Outlet Park Campground Loop A

### 🌳 Introduction / Overview: Discovering Outlet Park Campground Loop A

Nestled within the larger Outlet Park complex at Melvern Lake, **Outlet Park Campground Loop A** is a cherished camping area for Kansas residents seeking a blend of beautiful natural scenery and convenient amenities. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), this particular loop is well-known for offering spacious, high-quality campsites that focus on providing essential utility hookups—specifically water and electricity—perfect for both RVs and tent campers who desire a little extra comfort.

The entire Outlet Park sits below the Melvern Lake Dam, creating a unique, tranquil environment around the 90-acre River Pond. Loop A provides direct access to this setting and the extensive trail system that surrounds it. Customer feedback consistently praises the park's visual appeal, noting its "beautiful campground" and the fact that the individual lots are "spacious." The grounds are described as "outstanding, inviting, and very well kept up," reflecting the high standards of maintenance provided by the COE. For campers who value a well-maintained site, generous space, and easy access to excellent fishing and walking trails, Loop A at Outlet Park is an ideal Kansas getaway.

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### Location and Accessibility: Below the Dam at the River Pond

Outlet Park Campground Loop A is located in the beautiful, natural 'Outlet Area' of the Melvern Lake Project, found on the eastern edge of the scenic Flint Hills region. The official address for the area is **Outlet Area, Melvern, KS 66510, USA**.

The campground is strategically positioned below the main lake's dam, which creates the peaceful and separate body of water known as the Melvern River Pond. This setting shields the area from the primary boating traffic and noise of the main lake, cultivating a quiet atmosphere that many campers seek. Access to the park is generally straightforward, being located a manageable distance from major Kansas cities. The park is easy to navigate, with campsites situated along a circumference road that circles the River Pond. Loop A is one of three main camping loops in the park, all offering excellent proximity to fishing spots, trailheads, and communal facilities. The convenience of this location, combined with the quiet setting, makes it a favored destination for weekend trips and extended stays alike.

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### Services Offered

Loop A and the wider Outlet Park area provide a comprehensive list of services to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free camping experience. While Loop A specifically caters to partial hookups, all park facilities are available to campers.

• **Water and Electric Hookups:** Loop A sites are primarily categorized as **Water and 30-Amp Electric** hookups. There are 61 sites in the overall park (including Loop A) that offer this convenient service. Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring or grill.
• **Modern Sanitary Facilities:** The overall Outlet Park features four modern shower buildings with flush toilets, which are meticulously maintained. Campers in Loop A have convenient access to these central facilities.
• **Sanitary Dump Station:** A centralized RV dump station is available within Outlet Park for easy disposal of waste upon arrival or departure.
• **Potable Water:** Accessible spigots and running water are available throughout the campground area to refill water tanks and containers.
• **Laundry Facilities:** For extended stays, laundromat facilities are available at certain shower buildings within the park complex, providing a key convenience for long-term campers.
• **Group Camping Availability:** The Outlet Park also offers youth group camp areas (for a fee) that can be reserved through the Project Office, ideal for organized scouting or family groups.

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### Features / Highlights

The unique setting of Outlet Park Campground Loop A offers a wealth of recreational features that distinguish it as a premier destination in Kansas.

• **Premier River Pond Trail System:** A major highlight is the extensive trail system, often noted by reviewers. The **River Pond Trail** is a popular 1.5-mile loop surrounding the water, perfect for walking, running, and bicycling. The trail system totals over three miles, including a paved, ADA-accessible section.
• **Excellent Fishing Opportunities:** The 90-acre Melvern River Pond, which the loop encircles, is a well-managed fishing spot with special length and creel limits. Campers consistently praise the "great fishing," and there is a designated fishing pier for easy bank access. Note that the pond strictly prohibits gasoline motors, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere.
• **Historical Suspension Bridge:** A unique feature within the park is the historical suspension bridge, which adds a touch of charm and offers a scenic viewpoint for walkers and photographers.
• **Family Recreational Areas:** The Outlet Area features excellent family amenities, including two playgrounds, a softball field, and two sand volleyball courts, ensuring plenty of outdoor fun for children and groups.
• **Swimming Pond:** A separate 27-acre pond is designated specifically for swimming, allowing families to cool off and enjoy the water safely away from the fishing and boating areas.
• **Natural Prairie and River Bottom Trails:** Beyond the River Pond loop, the park offers the Marais des Cygnes River Nature Trail and the River Bottom Nature Trail, providing hikers with a chance to explore the authentic river biosphere and local tallgrass prairie ecosystems.

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### Contact Information

For reservations and general inquiries about Outlet Park Campground and Melvern Lake, prospective campers should contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Project Office.

**Address:** Outlet Area, Melvern, KS 66510, USA (The nearest main office is typically cited as the Melvern Lake Project Office, 31051 Melvern Lake Parkway, Melvern, KS 66510)

**Phone:** (785) 549-3318

**General Information Phone (Corps of Engineers):** +1 785-549-3318

It is highly recommended to make reservations well in advance, especially for weekend and summer stays, through the national recreation reservation system.

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### What is Worth Choosing Loop A at Outlet Park

Choosing Loop A at Outlet Park Campground is particularly worthwhile for Kansas users who are looking for a generous, classic camping experience with essential modern utilities. While the park’s other loops may offer full sewer hookups, Loop A provides a perfect balance of utility and tranquility, making it a highly attractive option.

The primary reason to choose Loop A is its focus on **spacious, well-maintained water and electric sites** that are crucial for a comfortable stay, without the typically higher cost or density of full hookup areas. The "lots were spacious," as one customer noted, means more room to spread out, enjoy privacy, and appreciate the natural surroundings. This loop is perfectly situated for those who prioritize the exceptional recreational amenities of the Outlet Area. You get immediate, easy access to the highly-praised, well-kept trails around the River Pond—ideal for that morning run or evening stroll. Furthermore, you are right by the excellent, specialized fishing pond.

The overall grounds are consistently recognized for being impeccably kept, and the on-site modern facilities, including clean bathhouses and laundry, mean you aren't truly "roughing it." For Kansas families and RVers who prefer a peaceful, beautiful campsite with electric and water—and who are willing to use the park's convenient dump station—Loop A at Outlet Park offers a consistently high-quality, memorable, and refreshingly inviting outdoor experience.