El Dorado State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids El Dorado State Park |
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El Dorado Reservoir - aerial view looking north
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 El Dorado State Park
Location in Kansas
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| Location | Butler, Kansas, United States |
| Established | 1981 (Reservoir) |
| Governing body | Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism |
El Dorado State Park is a fantastic place to explore in Butler County, Kansas, United States. It's located just north of the city of El Dorado.
This park is the biggest state park in Kansas! It covers a huge area of 4,000 acres (about 16 square kilometers). You'll find it nestled in the beautiful Flint Hills region. The park stretches along both the eastern and western sides of El Dorado Reservoir. This large lake was created in 1981.
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Discovering El Dorado State Park
El Dorado State Park is known for its amazing outdoor activities. It's a perfect spot for families and friends to enjoy nature. The park offers many ways to have fun, from fishing to camping and exploring trails.
Fishing Adventures at El Dorado Lake
If you love to fish, El Dorado Lake is a great place to cast your line!
- You can find crappie and largemouth bass hiding among the trees that stand in the water. Look for special fish areas too.
- Walleye are often caught near the dam and along the old railroad bed.
- Channel catfish are found all over the lake and in the river below the outlet.
- For flathead catfish, try different spots, especially in the area known as Old Bluestem Lake.
Fun for Everyone: Park Facilities
El Dorado State Park is designed to be welcoming for everyone. It's considered one of Kansas's most accessible parks. This means people with different needs can easily enjoy the park's features.
The park has lots of places to stay and play:
- There are 1,100 campsites, so you have many choices for your camping trip.
- You can cool off at two different swimming beaches.
- If you're with a big group, there are 10 group shelters for picnics and gatherings.
- There's also a special campground just for groups, with 24 sites.
- A large amphitheater hosts concerts and festivals. It's a great place to watch a show under the stars!
Exploring Trails and Nature
El Dorado State Park is a wonderful place for trail users. You can hike, bike, or even ride horses.
- There's a special campground just for people who bring their horses. This makes it easy to explore the park's trails on horseback.
- The trails offer beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding Flint Hills.
