El Dorado State Park features multiple camping areas around the 8,000-acre reservoir, located in the tall grass prairie region of central Kansas. Winter temperatures average 30-40°F while summer camping season brings 80-90°F days with moderate humidity. Cabin and yurt camping options provide alternatives to traditional tent and RV sites throughout the area.
What to do
Water recreation access: Most camping areas at El Dorado State Park offer proximity to fishing, boating, and swimming spots. "The lake was large and you could tell that the banks of the lake had flooded the campsites on the shoreline. I expected a lot of bugs but it wasn't bad," notes one camper about the Bluestem Point Area.
Trail exploration: Santa Fe Lake provides multiple trail networks for different users. "The main trail is composed of a gravel camping road that encircles the man made lake. Several trails offshoot from this main road, each is marked for either hiking (trail running), mountain biking, or camping," explains one visitor who explored the area.
Aviation viewing: Beaumont Hotel & RV Park offers a unique opportunity to observe small aircraft. Their operational airstrip makes this one of the few places where you can camp and watch planes land. "Fly in with your own plane, drive your car/RV or ride your bicycle. Beaumont with their own airport, hotel, campground, and cafe with a lot of Frisco Railroad History," shares one camper.
Sunset watching: Several camping areas provide unobstructed sunset views. "We picked a spot right on the point of the cove where we could see all of the lake and its beauty! Sat by our campfire and watched the gorgeous sunset," reports a visitor to Whitehall Bay.
What campers like
Peaceful environment: Whitehall Bay receives high marks for tranquility. "I camp here often because of the serenity. The best part of Whitehall Bay is the sewer is directly at your campsite, so no dumping afterwards," explains a regular visitor who appreciates both the quiet and the convenience.
Campsite quality: French Creek Cove offers well-designed sites with practical features. "Separated RV stalls with covered concrete patio," notes one visitor who adds it's "one of the nicer lakes I've been to, and cheap."
Wildlife viewing: The various water bodies attract birds and other wildlife. "Lots of wonderful birdlife here," mentions a camper at Whitehall Bay who appreciated the natural setting during their stay.
Affordability: Several camping options in the area provide good value. "Great place to camp. Well worth $12 per night. Shady sites, fire rings, covered picnic tables," shares a French Creek Cove visitor about the reasonable pricing for the amenities offered.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds involves unpaved roads. "The last 4-5 miles are very narrow, with the vegetation growing right up to the pavement. The last 2-3 miles are riddled with potholes," warns a visitor to Whitehall Bay.
Yurt camping options: El Dorado, Kansas offers yurt camping structures at specific sites. These provide an alternative to traditional tents with more weather protection. Yurt camping near El Dorado requires advance reservations, especially during summer months.
Seasonal water levels: Lake levels can fluctuate significantly. "The lake was flooded so the water was a bit off," reports a visitor to Bluestem Point, indicating that water conditions may impact shoreline camping and water activities.
Amenity limitations: Not all campgrounds offer full facilities. "Electric only, no water but we always travel with a full tank," notes a visitor about Whitehall Bay's hookup situation.
Tips for camping with families
Beach selection: Santa Fe Lake provides swimming areas suitable for children. "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," explains a camper who appreciated the calmer waters.
Playground access: Harvey County East Park includes family-friendly amenities. "The swim area is nice but often crowded on the weekends," reports a visitor who noted both the attractions and potential drawbacks.
Yurt camping El Dorado options: Families seeking alternatives between tent camping and cabins can explore yurt options. These circular tent structures provide more space and weather protection than traditional tents while maintaining a camping experience.
Site spacing: Look for campgrounds with sufficient room between sites. "The sites were level and spacious," notes a camper about their experience, indicating the importance of having adequate space when camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup limitations: Some campgrounds have specific water access 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 a visitor to Harvey County East Park.
Late arrival procedures: Wellington KOA accommodates after-hours check-ins. "Pulled in around 11pm, had to use the late check-in process. Well organized and easy with individual maps for each site number," explains a traveler who appreciated the streamlined system.
Site selections for larger rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate big rigs equally. "Shorter RV trailers are preferred. 30 amp service," advises a French Creek Cove visitor about limitations for larger RVs.
Full hookup availability: For RVers wanting all services, several options exist. "Site 15 was a wonderful upgrade!" shares a Whitehall Bay camper who was offered a full hookup site when the campground wasn't crowded.
