Family Camping Activities for All Ages: Games, Hiking, and Campfire Fun
Explore family camping activities that bring all ages together, from outdoor games and scenic hikes to memorable campfire fun that creates lasting memories.
For Kansans seeking the ultimate blend of natural beauty, extensive recreation, and modern camping convenience, the **Frontier 9 Campground** within the expansive **El Dorado State Park** is truly a premier destination. Located at the edge of the scenic Flint Hills, El Dorado State Park is proudly the state's largest, encompassing approximately 8,000 surface acres of water and nearly 100 miles of shoreline on El Dorado Lake. The Frontier 9 area, specifically, has earned a reputation among full-time RVers and families as **"THE BEST, AND MOST BEAUTIFUL"** part of the park.
The campground offers highly sought-after features, notably its **full hookup sites** (Water, Sewer, and Electric), which are essential for comfortable extended stays. It sits in the **Walnut River Area**, often characterized by large, mature trees that provide **abundant shade** and a welcome reprieve from the Kansas sun. Visitors consistently praise the friendly and helpful atmosphere, with past campers highlighting the **"awesome" campground hosts** and groundskeepers who go out of their way to ensure a great experience. The consensus is clear: Frontier 9 offers a near-perfect blend of natural beauty and practical amenity access. As one enthusiastic camper noted, the only missing piece of the puzzle is public Wi-Fiβa small compromise for an otherwise **"amazing"** location perfect for both short visits and full-time residency.
Managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), the campground is meticulously maintained, and its location directly across from the dam offers unique, picturesque views of the lake.
El Dorado State Park Campground Frontier 9 is centrally located within the state park complex, near the vibrant town of **El Dorado, KS 67042, USA**. The park is conveniently situated at the edge of the Flint Hills and near major arteries, including the Kansas Turnpike, making it an accessible weekend getaway or extended stay location for residents across the state.
The specific Frontier 9 area is found in the **Walnut River Area** of the park. It is noted for its proximity not only to the lake but also to the nearby town of El Dorado, which, as a reviewer noted, has **"everything you need"** for supplies and entertainment, and is **"not far from at all."** This proximity to town offers the ideal combination of secluded nature retreat and urban accessibility.
Campsites in Frontier 9 are generally **large, spacious**, and equipped with hardened surfaces for easy setup, accommodating large RVs and trailers. Access to the campground involves navigating the well-marked state park roads, leading into the loops that run parallel to the Walnut River area. Due to the area's popularity, **reservations are available** and highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure one of the prime sites.
Frontier 9 Campground is tailored to provide a highly comfortable camping experience, particularly for RV travelers, by offering some of the best utility services available in the state park system.
A comprehensive list of the services available includes:
The features of Frontier 9 and its location within El Dorado State Park combine to create an outstanding Kansas outdoor destination, appealing to families, boaters, and nature lovers alike.
For making reservations, inquiring about specific site availability in the Frontier 9 loop, or checking on park conditions, Missouri residents should contact the main El Dorado State Park office using the information below.
**Address:** El Dorado, KS 67042, USA (Part of El Dorado State Park, Walnut River Area)
**Phone (State Park Office/Reservations):** (316) 321-7180
**Mobile Phone:** +1 316-321-7180
**Online Reservations:** The KDWP strongly recommends booking sites in advance, which can be done via their official online reservation platform.
For the Kansas camper, particularly the RV enthusiast, **Frontier 9 Campground** at El Dorado State Park is undoubtedly the best choice for its **unrivaled combination of full hookups and natural beauty**. This area removes the stress of managing black and grey water tanks, allowing for maximum relaxation and longer staysβa significant advantage that few state park campgrounds offer.
What makes this spot truly exceptional is its atmosphere: you get the **serenity of large, shaded sites** and stunning views of El Dorado Lake, all while enjoying the convenience of being just minutes from the resources of El Dorado town. The dedication of the staff, as noted by numerous positive reviews, ensures a consistently high-quality experience. If your goal is a comfortable, amenity-rich, and beautiful camping trip in a premier Kansas state park, **Frontier 9** is the perfect base for exploring the Flint Hills, hitting the extensive trails, and fully utilizing the 8,000-acre lake. It's the ideal spot to park your home away from home and truly unwind.
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
RV camping
RV electric hookup
RV water hookup
Hiking
Barbecue grill
Cycling lanes
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Public shower
Restroom
Running water
Slides
Swings
Tent sites
Camping fee
Credit cards
Debit cards
Good for kids
Good for kids birthday
Kid-friendly hikes
Playground
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
Everyone I met on my trip was great! Mr. Funk, a groundskeeper, personally showed me his favorite spot to camp. Thank you sir! I absolutely loved everything about this State Park. The campground hosts were awesome! Thanks y'all for a great time! This picture was taken from my tent on the far side of the lake, directly across from the dam.
Honestly this is THE BEST, AND MOST BEAUTIFUL of the Parks. The Town itself along with the State Park is by far one of the best places I've visited and now have the pleasure to live in and at. The ONLY thing missing from this place is WiFi. That's it. Between the Park and the town, -which you're not far from at all!!- that has everything you need, it's the perfect place to be and come to as a full time RV'er. And even just to visit! Everything about this place is amazing. Like I said, the only thing that would make this place perfect would be if it had Wifi access. Other than that it's the perfect place.
We had a nice weekend. However Kansas is not maintaining their parks, Eldorado Lake needs so many repairs to their facilities. Sad to see the current conditions when they generate more revenue than all other Kansas Lakes combined.
Location is beautiful. Signs to get to our spot sucked. We were at eagles pass and couldn't really find it based on available signage. Bathrooms were a place I never want to go again.
Decent campground. Definitely a little dated, but hey, you're there to camp, right? Easily accessible trails, swimming area, etc. Not the nicest state park around, but great for a weekend.