Reviews

L Stape

There are numerous hiking and biking trails to explore, and the two we visited (Table Mound and Elk River) were both very clearly marked and clear of obstructions. Table Mound trail (running from Timber Ridge campsite loop to the dam) has some elevation change, but largely follows the bluffs along the lake, and then ends at a small pavilion overlook where there is great sunset viewing over the lake and dam. Elk River trail is great for a short backpacking trip or long day hike. On the East side, there are interesting rock formations to traverse, and points of interest to explore along the North end of the lake. The West of the trail is flatter, and follows the river. We found a small offroading path (NOT for just any vehicle as the road is very rough and full of larger rocks and holes to navigate almost the entire way) that took us to the midway point of the trail, off of which we could choose to explore just half of the trail at a time. This worked very well for more manageable day hiking. The primitive campsites within the main portion of the park had well-cleaned facilities available, though water spigots were padlocked (most likely due to the post-September season). The staff were friendly and easy to work with - after having been rained out of one reservation, they were helpful in making adjustments. Lake activities are plentiful here, and we actually noted many different bird varieties present during our stay - for those novice birdwatchers out there. :) All in all, we really enjoyed our visit to this state park and hope to return in the future!

Dallas McPheeters

Excellent location with all the amenities whether you want to tent camp or RV with the family. Great fishing and amazing hiking trails. More elevation than you expect in kansas. Will definitely keep on our list to return to. Campsite 312 at Sunset Point is a great waterfront site near public restrooms but not too close. Lots of resident deer are quite tame and will be wandering around the campsites daily. Saw blue herons, geese, and a beaver.

Tim Jacobs

Clean nice park. Unfortunately, there is a lack of trash cans. The only ones we saw at the park were the main dumpsters close to the entrance. With that being said there was very little litter.

Nicole Muchmore

Nicely marked trail. Wouldn't try it after April 15... looks prone to be overgrown and buggy. But early spring was wonderful! Definitely a must-see destination for Kansas backpackers!

DeAnne “Dee” Foster

Just a quick drive from Independence! What a gorrrgeous sunset i got to capture!!!! Just wow! I have alot more, but these are my favs!

Jason Reed

I camped in a primitive spot with a tent. This park was well maintained. I had a beautiful view of the lake and the Table Mound Hiking Trail was wonderful! The two park rangers that were there that patrolled the area were both great to talk to. The rangers were super knowledgeable and told me about a bunch of other parks to try out. They were so great that I set up another campsite that a ranger was telling me about next month so my wife can experience this place with me.

Julie Smotherman

Great place to go camping with the family!! The walking trails are very fun, but beware of poison ivy!!! It is out there! The lake is massive and the primitive camp sites are really nice. There’s some great options that you can reserve to get out away from everyone else & away from the campers. We stayed for 9 days and had a great time!! There is ice & fire wood available for sale up front if you need it. They also have kayak rentals and we did that twice! Had a great time. Everyone we came into contact with was very friendly and happy to help. My only complaint is their “beach” was a little sad looking. there was some grass/weeds growing on the beach and it was fairly small.. we honestly just found access to the lake through a camp site and went down and played in our own area since the beach wasn’t very appealing. The rocks down in that area are beautiful! They’re all flat due to the water wearing them down. It was a great experience for our son!

Sheena Youngers

Very nice place. The lake is beautiful. It was too hot when we visited to get too far into the trails, but we plan to return. The bathrooms were kind of gross and the trees were overgrown around the lookout areas making it hard to see anything other than treetops.