Glen Elder State Park

4.16

63 reviews

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

SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,493 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,493 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Glen Elder State Park

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Information about fees is missing from the provided authoritative sources.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

7855453345null

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.16

Satisfactory

Based on 63 reviews

496 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciouslake

Some mention

crowded

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Glen Elder State Park

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

Driving directionsThe Glen Elder State Park main entrance is located on Hwy 24 at the Hwy 128 junction. Approximately 12 miles West of Beloit or 6 miles East of Cawker City on Hwy 24.

The park is accessible via Hwy 24 and Hwy 128. The roads leading to the campground are paved and suitable for vehicle travel.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Glen Elder State Park

Experience the full spectrum of Kansas seasons at Glen Elder, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Winter transforms the park into a quiet retreat, with crisp air and frosty mornings perfect for peaceful contemplation. As spring awakens the prairie, mild temperatures create ideal conditions for hiking and wildlife watching. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days that beckon swimmers and boaters to the sparkling waters of Waconda Lake. When autumn arrives, comfortable temperatures and changing colors make for spectacular camping weather, drawing visitors who seek the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Peak season for boating/fishing; popular but prone to crowds, mosquitoes, cottonwood debris.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted for peace and solitude with pleasant conditions and fewer crowds.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring praised for solitude and wildflowers; good seasonal viewing and lower crowds.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Winter is quiet and cabins open year-round, but modern facilities closed part of year and activities are limited.

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.
Current Alerts: No specific active alerts mentioned.

About Glen Elder State Park

Glen Elder State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts to the pristine shores of Waconda Lake, where endless adventures await beneath Kansas skies. This waterfront paradise combines modern comforts with natural splendor, featuring hot showers, contemporary restroom facilities, and a full-service marina that serves as your gateway to aquatic exploration. Whether you're powering across the lake, casting a line at sunrise, or cycling along scenic trails, every day brings new possibilities. Well-appointed campsites feature concrete pads with secure tie-downs, fresh water hookups, and electrical connections, ensuring your stay is as comfortable as it is memorable.

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

Historical SignificanceThe shores of Waconda Lake hold stories waiting to be discovered, where prairie history meets modern recreation in the heart of Kansas.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Kansas seasons at Glen Elder, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Winter transforms the park into a quiet retreat, with crisp air and frosty mornings perfect for peaceful contemplation. As spring awakens the prairie, mild temperatures create ideal conditions for hiking and wildlife watching. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days that beckon swimmers and boaters to the sparkling waters of Waconda Lake. When autumn arrives, comfortable temperatures and changing colors make for spectacular camping weather, drawing visitors who seek the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

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

Natural Features and SceneryWaconda Lake serves as the stunning centerpiece of this natural oasis, its expansive waters reflecting endless prairie skies and creating a photographer's dream at every turn. Seasonal wildflowers carpet the shoreline in vibrant colors, while diverse wildlife—from soaring hawks to white-tailed deer—call this protected habitat home. The interplay of water and land creates ever-changing vistas, where sunrise paints the lake in gold and sunset transforms the horizon into a canvas of purple and orange.

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.

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 layoutIncludes Osage area with swimming beach and reservable group shelter. Sections like Kaw and Kanza provide modern amenities.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

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.

HikingThe park includes the Waconda Nature Trails, which are under development but usable. No specific details about the difficulty or length of trails are provided.

FishingFishing is highly popular at Waconda Lake, with opportunities both from the bank and by boat. Fish cleaning stations are available. Visitors have praised the fishing experience as 'great' and 'never disappointing.'

SwimmingSwimming is allowed in designated areas, including a sandy beach. Specific safety measures, such as alcohol restrictions on swimming beaches, are enforced.

BikingBicycling is available both within the facility and in nearby mountain/trail biking areas.

BoatingBoating is a major draw of the park. The marina provides fuel and boat rentals, and boating activities range from kayaking and canoeing to powerboating. No-wake zones exist around swimming areas.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is common, with opportunities to observe birds and native flora. Specific viewing platforms or areas are not mentioned.

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.

Active AlertsNo specific active alerts mentioned.

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.

Weather at Glen Elder State Park

Reviews

4.2

63 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 63 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and spacious facilities, excellent fishing and boating opportunities, well-maintained cabins, and beautiful lake views. Reviewers also appreciated the welcoming and helpful staff.

Based on 63 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 63 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Choose camping areas with tall trees for shade, bring water shoes due to zebra mussels in the lake, and reserve premium RV sites for more space.

Based on 63 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 63 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 63 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 63 reviews