Campgrounds near Andover, Kansas provide access to multiple Kansas reservoirs and lakes within 40 miles of the city. This east-central Kansas region features prairie landscapes with elevation ranges between 1,300-1,400 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences.
What to do
Hiking trails: Santa Fe Lake offers multiple trail options for different skill levels. "The main trail is composed of a gravel camping road that encircles the man made lake. Several trails offshoot from this main road, each is marked for either hiking (trail running), mountain biking, or camping. None of the hikes are very difficult, most are easy/moderate and support running."
Mountain biking: Trail difficulty varies throughout the region with both beginner and advanced options. "The mountain bike trails as well as hiking trails are perfect for beginners to experts," notes one Santa Fe Lake visitor. The trail system includes terrain through both wooded areas and open fields.
Fishing opportunities: Bluestem Point Area at El Dorado State Park provides accessible fishing from many campsites. "At some sites, you can fish just feet from your tent," according to one camper. The park features a general store that carries camping essentials and fishing supplies.
Military recreation: Krueger Recreation Area at McConnell Air Force Base offers unique amenities for eligible visitors. "There are 3 fishing ponds, RC track and a paint ball course," reports one guest. The campground provides convenient access to base facilities within minutes of camping areas.
What campers like
Quiet camping options: Despite proximity to Wichita, several campsites near Andover offer peaceful settings. "This lake is a nice break from places like Cheney and Afton. It's small so there aren't a lot of big boats disturbing the water, which makes paddling a lot more enjoyable," writes a visitor about Santa Fe Lake.
Lake views: Boulder Bluff Area at El Dorado State Park offers waterfront camping with impressive views. "My husband, our 2 dogs, and I stayed at the Equestrian Loop. We pulled in our PUP for a night sleep. The spot we chose to pop up was right near the water, and you could hear the waves hitting the shore all night long. A beautiful and peaceful sound."
Bike-friendly campgrounds: Paved surfaces throughout some campgrounds facilitate casual cycling. "There are lots of paved trails and paved roads in the campground that are nice for biking," notes one visitor about El Dorado State Park.
Convenient overnight stops: Multiple campgrounds serve as practical stopover locations. "We stopped here on our way to NW Arkansas from western Colorado. The sites had gravel and were level," writes a visitor about All Seasons RV Park. This accessibility makes campsites near Andover, Kansas popular for cross-country travelers.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Quality and maintenance differ between campgrounds. "The toilet at the loop are pit. The bath house was not clean and many of the showers didn't work. Water is lukewarm but water pressure was great. No stall doors on toilets or showers," reports one camper about El Dorado State Park.
Reservation systems: Different campgrounds implement varied booking procedures. "It was very confusing to get a site because there was no camp host available and the park office was closed. There were maps on bulletin boards but no printed maps were available. This is a BIG park with multiple camping areas so it was difficult to figure out on our own," notes a visitor to El Dorado State Park.
Alcohol restrictions: Rules regarding alcohol consumption differ by location. "The only real downside is that there is no alcohol allowed, but nobody really came around checking that we noticed. We also didn't leave beer cans scattered all around so that probably helped," reports one camper about Santa Fe Lake.
Pricing considerations: Costs vary between private and public campgrounds. "It was $32 to stay the night, and the showers were coin-op," notes one Santa Fe Lake visitor. Some campgrounds charge additional fees for certain amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: USI RV Park provides dedicated children's areas. "There is a very nice playground and fenced dog run," writes one visitor. This makes the campground suitable for families with both children and pets.
Swimming options: Multiple locations offer designated swimming areas for children. "Restrooms with showers and dumpsters are widely available during camping season. The designated swim areas are great for the whole family because there is a wide and far out area that doesn't get too deep while being roped off," notes a visitor to El Dorado State Park.
Safety considerations: Some water areas have unexpected depth changes. "Beware at the box turtle camp site though, a channel runs 3-4 feet out from the shore and drops about 12 feet QUICK so don't swim there!" warns a camper about El Dorado State Park.
Layout advantages: Consider proximity between amenities when choosing a family campsite. "We usually stay on the Walnut River side as there is a large playground with tent sites close enough to keep an eye on the kiddos. They also have a swim area on this side. Bathroom and shower are next to the playground which is also convenient for us."
Tips from RVers
Site specifications: 4 mile Creek RV Resort offers level sites with full hookups. "Nice grassy area with nice showers and restrooms. Medium size pond with a small pavillon and large grill. Dock needs maintenance," notes one visitor. Access requires navigating approximately two miles of rough gravel roads.
Setup challenges: Prepare for uneven surfaces at some campgrounds. "The parking pad was nowhere near level, so you'll want to plan for that," advises one RVer about El Dorado State Park's Equestrian Loop.
Local services: Several campgrounds provide easy access to nearby urban amenities. "Close to everywhere, flat gravel sites, friendly owners and employees, full hookups," writes one visitor about USI RV Park. This proximity to Wichita services makes many campsites near Andover, Kansas convenient for resupplying during longer trips.
Spacing considerations: Site dimensions vary significantly between locations. "Only complaint is how on top of each other the trailers are," notes one camper about a Wichita-area RV park. More spacious options exist at state park campgrounds further from urban centers.
