How much does camping cost at Glen Elder State Park?

Camping fees at Glen Elder State Park range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Glen Elder State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Glen Elder 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 Glen Elder State Park before I book?

Yes! Glen Elder State Park has 6 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 Glen Elder State Park?

Glen Elder State Park is open March through October (modern facilities available).. 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 Glen Elder State Park?

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

Are dogs allowed at Glen Elder State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Glen Elder 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 Glen Elder State Park?

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

What activities can I do at Glen Elder State Park?

Popular activities at Glen Elder 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.

Glen Elder State Park

Q: Can I have a campfire at Glen Elder State Park?

Fire policies at Glen Elder State Park: Fires allowed only in fireplaces, fire rings, and cooking grills. Must be extinguished before leaving.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.11

86 reviews

2131 180 Rd., Glen Elder, Kansas, 67430, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Kansas

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

1,493 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,493 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Glen Elder State Park

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

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Campground Map

2131 180 Rd., Glen Elder, Kansas, 67430, United States

Glen Elder State Park

2131 180 Rd., Glen Elder, Kansas, 67430, United States

Nearby places

Beloit (12 miles, ~20 minutes), Cawker City (6 miles, ~10 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Within 10 miles: Grocery store, restaurant, seasonal festivals, and camping supplies. The park itself has a marina providing boating, fishing, and camping supplies.

Weather at Glen Elder State Park

Best Time to Camp at Glen Elder State Park

Fall delivers the best conditions: daytime highs in the mid-50s to upper-70s°F, nights in the 30s to 50s°F. Water levels stay stable for boating and fishing, crowds thin after Labor Day, and migratory waterfowl add to wildlife viewing. Summer brings warmth ideal for swimming and water sports, though mosquitoes can be heavy. Spring offers mild temperatures for hiking and biking. Winter sees crisp mornings and fewer visitors.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring offers peace, migratory birds, and active boating/fishing as facilities open for season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March through October (modern facilities available).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Mid-March through October for modern restroom/shower buildings. Year-round cabin rentals.

About Glen Elder State Park

Glen Elder State Park sits on the shores of Waconda Lake in north-central Kansas, about 10 miles west of Glen Elder. The park offers tent camping, RV sites with hookups, primitive areas, and cabin rentals. Facilities include hot showers, flush toilets, and a full-service marina. Site spacing varies: RV areas can feel crowded unless you reserve premium spots, but tent sections tend to have more room.

Glen Elder State Park accommodates various camping preferences, including primitive sites, RV camping, and cabins.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions: daytime highs in the mid-50s to upper-70s°F, nights in the 30s to 50s°F. Water levels stay stable for boating and fishing, crowds thin after Labor Day, and migratory waterfowl add to wildlife viewing. Summer brings warmth ideal for swimming and water sports, though mosquitoes can be heavy. Spring offers mild temperatures for hiking and biking. Winter sees crisp mornings and fewer visitors.

ElevationNestled in the rolling terrain of north-central Kansas, the park offers gentle landscapes that welcome explorers of all abilities.

Natural Features and ScenerySituated on the north shores of the 12,500-acre Glen Elder Reservoir (Waconda Lake), one of Kansas' largest lakes, in a rural setting within the Solomon Valley. The park encompasses 1,451 acres with lakefront areas, suitable for relaxation amid natural landscapes.[1][2][7]

Geological RegionPerched in the remarkable High Plains Region, Glen Elder showcases the subtle beauty of Kansas's ancient prairie landscape, where geological forces have sculpted gentle hills and vast horizons over millennia.

Scenic ViewsStunning views of sunset and sunrise over the lake. Scenic landscapes with ample space for exploration.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe park offers cabin rentals, noted for their comfort and affordability. One reviewer mentioned staying in 'a self-service cabin with a full kitchen and bathroom' as an ideal option for peace and solitude. Another highlighted 'adorable cabins you can rent if you don’t want to deal with the bugs or sleeping in a tent.'

Programs & ActivitiesNo information on cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

3:00 PM for cabins.

Check-out

12:00 PM for cabins.

Stay Limit

14 consecutive days with a possible 14-day extension upon park manager approval. A five-day absence is required before returning.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific details provided on guest limits per site.

Groups

No specific information about group camping sites.

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 sections including Osage, Kaw, and Kanza. RV sites feature concrete pads with tie-downs, water, and electric hookups, but spacing is tight in non-premium areas. Tent camping zones offer more elbow room. Facilities vary by section: some areas stay cleaner than others, with Kaw drawing specific complaints about restroom maintenance.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Park-Regulations.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific details provided on walk-up availability.

Cancellation PolicyNo information provided on cancellation policies.

AccessibilityThe park offers a modern handicapped-accessible fish cleaning station and concrete camp pads with secure tie-downs, water, and 50-amp electricity in Kaw, Cheyenne, and Kanza campgrounds.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious by some, with specific complaints about RV sites being 'packed in like sardines' unless premium sites are reserved.

PrivacyMixed reviews on privacy. Some campsites are noted as cramped, especially in RV areas, while tent camping areas provide more room.

Recommended SitesChoose camping spots under tall trees for shade. Tent camping offers more space compared to RV areas.

Best CampsitesConcrete pad sites in Kanza (south of shower building) and Cheyenne Campgrounds recommended for year-round camping (first-come, first-served). Prime reservable sites with 50 amp, water, concrete pads, and grills in Cheyenne, Kaw, and Kanza areas.[2][3]

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Amenities available

Glen Elder State Park, located on the shores of Waconda Lake, offers a wide array of amenities. Visitors have access to modern restrooms and shower buildings in the Kaw, Kanza, and Cheyenne campgrounds from mid-March through October. The park features a full-service marina, including fuel, boat and slip rentals, and camping supplies. Additional amenities include a modern handicapped-accessible fish cleaning station, concrete camp pads with water and 50-amp electricity, and a sandy beach for swimming. Reviewers consistently highlight the cleanliness and spaciousness of the facilities, with quotes like 'Quiet, clean & safe campground - with showers!! A great place to spend the night!' and 'The fire pits are placed in good spots, not too close not too far away from the carpet and picnic table.' However, some negative feedback exists, such as reports of unclean shower facilities in specific areas like the Kaw site, where one reviewer noted 'The shower house was absolutely revolting.'

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Glen Elder State Park offers a variety of activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, biking, and hiking. Wildlife viewing, picnicking, and volleyball are also common. The park’s rural setting provides a peaceful ambiance, making it a popular choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsZebra mussels present in Waconda Lake; wear water shoes to avoid cuts. Mosquitoes can be an issue, particularly in June. RV sites may have muddy areas during wet conditions.

Fire PolicyFires allowed only in fireplaces, fire rings, and cooking grills. Must be extinguished before leaving.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are located greater than 10 miles away, including hospitals and medical clinics.

Trash & RecyclingNo explicit details provided about trash and recycling facilities, although compliance with trash disposal regulations is required.

Water FeaturesDirectly located on Waconda Lake; contains swimming areas and fishing spots.

Camp HostCampground hosts are present but may not always guide campers effectively to reserved spots.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

86 reviews

Satisfactory

Glen Elder State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the park's cleanliness, spaciousness, and range of activities, with particular praise for fishing, boating, and the cabins. However, some visitors noted issues with overcrowding in RV sites and unclean facilities in specific areas like Kaw.

Review Summaries

Based on 86 reviews

What Campers Love

Rural relaxing setting, beautiful birds, family-friendly with wide recreational opportunities.[1][2][4]

Based on 86 reviews

Common Concerns

Overcrowding in RV sites, lack of playgrounds for children, unclean shower facilities in some areas like Kaw, and reports of mosquito problems during summer.

Based on 86 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Kanza Loop received mixed reviews, described as cramped and lacking shade. Kaw Campground's shower facilities were criticized for poor cleanliness. Premium RV sites recommended for more space.

Based on 86 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Shower buildings and vault toilets serve as storm shelters. State regulation requires moving to a different campground after 14 consecutive days. Storm siren in Kanza campground activated by county...

Based on 86 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are noted for peace and solitude, while summer sees increased activity, with fishing and boating being popular. Mosquitoes and cottonwood debris are common complaints during summer.

Based on 86 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Clean, spacious, and comfortable. Hot showers too!' 2. 'Beware, however, tent campers, that the primitive sites are also occupied by RVs as well.' 3. 'The lake was so beautiful, and my kids would...

Based on 86 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews from users with disabilities, but the park includes handicapped-accessible features like the fish cleaning station.

Based on 86 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. They are not permitted on swimming beaches or in public buildings.

Based on 86 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Fishing or boating is the main point: Waconda Lake delivers consistently, the marina rents boats and sells supplies on-site, and fall weekends after Labor Day are quieter with stable water levels and good wildlife viewing.

Skip if

Kaw Campground's shower cleanliness has drawn real complaints, RV sites outside premium loops feel cramped with little shade, and June mosquitoes are heavy enough to disrupt evenings without serious repellent.

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