Last Updated on November 5, 2026
Discovering Melvern Lake
Just off I-35, about an hour and a half southwest of Kansas City, sits Melvern Lake. This nearly 7,000-acre reservoir on the eastern edge of the Flint Hills offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. There are four U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds around the lake, as well as Eisenhower State Park.
It's the camping opportunities that have brought us back to Melvern Lake on two separate occasions, each offering a slightly different experience.
Our stay at Eisenhower State Park
Our first experience at Melvern Lake was in the fall of 2023, when we stayed at Eisenhower State Park. We spent several days there, working remotely during the week before being joined by our friends over the weekend.
The park was very quiet during our visit, probably because we were there later in the camping season. We stayed in site #80, which is a pull-through site. One thing worth noting, particularly for RVers, is the orientation of the sites along this row. If you want your camping side facing the lake, your utilities will be on the opposite side of the RV, requiring you to route your connections underneath or around the rig.
I will say that there isn't a lot to differentiate Eisenhower State Park from many of the other lakeside campgrounds we've visited. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though. It's a well-maintained park with plenty of recreational opportunities. We brought our bikes along and spent some time exploring the park's 1,785 acres.
One other feature worth mentioning, at least from an RVer's perspective, is the dump station. With four lanes, it's one of the largest we've seen anywhere. I can't imagine there being much of a line, even on a busy Sunday morning!
Fourth of July at Melvern Outlet Campground
Our second trip to Melvern Lake was over the Fourth of July holiday in 2026. This visit was a little different. Instead of staying in our RV, we were tent camping at the Melvern Outlet Campground, another Corps of Engineers park.
Once again, we were joined by our friends Dan and Becky from Bugs On The Windshield, and we shared group campsite #28.
The weather was quite warm during this trip, giving us an opportunity to put our tent's air conditioner to the test. Unfortunately, we quickly discovered that it struggled to keep up when the tent was in direct sunlight. Thankfully, a decent breeze made sitting outside in the shade much more comfortable.
In addition to the heat, we had several thunderstorms move through during our stay. Fortunately, the weather cooperated long enough for us to enjoy the Fourth of July fireworks display over at Eisenhower State Park, which we could see over the dam.
Despite the heat and rain, we had a great weekend visiting with friends, riding our bikes, and enjoying some time away.
What to know before camping at Melvern Lake
If you're considering a camping trip to Melvern Lake, there are a few things worth knowing before making your reservation.
Choosing a campground
Melvern Lake has five main campgrounds, four operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and one operated by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The Corps campgrounds include Arrow Rock, Coeur d'Alene, Outlet, and Turkey Point, while the state operates Eisenhower State Park.
One important distinction is the location of the campgrounds. Eisenhower State Park is situated along the north shore of Melvern Lake, while Outlet Campground is located below the dam rather than directly along the main lake. Outlet does, however, have its own fishing pond, swimming beach, and recreational trails.
Each campground offers a somewhat different experience, so it's worth taking a look at the individual parks before deciding which is best suited to your trip.
Selecting a campsite
As we learned during our two visits, choosing the right campsite can make a significant difference in your camping experience.
For RVers, pay attention to the orientation of the campsite, particularly if you're hoping for a lake view. Also, be sure to check the available hookups, as amenities vary between campgrounds and individual sites. One other detail is worth pointing out. We were fortunate to be in areas at both campgrounds where the sites were spaced out pretty well. We did notice however, that both campgrounds have some sections where the sites were pretty close together.
For tent campers, we would recommend considering the amount of shade available and the distance to the nearest restroom. During our Fourth of July visit, our campsite was conveniently located in some respects, but we found ourselves farther from the restrooms than we would have preferred. It's something we'll pay closer attention to on future trips!
Reservations and park fees
Another important consideration is that the state park and Corps of Engineers campgrounds use different reservation systems.
Reservations for Eisenhower State Park can be made through the Kansas State Park reservation system, while reservations for the Corps campgrounds are handled through Recreation.gov.
Kansas state parks also require a vehicle permit in addition to camping fees, so keep that in mind when comparing costs. Prices and amenities vary depending on the campground, campsite, and time of year.
There are also plenty of recreational opportunities in the area, including fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and biking. At Outlet Campground, the four-mile Tallgrass Heritage Trail begins within the park, making it a convenient option for anyone wanting to explore on foot.
As always, we recommend checking the official campground websites for current fees, availability, amenities, and any seasonal restrictions before heading out.
| Feature | Eisenhower State Park | Melvern Outlet |
|---|---|---|
| Managed by | Kansas State Parks | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
| Location | North shore of Melvern Lake | Below the dam |
| Our experience | RV camping | Tent camping |
| Reservations | Kansas State Park system | Recreation.gov |
Final Thoughts on Camping at Melvern Lake
Having now camped at Melvern Lake on two separate occasions, I can say that it's certainly a destination we'd consider returning to. While neither campground necessarily stands out as being dramatically different from other lakeside campgrounds we've visited, both provided us with enjoyable experiences.
Whether we were relaxing at Eisenhower State Park in the fall or dealing with the summer heat and thunderstorms at Melvern Outlet Campground, both trips gave us an opportunity to slow down, spend time outdoors, and enjoy the company of friends. And really, isn't that what camping is all about?
If you're looking for a camping destination in eastern Kansas, particularly within an easy drive of the Kansas City area, Melvern Lake is certainly worth considering. With several campgrounds to choose from and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, there's something here for a variety of camping styles.
Watch Our Melvern Lake Camping Adventures
Eisenhower State Park – Our Last Camping Trip of 2023
Join us for a relaxing camping trip to Eisenhower State Park, where we spent a few days enjoying the campground and exploring the area.
Fourth of July at Melvern Outlet Campground
Our return to Melvern Lake brought summer heat, thunderstorms, fireworks, and a few lessons about tent camping in challenging weather.