El Dorado State Park spans more than 4,000 acres surrounding El Dorado Lake, a 6,912-acre reservoir with 98 miles of shoreline. Located at an elevation of approximately 1,330 feet, the park features rolling prairie terrain interspersed with stands of oak, walnut, and cottonwood trees. Camping options include primitive sites, electric/water hookups, and dedicated equestrian areas designed for trailer parking with trail access.
What to do
Hiking exploration: Sand Hills State Park, located approximately 60 miles northwest of Walton, offers a change of scenery with its distinctive dune formations. "State park. Reservations accepted. Horse friendly. Over 600 acres of equestrian trails," notes Randy S., highlighting the extensive trail network for riders seeking variety beyond El Dorado.
Swimming access: El Dorado State Park Walnut River Area provides designated swimming beaches separate from the main lake. "Three nice campgrounds, large playground, fishing and a swim beach. Worth the stop with the kids," writes Jason S. The swimming areas feature roped-off sections suitable for families with varying swimming abilities.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple shoreline access points throughout El Dorado State Park allow fishing without a boat. One camper at Boulder Bluff Area notes, "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!" This specific depth information helps anglers target deeper water species.
What campers like
Lakeside sleeping: The sound of water creates a natural soundtrack at certain campsites. "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," reports Brittany G. about her stay in the Equestrian Loop.
Multiple camping areas: El Dorado State Park divides into distinct sections with different characteristics. "This is a beautiful park. It has a river that runs through it and a man-made lake. The campsites are separated a little from each other. Lots of nice trees," writes Mary, noting the park's varied camping environments across its extensive acreage.
Convenient location: Sand Hills State Park Campground offers an alternative camping destination within regional proximity. "We stayed a night and it was everything we needed. Showers were nice... We paid $12 for the night since we got in super late otherwise it's $25 a night. Also saw a dump station that was free," reports Victoria S. about this more economical option.
What you should know
Reservation challenges: First-time visitors may encounter difficulties securing sites. "It was very confusing to get a site because there was no camp host available and the park office was closed. (It was Saturday.) There were a lot of local campers in the park. There are maps on bulletin boards but no printed maps were available," explains Mary about Boulder Bluff Area.
Facility conditions vary: Bathroom quality differs significantly between camping loops. "Bathrooms with showers and dumpsters (for you campsite garbage) are widely available during camping season," says one camper, while another notes, "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."
Site leveling required: Kansas State Fair RV Park offers an alternative camping location with different amenities. Meanwhile at Sand Hills, Victoria S. reports, "Park was a little unlevel so definitely need to bring extra wood to level correctly," suggesting campers should pack leveling blocks regardless of which area campground they choose.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: The Walnut River Area of El Dorado State Park features family-friendly amenities clustered together. "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," explains Kara S.
Weekday visits recommended: Weekend crowds can impact the camping experience significantly. "This is a popular weekend get-away. It's less than an hour from Wichita, clean, taken care of. There's plenty of options (primitive, water/electric/sewer, picnic use, boat ramps). My experience over the holiday weekends has usually been that's when the rowdy crowd shows up but this campground was comfortable and family-oriented," writes Brad H. about Boulder Bluff Area.
Bike-friendly infrastructure: Paved surfaces throughout the park provide safe cycling for children. "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," notes Mary, making El Dorado suitable for families with bikes.
Tips from RVers
Off-season advantages: Shoulder season camping offers fewer crowds and potential discounts. "Stopped here early in February 2021 for one night, on the way home to Missouri from Arizona. Needed a quiet place to get a nights sleep and drain the tanks before putting the RV back in storage for the rest of the winter. This campground met all our needs," reports Paul P. about Sand Hills State Park.
Site selection considerations: Boulder Bluff Area layouts can present challenges for RV setup. "All but a couple primitive sites are back-in. The layout of the fire rings, grills and picnic tables are all weird... Not consistent and usually on the wrong side of your trailer. The parking pad was nowhere near level, so you'll want to plan for that," advises Tracy N. about the equestrian loop specifically.
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