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4825 Squaw Creek Road Independence, KS 67301
- Exercise Trail
- Length- .5 miles
- Terrain - Gravel
- Difficulty level – Easy
- Usage – Walking
- This is an exercise trail in the Day Use Area. It is 1/2 mile in length and has various exercise apparatus along the trail.
- Post-Oak Self-Guiding Nature Trail
- Length- 1 mile
- Terrain - Natural
- Difficulty level – Easy
- Usage – Walking
- This 2/3-mile trail located on the top of the table mound is a relatively easy hike. The trailhead is located at the scenic overlook near the dam. The old-growth forest setting that this trail winds through is indicative of the Cross Timbers region. A wide variety of tree species can be found here with many specimens being well over 200 years in age. A self-guiding brochure has been developed to coincide with this trail to be used as an interpretive aid for the user. This trail has been designated as a National Recreation Trail under the U.S Department of the Interior’s National Trail System.
- Green Thumb Nature Trail
- Length- 1 mile
- Terrain - Natural
- Difficulty level – Moderate
- Usage – Walking
- This interpretive nature trail is a loop design with its trailhead located in the Timber Road Campground. Features of the trail include two wooden pedestrian footpaths, which are about 33-40 feet in length, and interpretive signing informing hikers of the plants and animals native to this area. The trail is described as a moderately strenuous hike that is somewhat uphill. At the top of the hill, the surrounding trees frame a spectacular view of Elk City Lake.
Table Mound Hiking Trail:
- Length- 2.75 miles
- Terrain - NA
- Difficulty level – Moderate
- Usage – Walking, Canoe/Kayaking
This linear trail has a trailhead at the Scenic Overlook near the dam and at Timber Road Campground, northwest of the State Park office. Due to the length of this trail, it is able to give witness to the hiker many different and picturesque scenes. If chosen to begin the trail at the Scenic Overlook, the trail runs north .2 mile atop the edge of Table Mound along the edge of a 20-foot bluff. After dropping through a crack in a rock and going down to the foot of the bluff, it turns sharply south.
For about the next .5 mile, the trail passes along vertical rock walls, boulder fields, and cave-like formations. The trail then drops down through a ravine and crosses the county road. For the next 1.9 miles, the trail winds through forested hills and crosses three small creeks. The final segment is .15 miles and is along an old roadway. This particular trail is blazed with blue paint markings and is considered a moderately strenuous hike. This trail has been designated as a National Recreation trail under the U.S Department of the Interior’s National Trail System.
- Osage Lowland Bike Trail
- Length- 2.5 miles
- Terrain - Paved
- Difficulty level – Easy
- Usage – Walking, Biking
- ADA Accessible
- This is a paved trail through the Osage Lowland day-use area of the State Park. It has views of the wildlife area, and the south side of the lake and is available for walking or bike riding.
- Osage Lowland Hiking Trail
- Length- 3.3 miles
- Terrain - Paved
- Difficulty level – Easy
- Usage – Walking, Mountain Biking
- This is a paved trail through the Osage Lowland Day Use Area of the State Park. It has views of the wildlife area, and the south side of the lake and is available for walking or bike riding.
- Eagle Rock Mountain Bike Trail
- Length- 4 miles
- Terrain - Natural
- Difficulty level – Easy to Moderate
- Usage – Mountain Biking, Canoe/Kayaking
- This trail was designed with the beginner mountain biker in mind but also for the experienced mountain biker to excel. On its path, which passes by large sycamore and oak trees, the trail has roller coaster dips, straight and winding climbs, downhills, and log jumps with ride-around provided in most places for the less skilled riders. The trail begins along the Elk River just north of the reservoir outlet. The wooded portion of the trail soon gives way to a trek through ice age boulders that cover the hillside. Another segment of the trail winds through tall native grasses. Like all the trails at Elk City Lake, the scenery seen along the Eagle Rock trail is phenomenal.
Modern Cabins
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1
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Primitive Cabins
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0
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Primitive Campsites
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53
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Electric and Water Hookups
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85
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Standard Full Hookups
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14
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- Pileated woodpeckers
- White-tailed deer
- Turkey
- Bobcats
- Coyotes
- Indigo Buntings
- Orioles
- Chuck-will's-widow
- Barred Ols
- Whip-poor-wills
- Channel catfish
- White bass
- Crappie
- Flathead catfish
The world-record 123-pound flathead catfish was caught in Elk City Reservoir.
Elk City State Park FAQs
Do I need a permit to visit Elk City State Park?
You’ll need to purchase a Vehicle Permit for daily visits or have a valid State Park Passport.
A Camping permit is required for overnight stays. 14-Day, Seasonal, and Annual Camping Passes are also available online as well as at the State Park Offices.
Elk City State Park Office - (620) 331-6295
Park Permits
Where can I buy the permits needed to get into Elk City State Park?
Vehicle permits, camping, and utility permits are required year-round and are available online, from the office, or self-pay station.
Elk City Park Office - (620) 331-6295
Purchase Permits
Do you have to pay to get into Elk City State Park?
Yes, Elk City State Park requires a permit for park usage and overnight stays. For more information on State Park fees, please click here.
Elk City State Park Office - (620) 331-6295
Park Fees
Are dogs allowed at Elk City State Park?
Yes, all pets must always be restrained by a camper, cage, hand-held leash, or tethered chain no longer than 10 feet. They are not allowed on swimming beaches or swimming areas that are delineated by buoys or other markers or in public buildings or structures. Dogs participating in authorized activities or assisting the visually or hearing impaired are not subject to these restrictions.
Park Rules
Can I fish at Elk City State Park?
Yes, fishing is permitted at Elk City State Park. Questions pertaining to fishing should be directed to the Elk City State Park Office - (620) 331-6295.
Fishing License
Can I hunt at Elk City State Park?
Questions pertaining to hunting and the wildlife area should be directed to the Elk City State Park Office - (620) 331-6295
Hunting License
Can I fly a drone at Elk City State Park?
Drone flying is only permitted in some designated areas at some State Parks. Please contact the Elk City State Park Office at (620) 331-6295for more information on whether or not drone flying is permissible.
More About Drones
Elk City State Park Photos