Strong City's cabin camping options sit at an elevation of approximately 1,200 feet in the Flint Hills region, where the tallest grasses in the tallgrass prairie can reach six feet high. Water levels at area lakes fluctuate seasonally, with spring typically seeing higher water levels that may affect shoreline cabin accessibility. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, requiring cabin campers to check heating options before booking.
What to do
Fishing access: Eisenhower State Park provides direct water access from many campsites, making it convenient for anglers to fish directly from their cabin areas. "Spectacular sunsets. In fairness, most sites are on the water or have a water view," notes a camper who stayed at Eisenhower State Park Campground.
Swim beaches: Several designated swimming areas exist near cabin accommodations, with El Dorado State Park featuring a beach area adjacent to camping sections. "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," explains a visitor to Walnut River Area.
Water recreation rentals: Kayak and canoe rentals are available seasonally for exploring the lake waters. "The general store is super helpful, as they sell firewood and ice, and have kayak and canoe rentals. There are a few swim beaches, and plenty of sand to sit in and relax," shares a camper about their experience at Eisenhower State Park.
What campers like
Shade coverage: Tree cover varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering better protection from summer heat. "Lots of trees but they don't seem to do much to block the constant noise. I did like the contactless check-in," notes a visitor about Owl's Nest Campground.
Camp hosts: Attentive staff enhance the camping experience at several cabin locations. "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," shares a visitor about Bluestem Point Area.
Lakeside views: Many cabin sites offer direct lake views or waterfront access. "We got a prime tree shaded spot on the water. In fairness, most sites are on the water or have a water view. Spectacular sunsets," reports a camper at Eisenhower State Park.
What you should know
Shower facility condition: Bathhouse quality varies widely between campgrounds, with some facilities showing age or maintenance issues. "The fivestar loop is decent for tent camping. The sites were fairly small and jammed next to each other, and half of them didn't have great tree cover, but they all have a nice firepit and picnic table. Bathrooms were nice and clean," reports a camper from Eisenhower State Park.
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, with Owl's Nest Campground offering a streamlined reservation process. "Reserve online, reasonably priced. One week stay in this little park, close to Junction City and Fort Riley. Full hookups in pull-thru half circle asphalt tar or back-in sites," explains a visitor.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some camping areas, particularly those near major roads. "I would give this place 3.5 stars for the visual atmosphere, however, given the noise levels from the interstate and highway, I can't give it four. It has lots of trees but they don't seem to do much to block the constant noise," shares an Owl's Nest camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Recreation areas for children exist at several campgrounds in the region. "Three nice campgrounds, large playground, fishing and a swim beach. Worth the stop with the kids," mentions a visitor to Walnut River Area in El Dorado State Park.
Rule enforcement: Family camping experiences can be affected by how consistently campground rules are upheld. "Basic campground rules were not enforced at all. The site across from us easily had 30 people camping and were up until 4am with loud music and a bright light on," cautions a Walnut River Area visitor.
Site selection strategy: Choosing sites away from high-traffic areas improves the family camping experience. "The sites were level and spacious. This campground is Small, but a well laid out campground," notes a visitor to Owl's Nest Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full-service hookups including water, electric and sewer connections vary by location. "Full hook ups, pull thru and back in sites, so it's convenient no matter what you are driving. They nice level spots and definitely well maintained," reports an RV camper at Owl's Nest.
Seasonal occupancy rates: Camper density changes significantly by season, affecting reservation needs. "At the end of May, it was almost empty. We had our pick of sites," shares a visitor about Eisenhower State Park.
Dump station locations: Some campgrounds require using facilities at different sections of the park. "We actually camped at Bemis Campground about a mile and a half south of this campground. There was about 15 or 20 spaces all with electric. I believe there was vault toilets only but no dump station. We had to come up to the blue stem area to dump," explains a camper who stayed near Bluestem Point Area.
