Outlet Park

🏡 **Introduction / Overview: Your Premium Basecamp on the Flint Hills Edge**

For Kansans seeking a top-tier outdoor destination that perfectly blends modern convenience with natural beauty, **Outlet Park Campground** at Melvern Lake is an indispensable local treasure. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), this expansive and highly-rated park is strategically situated directly below the impressive Melvern Lake Dam, near Olivet Township, on the eastern edge of the scenic Flint Hills region.

Outlet Park is widely regarded as one of the most intensively used and amenity-rich campgrounds in the Melvern Lake area, and for good reason. It offers a generous mix of fully-equipped campsites, making it an ideal choice for both large RVs and tent campers who appreciate easy access to utilities and a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Unlike some other park areas focused purely on the main lake, Outlet Park is centered around a picturesque 90-acre River Pond and the tailwaters of the Marais des Cygnes River, providing distinct water activities separate from the larger lake’s motorboat traffic.

Its thoughtful design includes not just camping but multiple recreational facilities, making it a true family-friendly destination. From extensive walking trails to designated fishing and swimming ponds, Outlet Park ensures that every member of your family, from the dedicated angler to the active child, has a reason to unplug and enjoy the great Kansas outdoors.

📍 **Location and Accessibility**

Outlet Park is located in **Olivet Township, KS 66510, USA**, a quiet but easily reachable area of Osage County, Kansas. The campground’s placement below the Melvern Lake Dam gives it a unique setting, nestled in a protected area along the 110-Mile Creek and the Marais des Cygnes River channel.

Its accessibility is one of its major advantages for local users. It is a manageable drive from several major Kansas metropolitan areas:

• Approximately 30-35 minutes from **Topeka, KS**.
• Under an hour’s drive from **Lawrence, KS**.
• A convenient destination for travelers coming from the Kansas City metro area.

To reach the park, visitors typically exit US-75 at the Melvern exit and follow Melvern Lake Parkway to the cut-off road leading directly to River Pond Parkway and into the campground. The roads are well-maintained and designed to accommodate large RVs and trailers, making the final approach stress-free for all types of campers.

🛌 **Services Offered**

As a premiere USACE facility, Outlet Park offers a robust package of services aimed at maximizing visitor comfort and convenience. The campground includes approximately **150 campsites** with a wide range of utility options:

• **Full Hookup RV Sites:** A significant number of sites offer the top-tier combination of **50-amp electric service, water, and sewer hookups**, a major draw for RV owners.
• **Standard Utility Sites:** Additional sites provide **electric and water hookups** (typically 30-amp service) for a comfortable stay.
• **Restroom and Shower Facilities:** Multiple, modern shower buildings with **flush restrooms** and **hot running water** are scattered throughout the park for easy access.
• **Laundry Facilities:** The convenience of **on-site laundromat facilities** is available near the shower houses, a great service for long-term stays.
• **Group Pavilion:** A large, reservable group pavilion is available, complete with a **grill/smoker, restrooms, sink, ceiling fans, and a serving table**, perfect for family reunions or group gatherings (must be reserved by a registered camper).
• **RV Dump Station:** A centralized **sewage dump station** is available for easy and convenient wastewater disposal upon arrival or departure.
• **Drinking Water:** Potable water spigots are readily accessible throughout the camping loops.

✨ **Features / Highlights**

Outlet Park distinguishes itself through its specific, high-quality features that cater to diverse outdoor interests:

• **The River Pond:** The centerpiece of the park is the beautiful, 90-acre **Outlet River Pond**. This body of water is regulated to be **prohibited for gasoline motors**, ensuring a quiet, peaceful atmosphere for fishing and paddling. It is stocked with fish, and special length and creel limits are strictly enforced to promote quality angling.
• **Dedicated Swimming Pond:** In addition to the fishing pond, the park features a separate **27-acre pond specifically designated for swimming**, providing a safe, clean place for families to cool off during the Kansas summers.
• **Extensive Trail System:** Over **three miles of designated pedestrian and/or bicycle trails** meander through the park, including the paved, accessible half-mile surface trail and a two-mile gravel trail that encircles the River Pond, connecting users to all park features and the shoreline.
• **Historical Suspension Bridge:** The park is home to a **historical suspension bridge**, which offers a unique photo opportunity and adds a layer of cultural interest to a relaxing stroll.
• **Family Recreation Amenities:** Two well-equipped **playgrounds**, a **softball field**, and two **sand volleyball courts** ensure there is no shortage of activities for children and adults.
• **Natural Beauty:** The park is situated on the edge of the scenic **Flint Hills**, offering captivating views of native prairie and providing a great location for wildlife observation.

📞 **Contact Information**

As a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) park, the primary contact for reservations, park rules, and operational information is the Melvern Lake Project Office. Please use the following details:

Address: 30442 River Pond Parkway, Melvern, KS 66510, USA (The nearest operational address to the campground)

Phone: (785) 549-3318 (Melvern Lake Project Office)

Reservations: Campsites should be reserved well in advance, especially for summer weekends and holiday periods, typically through the national recreation reservation system (Recreation.gov).

💪 **What is Worth Choosing: Maximum Amenities, Maximum Fun**

The choice to camp at **Outlet Park** is a choice for the maximum convenience and variety in your Kansas camping experience. What makes it truly worth selecting over other nearby options is the unparalleled combination of high-quality, **full hookup sites** and the **dedicated dual-pond water recreation**. For RV owners in particular, the availability of sewer hookups at many sites is a significant advantage, reducing the hassle and extending the comfort of your stay.

For families, the separate, designated ponds—one for **quiet, non-motorized fishing** and the other for a **safe swimming beach**—means the park can cater to different age groups and interests simultaneously. It’s an ideal setting where you can teach a child to cast a line in the morning and then spend the afternoon swimming, all within walking distance of your campsite.

The highly developed recreational infrastructure, including the miles of trails, playgrounds, and sports courts, ensures that rainy days or off-water hours are never dull. Outlet Park is a centrally located, immaculately maintained, and activity-packed USACE facility that delivers on its promise of a memorable and comfortable Midwestern outdoor getaway.