El Dorado State Park sits at an elevation of 1,339 feet near the tallest point in Butler County, Kansas. The reservoir covers 8,000 acres with 98 miles of shoreline when at normal levels. Camping facilities remain accessible year-round with seasonal limitations during winter months when temperatures can drop below freezing.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Santa Fe Lake offers multiple trail systems with varying difficulty levels for beginners to experts. A camper notes, "Several trails offshoot from the main road, each is marked for either hiking (trail running), mountain biking, or camping. Some bike routes are more difficult."
Fishing from your site: Many waterfront sites at Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park allow fishing just steps from your tent. One visitor shared, "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!"
Paddling opportunities: The smaller Santa Fe Lake provides calmer waters for kayaking compared to larger reservoirs. As one camper pointed out, "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
Shaded campsites: The Big Oak Campground in Walnut River Area — El Dorado State Park features extensive tree cover. A visitor described it as "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."
Proximity to amenities: Campgrounds are strategically located near essential facilities. At Bluestem Point Area — El Dorado State Park, a camper highlighted that "The picnic tables are great because they are shaped like a sail and you can turn them to block the wind or sun. You can also put a tarp on top and block out the rain."
Quiet camping options: For those seeking peaceful experiences, Shady Creek Area — El Dorado State Park offers secluded sites. A recent visitor reported, "Nice campsite, tons of sites with nobody else here. Not buggy either."
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Some campground facilities receive mixed reviews. At Walnut River Area, a camper reported, "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."
Water levels fluctuate seasonally: Water conditions can change throughout the year. At Bluestem Point, one camper noted, "The lake was flooded so the water was a bit off, biggest complaint was the lack of shade on our spot and the amount of young people partying all night."
Reservation system details: For Harvey County East Park, campers should understand the registration process. A visitor explained, "There seem to be a couple pay stations throughout the campground and friendly hosts to help you get settled in."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Walnut River Area, a parent shared, "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."
Swimming beaches: Designated swimming areas provide safer water recreation. A camper at Santa Fe Lake mentioned, "Great staff on board. Electric only but the office lets you fill your fresh water tank by the entrance and there is a dump station. Swim beach & great for tent camping."
Weekend planning: Holiday weekends bring different crowds to El Dorado area campsites. One visitor at Boulder Bluff observed, "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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer varying electrical service options. At Santa Fe Lake, a reviewer mentioned, "Very few 50 amp site to choose from and no 50 amp sites with shade. Decent beach area with playground equipment for kids."
Site leveling challenges: Some RV sites require additional preparation. At Walnut River, a camper advised, "The parking pad was nowhere near level, so you'll want to plan for that."
Overnight convenience: For travelers passing through, Deer Grove RV Park provides essential amenities. A visitor shared, "Level spots, great hookups and super friendly management. We Will be back again."
