El Dorado State Park encompasses over 4,000 acres surrounding El Dorado Lake in south-central Kansas. The park divides into multiple camping areas with distinct amenities and terrain features. Equestrian camping near El Dorado Lake offers specialized sites designed for visitors traveling with horses, primarily in the dedicated Equestrian Loop.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: El Dorado Lake provides year-round fishing access with multiple species available. According to Zephyr Y., "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!" Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park
Hiking and biking trails: The park features wooded paths and paved trails throughout the grounds. Jason S. notes, "There are some cool little hiking spots to explore," and adds that when fish weren't biting, "we spent quite a bit of time riding our bikes around the area." Mary confirms this activity option: "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." Walnut River Area — El Dorado State Park
Swimming beaches: The park maintains designated swimming areas for safe water recreation. Zephyr Y. reports, "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." Jason S. also mentions that in the Walnut River area there are "three nice campgrounds, large playground, fishing and a swim beach. Worth the stop with the kids."
What campers like
Lake sounds and breezes: Campers appreciate waterfront sites with natural cooling and ambiance. Brittany G. shares, "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." Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park
Family-friendly amenities: Parks near El Dorado Lake offer facilities specifically for families with children. Kara S. says, "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. Bathroom and shower are next to the playground which is also convenient for us."
Convenient location: The proximity to Wichita makes these parks popular weekend destinations. Brad H. notes, "This is a popular weekend get-away. It's less than an hour from Wichita, clean, taken care of." Mary adds that while visiting in early April, "There were a lot of local campers in the park." Winfield City Lake
What you should know
Bathhouse conditions vary: Facilities across different camping areas receive mixed reviews. Donna G. reports, "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." Cross Timbers State Park
Campsite placement: Several campers note inconsistent site layouts. Mary observes, "The campsites are separated a little from each other. Lots of nice trees." However, site organization can be challenging, with Debbie S. stating Winfield City Lake "needs better roads way to much dirt."
Seasonal considerations: Park amenities and access change throughout the year. Mary describes confusion during an April visit: "It was very confusing to get a site because there was no camp host available and the park office was closed. There are maps on bulletin boards but no printed maps were available."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas for easier supervision. Kara S. recommends specific locations: "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." Walnut River Area — El Dorado State Park
Avoid holiday weekends: For quieter family camping, consider non-peak times. Angie S. advises, "Our camping weekend was negatively affected by poor camping etiquette and a severe 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."
Plan for lake activities: Pack appropriate swimming and fishing gear. Jason S. explains, "Lots of good places to fish on this reservoir," and notes that during an April visit, "the Bluestem area was still closed down for winter."
Tips from RVers
Leveling equipment required: Many parking pads throughout the parks require additional stabilization. Leigh M. states, "My family travels to a lot of lakes every year. This lake has everything we look for. Grills and firepits at EVERY site." However, other reviews note uneven parking pads requiring preparation with leveling blocks. Winfield City Lake
Alternative dump station options: When park facilities are unavailable, seek alternatives. For those requiring equestrian camping near El Dorado Lake with dump stations, consider city facilities as backup options.
Choose sites carefully: RV site quality varies significantly across camping areas. Anika L. advises, "The RV sites are not in the best location in regards to the water, so we prefer to camp non-electrical here."
