Melvern Reservoir forms the centerpiece of camping near Emporia, Kansas, covering over 6,900 acres with 100 miles of shoreline. Located within the rolling Flint Hills region, campsites typically sit between 1,000-1,100 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 90°F during peak season. The reservoir's limestone shoreline creates distinctive camping conditions with rocky beach areas and clear water access points for paddlers.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Both Eisenhower State Park and Carbolyn Park offer excellent fishing access. "Clean campground, nice and quiet! Little disappointed with no true waterfront access," notes a Carbolyn Park visitor, though many sites provide lake views and easy boat launch access.
Kayaking excursions: Melvern Lake provides calm waters for paddling, with multiple access points. At Whitehall Bay, "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," shares one camper who enjoyed waterfront views.
Bird watching: The lake areas attract diverse bird species throughout seasons. "Very scenic grassy fields and trees along a reservoir that has fishing, boating, & canoeing. Great birds for birding," mentions one visitor to Eisenhower State Park, highlighting the wildlife viewing opportunities beyond water recreation.
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: Mid-week visits offer solitude at most area campgrounds. "Spent the weekend here and glad we had reservations prior as it was full even though it was the end of October and the weather wasn't the best," notes a camper about Eisenhower State Park Campground, suggesting booking ahead even during shoulder season.
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds feature well-designed sites with adequate distance between neighbors. "Beautiful area to camp, and cheap. Our camp was in burning heart, it was very quiet and very clean. Even being full, it felt secluded," writes a visitor to Pomona State Park Campground.
Off-season tranquility: Fall and winter camping provides peaceful experiences with fewer crowds. "We stayed in one of the campgrounds with undesignated primitive spots. Found a nice place to park right on the lake. It was super quiet, being winter," shares a Pomona State Park camper, highlighting the benefits of cold-weather camping.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds require advance booking during peak season. "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," notes a visitor to Bluestem Point Area, though availability varies seasonally.
Storm preparation: Strong winds off the lakes can affect tent campers. "It was super duper windy off of the lake for us, so be ready for wind," warns an Eisenhower State Park visitor who camped in the tent-friendly areas.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require navigating rural roads with potholes. At Whitehall Bay, a camper cautions: "The main issue with this campground, I found, was the drive to get here. The last 4-5 miles are very narrow, with vegetation growing right up to the pavement... The last 2-3 miles are riddled with potholes."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "There is a large grassy field with playgrounds. Trails to take walks by the lake," notes a Pomona camper about the family-friendly amenities.
Beach selection: Swimming areas vary in quality across parks. "There is a boat ramp and a roped-off swimming area. There were two small playgrounds and two bath+shower houses," mentions a Whitehall Bay visitor, though they noted the beach appeared steep.
Yurt camping options: For families wanting comfort beyond tent camping, yurt camping near Emporia, Kansas provides a solid middle ground. Shady Creek Area at El Dorado State Park offers alternatives to traditional camping with "Nice campsite, tons of sites with nobody else here. Not buggy either," according to a recent visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Hookup options differ significantly between parks. At Chuck Wagon RV Park, "Owners are friendly and helpful. Full hook ups, 50 and 30 amp, pull through and back in. Small campground with no public showers or bathrooms, no WiFi but good ATT cell service," reports a camper.
Leveling requirements: Some sites require adjustment for RVs. "Site a little off level, nothing a few blocks or boards couldn't solve. 30 amps of clean 122 vac, water tucked in between two pine trees that blocked the view of the sites to the left and right of us," shares a Pomona State Park visitor.
Seasonal pricing benefits: Seniors and off-season travelers can find significant discounts. "With Dad's senior national park pass, site #3 (60' gravel for up to a 40' rig) (electric only) was only $8.50," reports a happy Whitehall Bay camper who also received a free upgrade to full hookups.
