Doud Campground

Introduction / Overview: The Hub of Eisenhower State Park Camping

For Kansas campers seeking the convenience of a full-service experience combined with the natural beauty of Melvern Lake, Doud Campground serves as the largest and most amenity-rich loop within the renowned Eisenhower State Park. Located on the south shore of the lake, Doud Campground is often considered the heart of the park's developed camping area, providing a wide array of utility sites and essential services that ensure a comfortable, extended stay.

Managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWP), Doud Campground is designed to accommodate a diverse group of visitors, from large RVs to families seeking a home base for their lake adventures. While some camper reviews have noted occasional issues with site maintenance and specific utility amperages—particularly during crowded holiday weekends—Doud remains a popular choice for its sheer volume of utility sites and the wealth of nearby resources, including the Ike's General Store. This campground is an excellent starting point for exploring the 1,785 acres of land and 7,000 surface acres of water that define the Melvern Lake recreational area. Visitors frequently book here for its reliable access to showers, the park office, and the convenience of having both electric and water hookups. Its established nature and comprehensive facilities make it a top consideration for RV travelers throughout the Kansas region.

Location and Accessibility: A Prime Spot on the South Shore

Doud Campground is centrally located within the South Shore section of Eisenhower State Park, which is situated on Melvern Lake near Lebo, Kansas. The park itself is easily accessible, located roughly 30 miles south of Topeka and three miles west of US-75 on K-278. This accessibility makes it a practical destination for many communities across East Central Kansas.

The official mailing address for the park, which covers the Doud loop, is: 29810 S Fairlawn Rd, Osage City, KS 66523. The Doud loop itself is situated near the main park facilities, offering convenient entry and exit. The campground is nestled where the woods meet the lake, providing scattered shade and, for some sites, views across the water. The surrounding roads within the state park are well-maintained, accommodating the transit of large RVs and trailers. Its prime location ensures that campers are only a short distance from the lake's multiple boat ramps, swimming beaches, and the trail systems that wind through the area.

Services Offered at Doud Campground

As the primary full-service loop, Doud Campground provides the most extensive set of amenities within Eisenhower State Park, focusing heavily on utility hookups and centralized facilities.

• Campsite Utilities: Doud features a large number of utility campsites, including the highly sought-after Water, Electric, and Sewer (Full Hookup) sites (approx. 25 sites are full hookup). Numerous other sites offer Water and Electric hookups (approx. 25 sites are W/E). Available electric services typically include 30-Amp and 50-Amp options, though campers should verify specific site details upon booking.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: The loop provides access to a Shower/Toilet building that is ADA accessible, offering modern restrooms and the convenience of hot showers.
• Ike's General Store: The campground is home to or is in very close proximity to Ike's General Store, where fees can be paid, and visitors can purchase necessities like firewood, ice, souvenirs, and check out games.
• Laundry Facilities: A valuable amenity is the availability of laundry facilities located at the Doud shower building, essential for longer stays.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient sanitary dump station is provided for RV waste, serving all state park campers.
• Recreational Rentals: Kayak and canoe rentals are available through the General Store, providing easy access to water recreation.

Features and Highlights: Convenience and Melvern Lake Access

Doud Campground's appeal is rooted in its highly practical features and its proximity to the best recreational offerings of Eisenhower State Park.

• Comprehensive Utility Options: Doud offers the highest concentration of full hookup sites (Water/Sewer/Electric) in the park, a major highlight for travelers in large RVs who value convenience.
• Central Park Hub: The presence of Ike's General Store and the main park office facilities nearby makes Doud a central location for information, supplies, and park services.
• Family Activity Area: The campground is close to the Jones Family Activity Area, which features a playground, basketball court, and horseshoe pits, ensuring fun for all ages.
• Trail System Access: Campers can easily access the park’s extensive trail system for hiking and biking, including the popular routes that wind through the beautiful prairie and woodlands.
• Waterfront Activities: Being on the South Shore, the campground is within easy reach of the swimming beach, boat ramps, and excellent fishing spots on Melvern Lake, renowned for walleye and crappie.
• Accessibility to Services: The presence of a shower house and laundry facilities directly within the loop greatly enhances the livability and ease of a vacation.

Contact Information

Doud Campground operates under the umbrella of Eisenhower State Park. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on booking, site details, and park conditions, visitors should contact the park office.

• Address: Lebo, KS 66856, USA (General area for the campground)
• Park Office Address: 29810 S Fairlawn Rd, Osage City, KS 66523
• Primary Phone (Park Office): (785) 528-4102
• Mobile Phone (Park Office): +1 785-528-4102
• Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for utility sites, and managed through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) reservation system.

What is Worth Choosing Doud Campground

Choosing Doud Campground is primarily about prioritizing convenience and full amenities for your Melvern Lake experience. It is unequivocally the best choice for a specific type of Kansas camper.

The most compelling reason to select Doud is its concentration of Full Utility Hookups. For RV owners seeking the luxury of water, electricity (up to 50-amp), and sewer connections right at their site, Doud offers the most options in the state park. This is crucial for long-term stays or during hot Kansas summers when running an air conditioner is a necessity. While one reviewer noted potential issues with electrical panels, the vast majority of sites successfully accommodate standard RV needs, and the availability of 3-utility sites eliminates the need to move your rig to a dump station frequently.

Furthermore, the presence of the Ike's General Store and the on-site laundry facilities transforms a simple camping trip into a comfortable, self-sufficient vacation. You never have to leave the park to replenish basic supplies, rent a kayak, or wash clothes, maximizing your time spent relaxing or recreating on Melvern Lake. For Kansas families or RVers who value modern convenience and a central hub for all park activities, Doud Campground, despite occasional upkeep concerns, remains the most functional and feature-rich campground option within Eisenhower State Park.