El Dorado State Park cabins offer alternatives to traditional camping with several cabin options beyond just Bluestem Point and Walnut River areas. Cabins at Walnut River Area provide proximity to swimming beaches and playgrounds, making them popular with families during summer months. Availability varies significantly by season, with many locations requiring reservations 3-6 months in advance.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Anglers at El Dorado Lake can target multiple species including walleye, crappie, and catfish. "The lake was flooded so the water was a bit off," notes Randall J. about Bluestem Point Area, suggesting water levels can impact fishing conditions.
Swimming beaches: Several cabin locations offer easy access to designated swimming areas. At Walnut River Area, one visitor mentioned "Three nice campgrounds, large playground, fishing and a swim beach. Worth the stop with the kids."
Playground access: Families staying in cabins can take advantage of nearby playgrounds. USI RV Park, though farther from the lake, offers "a very nice playground for children" according to a reviewer, making it suitable for families needing additional amenities.
What campers like
Accessible locations: Many cabin sites feature level access and proximity to amenities. "The sites were level and spacious," mentions Todd P. about Bluestem Point Area, highlighting the accessibility of the facilities.
Helpful staff: Camp hosts receive positive mentions from multiple visitors. At Bluestem Point, a camper noted "Camp hosts are very friendly and it is well taken care of. They just added new shower houses and are really improving what was already a great place to camp."
Privacy options: Some cabins offer more seclusion than others. At Cross Timbers State Park, Toronto Point cabins provide a quieter alternative to the more populated El Dorado sites, with a reviewer noting their experience "Spent an October weekend here and had a great time with the kids fishing, hiking, and roasting marshmallows."
What you should know
Facility conditions vary: Bathroom and shower facilities near cabins can differ significantly in quality and maintenance. A recent visitor to Walnut River reported, "Showers/toilets were better than the archaic ones in Bluestem that have no roofs, but barely. Broken soap dispensers, cold water, no privacy in showers, etc."
Weather considerations: The area experiences significant seasonal changes. "The wind blew the entire time... kind of annoying, but if we were in the woods it didn't really bother us," mentioned a camper at Cross Timbers State Park, suggesting location selection matters for weather protection.
Reservation requirements: Most cabins require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. At Wichita's Spring Lake RV Resort, which offers cabin rentals about 45 minutes from El Dorado Lake, a visitor reported it as a "Bargain at $33" with "Clean, modern bathrooms and showers."
Tips for camping with families
Location selection: Choose cabin areas with family-friendly amenities. "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," notes one visitor to Walnut River Area.
Weekend noise levels: Some areas experience higher noise levels during peak times. A camper at Bluestem Point described it as a "Party hub" noting "the amount of young people partying all night" as their biggest complaint after water conditions.
Alternative cabin options: Consider less-visited areas for quieter family experiences. Gobbler's Knob Campground at Fall River State Park offers cabins with fewer crowds than the main El Dorado locations, providing a more secluded option for families seeking quiet.
Tips from RVers
Utility connections: Check electrical service specifications when booking cabins with RV hookups. At Bluestem Point, a visitor noted "Very few 50 amp site to choose from and no 50 amp sites with shade," highlighting the limited options for larger RVs requiring more power.
Site selection strategy: For better experiences, consider specific site locations. "Probably would recommend taking a back in spot rather than a pull through spot as the pull through were all pretty small and had no shade," advised Lisa M. about camping near Bluestem Point, information relevant for those bringing RVs to cabin areas with mixed accommodations.
