Outlet Park Youth Camping Area

🌄 Introduction / Overview

For Kansas residents seeking a serene, meticulously maintained, and amenity-rich camping experience, the Outlet Park Campground at Melvern Lake stands as a premier destination. Located below the impressive Melvern Lake Dam, this Army Corps of Engineers (COE) managed park is consistently praised for being one of the cleanest and most peaceful campsites in the region, as echoed by visitors who describe the area as "so beautiful and very pretty" and "one of the cleanest campsites and most peaceful to visit!" This is a destination that perfectly balances the tranquility of nature with the comforts of modern camping.

Outlet Park is a distinct camping area, separate from the main Melvern Lake sites, centered around a beautiful 90-acre pond—not the main lake itself—which contributes significantly to its quiet, focused atmosphere. It caters overwhelmingly to RV campers, offering numerous sites with full utility services. The park’s layout is designed for convenience and enjoyment, featuring two main camping loops with sites that are generally level, spacious, and well-shaded. The focus on high standards of maintenance, particularly for the restrooms and showers, is a consistent highlight for visitors, ensuring a comfortable stay.

While the main Melvern Lake is a giant body of water that offers power boating and large-scale water sports, the immediate Outlet Park area provides a more contained and relaxed environment, ideal for fishing (with specific regulations to protect the fishery) and non-motorized recreation. It is a favored gathering spot for families and groups who come "from all over KS or other states" to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and top-tier facilities, making it a proud representative of Kansas's public outdoor spaces.

🗺️ Location and Accessibility

Outlet Park Campground is strategically located near the small town of Lyndon, Kansas, placing it within easy driving distance of the Topeka and Lawrence areas, making it a highly accessible weekend retreat for many Eastern Kansas residents.

The official address for the vicinity is:

W 301st St, Lyndon, KS 66451, USA

The campground is situated directly below the dam of Melvern Lake, a distinctive geographical feature that makes it easy to locate. Despite being near a major body of water and main roads, the specific placement of the park in the outlet area minimizes road noise, creating the "peaceful" environment visitors often seek.

Access to the campground is straightforward, typically via well-maintained paved roads suitable for large RVs and trailers. The sites themselves are mostly paved and generally level, simplifying the setup process for campers. The campground is about 8 to 10 minutes from Lyndon, where campers can find a Dollar General for basic supplies, gas stations, and some local dining options, providing essential convenience without the noise or bustle of a nearby city. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the popular full-hookup and waterfront sites, and can be made through Recreation.gov, as this is a coveted spot among Kansas campers.

🛠️ Services Offered

Outlet Park Campground is known for offering a comprehensive suite of high-quality services and amenities, positioning it as a top-tier option for managed camping in Kansas.

• Full Hookup Sites: A significant portion of the 150 total campsites provides full utility hookups, including water, sewer, and electric (50 amp service is common), making it highly appealing for all sizes of recreational vehicles.
• Water & Electric Sites: Additional sites are available with water and electric hookups (typically 30 amp service), catering to those with standard RVs or trailers.
• Modern Bath Houses: The park boasts clean, well-maintained shower houses and restroom facilities, featuring flush toilets, sinks, and warm water—a feature consistently rated highly by guests.
• Laundry Facilities: A crucial amenity for long-term travelers, the campground provides on-site laundry facilities for washing and drying clothing.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Every campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring or grill, facilitating outdoor cooking and relaxation.
• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available within the park grounds for RV waste disposal.
• Group Pavilion: A reservable group pavilion is available, equipped with grills/smokers, restrooms, ceiling fans, and a serving table, ideal for large family reunions or organized events.

🌟 Features / Highlights

The features of Outlet Park extend beyond mere utility, offering a rich set of recreational and scenic highlights that contribute to its popularity.

• 90-Acre Pond for Fishing: The central pond provides excellent, specialized fishing opportunities (catch-and-release and special length/creel limits are often in effect) in a quiet setting where the use of gasoline motors is strictly prohibited, ensuring peace and tranquility.
• Designated Swimming Pond: A separate 27-acre pond with a dedicated beach area is available for swimming, offering a family-friendly spot to cool off on hot Kansas days (note: water quality can vary, as is typical for natural swimming areas).
• Extensive Trails: The park features several miles of well-maintained pedestrian and bicycle trails (often cited as about three miles), perfect for leisurely walks, cycling, and exploring the surrounding nature.
• Historical Suspension Bridge: A unique, historical suspension bridge in the area offers a scenic point of interest and a photo opportunity.
• Recreational Courts: Amenities like a softball field, two sand volleyball courts, and two playgrounds ensure there are plenty of options for family fun and group activities.
• Wildlife Viewing: The serene environment below the dam, coupled with the nearby water resources, attracts local wildlife, including deer and turkey, providing great opportunities for quiet nature observation.

📞 Contact Information

For reservation inquiries, information on current lake levels, or details about the specific campground facilities, contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office managing the Melvern Lake area:

Park Office Phone: (785) 549-3318

Mobile Phone: +1 785-549-3318 (Often directs to the main Melvern Lake Project Office)

Address: W 301st St, Lyndon, KS 66451, USA (Near Melvern Lake Dam)

Reservations are managed through the National Recreation Reservation System (Recreation.gov).

👍 What is Worth Choosing

For Kansas locals, choosing Outlet Park Campground at Melvern Lake is an outstanding decision because it offers the rare combination of premium, full-service camping in an unbeatably peaceful and clean natural setting. The fact that it is managed by the Army Corps of Engineers translates to exceptionally high standards of maintenance, particularly in the restrooms and shower houses, which numerous reviews consistently highlight.

The core feature that sets it apart is its unique layout around two distinct ponds, allowing for specialized, non-motorized recreation (quiet fishing and designated swimming) that is separate from the often-busy main lake. This provides a genuine sense of escape and tranquility, perfect for relaxation and family time. Whether you’re an RVer requiring full hookups, a family looking for clean facilities and a playground, or an angler seeking quiet waters, Outlet Park delivers a high-quality, memorable, and restful experience that is conveniently located for much of Eastern Kansas. It's truly a hidden gem for clean, comfortable, and peaceful camping on the Kansas plains.