Veterans' Point

For Kansans who appreciate a more simple, relaxed, and lakeside camping experience, **Veterans' Point Campground** within the vast **El Dorado State Park** offers a perfect getaway. Located in the **Shady Creek Area** of the park, Veterans' Point is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere, mature trees providing ample natural shade, and its picturesque setting directly on the shores of El Dorado Lake. This area is specifically designed for the **primitive camper**—those who come to pitch a tent or use a self-contained unit and prioritize a quiet, nature-focused trip over full utility hookups.

With approximately **16 designated primitive campsites**, Veterans' Point maintains an intimate feel, fostering a sense of community among visitors. The campground is praised for being a **"very well kept area"** where guests consistently meet **"wonderful"** people, emphasizing the positive, friendly atmosphere. A key feature is its excellent access to water activities; it is known as **"one of the easier places to launch our paddle boards from at the lake."** Although the shoreline is noted for being **"very rocky"** (a common feature of many Kansas reservoirs, suggesting campers should wear water shoes), the site offers front-row lake views and nearby access to modern amenities like showers and clean restrooms, balancing rustic charm with necessary comfort. Veterans' Point is a serene and beautiful base camp for exploring the larger offerings of El Dorado State Park and the nearby Flint Hills.

Veterans' Point is located within the **Shady Creek Area** of **El Dorado State Park**, in Butler County, Kansas. The official park address, **El Dorado, KS 67042, USA**, signifies its proximity to the town of El Dorado, making it easily accessible via major state highways and the Kansas Turnpike (I-35).

The campground is one of many camping loops scattered across the large state park but is specifically found in the more secluded Shady Creek section. It is situated on a peninsula or point extending into **El Dorado Lake**, which affords prime water views, particularly from sites 10 through 13. While the park maintains good access roads, the specific campground loop is dedicated to a more rustic experience.

Crucially for spontaneous Kansas campers, **Veterans' Point campsites cannot be reserved in advance**. The 16 primitive sites operate on a **first-come, first-served** basis (self-registration/honor system), meaning visitors must arrive early to secure a spot, particularly on weekends. The main park office and gatehouses are nearby for purchasing the required vehicle entry permit and for general assistance. The area offers **gravel site surfaces** typical of primitive camping, and although the shoreline is rocky, the gentle slope near the water makes it ideal for launching small watercraft.

Veterans' Point is designated as a **primitive camping area** but is supported by modern facilities conveniently located within walking distance, ensuring a comfortable experience for tent campers and self-contained units.

Services available include:

• **Primitive Campsites:** A total of **16 primitive sites** are available, primarily designed for tent camping or RVs not requiring hookups.
• **No Hookups:** Individual campsites **do not feature electric, water, or sewer hookups**.
• **Clean Restrooms and Showers:** An **ADA-accessible shower house with modern restrooms and hot water** is located nearby (within a quarter mile), ensuring hygiene and comfort for all campers.
• **Potable Water:** Drinking water is available via **potable water spigots** within the campground area.
• **Individual Site Amenities:** Each of the 16 sites includes a **picnic table** and a **fire ring/grill** for cooking and campfires.
• **Community Amenities:** The area features built-in **shade panels**, **fish cleaning stations**, and access to mobile food services nearby, enhancing the camping experience.
• **Pets Welcome:** The campground is **dog-friendly**, though pets must be kept on leashes at all times, consistent with state park regulations.

Veterans' Point is cherished by local Kansans for its specific recreational access and peaceful, natural setting, making it a unique destination within El Dorado State Park.

• **Easy Paddle Board/Small Boat Launch:** The campground is noted for being one of the **easiest places to launch paddle boards and kayaks** from the shore, providing immediate access to the lake.
• **Primitive Waterfront Sites:** Sites 10-13 offer **front-row lake views**, providing a unique and highly desirable primitive camping experience near the water’s edge.
• **Abundant Shade:** The mature trees provide **partial to heavy shade** over the campsites, a significant benefit during hot Kansas days.
• **Tranquil Water Conditions:** The area is noted for being **"not as windy as Cheney"** (another popular Kansas lake), offering calmer waters ideal for non-motorized activities like paddle boarding and fishing.
• **Accessible Swimming Cove:** A **small cove adjacent to the campground** offers a spot for families to swim and play in the water, though caution regarding rocky shores is advised.
• **Community Focus:** The welcoming atmosphere and friendly people make this area suitable for **casual weekend gatherings** and creating a positive, community-focused outdoor experience.
• **Trail Access:** The Shady Creek Nature Trail, a **3/4-mile interpretive trail**, begins nearby, offering hikers a scenic route across the prairie and into a wetland area.
• **First-Come, First-Served Flexibility:** The non-reservable nature is a key highlight for spontaneous Kansas campers who decide to visit last minute.

For all inquiries regarding Veterans' Point Campground, including current conditions, availability of the first-come, first-served sites, or general park information, please use the main contact details for the El Dorado State Park Office.

**Address:** El Dorado, KS 67042, USA (Located in the Shady Creek Area of El Dorado State Park)

**Phone (State Park Office/Information):** (316) 321-7180

**Mobile Phone:** +1 316-321-7180

**Note:** Since Veterans' Point is a primitive, non-reservable area, the phone number is best used for general information rather than booking specific sites.

For the Kansas camper, **Veterans' Point Campground** is highly worth choosing if your priorities are **primitive camping, quiet solitude, and easy water access** for personal watercraft. What makes it stand out is its **highly accessible shoreline for paddle boards and kayaks**, offering a unique launch experience compared to other parts of El Dorado Lake.

Choosing this campground means embracing a true, old-fashioned camping trip—it's **primitive, cheap, and non-reservable**, making it ideal for flexible, low-budget adventures. You get the benefit of beautiful **lake views** and **ample shade** while still having **modern shower and restroom facilities** within walking distance. It's a peaceful haven in the massive El Dorado State Park, celebrated for its friendly community and relaxed atmosphere. If you're an experienced camper looking for a straightforward, quiet spot to launch your paddle board and enjoy the serene side of the lake, Veterans' Point is the perfect Kansas destination.