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Elk City State Park
Elk City State Park © Cindy
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ELK CITY STATE PARK
ELK CITY STATE PARK
4825 Squaw Creek Road
Independence, Kansas   67301

Phone: 620- 331-6295
Dense oak-hickory woodlands meet rolling meadows of big bluestem and Indian grass at this striking 857-acre park located west of Independence in Montgomery County. The 4,500- acre Elk City Reservoir and 12,000-acre Elk City Wildlife Area adjacent to the park offer outdoors lovers ample room to pursue their pastimes.

A nationally recognized trails system invites visitors to take a closer look at the rich variety of flora and fauna in and around Elk City State Park. The Green Thumb Nature Trail is a one-mile loop that begins in the state park campground, and rewards hikers with a panoramic vista of the lake, framed by ash and oak trees. Table Mound Hiking Trail and Post Oak Nature Trail are also park attractions. The Elk River Hiking Trail is a scenic 15-mile route that begins at the west edge of the dam and ends near the U. S. Highway 160 bridge on the Elk River. Parking is available at the Memorial Overlook or state park trailheads.

Campgrounds at Elk City offer an array of well shaded sites appealing to recreational vehicle or primitive campers. Conveniently located restrooms and showers, swimming beach, group shelter, fishing piers, and three lane boat ramp offer popular amenities for park visitors.

The expansive Elk City Wildlife Area adjacent to the park offers a rich array of wild inhabitants. White-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail, cottontail, fox and gray squirrels, and prairie chickens can be found here. Common furbearers include beaver, raccoon, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, opossum, mink and muskrat.

Elk City Reservoir offers good to excellent fishing opportunities for channel catfish, white bass, crappie, flathead catfish, largemouth bass and saugeye. A handicapped access fishing dock is located in the state park.
Camping
The camping area has 95 modern sites with 30 or 50 amp electric and water hookup.Eleven sites include sewer hookup, modern restrooms with showers, trailer sewage dump stations, group shelter, fishing piers, accessible fishing dock, and playground facilities.

Camping is permitted in the state park campground and along Table Mound Hiking Trail south of the county road. Toilets are available at Memorial Overlook Trailhead near the dam and the state park trailhead.
Swimming
1. Elk City State Park offers a designated swimming beach for visitors.
2. The park's reservoir is also available for open water swimming.
3. Swimming in the lake provides scenic views of surrounding nature and wildlife.
4. Lifeguards are not on duty, so swimmers swim at their own risk.
5. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult while swimming or near water bodies within the park.
6. The sandy beach area includes picnic tables and grills making it ideal for family outings with post-swim meals possible too.
7. Swimming season typically runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year depending upon weather conditions.
8. Water quality tests are regularly conducted to ensure safe conditions for all swimmers.
9. No diving areas have been marked out clearly around docks due to shallow waters.
10. Park rules require that pets remain leashed but they're allowed along shoreline away from main public use areas.
Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. It features two boat ramps, one located in the east and another on the west side, providing easy access to Elk City Reservoir. The reservoir is known for its clear water which makes it ideal not only for boating but also fishing activities such as angling or fly-fishing. Motorized boats are allowed within designated areas while canoeing and kayaking can be enjoyed throughout most parts of the lake.
Fishing
Fishable Populations: Bullhead, Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Saugeye, White Bass

Motorboat Access: Yes

Special Fishing Regulations: 6 Creel Limit on Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, & Spotted Bass


Location
Elk City State Park is located near Coffeyville, Independence

Picnicking
Elk City State Park in Kansas offers picnic shelters, tables and grills. Enjoy scenic views while eating outdoors with family.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore various trails, suitable for different skill levels. Be cautious of uneven terrain and wildlife.

The Green Thumb Nature Trail offers a 2.75-mile path perfect for mountain biking but requires careful navigation due to steep areas.

For those seeking less challenging routes, the Table Mound trail provides an easier option with its flat surface and scenic views.

Always remember safety measures when cycling: wear helmets, follow marked paths only and respect other park users' space on shared trails.

Nighttime bicycling is not recommended as visibility reduces significantly after sunset; always plan your ride during daylight hours.

Please note that weather conditions may affect trail accessibility - check local forecasts before planning any bike rides in this area.
Trails
Elk City State Park boast a growing network of trails.

* Table Mound Hiking Trail 2 3/4 miles, and * Green Thumb Nature Trial at 2/3 mile are located within the state park Squaw Creek Area. * The mile-long Post Oak Self-Guiding Nature Trail is located at the Overlook area. * Elk River Hiking Trail is a scenic 15-mile route that begins at the west edge of the am and ends near the U. S. Highway 160 bridge on the Elk River.

Parking is available at the Memorial Overlook or state park trailheads.

The Eagle Rock Mountain Bike Trail is approximately 4 miles long and begins with a loop through the big sycamore and oak trees along the Elk River just north of the reservoir outlet. This gives way to a demanding trek through the trees and the ice age boulders that cover the hillside portion of the trial. The third segment of the trail winds through the tall native grasses in the center of the course framed by the river and hillside.

There is ample parking for large groups and excellent campground facilities near by. Out-of-town riders are urged to contact the Elk City State Park office ahead of time. Built exclusively for mountian biking, the trail is great fun for beginner and expert riders.

SCENIC VIEWING

Bird watchers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the many different species of non-game birds and animals on the area. The huge pileated woodpecker is common among the mature trees along the Elk River.

A solar-powered wildlife feeder attracts many species of birds and animals in the park. Wintering waterfowl feeding in the wildlife refuge along Hwy 160 provide spectacular viewing in spring and late fall.
Birding
The park offers diverse bird species, ideal for birdwatching. It includes woodland birds and waterfowl on the reservoir. Birders can explore trails or participate in organized events like Christmas Bird Count.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
April 24 Highly recommend by kevin k
park review stars; one to five Stayed here 18 months while working on the pipeline. Park rangers and staff were very welcoming and helpful. Beautiful park with a nice laundry house that was so handy.
May 6 Thank you, Corp of Engineers by Hoyt Creek Ranch
park review stars; one to five Thank you, COE, for letting the KS Horse Council have a trail ride! I am a native Ks rancher, but the scenery and trails felt like a mixture of WV & CO. What a great experience.
June 25 MY FAVORITE PLACE TO CAMP by GLEN EVERITT
park review stars; one to five CAMP GROUNDS ARE VERY NICE,PARK WORKERS DO A GREAT JOB KEEPING THE PARK NICE.GREAT WATER FOR WATER SPORTS AND FISHING.MY HAT OFF TO PARK MAINT. CREW FOR KEEPING UP WITH THE FLOODING WATERS
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Directions
Elk City State Park4825 Squaw Creek RoadIndependence, KS 67301(620) 331-6295 (Park Office)(620) 331-6820 (Wildlife Office)(785) 273-6740 (Regional Office)

FROM INDEPENDENCE

1. Travel on 160 / 75 Highway west to County Road 3325, 2. There turn right (north) go 1 mile to ?STOP? sign at County Road 4600, 3. Turn left (west) and travel ? mile and then turn right (north) go 1 ? mile north to four way intersection County Road 4800 4. Now turn left (west) ?PARK ENTRANCE?, Squaw Creek Road.

From the 160 / 75 Highway junction

1. Go east approximately ? mile to County Road 3325, 2. There turn left (north) and follow the above directions from the ?STOP? sign. 3. Turn left (west) and travel ? mile and then turn right (north) go 1 ? mile north to four way intersection County Road 4800 4. Now turn left (west) ?PARK ENTRANCE?, Squaw Creek Road.

From the 75 / 400 Highway junction

1. Go south on 75 highway 4 ? miles to County Road 5400 & Sycamore Valley Golf Course, 2. Turn right (west) go 5 miles to County Road 2950, 3. Turn left (south) and go 4 miles to ?PARK ENTRANCE?, Squaw Creek Road.

Follow informational signs posted in the area to the Park Entrance, all county roads leading from the highways are paved to the State Park Entrance.

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Kansas
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Kansas State Parks

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