table Mound Hiking Trail, Osage Lowlands Hiking Trail; nearby Elk River Hiking Trail (15 miles). Special regulation: 35-inch minimum length and 5-fish max creel limit on blue catfish. |
Camping questions about Elk City State Park
Can you camp at Elk City State Park?
Areas data by campground: Timber Road 1 water/electric (reservable); Day Use 48 primitive + 68 water/sewer/electric + 20 water/electric (reservable, ADA camping available); Comfort Cove 9 primitive + 52 water/sewer/electric + 43 water/electric (reservable, ADA camping available).
How do you reserve a campsite at Elk City State Park?
Book via KSOutdoors.com/CampItKS.gov or ReserveAmerica.com, by phone, or at the park office, (620) 331-6295. Vehicle permits required. General KDWP cancellation policy applies.
Are there cabins at Elk City State Park?
1 cabin - Prairie Meadow, ADA accessible, modern.
Are pets allowed at the Elk City State Park campground?
Statewide KDWP rule: pets must be restrained by leash, chain or kennel no longer than 10 feet and are not allowed on swimming beaches or in buildings.
Source: ksoutdoors.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Elk City State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Kansas state parks, including trails and campgrounds, but must always be restrained by a camper, cage, hand-held leash, or tether no longer than 10 feet.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Hand-held leash or tethered chain no longer than 10 feet (or confined in camper/cage)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed on swimming beaches or in buoyed swimming areas, or in public buildings
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed inside cabins except in designated pet-friendly cabins (e.g. at Lovewell, Eisenhower, El Dorado, Clinton) with a $50 pet fee; at other cabins pets must stay outside
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $50 pet fee for designated pet-friendly cabins
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Dogs participating in authorized activities (such as hunting) or assisting the visually or hearing impaired are exempt
Are dogs allowed at Elk City State Park?
Pets are allowed in Kansas state parks, including trails and campgrounds, but must always be restrained by a camper, cage, hand-held leash, or tether no longer than 10 feet. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via ksoutdoors.gov. More: Kansas state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Elk City State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
