Arrow Rock Park Campground

Introduction / Overview: Your Gateway to Melvern Lake and the Flint Hills

For Kansans seeking a pristine, well-maintained, and amenity-rich outdoor experience, the Arrow Rock Park Campground stands out as a premier destination. Situated on the scenic shores of Melvern Lake, on the eastern edge of the famed Flint Hills, this campground offers a perfect blend of water recreation and quiet prairie solitude. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), Arrow Rock is consistently praised by local visitors for its cleanliness and the dedication of its friendly, helpful hosts.

This is not a primitive, back-to-basics camp; Arrow Rock is designed for comfort and convenience, featuring clean, modern facilities that make camping accessible and enjoyable for families, RV enthusiasts, and tent campers alike. Its location is described as one of the most scenic parks on Melvern Lake, boasting a hilltop picnic area that provides users with an excellent panoramic vista of the water and the surrounding landscape. The park serves as an ideal base camp for exploring the expansive Melvern Lake and the 18,000 acres of land dedicated to recreation and wildlife surrounding it.

While some campsites may be situated close together, and there may be occasional train noise—a nostalgic reminder of the Kansas rail lines—the overall experience is one of peace and high quality. With plenty of activities, from swimming and boating on the lake to exploring the adjacent trails, Arrow Rock Park Campground delivers a comprehensive and highly recommended Kansas camping adventure.

Location and Accessibility: South Shore of Melvern Lake

Arrow Rock Park Campground is conveniently located about halfway up the south side of Melvern Lake, near the small town of Lebo, Kansas. This prime location places campers directly in the heart of one of the state’s favorite recreation areas, offering direct access to the water and surrounding wilderness.

The official address for the park is: Arrow Rock Pkwy, Lebo, KS 66856, USA. For navigation purposes, the park can also be referenced by its Corps of Engineers designation as one of the four COE campgrounds on Melvern Lake (alongside Outlet, Coeur d' Alene, and Turkey Point). Access to the park is generally via well-maintained roads, making it easily accessible for all types of vehicles, including large RVs and trailers. The proximity to the Flint Hills—America’s last expanse of intact tallgrass prairie—means that while the immediate area is wooded in parts, the landscape quickly opens up to the stunning, rolling prairie vistas that define the region.

Services Offered for Campers

Arrow Rock Park Campground offers a robust array of services designed to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free stay for all visitors. The focus on clean, reliable facilities is a consistent highlight in customer feedback.

• Utility Campsites: The campground features 19 sites with water and 30-amp electric hookups, providing essential utilities for RVs and trailers.
• Basic Campsites: 24 basic campsites are also available for tent campers or those not requiring utility hookups.
• Restroom and Shower Facilities: Campers benefit from two shower houses and flush toilets, which are frequently described by guests as clean and well-maintained.
• Drinking Water: Potable water is readily available throughout the campground.
• Sanitary Dump Station: An on-site dump station is provided for RV waste, adding convenience for long-term stays.
• Cell Service: Unlike many remote campgrounds, cell service is available, a major plus for those who need to stay connected.
• On-Site Amenities: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring or grill combination.

Features and Highlights: Recreation and Scenery

What truly sets Arrow Rock apart are the recreational opportunities provided by its location on Melvern Lake and its natural setting.

• Lakeside Recreation: The campground provides direct access to Melvern Lake, a body of water spanning nearly 7,000 acres. Popular activities include boating, swimming, and fishing.
• Angler’s Paradise: The lake is highly regarded for its fishing, with abundant species including walleye, crappie, channel catfish, and various types of bass. A fish cleaning station is available for angler convenience.
• Tallgrass Heritage Trail Access: The campground provides a trailhead behind the shower facilities for the 4-mile Tallgrass Heritage Trail, allowing campers to immediately immerse themselves in the surrounding tallgrass prairie environment.
• Scenic Picnic Vistas: A central hilltop picnic area offers a panoramic vista of the lake, perfect for day visitors or campers seeking a meal with a view.
• Family Fun: A playground on site ensures that children have a dedicated and safe area to play and burn off energy, making it a great choice for families.
• Boat Ramp and Dock: Convenient access to a boat ramp and dock makes launching watercraft quick and easy for boating and fishing enthusiasts.
• Friendly Camp Hosts: Customer reviews consistently highlight the friendly and helpful nature of the on-site campground hosts, adding a welcoming and secure element to the stay.

Contact Information

For reservations, current operating status, or information regarding specific campsite features and availability, prospective guests are advised to use the contact information for the Corps of Engineers Melvern Lake office. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, and are typically managed through the national recreation reservation system.

• Address: Arrow Rock Pkwy, Lebo, KS 66856, USA
• General Information Phone: (785) 549-3318 (Corps of Engineers Melvern Lake Office)
• Reservation Line: (877) 444-6777 (National Recreation Reservation Service)

What is Worth Choosing Arrow Rock Park Campground

Arrow Rock Park Campground is an outstanding choice for Kansas residents and visitors for several key reasons that differentiate it from other regional options.

The primary draw is the Exceptional Quality and Maintenance. The consistent customer feedback praising the cleanliness and maintenance of the grounds, bathrooms, and showers means campers can rely on a high-standard, hygienic environment. This focus on quality by the COE and the on-site hosts directly enhances the comfort and enjoyment of every visitor.

Secondly, the Ideal Location for Water Sports and Hiking is unmatched. Being positioned on Melvern Lake provides immediate access to some of the best fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities in East Central Kansas. Furthermore, the direct trailhead access to the Tallgrass Heritage Trail allows hikers and nature lovers to quickly step into the unique ecosystem of the Flint Hills.

Finally, it offers a High-Value Camping Experience with the necessary amenities for a modern camping trip. The provision of electric and water hookups, a dump station, good cell service, and a playground creates a hassle-free environment, especially for RVers and families. While the train noise is a factor, the blend of clean facilities, utility hookups, and vast recreational potential at an affordable public rate makes Arrow Rock Park Campground a compelling choice for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors in Kansas. It is an organized, secure, and beautiful spot to relax and explore the Melvern Lake area.