El Dorado State Park spans 4,000 acres with 98 miles of shoreline along El Dorado Lake, offering year-round camping opportunities near Marion, Kansas. The area sits at an elevation of 1,300 feet with hot, humid summers where temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing at night while daytime temperatures remain mild enough for cold-weather camping.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: French Creek Cove offers quality fishing in a quieter setting than the main lake. "Very nice spots, it is a cove off of the main lake nestled way back of the main, very dusty dirt road getting here but very nice spots. I go back every year," notes a reviewer at French Creek Cove.
Mountain biking trails: Santa Fe Lake features well-maintained trails for all skill levels. "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 a visitor at Santa Fe Lake.
Water activities: Beyond fishing, camping sites offer swimming and boating. "We had a nice stay at Harvey County East Park's Campers Row Campground. There seem to be a couple pay stations throughout the campground and friendly hosts to help you get settled in," reports a camper.
What campers like
Tent camping with beach access: Multiple campgrounds feature sandy shorelines for tent campers. "Sandy beaches at most of the tent campsites are our favorite things about this lake! Also, super affordable camping," shares a visitor to Harvey County East Park.
Peaceful lake views: KOA Campground Salina offers both cabin and tent sites with pleasant surroundings. "Clean facility. Spaces for all types from tents to motor homes. Level shaded spaces. All pull through. Food available on site or stores within minutes. Swimming pool in season," explains a guest.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain their amenities well. "The bathrooms here were warm on a cold night and very clean. You could tell they take care of this facility very well," notes a camper about the Salina KOA.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most glamping in Marion, Kansas requires advance booking. "It was $32 to stay the night, and the showers were coin-op. The view over the lake was gorgeous when we woke up, but we were sandwiched between the lake and the main entry road," shares a visitor at Santa Fe Lake.
Weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense, while spring brings flooding risks. "The lake was flooded so the water was a bit off, biggest complaint was the lack of shade on our spot and the amount of young people partying all night," notes a camper at Bluestem Point Area — El Dorado State Park.
Water restrictions: Some campgrounds have specific water usage rules. "Just to note, 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 camper at Harvey County East Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Select campgrounds with recreational facilities. "Kids enjoyed the basketball court, playground, and swimming pool. Clean bathroom/showers," shares a visitor to the Salina Campground.
Entertainment options: Owl's Nest Campground offers convenient, accessible camping with amenities for children. "Small, but a well laid out campground. They have daily, weekly and monthly rates. There are Full hook ups, pull thru and back in sites, so it's convenient no matter what you are driving."
Swimming areas: Several parks maintain designated swimming areas with sandy beaches. "Relaxing and clean swimming area. Bathroom was clean," notes a camper at Harvey County East Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose shaded sites when available during summer. "Very few 50 amp sites to choose from and no 50 amp sites with shade. Decent beach area with playground equipment for kids," advises an RVer at Bluestem Point.
Leveling considerations: Shady Creek Area — El Dorado State Park offers natural settings with practical considerations. "Nice campsite, tons of sites with nobody else here. Not buggy either," reports a recent visitor.
Road conditions: Access roads to some glamping sites near Marion can be challenging. "One of the nicer lakes I've been to, and cheap, the road is a little rough, but it's a neat place. Boat dock is very steep, small boats only. Pay online is very easy. Shorter RV trailers are preferred. 30 amp service," advises a French Creek Cove camper.
