Glen Elder State Park encompasses Kaw Campground, a Kansas State Parks facility that operates year-round on the shores of Waconda Lake. The campground provides full hookups for RVs alongside options for tent camping, with sites accessible by vehicle or on foot.
Campers can choose from spacious sites that include concrete pads, fire pits, and grills. Several reviewers mention the campground's reliable cell service and WiFi coverage, with one noting that "the local internet company just upgraded the wifi park wide." The sites offer views of the large lake, where fishing access extends throughout the shoreline. Pheasant calls echo across the area during morning and evening hours, as 2 B. observes: "Pheasant can be heard in morning and evening."
The campground features modern restroom facilities with showers, though these may undergo periodic updates. A dump station serves RV campers, while the surrounding wildlife area provides extensive birding opportunities and hiking trails. The lake supports various boating activities, and a playground at the nearby Kanza campground offers additional recreation for families.
Within the broader park system, campers can also explore Kiowa Campground — Glen Elder State Park and other camping areas. Kaw Campground works well for RV travelers seeking full hookups and lake access, as well as tent campers who appreciate both developed amenities and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Description
Located just west of the city of Glen Elder, south of the US-24/K-9 and KS128 intersection.
On the north shores of 12,500-acre Glen Elder Reservoir (Waconda Lake), one of Kansas' largest lakes, Glen Elder State Park offers nearly unlimited recreational opportunities. With its rural setting, Glen Elder is a perfect place to relax.
The reservoir covers what once was a mineral spring sacred to many Native Americans and former home of a sanitarium. The Waconda Springs Replica at the park pays tribute to this ill-fated site of Kansas geology and Native American history. At Waconda Heritage Village, a living museum, visit the historic Hopewell Church south of the park office.
Glen Elder Wildlife Area encompasses almost 13,200 land acres surrounding the lake. You can see and photograph a diversity of wildlife species. In winter, bald and golden eagles visit. Deer and pheasant are common sights. Waterfowl stop on their migrations, and a small Canada goose flock makes the area home.
Warning 5 Alerts are In Effect
There are 5 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 5 Alerts are In Effect
There are 5 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
The concrete sites south of the shower building in the Kanza Campground and the concrete pad sites in the Cheyenne Campground are available for year-around camping, first come-first serve no advanced reservations. Kanza Shower and Restroom facility is available until November 19. All other utility campgrounds and shower/restroom facilities are closed for the season until April 15.
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
Location
Public CampgroundKaw Campground— Glen Elder State Park is located in Kansas
Directions
The Glen Elder State Park main enterance is located on Hwy 24 at the Hwy 128 junction. Approximately 12 miles West of Beloit or 6 miles East of Cawker City on Hwy 24.
Address
2131 180 Rd.
Glen Elder, KS 67430
Coordinates
39.50680692 N
98.3511794 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/18/26- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/18/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- 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
- 1 hr 42 min from Manhattan, KS
- 1 hr 47 min from Grand Island, NE
- 2 hrs 23 min from Wichita, KS
- 2 hrs 37 min from Lincoln, NE
