El Dorado State Park Kansas
A sprawling Kansas state park centered around the beautiful El Dorado Lake, offering camping, cabin stays, and outdoor recreation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for activities
El Dorado State Park Kansas
Best Time
Pleasant weather for activities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling Kansas state park centered around the beautiful El Dorado Lake, offering camping, cabin stays, and outdoor recreation.
"Great place for camping, swimming, hiking, fishing, or just hanging out with family and friends."
Bring Extra Shade
Consider bringing shade sails for your tent to enhance comfort, especially during longer stays. :sunny:
Book Cabins in Advance
Popular cabins fill up quickly. Reserve your dates early to ensure availability. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
El Dorado Lake
El Dorado Reservoir
A vast, clean, and beautiful lake perfect for swimming, fishing, and floating. Enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Walnut River Trail
El Dorado State Park
An accessible 2.5-mile trail ideal for families and toddlers, featuring bridges and minimal incline.
El Dorado Mountain Bike Trail
El Dorado State Park
Known locally as "ElDog," this trail offers exciting rides for mountain biking enthusiasts.
Park Cabins
Various locations within the park
Cozy and well-equipped cabin rentals provide a comfortable stay, often featuring grills and fire pits.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Cabins Early
Understand Park Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Extra Shade
Consider bringing shade sails for your tent to enhance comfort, especially during longer stays. :sunny:
Book Cabins in Advance
Popular cabins fill up quickly. Reserve your dates early to ensure availability. +1 :ticket:
Family-Friendly Trails
The Walnut River Trail is perfect for little ones with its easy terrain and charming bridges.
RV Spot Considerations
If you have a large RV, confirm spot availability and amenities like 50 amp hookups beforehand. :rv:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Extra Shade
Consider bringing shade sails for your tent to enhance comfort, especially during longer stays. :sunny:
Book Cabins in Advance
Popular cabins fill up quickly. Reserve your dates early to ensure availability. +1 :ticket:
Family-Friendly Trails
The Walnut River Trail is perfect for little ones with its easy terrain and charming bridges.
RV Spot Considerations
If you have a large RV, confirm spot availability and amenities like 50 amp hookups beforehand. :rv:
Pack Essentials
Cabins often include basics like soap and utensils, but it's wise to pack your own to be safe. :handbag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise El Dorado State Park for its beautiful lake, clean cabins, and family-friendly trails. It's a great spot for camping, swimming, and outdoor activities. However, some guests have experienced issues with inconsistent park staff knowledge and campground maintenance, leading to frustration for RV travelers.
"This was a great weekend, my family will definitely be returning to the cabins. They were in great condition. I wish i had gotten more pictures because when i was booking i couldnt find any for reference. Very clean, cozy, and adorable. it had a grill, fire pit, swings, and everything you might forget to bring on a trip; like hand/dish soap, or utensils."
Alisha Gibbs
"Great place for camping, swimming, hiking, fishing, or just hanging out with family and friends. Plenty of tent and rv/camper spots with picnic tables, fire rings, electric, and water hook ups."
Ed McIntosh
"I love this lake because of its size, cleanliness, and beauty. I would recommend everybody to visit this lake. Maybe come flooded during the Spring but in the summer it is a fun place to be. Not a fan of the trees in the water in some parts of the lake but I often enjoy fishing and floating in the lake to keep cool. Has a fairly good sized Marina And plenty of camping spots for any kind of camp or whether it's just for the day or for the whole weekend."
Eric Toms
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
El Dorado State Park is located in El Dorado, Kansas, approximately an hour outside of Wichita. You can reach it via major highways. Many visitors use GPS navigation for direct routes.
Yes, there are RV park options in El Dorado, KS, including Deer Grove RV Park. Some within the state park also offer RV/camper spots with hookups.
Public transport options directly to El Dorado State Park are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
The closest major city is Wichita, Kansas, which is less than an hour's drive from the park.
Generally, you can drive to your designated campsite or cabin. However, some areas might have specific parking instructions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is typically a daily entrance fee for vehicles entering El Dorado State Park. Camping and cabin fees are separate.
El Dorado State Park is generally open year-round, but specific facilities like the marina or visitor center may have seasonal hours. It's best to check the official website for current operating times.
Campsites and cabins can usually be booked online through the Kansas State Parks reservation system or by contacting the park directly. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for cabins. +1
Information on discounts for camping or entry is best obtained directly from the park's official website or by calling the park office.
Refund policies vary based on the reservation type and how far in advance you cancel. Check the specific terms and conditions when booking.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include camping, swimming, hiking, fishing, boating, and enjoying the scenic beauty of El Dorado Lake. There's also a mountain bike trail. +1
Yes, El Dorado State Park offers hiking opportunities, including the family-friendly Walnut River Trail and the El Dorado Mountain Bike Trail.
Yes, swimming is a popular activity in El Dorado Lake during the warmer months.
Campsites often include picnic tables and fire rings. Some offer electric and water hookups. Dumpsters are available, though they can sometimes overflow.
Campground conditions can vary. Some reviews mention weed infestation and dead tree limbs, while others highlight plenty of spots with amenities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there isn't a wide array of restaurants within the park itself, there is a marina that may offer some food services. It's advisable to bring your own food or dine in nearby El Dorado.
For breakfast or brunch suggestions, it's best to explore dining options in the town of El Dorado. Local cafes and diners are usually good bets.
Yes, most campsites are equipped with fire rings, and cabins often have grills, making it easy to cook your own meals.
Yes, grocery stores are available in the nearby town of El Dorado, allowing you to stock up on supplies for your stay.
While some essentials like soap and utensils might be provided in cabins, it's wise to pack your own cooking gear, including pots, pans, and any specific utensils you'll need.
📸 📸 Photography
The scenic El Dorado Lake, the bridges on the Walnut River Trail, and the mountain bike trails offer great photographic opportunities. Sunrise and sunset over the lake are particularly picturesque.
The park's natural setting provides opportunities to photograph local wildlife. Keep an eye out for birds and other animals in their natural habitat.
Drone usage is subject to park regulations. It's essential to check the official park rules regarding drone operation before flying.
Look for elevated spots overlooking the lake or along the trails that offer expansive views. The marina area can also provide interesting perspectives.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the best natural light for photography, creating beautiful colors and soft shadows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The park's lake is also great for swimming and playing, providing hours of fun. Consider booking one of the cozy cabins for a more comfortable family stay. These often come with amenities like grills and fire pits, making meal preparation easier.
🏕️ Campers and RVers
For a more comfortable experience, consider booking one of the park's cabins, which are well-equipped and offer a great alternative to tent camping.
🚴 Mountain Bikers
It's a great spot for both experienced riders looking for a challenge and those wanting to explore the park on two wheels. Remember to bring your bike and protective gear. The trail's condition is often updated, so checking local cycling groups or park announcements for the latest information can be beneficial before your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping and Lodging Options
When booking, it's crucial to note that cabins are highly sought after and tend to book up well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Some visitors have noted that campground conditions can vary, with occasional issues like weed infestation or unmanaged dead tree limbs. However, the overall sentiment is that the park provides ample opportunities for an enjoyable outdoor stay, whether you're pitching a tent or opting for a cabin.
For RV travelers, it's advisable to confirm the availability of specific hookups, such as 50 amp service, and the suitability of the site for larger rigs when making reservations. The park's size means exploring different areas might be necessary to find the perfect spot.
Activities for Outdoor Enthusiasts
For those who prefer to stay on land, the park boasts several hiking trails. The Walnut River Trail is particularly recommended for families and those with young children due to its gentle terrain and charming bridges, making it an easy and enjoyable walk.
Mountain bikers will find a dedicated challenge on the El Dorado Mountain Bike Trail, locally known as "ElDog," which is maintained and ready for riders. The park's natural beauty also lends itself to wildlife viewing and general exploration. Whether you're looking for an active day of biking and hiking or a relaxing afternoon by the water, El Dorado State Park offers a diverse range of experiences for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.
Navigating Park Services and Staff
Conversely, other visitors have found the people in the office to be friendly, suggesting that while information might be scarce, the general demeanor is welcoming. However, the lack of readily available information and the occasional need to 'hunt' for a spot have been recurring points of feedback.
Additionally, some guests have noted that campground hosts were not visible during their stays, and that general upkeep, such as mowing grass and managing overflowing dumpsters, could be improved. This inconsistency in service and maintenance is something potential visitors might want to be aware of.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit