One of the main objectives for leg two of our adventure was to meet up with our friends in Independence, Kansas. I couldn’t decide between RV Park West or Elk City State Park so I procrastinated in making a reservation figuring it wouldn’t be too busy so I would make a decision a few weeks beforehand. Well the weather has been crazy so Elk City State Park was closed due to flooding. I called RV Park West and they were booked through June since they were probably the only option in the area with Elk City State Park being closed.

Independence, Kansas

I didn’t stress as I figured we always had the Walmart parking lot as an option for one night, but Chevonne came up with a great idea. Her and Walter were staying at the Appletree Inn and she asked the hotel if we could park our motorhome at the hotel since we were visiting them. They said yes! The hotel had a large overflow parking lot behind the hotel that was rarely used on the weekends. This turned out to be the perfect location. It was right next to our friends, we could stay for two nights, and we could run our generator without bothering anyone.

Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo .. Free!

Walter gave us a tour of his hometown, which included taking us to the free zoo and then for Mexican food. It was his high school reunion (Friday night was an informal meetup) and we meet up with everyone at Uncle Jack’s Bar and Grill. I loved hearing who was who from Walter. Later that evening, we and others headed to Turbos for dancing and karaoke. We had such a great time hanging out, dancing, and singing “California Love” with our friends. I really enjoy seeing my friends in their hometown and getting to experience it with them. It is something special.

Ellis, Kansas

After Independence, we headed west. We stayed one night in Sedgwick, Kansas at a Boondockers Welcome host and then the next night in Ellis, Kansas. We found this great little campground, Ellis Lakeside Campground. The campground is first come first serve and we heard it fills up quickly so we got there early to secure a spot. It is next to Big Creek, with shady, long pull-though sites. We recommend this campground.

Goodland, Kansas

The next night we stayed at the Walmart in Goodland, Kansas which turned out to be a popular spot for RVs. One highlight was the group of guys (at least eight) that were traveling in a shuttle bus parked next to us. They pulled out a table and chairs, grilled up some food, listened to music, and had a few drinks in the parking lot. They were nice and respectable, and I was entertained as this is something we have not seen at any of our other Walmart stays. The next morning we got back on I-70 and continued our journey to Colorado for leg three of our adventures.

Ellis Lakeside Campground Review

• Location: Ellis, KS

• Cost: $20/day

• Site: 4, table only

• Entry/Exit: No problems

• Pros: Long pull-through, shaded, next to Big Creek where you can fish

• Cons: First come first serve so get there early. By around 6 pm all sites were taken

• Comments: Sites 1 & 2 are 30 amp, all others had 30 and 50 amp. Electricity and water hookups but dump on site

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