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Kansas
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Kansas State Parks

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USA Parks
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Southeast Kansas Region
El Dorado State Park
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El Dorado State Park Northern Flicker Richard Davis © Richard C. Davis
Migrating birds can add variety to your photos.
El Dorado State Park Northern Flicker Richard Davis © Richard C. Davis
As you hike the trails, watch for birds along the rivers.
El Dorado State Park © brian Timm
El Dorado State Park © brian Timm
El Dorado State Park Ice Eagle © brian Timm
Adult covered in ice
El Dorado State Park © brian Timm
El Dorado State Park young bald eagle © brian Timm
young bald eagle blending in.
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EL DORADO STATE PARK
EL DORADO STATE PARK
618 NE Bluestem Rd.
El Dorado, Kansas   67042

Phone: 316-321-7180
El Dorado State Park is located just north and east of the city of El Dorado on the edge of the scenic Flint Hills. The largest state park, El Dorado's four units sprawl across 4,000 acres along the eastern and western shores of El Dorado Reservoir.

Regarded as one of the state's most handicapped accessible parks, El Dorado contains 1,100 campsites which offer visitors a range of choices. Other facilities include two swimming beaches, 10 group shelters, and a 24-site group campground.

The Shady Creek Marina, Walnut Valley Sailing Club, and six boat ramps offer amenities and facilities for boaters of every stripe. Crappie and largemouth bass fishing are good in standing timber and around fish attractors. Walleye fishing is good along the face of the dam and on the old railroad bed. Channel cat fishing is good lakewide, as well as in the river below the outlet. Flathead fishing is good in a variety of areas, especially Old Bluestem Lake.

The 8,000-acre El Dorado Reservoir has approximately 98 miles of shoreline. About 6,000 acres of land are available for public hunting, including 2,000 acres within the state park. All hunting within the park requires a state park vehicle permit for entry.

A large amphitheater with dual stages accommodates a variety of concerts and festivals conducted at the park each year. Trail users will find a variety of attractions, including a designated horse campground. Seven trails offer outdoor adventure for hikers, bikers, and horse riders.

Seven cabins are available for reservation year-round, offering a variety of comfortable accommodations to suit any preference.
Cabins
CABINS

El Dorado has 5 small sleeper cabins and 2 deluxe cabins in the Bluestem Point area and 3 deluxe cabins in the Walnut River area that can be reserved year-round. Reservations are accepted by telephone (Mastercard or Visa), or in person. A $10.00 non-refundable reservation fee must be paid at the time of reservation. Reservations are not final until payment is made in full. Refunds are only given in emergency situations approved by the park manager. A rain check, good for 6 months, can be offered. A damage deposit, equivalent to one night's rental, will be collected at the time of check-in and returned at check-out, provided the cabin is left in good condition and keys are returned.

SMALL CABIN AMENITIES INCLUDE: Full bed/set of bunk beds, electricity/heat/air conditioner, water hydrant-outside, table, 4 chairs, picnic table, and barbeque grill.

Bathroom and shower house for the 5 small cabins is located between cabin #2 and #3. Linens and utensils are not provided.

DELUXE CABIN #6 AMENITIES INCLUDE: Bedroom with full-size bed and bunk on top; living room with full-sized bed and bunk on top; kitchen with stove, refrigerator, and microwave; bathroom with shower; table and 4 chairs; electric/heat/air conditioner; screened in porch; barbecue grill.

Linens and utensils are not provided.

DELUXE CABIN #7 AMENITIES INCLUDE: Same as #6, but is not handicap accessible and there is a loft with two full-size mattresses.

DELUXE CABIN #8 AMENITIES INCLUDE: Same as Cabin #7 but is located in the Walnut River Area.

DELUXE CABIN #9 AMENITIES INCLUDE: Same as Cabin #7 but is located in the Walnut River Area.

DELUXE CABIN #10 AMENITIES INCLUDE: Similar to cabins 9 and 10 but is also Handicap Accessible.
Camping
A variety of campsites, located throughout four campgrounds, are available at El Dorado State Park. All total 1,100 campsites offer visitors primitive campsites up to full utility hookups. Some of the campsites have 50 amp electric service, while most have 30 amp service. Several campsites are also available for reservation. Other facilities include two swimming beaches, 10 group shelters, a 24 site group campground, the Shady Creek Marina, the Walnut Valley Sailing Club, six boat ramps with courtesy docks, a large amphitheatre with dual stages, a designated horse campground, and seven trails for hikers, bikers and horse riders. The group shelters and the group campground are available for reservation.
Swimming
1. El Dorado State Park offers four designated swimming areas in the Walnut River and Shady Creek campgrounds.
2. The park's large reservoir is perfect for open water swimming, but no lifeguards are on duty.
3. Swimming at Boulder Bluff beach area provides a sandy shoreline experience with nearby picnic facilities available.
4. For safety reasons, swimmers should stay within marked boundaries as boat traffic can be heavy outside these zones.

Boating
The park offers a wide range of boating options for visitors. It houses four boat ramps and multiple courtesy docks, providing easy access to the water. The 8,000-acre reservoir is perfect for various types of boats including sailboats, motorboats, jet skis or pontoons. Fishing boats can also be rented from the marina located within the park premises which additionally provides fuel services and other amenities needed by boaters.
Fishing
Surface Acres: 8,000 acresMaximum Depth: 60 feet

Fishable Populations: Bullhead, Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Trout, Walleye, White Bass, Wiper.

Programs for this lake: Rainbow trout are currently being stocked every two weeks in the State Park River Area.

Motorboat Access: Yes


Location
El Dorado State Park is located near Andover, Augusta and El Dorado

Picnicking
El Dorado State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters. Some sites have playgrounds nearby for kids.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore over 50 miles of trails, some challenging due to steep terrains and rocky paths.

The Walnut River Trail offers a less strenuous option for casual cyclists.

Mountain bikers might prefer the Teter Nature trail with its rugged terrain and scenic views.

Remember that helmets are recommended on all routes as safety is paramount when biking in this area.

Be aware that certain areas may be closed during hunting seasons; always check local regulations before setting out.

Some sections require crossing shallow streams so waterproof gear could come handy here.

Respect wildlife you encounter along your ride - maintain distance and do not disturb them.

Ensure bikes are well-maintained to handle varying conditions across different trails within the park's boundaries.
Birding
Birdwatchers can explore four distinct areas, each with a variety of bird species. The park's diverse habitats include forested areas, grasslands and wetlands that attract different types of birds throughout the year. Over 200 bird species have been spotted in this area including eagles, hawks and waterfowl. Birding trails are available for enthusiasts to follow while observing these creatures in their natural environment.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 6 Beautiful and Quiet by Rob from Missouri
park review stars; one to five We stopped and camped for one night in August. It was a Sunday night, but it was surprisingly empty for as nice a facility as it is. The bath and showerooms were phenomenal - open air. However, it appeared there was only one of these per loop, so it would be a walk if the place was full. We will return.
January 10 awesome place by The Reynauds from Louisiana
park review stars; one to five MY HUSBAND WORKED IN ELDORADO AND STAYED IN THIS CAMPGROUND TWICE FOR A TOTAL OF A YEAR VERY FRIENDLY TOWN AND CAMPGROUND PEOPLE. ESPECIALLY HOST WESS. VERY CLEAN AND BEAUTIFUL SCENERY.
December 15 In response by Local
park review stars; one to five As a reply to Not Very Friendly...My friend works at the El Dorado State Park. He tells me that all KS State Parks have a vehicle permit charge which is a State Regulation. He told me that the State Parks are fee funded, so they have to be able to charge to maintain the Parks. (Just thought you might like to know.)
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Area Campgrounds
Deer Grove RV Park
2873 SE Highway 54
El Dorado, KS
316-321-6272
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
El Dorado State Park618 NE Bluestem Rd.El Dorado, KS 67042(316) 321-7180 (Park Office)(316) 683-8069 (Regional Office)(316) 321-7190 (FAX)

Traveling on Kansas Turnpike (There are 3 possible exits to get to the state park. the El Dorado Exit, the El Dorado North Exit, and the Cassoday Exit)

From El Dorado Exit, take east bound HWY 254 into El Dorado to main street. At Main street go straight, this will turn into HWY 54. Take HWY 54, 3 miles east of El Dorado to Bluestem Rd. Go north on Bluestem rd 1 ? miles. From El Dorado North Exit, go south on HWY 77 into El Dorado. At the First stop light, 12th street, turn left and go east on 12th street 3 ? miles. From Cassoday Exit, go south on HWY 177 14 miles to NE 10th St., turn right and go west on NE 10th St 2 miles.

From West bound HWY 54

Turn north on HWY 177, go 2 miles to NE 10th St, turn left and go west on NE 10th St. 2 miles.

From North Bound HWY 77

Follow into El Dorado to Central or HWY 54. Turn right on Central or HWY 54 and go east 3 miles east of El Dorado to Bluestem Rd. Go north on Bluestem Rd 1 ? miles.

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Kansas
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Kansas State Parks

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