Best Camping in and near El Dorado State Park

88% (4 reviews)

El Dorado State Park: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.

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Top-rated campgrounds near El Dorado State Park

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High 5 Farm

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Andover, KS

Escape to the tranquil beauty of High 5 Farm, a 20-acre haven just 10 minutes from Andover, KS. Nestled amidst lush landscapes, our farm features one (possibly two) secluded campsites perfect for a peaceful getaway. Enjoy access to our picturesque lake, ideal for fishing or simply unwinding by the water's edge. Whether you're looking to reconnect with nature or just seeking a quiet retreat, High 5 Farm offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern convenience. Book your stay today and experience the best of Kansas countryside! Other amenities: -Beautiful walk or gravel bike ride east on SW 120th ST. -Buffalo viewing 2 miles east on SW 120th ST. Viewing is from the road only as this is private property. Often the buffalo are not near the fence so no guarantees. -Harry Street Nature Trail: The Harry Street Nature Trail in Andover, Kansas, is a 1.5-mile loop trail that’s great for hiking, mountain biking, and running. It’s generally considered an easy route, taking about 27 minutes to complete. The trail features a mixture of mulch pathways and natural surfaces, winding through woods and along Republican Creek. It’s also dog-friendly, with some areas allowing off-leash dogs. Additionally, the Harry Street Path connects to the Webb Road Path and Greenwich Road Path, providing more options for extended walks or rides. -Golfing: 4 miles from camp site. Sierra Hills Golf Club presents a par 58 course that covers 3,100 yards and features 4 par 4s and 14 par 3s. The terrain careens across gently undulating bluegrass and past six water features. The 18th hole offers a dramatic end to the round, as golfers must send approach shots soaring over a water hazard stationed directly in front of the green. Sierra Hills Golf Club‎ compliments its layout with a practice putting green and a full-length, 35-stall, natural-grass driving range, where guests can drive practice balls up to 300 yards into the distance.

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Bare Ass Acres

10 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Emporia, KS

30 acres with large shop, pond, and hedgerows. 3 miles west of Emporia off hwy 50. Learn more about this land: 30 acres hay field with a pond for swimming or fishing. Shouse (shop house) owner lives on site. Looking for people that come to Emporia Kansas for community events like the Dirty Kanza, Disc Golf, and more.

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Camping @ the Horse Farm

13 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Derby, KS

After living in the country I know how peaceful it can be. So being so close to the city and having this space that is secluded and peaceful it seemed only fair to share it with someone who is interested in the same thing. When you drive onto the property you will take the first left and follow the grave towards the pond then take a right, drive past the garden, past the fire pit and toward the trees. From there you can pick your spot to spend sometime enjoying the great outdoors.

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Eric M.’s Land

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents320 acres · Leon, KS

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Turner's Quarter

1 site · RV3 acres · Andover, KS

Learn more about this land:Come stay for a night at Turner's Quarter in our quiet country neighborhood. Enjoy access to a large fire pit, free firewood, and a large area for your camping activities. Take in a view of the bright night sky you just cant get in the city. Only 1 minute off the highway and only a quick walk to the main house in case of an urgent need. Perfect spot to stay a night if you're traveling across the state and don't want to stay at a busy campground. There are other houses nearby, but only home you can really see is ours from the site. We are careful to ensure our camper's privacy during their stay! ***We are not allowed to offer tent camping at this time due to Hip Camp's requirement of a toilet. We are working to find a solution that meets Hip Camp's policies.***

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Bearded Gander Farm

1 site · RV, Tent80 acres · Douglass, KS

Bearded Gander Farm is our home and a working market farm situated on a total of 80 acres. The property features more than 50 acres of beautiful pasture and meadows, along with tree lines, 2 ponds, and orchard in the making. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Tons of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Our market farm produces a range of organically grown fruits and vegetables and will be adding pasture raised chickens and eggs soon. Walk through the property and see our many pollinator habitats and permanent plantings - see zebra, tiger, and eastern swallowtail butterflies, many types of bees, and more. We live and work with intention to create sustainable habitats for all wildlife and see an abundance of hawks and owls, swallows and kites, lizards, toads, frogs, spiders, and everything you would imagine seeing in nature. It's our goal to have a full and balanced ecosystem. We look forward to sharing our place with you -Jessie and Travis

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Buster’s Lakeside Retreat

1 site · RV5 acres · Clearwater, KS

Quiet area with pond, gazebo, and beautiful views. Land is flat, but surrounded by trees for privacy. Site includes 30Amp or 50Amp hookup, but no toilet facilities available onsite. We live next door so you can stop at the house to fill up your fresh water tank before setting up at the camp site. You’re welcome to fish or enjoy the island on the pond with gazebo. Hiking around the pond area is also encouraged.

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Gail F.’s Land

3 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Severy, KS

Beeman's Cabin

1 site · Lodging18 acres · Hamilton, KS

Tranquility and peacefulness surround you and help you push the "reset" button on life! Step out the door and immerse yourself in nature! Evenings can be spent around the fire pit, roasting marshmallows (which are complimentary), listening to coyotes howling in the distance, or just gazing at the stars! Our furry friends will abide for your attention and will be a constant companion as you stroll down to the creek or up the trail to catch the setting sun. Life is better in the Country! The space 18 acres to explore with a winding creek and wildlife. Stars in the sky - both the actual stars and fireflies! Birds, coyotes, turkey, quail, whitetail deer - all share the same space. Great opportunity to teach children about nature! Explore at your own risk! The open floor plan of the cabin means that the beds are on one end and the eating area on the other! A small kitchenette (sink and electric skillet) is adjacent to the bathroom - which consists of a sink, toilet, and shower. The eating area also has a microwave and toaster oven. Paper goods are provided, but so are real dishes, silverware, and utensils. Folgers medium roast coffee is provided, as well as condiments in the refrigerator. If you'd like eggs ($2 per half dozen - when we have them, ask about availability) or ground beef ($4 per pound), arrangements can be made for that to be available, just let me know in advance. Outside, a propane grill is available for your grilling convenience. A TV with a DVD player is provided - but why stay inside when there's so much to see outside?? there are also puzzles, playing cards, and assorted games if the weather forces you to stay inside! Guest access Guest parking is located adjacent to the cabin. 3 steps must be climbed to gain access to the cabin. We encourage you to explore our space! We have a chicken house, 4H animals, dogs & cats to see and pet! Other things to note We are a working, ranch family and our house is adjacent to the cabin - close but not too close. We travel back and forth to our ranch on 4-wheelers and ATVs. Our dogs are not only pets but are also ranch security. This means that at night, they will bark when they feel that coyotes are getting too close to our pets and chickens, so they are just doing their jobs and are not trying to keep you awake at night!

Beaumont Hotel & RV Park

23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Beaumont, KS

The Beaumont Hotel RV Park sits in the historic town of Beaumont Kansas surrounded by rich history. Cowboys, railroads, and aviation offer our guests just a few of the many historic attractions for their enjoyment and exploration. The Beaumont Hotel is a homing beacon to all pilots and travelers who want to touch down for a cold drink, a hot bath, a great meal, and restful sleep. The Beaumont Hotel’s renovation includes the addition of private baths in the four suites and six deluxe rooms and a remodeled dining room accented with period log furniture in the lobby. The hotel is open daily and the cafe dishes up hearty meals Friday night through Sunday afternoon every week starting April 12, 2024. There’s also a facsimile, television, and a private meeting room for business retreats. The Cafe and Restaurant are closed for the winter months from mid-November to the first week in April. The Hotel and RV Park are available for reservations year-round. Because The Beaumont Hotel adjoins a 10,000-acre working cattle ranch and is near the Tall Grass Prairie National Park, guests may also enjoy wagon rides and campfire cookouts, and see the oldest wooden water tower in America, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as the Beaumont Hotel! The Beaumont Hotel is a perfect weekend getaway or a strategic stopover on a cross-country hop. Stay a night, stay a week – your welcome is guaranteed to be warm and friendly as you and your fellow travelers swap stories and savor the beauty, peace, and quiet of this very special piece of Americana. Our RV park has 10 gravel pads (5 of which are pull-through), a tiny house, a covered wagon as well as tent camping. RV sites include full hookups with 30/50 amp electricity, water, and sewer.

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Boxcar Family Escape

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Rose Hill, KS

Climb to the top of a rustic train boxcar and take in the beautiful Kansas country sky. Our peaceful property is a perfect escape while still being only 10 minutes from gas, grocery, and restaurants in Rose Hill. Derby Walmart Supercenter is 20 minutes away, and Wichita proper is just a 25-30 minute drive.29 Mile away you have El Dorado State Park which is a showstopper of family fun! Located in the Flint Hills, this park has an immense wildlife area, over 8,000 acres of water, and 98 miles of shoreline (think beaches and coolers filled with cold beer). While you are here, you can take your boat on this expansive lake to explore it all while you fish for your dinner. Back on the land you’ll be beckoned by picturesque hiking trails, biking trails, and horse trails. There is a wide variety of campsites on the shoreline, offering the perfect vista to see the moon and stars reflected back into the lake. Kansas magic at its best!Meet our friendly indoor/outdoor cats, and maybe even spot a deer in the surrounding fields as you relax around the fire pit. Visitors in June can even harvest fresh mulberries from several trees surrounding the camping area. We commonly see deer, squirrels, rabbits, and a large variety of birds. We've occasionally spotted bald eagles in our surrounding trees.No pets allowed.

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Dry Creek Post

8 sites · Lodging13 acres · Cedar Point, KS

While cruising the winding backroads of the Flint Hills to the property, you will immediately become enchanted by the peaceful scenery, beautiful skies with striking cloud formations, wind swirling through the trees, an abundance of animal life, and the flora and fauna. When you arrive at the property, hosts Kirt and Kim will be there to greet you with a smile, and give you a tour of the grounds. And, if you are lucky, Kim will bring you a basket of fresh baked goods. Farm dogs Charlie and Buddy, no doubt, will be there to tag along on your tour - but not to worry, they are friendly dogs who keep guard over the chickens and goats, and are sure to become your two new best friends. After your tour of the vast and serene property, you will be shown to one of the three group tents, or the more secluded tent on the other side of the property - depending on which tent(s) you reserved. All of the glamping tents are safari style with spacious interiors and luxurious details you are sure to love. The three group tents can sleep up to 4 each, and are furnished with a queen and two twin-sized beds, along with cozy decor. There is no electricity in the tents, but there are lanterns and solar lights to help guide your way back to your retreat after dark. The group tent area also includes a community fire pit for late night S'mores, another outdoor area with a gazebo and a grill, and an enclosed outhouse and shower. The secluded tent is for those who want a little more privacy. This tent is furnished with a queen size bed, and is stylishly decorated. This tent also includes a fire pit, private outdoor seating area with grill, and a private enclosed outhouse and shower. Along with the incredible tents, Dry Creek Post also offers many perks that bring guests back time after time. There is a shared outdoor kitchen with a grill, sink, propane oven, and an outdoor dining table large enough to seat 10, plus, the Rowdy Rooster Clubhouse. The Rowdy Rooster is the infamous clubhouse that is always a hit with guests. This clubhouse is original to the property, and was renovated by owners, Kim and Kirt, for guest use. Along with the hand-painted "Texaco" sign on the floor, the clubhouse has a rustic feel, and gives you the feeling that you have stepped back in time, or into a really cool bar in the city. The Rowdy Rooster includes a bar area, mini fridge, table and chairs, popcorn machine, lots of games, and blankets for chilly nights. Its the perfect spot to sit and play cards, have a few cocktails, or an impromptu dance party. The Rowdy Rooster also has an attached deck with seating, another fire pit, and a movie screen for special movie nights! While there are many activities at Dry Creek Post to keep you busy, there are also many scenic places to visit in the area. Some of those locations include Chase State Fishing Lake, Council Grove Lake, Herington City Lakes, Flint Hills Scenic Byway, Flint Hills Wildfire Drive, Marion Reservoir, and the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. There are also many cultural events in the area, including the Flint Hills Rodeo, Unbound Gravel, and Symphony in the Flint Hills. You'll also want to make a stop at the historic Chase County Courthouse in Cottonwood Falls, an Italianate architectural stunner that is still in use today. After visiting the courthouse, there are shops, an art gallery, antique shops, and spots to eat, so go out and wander the charming downtown area and support the local community. No matter what your adventure is within the area, Dry Creek Post is the perfect spot to unwind and find tranquility, an experience you won't soon forget.

The best camping near El Dorado State Park guide

Overview

About

El Dorado State Park is a showstopper of family fun! Located in the Flint Hills, this park has an immense wildlife area, over 8,000 acres of water, and 98 miles of shoreline (think beaches and coolers filled with cold beer). While you are here, you can take your boat on this expansive lake to explore it all while you fish for your dinner. Back on the land you’ll be beckoned by picturesque hiking trails, biking trails, and horse trails. There is a wide variety of campsites on the shoreline, offering the perfect vista to see the moon and stars reflected back into the lake. Kansas magic at its best!

Notable campgrounds

Bluestem Point: Offers a mix of primitive and utility campsites, perfect for both tent camping and RVs, with stunning lake views.
Walnut River: Known for its shaded sites and proximity to the water, this campground is ideal for families and anglers alike.
Boulder Bluff: Features equestrian-friendly sites with corrals, catering to those who wish to explore the park on horseback.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early, especially for peak season weekends, as sites at El Dorado State Park fill up quickly.
Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
Keep an eye on the park's alerts for any last-minute openings due to cancellations.
Explore nearby camping options if your preferred campground is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit El Dorado State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer offers a wealth of activities but can be quite hot. Winters are less crowded but may be too chilly for some outdoor activities.

Know before you go

Check the park's website for any alerts on blue-green algae advisories before planning water activities.
Be aware of the park's winter hours for the office: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm, with closures on weekends.
Remember to purchase the necessary permits for camping and any specific activities like fishing or hunting.
Accessibility is a priority, with ADA camping available and trails designed for various needs.
For a seamless experience, download the CampIt KS Mobile App for easy access to park information and services.