Blackjack Campground

Introduction / Overview: Experience the Quiet Side of Eisenhower State Park

For Kansans seeking a peaceful yet well-equipped camping experience on the beautiful shores of Melvern Lake, the Blackjack Campground offers an excellent option. As one of the distinct camping loops within the expansive Eisenhower State Park, Blackjack provides a highly-rated balance between a genuine outdoor escape and the necessary modern comforts. Named in honor of Kansas's only U.S. President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, the state park—formerly known as Melvern State Park—is situated on the eastern fringe of the iconic Flint Hills, offering a picturesque setting of rolling hills, tallgrass prairie, and woodlands.

Blackjack Campground itself is recognized for its cleanliness and great location, catering primarily to tent campers and those seeking a more rustic experience, as it is designated as a non-utility camping area. However, its proximity to the park's central amenities means visitors still have easy access to modern conveniences. The campground's reputation for being "very clean" and having "very well kept bathrooms" is a consistent highlight in customer reviews, ensuring a comfortable stay even without individual site hookups. It's the kind of place that fosters tradition, evidenced by long-time campers who return year after year, guaranteeing a "great trip" every time. Whether you're planning a family adventure or a serene solo retreat, Blackjack Campground serves as a fantastic gateway to all the water and land recreation that Melvern Lake and Eisenhower State Park have to offer.

Location and Accessibility: Melvern Lake's South Shore

Blackjack Campground is strategically positioned on the south side of Melvern Lake within the boundaries of Eisenhower State Park. The location offers excellent access to the lake and its recreational amenities. The park is easily reachable from major routes in eastern Kansas, making it a convenient destination from Topeka, Lawrence, and the Wichita area.

The address is given as an Unnamed Road near Lebo, KS 66856, USA. For navigation purposes, campers typically follow signage to Eisenhower State Park, which is located near the town of Osage City, and then follow internal park signage to the Blackjack Campground loop. The campground is part of the extensive park system that covers 1,785 acres of land surrounding the 7,000-acre Melvern Lake. Its lakeside setting provides stunning views and immediate access to water-based fun, while the surrounding area captures the beautiful, native tallgrass prairie scenery of the Flint Hills region. The park’s infrastructure ensures that the area, while rustic, is easily accessible to standard passenger vehicles.

Services Offered at Blackjack Campground

While Blackjack Campground is designated for non-utility or "primitive" camping, it still offers significant support facilities that elevate the user experience, exceeding what one might expect from a basic camping area.

• Campsite Type: Designated sites for tent camping are available. While most sites are primitive, some non-utility sites in the park are often available for a walk-up reservation basis.
• Modern Restrooms: A key highlight is the presence of very well-kept, clean bathrooms with flush toilets and sinks.
• Shower Facilities: Campers have access to shower houses, a highly valued amenity that ensures comfort after a day of swimming or hiking.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is readily available within the campground area.
• Site Furnishings: Individual sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings or grills for outdoor cooking and gatherings.
• Shared Facilities Access: Campers at Blackjack have access to the numerous park amenities, including a nearby sanitary dump station for self-contained RVs, though the sites themselves do not have hookups.

Features and Highlights: Trails, Lake Access, and Wildlife

Blackjack Campground's location within Eisenhower State Park is its greatest asset, offering a vast array of recreational features for Kansas outdoor enthusiasts.

• Direct Lake Access: The campground's location provides easy access to Melvern Lake for boating, swimming (at designated beaches within the park), and excellent fishing opportunities for species like walleye, crappie, and channel catfish.
• Extensive Trail System: The park is home to a burgeoning trail system, including hiking, biking, and equestrian trails like the 20-mile Crooked Knee Horse Trail. The trailhead for the bike and archery trail is also located nearby in the Five-Star campground loop.
• Family Amenities: The park features a playground, a basketball court, and horseshoe pits within the adjacent Jones Family Activity Area, making it a perfect spot for families.
• Disc Golf: An 18-hole disc golf course is available near the east boat ramp, providing a fun and active outdoor pursuit.
• Wildlife Viewing: The preserve is home to white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail, and various furbearers, offering fantastic opportunities for nature watching and environmental education.
• Historical Significance: The park is named after President Dwight D. Eisenhower, providing a cultural touchstone to the state's most famous resident.
• Clean, Consistent Experience: The reviews highlight a consistently positive experience, with campers remarking on the clean grounds and facilities, ensuring reliability and comfort.

Contact Information

For booking, specific site availability, or general inquiries about the amenities and operating hours, prospective campers should utilize the contact information for Eisenhower State Park.

• Address: Unnamed Road, Lebo, KS 66856, USA (General park access off K-99 highway)
• Phone: (785) 528-4102 (Eisenhower State Park Office)
• Mobile Phone (Park Office): +1 785-528-4102
• Reservations: Sites can be reserved through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) website or ReserveAmerica.

What is Worth Choosing Blackjack Campground

Blackjack Campground is an exceptional choice for Kansas campers looking for a traditional, yet high-quality, outdoor experience that focuses on nature and water recreation.

The main reason to choose Blackjack is the Best-in-Class Primitive Camping with Amenities. It provides the authenticity of tent camping and non-utility sites, which often feel more immersed in nature, while simultaneously offering the critical comfort of immaculately clean, modern shower and restroom facilities. This combination is often hard to find and is a tremendous advantage for those who enjoy "roughing it" without sacrificing basic hygiene and convenience.

Furthermore, its position within Eisenhower State Park guarantees access to a vast network of recreational diversity. Unlike smaller, isolated campgrounds, Blackjack's visitors can easily engage in fishing, boating, swimming, and exploring miles of dedicated trails for hiking and biking—all within minutes of their campsite. The commitment to maintaining the park’s natural beauty while providing accessible recreation is what makes this area a popular, annual destination for many local Kansans. For a quiet, clean, and activity-filled retreat on Melvern Lake, Blackjack Campground offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and state park reliability.