El Dorado State Park and Wellington KOA offer glamping accommodations within 60 miles of Colwich, Kansas. Situated in the flat plains of south-central Kansas with elevations averaging 1,300 feet, the area experiences hot summers and mild winters, with fall being the optimal season for cabin stays. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with occasional strong winds that affect camping conditions, particularly for shoreline sites.
What to do
Lake activities with children: Harvey County East Park features sandy beaches that make it especially suitable for families. "Sandy beaches at most of the tent campsites are our favorite things about this lake! Also, super affordable camping," notes one visitor. The park includes designated swimming areas and fishing opportunities for all ages.
Trail exploration: Santa Fe Lake offers multiple trail systems suited for various skill levels. A reviewer describes, "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." The park maintains separate trails for hikers and mountain bikers.
Wildlife observation: Cheney State Park provides opportunities for bird watching, particularly bald eagles. One visitor commented, "We rode our bikes over every inch and clocked 12 miles... Boating, fishing, birding, 18 hole disc golf course, swimming, biking or just relaxing, this place is great." The park features an 18-hole disc golf course across its extensive grounds.
What campers like
Seasonal beauty: Fall offers exceptional glamping conditions near Colwich. A camper at Harvey County East Park shares, "The lake was beautiful, the trees were still pretty full with fall foliage, and it was very quiet." October through early November typically provides mild temperatures and reduced insect activity.
Private water access: Many lakeside sites at French Creek Cove offer direct access to quieter waters. "One of the nicer lakes I've been to, and cheap, the road is a little rough, but it's a neat place. Boat dock is very steep, small boats only," notes a visitor. The cove setting provides more protected waters than main lake areas.
Clean facilities: Wellington KOA maintains well-kept restrooms and showers. A camper reports, "Friendly staff, extremely clean bathrooms and showers! Nice grassy spot for our tent!" KOA properties typically charge additional fees but offer more consistent facility maintenance.
What you should know
Two-night minimum requirements: Weekend glamping in Colwich area parks often requires booking multiple nights. A visitor to Cheney State Park noted, "We only needed one night, but had to pay for two nights (it was on a weekend, but this place was nowhere near full, so the demand isn't there to warrant a 2-night requirement)."
Entrance fees: State parks charge daily vehicle entrance fees separate from camping costs. At Bluestem Point Area, this means additional expenses beyond the site reservation. A camper shared, "We had to pay another $5 just to enter the park to get to our campsite."
Water access limitations: Seasonal water restrictions affect some parks. At Harvey County East Park, signs warn, "15 MINUTE TIME LIMIT. Do Not Leave Water Hose Connected, Even If You Have A Splitter." This applies even when using water splitters at shared hookups.
Tips for camping with families
Bring watercraft for kids: Santa Fe Lake restricts larger boats, creating safer paddling conditions. A reviewer explains, "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."
Book cabins early: Cabin glamping accommodations fill quickly during summer months. According to one Cheney State Park visitor, "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."
Inspect cabins thoroughly: Some state park cabins require careful checking. A visitor to El Dorado State Park warned about potential issues with accommodation quality, so families should verify cabin condition upon arrival and report any concerns immediately to park staff.
Tips from RVers
Road access considerations: Shady Creek Area at El Dorado State Park offers more secluded sites but requires careful navigation. Smaller rigs handle the access roads better, as noted by a visitor to French Creek Cove: "Shorter RV trailers are preferred. 30 amp service."
Level site selection: Many campgrounds feature gravel or grass sites requiring leveling blocks. A camper at Cheney State Park advised, "The sites are all gravel or grass with the exception of handicap sites. I wouldn't say they were level, but all doable."
Electrical service variations: Confirm the type of electrical service when glamping with RVs. At Harvey County East Park, "All of the 50 amp sites are on the inner loop and all of the lake side sites are 30 amp," according to a visitor, making site selection crucial for larger rigs requiring higher amperage.
