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.
$10 - $23 / night
"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..."
$10 - $100 / 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."
$12 - $95 / night
GuideMy 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.
LegendThis 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. In fairness, most sites are on the water or have a water view. Spectacular sunsets.
There was only 1 small bath house open while we were there, but it was clean and the shower was hot. It was one of those push button kind that only stayed on for a min. Not a problem to just keep pushing.
We road bikes, but the cold spring winds made kayaking impossible. In the summer, I can see why this place would be a fun destination. Swimming, boating, fishing, horses, archery, wide open spaces.
The roads within the park are not the best. Also, online reservations must be made 48 hrs in advance, otherwise, its day by day.
TravelerWe 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... Not consistent and usually on the wrong side of your trailer. The parking pad was nowhere near level, so you'll want to plan for that. The trees are lovely. You're very near the water and the breeze was beautiful. 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. We used the city of El Dorado dump station. The park is massive. Lots of amenities in El Dorado. And a quick jump to Wichita. We will be back.
GuideYou'd think the Big Oak Campground in El Dorado State Park would be amazing. It's 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. Unfortunately these pluses are far outweighed by the negatives. First the bathrooms were horrible. I realize they are older restrooms but they smelled awful, they were never obviously cleaned, the showers were not even a tiny bit private, the door to the restroom was broken and had to be propped open with a tree branch. Just over the bridge at the swim beach they were worse and some of the doors in the women’s room were missing. Yuck! 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. I’m not kidding, my daughter was up around 3 to use the restroom and we walked by twice. The family in the site next to us had at least 4 cars and 2 tents set up outside the site on the walking path in addition to their two tents in their own site. The dog free swim beach had dogs on it. We camp with our dogs, one of which loves to swim and even I don’t want dogs on a public beach. Our camping weekend was negatively affected by poor camping etiquette and a sever lack of basic rule enforcement. We won’t be back to El Dorado State Park Big Oak campsite any time soon. Cross Timbers and Fall River are much better!
GuideYou'd think the Big Oak Campground in El Dorado State Park would be amazing. It's 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. Unfortunately these pluses are far outweighed by the negatives. First the bathrooms were horrible. I realize they are older restrooms but they smelled awful, they were never obviously cleaned, the showers were not even a tiny bit private, the door to the restroom was broken and had to be propped open with a tree branch. Just over the bridge at the swim beach they were worse and some of the doors in the women’s room were missing. Yuck! 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. I’m not kidding, my daughter was up around 3 to use the restroom and we walked by twice. The family in the site next to us had at least 4 cars and 2 tents set up outside the site on the walking path in addition to their two tents in their own site. The dog free swim beach had dogs on it. We camp with our dogs, one of which loves to swim and even I don’t want dogs on a public beach. Our camping weekend was negatively affected by poor camping etiquette and a sever lack of basic rule enforcement. We won’t be back to El Dorado State Park Big Oak campsite any time soon, at least not during the busy summer camping season. Cross Timbers and Fall River are much better!
TravelerThis Park is closer to home so just took my son on a quick fishing/camping overnigh for his birthday. Stayed at the Walnut River Area, the Blue stem area was still closed down for winter in April. Lots of good places to fish on this reservoir, fish weren't biting so we spent quite a bit of time riding our bikes around the area. There is a large playground for kids, a nice swim beach away from the main lake, an archery range, and they are building a pistol/ rifle range next to the ranger station for public use.
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.
ScoutRestrooms with showers and dumpsters (for you campsite garbage) 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. NO STICKERS IN THE GRASS AT THE DESIGNATED CAMP SITES!!!!! At some sites, you can fish just feet from your tent. 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! The general store and bait shop at Bluestem is wonderful. If you visit Kansas State Parks frequently, it pays to purchase an annual vehicle permit early in the year when they are discounted rather than pay per day every time you visit.
TravelerVery scenic grassy fields and trees along a reservoir that has fishing, boating, & canoeing. Great birds fir birding. Great lakeside campsites.
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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