El Dorado Lake spans 8,000 acres in south-central Kansas with 98 miles of shoreline offering diverse camping environments. Water levels can fluctuate seasonally, affecting campsite availability along shorelines. The lake's multiple camping areas provide options for both secluded primitive sites and developed campgrounds with full amenities.
What to do
Fishing access points: At Boulder Bluff Area, fishing opportunities abound with convenient water access directly from campsites. "My family travels to alot of lakes every year. This lake has everything we look for. Good fishing, 2 swim large swim beaches, plenty of out buildings and play areas," shares Leigh M. about Boulder Bluff Area.
Mountain biking trails: Santa Fe Lake offers well-marked trails for bikers of all skill levels. "The mountain bike trails as well as hiking trails are perfect for beginners to experts. It is large enough for wake but we love taking our kayaks out," notes Helena P. about Santa Fe Lake. The trails form loops that connect back to the main road.
Swimming options: Multiple designated swimming areas provide alternatives to lakefront swimming. "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. The Walnut River Area features a swim beach away from the main lake, providing a more controlled environment.
What campers like
Lakeside sites: Many campsites at El Dorado Lake offer direct water access. "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 her stay at Boulder Bluff Area.
Paved biking routes: The paved trails throughout the park receive positive mentions from visitors. "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," notes Mary about her experience at Boulder Bluff Area.
Spacious campsites: The size of individual sites receives consistent praise. "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," reports Todd P. about his stay at Bluestem Point Area.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary: Quality of facilities differs across camping areas. "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," cautions Angie S. about her experience at Walnut River Area.
Water hookups logistics: Some campgrounds have specific water usage rules. "The water hookups are shared between sites and currently have signs reading, '15 MINUTE TIME LIMIT. Do Not Leave Water Hose Connected, Even If You Have A Splitter,'" reports Meghan B. about Harvey County East Park.
Weekend crowding: Holiday weekends bring higher occupancy and potentially more noise. "This is a popular weekend get-away. It's less than an hour from Wichita, clean, taken care of. My experience over the holiday weekends has usually been that's when the rowdy crowd shows up," notes Brad H. about Boulder Bluff Area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When camping with children, consider sites near play areas. "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," recommends Kara S. about Walnut River Area.
Swimming beach features: El Dorado Lake offers designated swimming areas designed with families in mind. "NO STICKERS IN THE GRASS AT THE DESIGNATED CAMP SITES! At some sites, you can fish just feet from your tent," highlights Zephyr Y. about Bluestem Point.
Educational opportunities: The area offers historical attractions nearby. "The history of the hotel and accompanying landing strip was fascinating, and the path to the ponds at sunset was beautiful," shares Sarah B. about her visit to Beaumont Hotel & RV Park, located about 30 miles east of El Dorado.
Tips from RVers
Utility availability: Different camping loops offer varying hookup options. "Very few 50 amp site to choose from and no 50 amp sites with shade. Decent beach area with playground equipment for kids," notes Stanleigh S. about Bluestem Point.
Campsite layout considerations: Setup for RVs can be challenging at some sites. "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," advises Tracy N. about Boulder Bluff Area.
General store access: Bluestem Point offers a general store for camping necessities. "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," suggests Zephyr Y.
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