How much does camping cost at Eisenhower State Park?

Camping fees at Eisenhower State Park range from $13-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Eisenhower State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Eisenhower State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Eisenhower State Park before I book?

Yes! Eisenhower State Park has 13 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Eisenhower State Park?

Eisenhower State Park is open Peak season likely aligns with warmer months, but dates are not explicitly provided.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Eisenhower State Park?

Yes, Eisenhower State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Eisenhower State Park have?

Eisenhower State Park has 186 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Eisenhower State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Eisenhower State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Eisenhower State Park?

Eisenhower State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Eisenhower State Park?

Popular activities at Eisenhower State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Eisenhower State Park

Q: Can I have a campfire at Eisenhower State Park?

Fire policies at Eisenhower State Park: Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings and grills. Fires must be extinguished before leaving.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.67

110 reviews

29810 SOUTH FAIRLAWN RD, OSAGE CITY , Kansas, 66523, United States

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Kansas#3 RV Camping Kansas#3 Swimming Camping Kansas +10 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,115 ft

Price

$13 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

186 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowersWiFi

Book on Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Eisenhower State Park is a popular campground. Set up a free alert to catch cancellations.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,115 ft

Price

$13 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

186 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowersWiFi

Book on Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Eisenhower State Park

$13.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite fees range from $13 for primitive sites to higher fees for modern cabins, sleeper cabins, and other accommodations. Pet fees for...

Standard Site Fee$13.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.67

Top-Rated

Based on 110 reviews

435 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewslakesites

"User reviews highlight the park as clean, versatile, and family-friendly, with activities for all ages. Common praises include spacious campsites, well-maintained trails, and the variety of amenities. Some complaints focus on outdated facilities, noise from nearby parties, and occasional overcrowding."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

29810 SOUTH FAIRLAWN RD, OSAGE CITY , Kansas, 66523, United States

Eisenhower State Park

29810 SOUTH FAIRLAWN RD, OSAGE CITY , Kansas, 66523, United States

Nearby places

Emporia (~27 miles, 45 minutes), Topeka (~35 miles, 45 minutes), Kansas City (~63 miles, 1 hour 25 minutes), Wichita (~116 miles, 2 hours 15 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Basic supplies, souvenirs, and non-perishable items are available at Ike's General Store within the park. Additional supplies, fuel, and groceries can be found in Osage City (~10 miles).

Driving directionsFROM EMPORIA: I-35 North to exit 155, Lyndon/Burlington exit (approx 27 miles) North on HWY 75 to HWY 278 (approx 8 miles) West on 278 (approx 3 miles) Drive time 45 minutes FROM TOPEKA: HWY 75 South (approx 35 miles) West on 278 (approx 3 miles) Drive time 45 minutes FROM KANSAS CITY: I-35 South to Exit 155, Lyndon/Burlington Exit (approx 63 miles) North on HWY 75 to HWY 278 (approx 8 miles) West on 278 (approx 3 miles) Drive time 1 hour 25 minutes FROM WICHITA: I-35 (Turnpike) North to Emporia Exit (approx 88 miles) I-35 North to exit 155, Lyndon/Burlington exit (approx 28 miles) North on HWY 75 to HWY 278 (approx 8 miles) West on HWY 278 (approx 3 miles) Drive time 2 hours 15 minutes

The campground can be accessed via major highways, and roads leading into the park are paved. The area around HWY 278 is straightforward to navigate. Directions are clear and accessible year-round.

Best Time to Camp at Eisenhower State Park

Summer delivers the best conditions for water recreation, with daytime highs in the mid-80s to mid-90s°F and warm evenings. Melvern Lake is warmest and clearest then, making it ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish. All park services operate at full capacity. Fall brings gentler temperatures and vibrant prairie colors. Winter stays relatively mild around 40°F but brings the famous Kansas wind, which can feel sharp in exposed areas. Spring offers comfortable temperatures for hiking, though bugs can be heavy. Campers consistently recommend bringing bug spray regardless of season.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 10% in KS

Peak season for swimming, boating and lush prairie; reviewers call summer ideal for water recreation.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season likely aligns with warmer months, but dates are not explicitly provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Some amenities may be reduced during winter.

About Eisenhower State Park

Eisenhower State Park sits on Melvern Lake in the Flint Hills with 186 campsites ranging from primitive spots to RV hookups and rental cabins. Sites run $13-50 per night and include options for equestrian camping. The park has a general store, kayak rentals, and full amenities including showers, electric hookups, and a dump station. Reviews are consistently positive (4.7/5 from 110 campers), though some sites feel crowded during peak times.

Eisenhower State Park accommodates varied camping styles, including primitive, RV, equestrian, and group camping. It also offers cabin and yurt lodging.

Historical Significance

The park was renamed in 1990 to honor President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Kansas's only native son to serve as U.S. president.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best conditions for water recreation, with daytime highs in the mid-80s to mid-90s°F and warm evenings. Melvern Lake is warmest and clearest then, making it ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish. All park services operate at full capacity. Fall brings gentler temperatures and vibrant prairie colors. Winter stays relatively mild around 40°F but brings the famous Kansas wind, which can feel sharp in exposed areas. Spring offers comfortable temperatures for hiking, though bugs can be heavy. Campers consistently recommend bringing bug spray regardless of season.

ElevationThe park's gentle rolling terrain creates natural amphitheaters for camping and provides varied perspectives of the surrounding Flint Hills landscape.

Natural Features and Scenery1,785-acre park on the north shore of Melvern Lake, a man-made flood control lake for the Marais des Cygnes River basin. Features 1,000 acres of tallgrass prairie, 440 acres of woodland, rolling hills, big bluestem grasses up to 6 feet tall, and beautiful wildflowers from spring to fall in the eastern fringe of the Flint Hills.[1][3][4]

Geological RegionWelcome to the heart of the Flint Hills, where ancient limestone underlies a spectacular tallgrass prairie that once stretched across millions of acres. This rare geological treasure creates the perfect foundation for the towering big bluestem grasses that define the landscape, some reaching heights of over six feet. As one of the last intact remnants of North America's original prairie ecosystem, the area serves as a living museum of ecological significance. The rolling hills, carved by millennia of wind and water, create a dramatic backdrop for camping while supporting an intricate web of native plants and animals. Spring through fall, waves of wildflowers paint the hills in ever-changing colors, making this geological wonder as beautiful as it is scientifically important.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Standard check-in times are not explicitly mentioned.

Check-out

Standard check-out times are not explicitly mentioned.

Stay Limit

Campers may stay for up to 14 consecutive days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One camper/RV per utility site is allowed. Tent camping capacity is not explicitly mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe park divides into named areas including Blackjack, West Point, Abilene, and Five Star. Sites are generally spacious and level, accommodating everything from tents to large RVs. Some double sites like 214 and 215 exist. Privacy varies. Some areas feel open and crowded during busy periods while others offer more separation.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at ksoutdoors.com, by phone, or in person at Ike's General Store.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is mentioned though not quantified, and fill patterns are not described.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be rescheduled or canceled. Specific policies for fee refunds or deadlines are not detailed.

AccessibilityThe park is handicap accessible, including campsites and recreational facilities.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious and level, accommodating various camping setups from primitive to RVs.

PrivacyMixed reviews regarding privacy: some campsites were noted for their spaciousness, while others were criticized for being less private and crowded.

Total Campsites186 campsites

Recommended SitesBlackjack sites near the beach are recommended for families, while equestrian campers prefer West Point Campground. Primitive campers may enjoy Five Star Campground.

Need help booking Eisenhower State Park?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

ReserveAmerica Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Eisenhower State Park offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, horseback riding, swimming, boating, and fishing. Other highlights include frisbee golf, an archery range, and nature programs.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsVisitors should exercise caution near wildlife, as raccoons are common. Wind can be strong, especially at lakeside sites. Swimming is restricted to designated areas.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings and grills. Fires must be extinguished before leaving.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services include a hospital and police station in Osage City (~10 miles).

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are provided throughout the park, and there is a recycling station available.

Water FeaturesMany campsites are close to Melvern Lake, with amenities like boat ramps, fishing spots, and beaches.

Camp HostHosts and volunteers are praised for their friendliness and maintenance efforts.

Weather at Eisenhower State Park

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.7

110 reviews

Top-Rated

Eisenhower State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the park as clean, versatile, and family-friendly, with activities for all ages. Common praises include spacious campsites, well-maintained trails, and the variety of amenities. Some complaints focus on outdated facilities, noise from nearby parties, and occasional overcrowding.

Review Summaries

Based on 110 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful views, numerous activities, variety of accommodations including tents, RVs, cabins, yurts, and equestrian sites. Year-round access near Melvern Lake.

Based on 110 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include noise disturbances at certain campgrounds, outdated or poorly maintained facilities (e.g., showers at Doud Campground), and crowded conditions during peak times.

Based on 110 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Check for 4 active alerts before visiting. Additional tents may require extra fee at check-in. Cabins reservable up to one year in advance.

Based on 110 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the park's water activities and greenery, while winter reviews mention peaceful, less-crowded stays but advise on limited amenities. Fall reviews focus on the beautiful...

Based on 110 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Very clean and we'll kept. Lake is huge, with all the usual watersports.' (2020-09-27) 2. 'The yurt was cozy and the place was very clean. I absolutely will come again.' (2023-06-17) 3. 'This...

Based on 110 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews of the Five Star Campground describe it as shaded and close to the archery range. Doud Campground had mixed reviews, with some loving the space while others disliked the lack of monitoring....

Based on 110 reviews