2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
El Dorado State Park offers equestrian camping at the Equestrian Loop in the Boulder Bluff Area. The loop features back-in sites suitable for horse trailers with nearby water access. Campsites include fire rings, grills, and picnic tables, though their placement varies and may not align optimally with trailer positioning. The parking pads are not consistently level, requiring preparation for setup. Primitive pit toilets serve the equestrian area, while shower facilities are available at the main bath house. The campground provides direct lake access where campers can hear waves hitting the shoreline throughout the night. The layout allows horses to be kept close to camping units while enjoying shade from mature trees.
Trails throughout El Dorado State Park connect the equestrian camping areas to various recreational opportunities. The park spans a large area with both reservoir and river access points for horses. Water crossings are available at several locations along the trail system. Riders can access multiple loops of varying difficulty levels suitable for different experience levels. The park maintains an archery range and is developing a pistol/rifle range near the ranger station. Bathroom facilities throughout the park vary in cleanliness and maintenance, with some shower areas lacking privacy doors. During peak summer months, the campground experiences heavy use with occasional noise issues and rule enforcement challenges. Spring and fall typically offer more peaceful camping conditions with fewer visitors.
"My husband, our 2 dogs, and I stayed at the Equestrian Loop. We pulled in our PUP for a night sleep."
"We stayed in the equestrian loop. All but a couple primitive sites are back-in. The layout of the fire rings, grills and picnic tables are all weird..."
from $10 - $21 / night
"This was one of our favorite Kansas State Parks. At the end of May, it was almost empty. We had our pick of sites. We got a prime tree shaded spot on the water."
"The COE has done an admirable job developing this lakeside area for plentiful campsites and decent shade. The showers and facilities were clean and maintained well."
Available this weekend
from $15 - $85 / night
Available this weekend
from $10 - $90 / night
GuideI stayed at Doud Campground inside the state park. It was a peaceful site facing the lake, with a few hay bales and a well maintained trail.
September was a good month to stay because it was cooler outside. I recommend using the bathhouse facilities at BlackJack campground right next to Doud as they are more updated.
GuideWe just did a quick overnight camp on a road trip out east. No noise from other campers, but this is near a railroad track or maybe even depot. So there was constant noise throughout the night. If you are a hard sleeper, you might be fine! Otherwise—not the best! We didn’t use the facilities here, so can’t speak to the bathroom, though there is one.
Lots of bugs this time of year, which whatever. BUT you can pull into this site at any time. There are self pay stations as you drive in or you can pay with the rangers if their station is open. It was a fine pit stop. Served its purpose.
RangerWe stayed here in mid October of 2025. This state park has over 1000 campsites as noted on line. We did not have reservations and drove around to a few of the FHU campgrounds till we found a spot. Big Oak and Frontier Refinery sites had the unkempt look of full timers. To say that this state park has much deferred maintenance is kind. Our site had a leaking underground water pipe that provided a constant puddle. The neighbor to us said it had been there all summer. The grounds are very unkempt and enforcement of rules seems to be non existent. Only plus is the number of activities available, but we cannot attest to the conditions. One of the worst state campgrounds we have ever stayed. We would definitely choose another campground when in the area.
TravelerThis was our first visit and we chose a campsite on-line. The COE has done an admirable job developing this lakeside area for plentiful campsites and decent shade. The showers and facilities were clean and maintained well. The camp store is minimal and only open a few hours in the evening. Access to the water is easy so bring watercraft and swimming attire. The lake is almost 7,000 acres so our kayak exploring only covered a small portion.
TravelerFinally we found a campsite in Old Oak. Beautiful setting. Showers/toilets were were better than the archaic ones in Bluestem that have no roofs, but barely. Broken soap dispensers, cold water, no privacy in showers, etc.
ScoutGood wish could’ve been closer to the boats, but nearby the swimming area right now t-Mobile service works out here pretty well. 
TravelerBeautiful campgrounds with so many activities available! The general store is super helpful, as they sell firewood and ice, and have kayak and canoe rentals. There are a few swim beaches, and plenty of sand to sit in and relax. Our actual campsite was great and came equipped with a firepit and picnic table, and we could walk to the lakeshore. We will be back!
GuideThis is a beautiful park. It has a river that runs through it and a man-made lake. The campsites are separated a little from each other. Lots of nice trees. There are lots of paved trails and paved roads in the campground that are nice for biking. There are some trails through the woods also. We had electric and water.
We visited this park in early April. It was very confusing to get a site because there was no camp host available and the park office was closed. (It was Saturday.) There were a lot of local campers in the park. There are 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.
ScoutSpent the weekend here and glad we had reservations prior as it was full even though it was the end of October and the weather wasn't the best. Close to Melvern and the railroad tracks so if the sound of trains all night isn't your thing, then pick somewhere else. Excellent clean restrooms and showers. Great views of the lake from many spots. Also good cell service. Only 8 miles from Lyndon where there are restaurants, gas and a dollar store although no grocery store.
El Dorado State Park spans over 4,000 acres around a 8,000-acre reservoir in the Flint Hills region of Kansas. The park offers equestrian trails that connect to camping areas with direct water access. Camping options near Cottonwood Falls include both primitive and developed sites with varying levels of privacy and amenities.
Fishing opportunities: El Dorado State Park provides access to a reservoir known for good fishing conditions. "This lake has everything we look for. Good fishing, 2 swim large swim beaches, plenty of out buildings and play areas," notes Leigh M. at Boulder Bluff Area.
Biking trails: The paved pathways throughout the parks make cycling accessible for all skill levels. "There are lots of paved trails and paved roads in the campground that are nice for biking. There are some trails through the woods also," reports Mary at Eisenhower State Park.
Water activities: Multiple swim beaches and boat launches allow for diverse water recreation. "There are a few swim beaches, and plenty of sand to sit in and relax. Our actual campsite was great and came equipped with a firepit and picnic table, and we could walk to the lakeshore," shares Cindy K. about Eisenhower State Park.
Lakeside camping: Sites with direct water access provide peaceful natural sounds throughout your stay. "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," describes Brittany G. about the Equestrian Loop.
Shaded sites: Mature trees provide cooling shade during hot Kansas summers. The Big Oak Campground at Walnut River Area features "shaded with huge trees, nice sized sites some of which are very spread out, a quick walk to the swim beach and a quick drive to put your boat in the water," according to Angie S.
Spacious layouts: Many sites offer enough room to spread out equipment and create a comfortable camp. "The COE has done an admirable job developing this lakeside area for plentiful campsites and decent shade," notes John G. about Eisenhower State Park.
Facility conditions vary: Bathroom and shower buildings may have maintenance issues during peak season. "Bathroom facilities throughout the park vary in cleanliness and maintenance, with some shower areas lacking privacy doors," notes a visitor to Walnut River Area.
Rule enforcement challenges: During busy summer weekends, noise and overcrowding can be issues. "Secondly basic campground rules were not enforced at all. The site across from us easily had 30 people camping and were up until 4am with loud music and a bright light on," reports Angie S.
Weather considerations: The open lake areas can experience significant wind. "It was super duper windy off of the lake for us, so be ready for wind," advises Christina H. at Eisenhower State Park about the FiveStar loop.
Playground access: Some camping loops offer convenient playground proximity for families with children. "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," recommends Kara S. at Walnut River Area.
Swimming areas: Designated swim beaches with gradual entry points work well for children. "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," explains Zephyr Y.
Off-peak timing: Consider spring or fall visits for a more peaceful experience. "This is a popular weekend get-away. My experience over the holiday weekends has usually been that's when the rowdy crowd shows up but this campground was comfortable and family-oriented," shares Brad H.
Site leveling: Prepare for uneven parking pads at horse campgrounds near Cottonwood Falls, Kansas. "The parking pad was nowhere near level, so you'll want to plan for that," warns Tracy N. about the equestrian loop.
Reservation planning: Some areas require advance booking while others allow walk-ups. "Online reservations must be made 48 hrs in advance, otherwise, its day by day," advises Nancy C. about camping at Eisenhower State Park.
Seasonal availability: Not all loops remain open year-round. "Stayed at the Walnut River Area, the Blue stem area was still closed down for winter in April," notes Jason S. about his experience at El Dorado State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cottonwood Falls, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cottonwood Falls, KS is Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park with a 3.5-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cottonwood Falls, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Cottonwood Falls, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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