Santa Fe Lake located 15 miles northwest of Augusta offers camping accommodations with 32 RV sites and multiple tent spots along the 240-acre man-made reservoir. The lake elevation sits at approximately 1,300 feet with surrounding hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty across wooded and open field terrain. Water temperatures reach the mid-70s during summer months, creating comfortable conditions for paddling and swimming activities.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Santa Fe Lake features trails designed for various skill levels with dedicated routes marked specifically for mountain biking. According to a visitor, "Several trails offshoot from this main road, each is marked for either hiking (trail running), mountain biking, or camping... Some bike routes are more difficult" (Santa Fe Lake).
Wildlife observation: El Dorado State Park provides opportunities to spot native Kansas wildlife including white-tailed deer and migratory birds. At Cheney State Park, campers report regular bald eagle sightings. One reviewer noted, "Yep, we saw bald eagles every day of our stay. Majestic!" (West Shore Camping Area — Cheney State Park).
Boating and paddling: Multiple water access points allow for various watercraft activities on area lakes. At Santa Fe Lake, one camper mentioned, "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."
What campers like
Affordability: Harvey County East Park offers budget-friendly glamping options with lakeside sites starting at $20 per night. A camper noted, "Sandy beaches at most of the tent campsites are our favorite things about this lake! Also, super affordable camping" (Harvey County East Park).
Clean facilities: Wellington KOA maintains regularly serviced bathroom facilities with hot showers included in stay costs. According to a reviewer, "Friendly staff, extremely clean bathrooms and showers! Nice grassy spot for our tent!" (Wellington KOA).
Quiet atmosphere: French Creek Cove offers secluded camping spots away from busier recreational areas. One visitor commented, "Very nice spots, it is a cove off of the main lake nestled way back of the main, very dusty dirt road getting here but very nice spots" (French Creek Cove).
What you should know
Seasonal water limitations: During off-season months (typically November-March), water hookups may be turned off at certain campgrounds. A camper at Cheney State Park reported, "The water hookups just make a mess" and another noted, "Smarth is a loop that is not on the lake side, but the only w/e loop that had water turned on during off season."
Shared water sources: Some campgrounds require sharing water hookups between neighboring sites. At Harvey County East Park, a reviewer mentioned, "The biggest con for this campground is that you have to share a water source with the campsites next to you."
Wind conditions: Kansas weather patterns often include significant wind, particularly at larger reservoirs. A Cheney State Park visitor stated, "It was WINDY every day so I couldn't kayak or SUP. I think it is just Kansas, though" (Shady Creek Area — El Dorado State Park).
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly beaches: Harvey County East Park offers sandy beach areas specifically designed for swimming with gradual entry points. A visitor mentioned, "Great campground really enjoy the large and shady sites. The swim area is nice but often crowded on the weekends."
Playground accessibility: Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment near camping areas. At El Dorado State Park, a camper shared, "We love camping here because the campsites are decent size and they have cabins for our family without campers or tents. We also enjoy the lake and playgrounds for the kids."
Educational opportunities: Beaumont Hotel & RV Park provides historical learning experiences with its preserved railroad history and active airstrip. A visitor noted, "The campground itself isn't anything special (it had full hookups like we wanted), but the history of the hotel and accompanying landing strip was fascinating" (Beaumont Hotel & RV Park).
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Prepare for varying campsite conditions across the region's campgrounds. At El Dorado State Park, a camper advised, "This was our first time camping in our new travel trailer and we were pleased with having such an easy to use campground so close to home. The sites were level and spacious."
Size restrictions: Choose sites based on your specific RV dimensions, as some campgrounds have limited capacity for larger rigs. At Cheney State Park, the Hobie Loop offers spectacular views but may not accommodate larger RVs. As one reviewer noted, "The sites are all gravel or grass with the exception of handicap sites. I wouldn't [say] they were level, but all doable."
Dump station locations: Plan your waste management strategy in advance. While most campgrounds offer dump stations, their locations may require additional driving. At French Creek Cove, a camper mentioned, "Shorter RV trailers are preferred. 30 amp service."
