Anglers and families looking for lake access will find Walnut River Area positioned along the shores of El Dorado Lake within El Dorado State Park. This established campground operates year-round with over 1,000 sites spread across multiple camping areas, offering both drive-in and walk-in options with full hookups available for RVs.
The campground provides direct access to fishing opportunities on both the lake and Walnut River, plus hiking and biking trails that wind through the park. Sites vary significantly in condition and privacy, with some areas featuring large shade trees while others remain more open. Several camping loops serve different needs, from basic tent sites to full-service RV spots with electric, water, and sewer connections.
Maintenance issues appear consistently across reviews, with Tom D. noting "deferred maintenance" and ongoing problems like leaking water pipes at individual sites. Restroom facilities receive frequent criticism for cleanliness and privacy concerns. The proximity to railroad tracks creates noise throughout the night that may disturb light sleepers. Rule enforcement varies, with some areas experiencing overcrowding and noise violations during peak seasons.
For those planning extended stays in the El Dorado area, campgrounds near El Dorado offer additional options. The park works best for campers prioritizing water activities and trail access over pristine facilities, particularly during off-peak periods when crowds thin out.
Description
This recreation area is part of El Dorado Lake
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Additional tents may require an additional $10.00 per night fee at check-in.
**2026 CAMPSITES Holiday Minimum Stay Rule:** - **Memorial Day Weekend - 4-night minimum** , customer choice of Thursday through Sunday nights, May 21–24, 2026 or Friday through Monday nights, May 22–25, 2026 - **July 4th Weekend - 3-night minimum,** customer choice of Thursday through Saturday nights, July 2–4, 2026 or Friday through Sunday nights, July 3–5, 2026 - **Labor Day Weekend - 4-night minimum,** customer choice of Thursday through Sunday nights, September 3–6, 2026 or Friday through Monday nights, September 4–7, 2026 **CABIN 2026 Holiday Minimum Stay Rule:** Memorial Day holiday is Fri/Sat/Sun May 22, 23, 24; July 4th holiday is Fri/Sat July 3, 4; Labor Day holiday is Fri/Sat/Sun Sept 4,5, 6 **CABIN 2027 Holiday Minimum Stay Rule:** Memorial Day holiday is Fri/Sat/Sun May 28, 29, 30; July 4th holiday is Fri/Sat/Sun July 2, 3, 4; Labor Day holiday is Fri/Sat/Sun Sept 3,4, 5
A guest may reserve and occupy a campsite for up to 14 consecutive nights within a single campground. After 14 consecutive nights, a guest wishing to remain in the state park must relocate to a different campground within the park.
**COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY, SUCH AS THE RENTING OF SITES AND RESELLING SAID RESERVATION, IS OCCURRING ON STATE PARK PROPERTY THAT IS AGAINST AGENCY REGULATIONS. KDWPT REGULATION K.A.R. 115-8-19 STATES THAT NO PERSON SHALL ADVERTISE, ENGAGE IN, OR SOLICIT ANY BUSINESS, OR MAKE A CHARGE FOR ANY EVENT OR SERVICE EXCEPT AS AUTHORIZED BY THE DEPARTMENT-ON-DEPARTMENT LANDS AND WATERS. PERSONS OR BUSINESSES FOUND TO BE ENGAGING IN THIS ACTIVITY CAN BE TICKETED RESULTING IN A COURT APPEARANCE AND RELATED FINES/COSTS.**
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWalnut River Area is located in Kansas near El Dorado
Directions
1. From the Kansas Turnpike: Two exits exist for El Dorado State Park. From the El Dorado North Exit, turn south on 77hwy about 1/4 of a mile and then turn left onto Myers Rd. into the park. If you continue south into El Dorado, Ks, then turn left on 12th street, which will take you to the park. From the Cassoday exit on the turnpike, go south on 177hwy approximately 14 miles to NE 10th street, then turn left to the park. 2. From the city of El Dorado, Ks. go north on Main St. to 12th street, then turn right to travel to the park. You can also travel East from El Dorado, Ks. On Central street, approximately three miles to Bluestem Rd. Turn left and travel approximately 1.5 miles to the park.
Address
618 NE Bluestem RD
El Dorado, KS 67042
Coordinates
37.839326 N
96.821761 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/6/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/12/26
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 12/6/25
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/6/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/12/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 12/6/25
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 36 min from Wichita, KS
- 1 hr 25 min from Topeka, KS
- 1 hr 32 min from Manhattan, KS
- 1 hr 43 min from Lawrence, KS
