Data Disclaimer: Water level data is provided by USGS and NOAA for informational purposes only. Verify conditions on-site before any water activities. Learn more
Access Site KS

Arrow Rock

Marais des Cygnes River - Melvern Lake Marais des Cygnes River

Source: u_s__army_corps_of_engineers Updated 1 year ago

City: Olivet, KS
County: Osage County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 38.49746753, -95.74725516
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
Arrow Rock Campground on Melvern Lake offers boaters and paddlers convenient access to nearly 7,000 acres of water on the upper Marais des Cygnes River system. The facility features a concrete boat ramp with dock access, ample parking, and is located on the eastern edge of the Flint Hills region near Olivet, Kansas. The campground provides 43 campsites (5 with electric hookups, 14 with electric and water), along with shower facilities, picnic areas, and a fish cleaning station—making it ideal for day trips or extended stays.

The Marais des Cygnes River is a large, slow-moving waterway (Stream Order 7) with an average flow of 2,690 cubic feet per second and gentle gradient of 1.6 feet per mile, making it suitable for paddling and recreational boating. Water levels and conditions can vary seasonally, so paddlers should check current conditions before launching. Arrow Rock's location halfway up the south side of Melvern Lake provides excellent access to both the lake and the river's upper reaches.

**Important:** Reservations are required for camping and are managed through Recreation.gov (phone: 785-549-3318). The facility enforces a no-show policy—failure to check in with the park attendant within 24 hours of your reservation time will result in a $20 fee plus the first night's charge. Directions: From US-75, take the Olivet exit, head west on K-276 for 1 mile, then north on South Fairlawn Road for 1 mile, and west on Arrow Rock Parkway to the campground.
Federal Facility Information
785-549-3318 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
Arrow Rock Campground is situated on Melvern Lake on the eastern edge of the Flint Hills of Kansas. Visitors enjoy the area's wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking and hunting. Find a virtual tour of Melvern Lake at http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/melvern/tour.html
Recreation
Melvern Lake impounds nearly 7,000 acres of water on the upper...

Overview
Arrow Rock Campground is situated on Melvern Lake on the eastern edge of the Flint Hills of Kansas. Visitors enjoy the area's wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking and hunting. Find a virtual tour of Melvern Lake at http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/melvern/tour.html
Recreation
Melvern Lake impounds nearly 7,000 acres of water on the upper reaches of the Marais des Cygnes River Valley. Boating and swimming are popular activities on the lake.

Anglers will find walleye, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, as well as black, striped, white and smallmouth bass.

The 18,000 acres of land surrounding Melvern Lake provide plentiful hiking and hunting opportunities. Several trails wind around the lake, including the 4-mile Tallgrass Heritage Trail, which begins in the campground. Hunters may find deer, quail, turkeys, ducks, rabbits and squirrels throughout the area.Facilities
The campground offers 33 campsites, 19 of which have electric and water hookups. Several picnic sites are available on a first come, first served basis. Amenities include flush and vault toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. A boat ramp, dock, fish cleaning station and playground offer additional recreation opportunities. Click Here for a Virtual Tour (http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/melvern/tour.html)
Natural Features
The Flint Hills represent America's last expanse of intact tallgrass prairie, made up of big bluestem, switchgrass and Indian grass. The rolling hills on the south side of the lake are wooded, but trees and shade are more sparse within the campground.
Contact Info
For local information, please call (877) 444-6777 or call (785) 549-3318 for general information.

Read More Read Less
Nearby Recreation Areas
Melvern Lake Located within
Pomona Lake Located within