EL DORADO STATE PARK
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
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.
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.
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