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Eisenhower State Park RV & Campground Guide

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You will love playing on the water on Melvern Lake and hiking through the tallgrass prairie at Eisenhower State Park, near Osage City, Kansas. The 400 acres of this park covered by old-growth trees is a fantastic place to see wildlife. State officials created this park in 1967 after constructing Melvern Lake, and the park received its current name in 1990 as a tribute to President Eisenhower. Nearby, you will want to explore the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, drive along the Flint Hills Scenic Byway, and explore the David Taylor Zoo in the city of Emporia.

Nearby Cities:

  • Topeka, KS

  • Emporia, KS

  • Coconut Grove, KS

  • Osage City, KS

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Weather
Spring 32-75 F
Summer 63-90 F
Fall 34-81 F
Winter 18-45 F
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Nearby Cities
Melvern, KS
Lyndon, KS
Osage City, KS
Lebo, KS
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RV Resorts & Campsites in Eisenhower State Park

Campground Accommodations

Abilene Campground

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: No

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Max RV length: 53 feet

  • Other amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, showers

Black Jack Campground

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: No

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Max RV length: 60 feet

  • Other amenities: Picnic tables, grills, showers

Churchill Campground

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: No

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Max RV length: 53 feet

  • Other amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, showers

Doud Campground

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: No

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Max RV length: 69 feet

  • Other amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, showers

Five Star Campground

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: No

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Max RV length: 40 feet

  • Other amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, showers

WestPoint Equestrian Campground

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: No

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Max RV length: 20 feet

  • Other amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, horse corrals

Outlet Campground

Outlet Campground is right on Melvern Lake, just below the dam on the eastern edge of the Flint Hills. Campers can go boating, fishing, hiking, and hunting in the area. The campground has 140 sites, with many offering full hookups. A boat ramp, dock, and fishing cleaning station mean you can catch something that day and have it for dinner in just a short time! 

  • Water hookup: yes

  • Electrical hookup: yes

  • Sewer hookup: yes

  • Wi-Fi: no

  • Pet friendly: n/a

  • Other amenities: showers, swim beach, playground, stocked fishing pond

Turkey Point Campground

Turkey Point Campground also sits on Melvern Lake, on the eastern edge of the Flint Hills of Kansas. There is boating, fishing, hiking, and hunting easily accessible from the campground. The Flint Hills are America’s last expanse of intact tallgrass prairie, made up of a variety of grasses. The hills to the south are wooded, and the campground has trees and scattered shade. 

  • Water hookup: yes

  • Electrical hookup: yes

  • Sewer hookup: no

  • Wi-Fi: no

  • Pet friendly: n/a

Other amenities: showers, drinking water, dump station, boat ramp, dock, fish cleaning station, playgrounds convenience store, laundry, playground, activities for all ages

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What to Do at
Eisenhower State Park

Eisenhower State Park is a fantastic fishing destination. You will also love exploring the many miles of trails, including one that has archery targets set up along it. While no horses are for rent, you can camp with your horse at this state park. Challenge your friends to a game of Frisbee golf.

There are many things to do at Eisenhower State Park, including playing on Melvern Lake. This park's location on the fringe of the Flint Hills makes it a fantastic place to go stargazing.

Inside Eisenhower State Park

There’s plenty to do at the park! Begin by stopping by the Nature Room and learn more about honey bees, snakes, fish, turtles, amphibians, bears, and other animals that live at the park. Walk through the Arboretum to learn more about the plants that grow there, and sit by the waterfall for a quiet moment. 

Other activities you can do inside the park include: 

Bike & archery trail: A 19 target Archery Trail has been added to the existing Bike Trail, one phase in a series intended to expand the area into a multi-purpose trail. The trailhead is located in the Five Star Campground. 

Disc golf: An 18-hole disc golf course is located near the east boat ramp, and is a great way to practice your skills while taking a little hike at the same time. 

Horseback riding: There are various equestrian trails throughout the park, as well as several campsites that accommodate horses. 

Fishing: Fish for crappie, catfish, sauger, and spotted bass in the Melvern Reservoir.

Fishing Fishing

Melvern Lake is a terrific spot to fish for bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, white crappie, walleye, and sauger. The best fishing is usually near submerged vegetation. There are almost 100 miles of shoreline, and boat ramps are available.

Nature Watching Nature Watching

The tallgrass prairie at Eisenhower State Park has many animals, including white-tailed deer, eastern wild turkey, bobwhite quail, and squirrels. Incredibly observant visitors may see foxes, weasels, badgers, coyotes, and raccoons. In addition, the large lake is home to many waterfowl, especially in the spring and fall when birds are migrating.

Flora and Fauna

The tallgrass prairie allows visitors to see the landscape similar to what the first visitors to Kansas saw. The trails running through it allow visitors to see the prairie up close.

Hiking Hiking

There are many hiking trails, but if you are hiking with your family, consider the Sunset Ridge Trail. This relatively flat trail leads through part of the tallgrass prairie and the meadow. It offers scenic views throughout, especially at sunset.

Boating

There are numerous launching points on Melvern Lake. While the park does not rent boats directly, they are available at the marina. You can also rent a slippage to avoid taking your boat out of the water during your stay. The lake is a favorite with many types of boaters, and you will often see canoes and sailboats.

Biking

There are several mountain biking trails at Eisenhower State Park. One of the best is the five-mile-long Five Star Trail near the Five Star Campground. This trail on the park's east side has many scenic vistas, so consider bringing your camera along.

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How to Get to
Eisenhower State Park

You can get to Eisenhower State Park from Osage City, Kansas, by getting on Kansas 31, which turns into Kansas 170. In 6.8 miles, turn left onto West 293rd Street, which is unpaved. Continue following this road, which becomes Kansas 278. Then turn right on South Fairlawn Road. In about 1.8 miles, you will see the park on your right.

Entering Eisenhower State Park

Purchase a daily pass at the park's office for $5 or online for $6. Senior citizens with a Kansas address can enter the park for $3.25. Annual park entrance passes, and seasonal camping passes are available. There are no additional fees for parking once inside the park.

There’s no better way to create memories with those you love than by traveling the country in an RV. Renting an RV with with RVshare makes the trip easy and stress-free. Whether you choose to rent an RV near your home and make the trek, or fly into Kansas and rent an RV for camping, you’re sure to have an adventure you won’t soon forget! We would love to see pictures of your travels - be sure to send us photos of your trip to [email protected] and tag us on social media. Your memories could be featured on our blog, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter page!

Frequently Asked Questions About Eisenhower State Park

What is the best time of year to visit Eisenhower State Park?

Spring is the perfect time to visit Eisenhower State Park. Wildflowers are often blooming in the meadow and prairie, plus the fish have yet to move to deeper water, so they are easier to catch.

What kind of wildlife can be found in Eisenhower State Park?

A variety of wildlife live at Eisenhower State Park. You may see white-tailed deer, eastern wild turkey, bobwhite quail and squirrels, weasels, badgers, coyotes, and raccoons. The best wildlife often seen at Eisenhower State Park is one of the many fish species on the end of a fishing line.

Are there designated RV camping spots in Eisenhower State Park?

There are several campgrounds at Eisenhower State Park. Since this park covers more than 6,000 acres, consider where you will spend most of your time at this park before making a final decision.

Do you have to reserve a camping spot at Eisenhower State Park and what is the cost?

Reservations are not always required at Eisenhower State Park. Memorial Day weekend and July 4th weekend are jam-packed, so you will want to make a reservation for those times. Camping fees vary from $10 to $21 per day.

Are pets allowed at Eisenhower State Park?

Pets on a leash are allowed at Eisenhower State Park. There are also corrals near some camping areas if you want to bring your horse.

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