Campgrounds and RV parks near Independence, KS

Independence sits in Montgomery County in southeast Kansas, along the Verdigris River just south of its confluence with the Elk River. The city is the county seat and lies at the intersection of US-75 and US-160, giving RV travelers straightforward highway access from Tulsa, Wichita, and Kansas City. The surrounding landscape mixes tallgrass prairie with the wooded hills of the Cross Timbers region, so most camping options cluster around Elk City Reservoir a few miles west of town. The closest and most popular camping is inside Elk City State Park, an 857-acre park where oak and hickory woodlands meet meadows of big bluestem and Indian grass. Prairie Meadow - Elk City State Park and Timber Road - Elk City State Park are the two main state park loops, offering a mix of full-utility RV sites, water and electric sites, primitive spots, and rental cabins. For travelers who prefer a private park closer to town, Buckeye RV Park, Buckeye Estates & RV Park, and Bell RV Village provide additional hookup sites within the Independence area.

Sites at Prairie Meadow - Elk City State Park and Timber Road - Elk City State Park are reserved through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks system at ksoutdoors.gov, with bookings also available through Reserve America. Prime-season reservations at Elk City, covering April 1 through October 31, open in mid-December for the entire upcoming year, so summer weekends can be locked in months ahead. A state park vehicle permit is required in addition to a camping permit, and both daily and annual options are available. Camping cabin reservations can be made up to 364 days in advance. Kansas enforces a 14-day maximum stay on any one campsite, and minimum-night stays apply on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day weekends. Buckeye RV Park, Buckeye Estates & RV Park, and Bell RV Village handle their own reservations directly with the operator.