El Dorado State Park RV & Campground Guide
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El Dorado State Park in Kansas, not to be confused with El Dorado State Park in Colorado, is an amazing place that has nearly 100 miles of shoreline around a lake. Boating, hiking, swimming, and wildlife viewing are all on the docket if you visit El Dorado State Park. Birders, especially, will enjoy this veritable oasis in the middle of Kansas.
Nearby Cities:
El Dorado, KS
Wichita, KS
Newton, KS
Emporia, KS
Spring 59-77 F
Summer 86-92 F
Fall 59-82 F
Winter 19-50 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in El Dorado State Park
Campground Accommodations
El Dorado State Park Campground
Water hookups: Yes
Electrical hookups: Yes
Sewer hookups: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 70 feet
Other amenities: Dump station, fire rings, picnic tables, restrooms, showers, laundry
Air Capital RV Park
Air Capital RV Park is in Wichita and is within walking distance of restaurants, and shopping. It’s also close to Kansas Casino and other Wichita attractions.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wi-Fi: yes
Pet friendly: yes
Other amenities: showers, laundry, security, community room
USI RV Park
The RV park is on the northeast side of Wichita and is a convenient location for exploring the city. There are plentiful shade trees and a playground for kids. There are also managers on-site 24 hours a day to help with any problems or provide suggestions.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: no
Wi-Fi: no
Pet friendly: n/a
Other amenities: showers, laundry, rec room, convenience store
What to Do at
El Dorado State Park
From riding horses to fishing, there are a whole host of family-friendly activities to occupy your time. Shop for souvenirs from your trip, take a spin in a boat on the lake, and toss a Frisbee around the ball field. Take a ride through the woods, or hit the hiking trails.
"Something for everyone" is a bit of a cliche, but when it comes to El Dorado State Park, it's absolutely true because of the vast array of available activities.
Inside El Dorado State Park
El Dorado State Park is the largest state park in Kansas and is located northeast of the city of El Dorado and on the edge of the Flint Hills. The park is along the eastern and western shores of El Dorado Reservoir. The park is considered one of the state’s most handicapped accessible parks. It has 1,100 campsites, 2 swim beaches, group shelters, and a group campground. There are also boat ramps, and fishing in the reservoir may net you crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, and channel catfishing.
Other activities you can do inside the park include:
Hiking, biking, horseback riding: There are seven trails ranging from a ½ mile easy walk to a 12-mile long hike.
Fishing: There is fishing in the reservoir. Try your hand at catching white bass, white perch, crappie, catfish, and walleye.
Live events: An amphitheater with two stages hosts a variety of concerts and festivals at the park.
Hiking
There are two main hiking trails in El Dorado State Park. The Double Black Diamond Trail, which is a flat, easy stroll, is a 1.2-mile loop trail that's great for birdwatching and biking as well as hiking. In the early morning hours, you can almost have the trail to yourself. The Teter Nature Trail is much more well-traveled at all times of the day. It's a mile long and is equally flat and easy. The Teter Nature Trail winds at least partially through a hardwood forest.
Stargazing
NASA has organized "Stargazing and Moon" for the campers at El Dorado State Park in the past. The stargazing, therefore, is great, and you can venture out onto the hiking trails for as little light pollution as possible.
Flora and Fauna
Most of the wildlife in El Dorado State Park is small game. Prairie chickens, rabbits, and squirrels are all plentiful, and deer occasionally meander through the area. Because of the lake, there are also numerous waterfowl, including many species of ducks and wading birds.
Geocaching
El Dorado State Park is a geocaching gold mine because it has eight caches in the park and seven more in the surrounding forests. Have fun searching for the park's hidden treasures.
Fishing
The world record blue catfish was hooked in El Dorado Reservoir. It weighed more than 100 pounds! Walleye, crappie, and wiper are three other species that you can catch. Some of the biggest fish in the reservoir are tagged by the Kansas Department of Fish and Wildlife. You must throw these fish back as soon as you remove them from the hook. Contact the department for information about fishing licenses.
Boating
The lake covers 12 square miles, so boats of all kinds ply the waters. You can launch from the ramp in your row, sail, or motorboat, and you can feel free to ride jet skis as well.
Swimming
Even though there are no lifeguards, there are designated swimming areas that are marked off by buoys. Be sure to follow all swimming and safety rules.
How to Get to
El Dorado State Park
From Wichita and all points west, take Route 35 northeast until you reach Route 254. Proceed east on Route 254 through the town of El Dorado. Route 254 becomes Route 54. Continue east on Route 54 until you come to the crossroad with Southeast Bluestem Road. Drive north on Southeast Bluestem Road. You will come to a place where the road bears east. Follow that, and it becomes Northeast Bluestem Road. Take Northeast Bluestem Road all the way to El Dorado State Park.
From Kansas City and all points north, take Route 35 southwest out of the city. Continue until you reach the junction with Route 177. Take Route 177 to Cassoday, and from there, continue southwest on Route 177. Follow it to Northeast 10th Street, upon which you will travel west. It curves south and becomes Northeast Shady Creek Access Road. Drive along Northeast Shady Creek Access Road until you see the entrance for El Dorado State Park on the north side of the road. If you miss it, don't worry. You will eventually come to Northeast Bluestem Road, onto which you can turn north to reach El Dorado State Park.
Entering El Dorado State Park
It costs $5 per day to park in El Dorado State Park for day use.
El Dorado State Park Daily Pass : $5.0
There’s no better way to create memories with those you love than by traveling the country in an RV. Renting an RV 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 El Dorado State Park
Any time other than winter is the best time to visit El Dorado State Park. Then, all the activities are enjoyable, although you should take proper heat precautions if hiking in the hottest part of the summer.
Deer are the biggest creatures found in El Dorado State Park. You can also spot prairie chickens, prairie dogs, rabbits, and other rodents and small game.
Yes, there are 717 campsites designed specifically for RVs in El Dorado State Park.
Yes, reservations are required. There are minimum stay requirements on national holidays like the Fourth of July and Memorial Day. The daily camping fee is $10, and you have the option of booking for the entire season, which costs between $486 and $606, depending on the kind of site.
Yes, you may bring your pets. Most of the time, you must keep them on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet, but there is a spot along the shore where you can let your pets off their leashes. You must still keep them under control, however, and in all cases, remember to clean up after your pets.
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