🌤 Weather at Eisenhower State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33–76 °F | 64–90 °F | 34–82 °F | 20–46 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Melvern Lake, 2 mi away, elevation 1,094 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Named in honor of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Kansas’s most famous native son, this 1,785-acre state park sits on the northern shore of Melvern Lake—a 6,930-acre reservoir in the eastern fringe of the Flint Hills. Formerly known as Melvern State Park, it was renamed in 1990 by the Kansas legislature.
What makes Eisenhower special is its remarkable diversity: 1,000 acres of tallgrass prairie roll alongside 440 acres of woodland, creating a landscape that changes with every season. The park offers something for everyone—from the 20-mile Crooked Knee Horse Trail to the 18-hole disc golf course, from walleye fishing to a unique Nature Room with live animals.
Whether you’re an equestrian seeking miles of trails with campsite corrals, an angler chasing walleye, or a family looking for cabin comfort on the lake, Eisenhower delivers an authentic Kansas outdoor experience just 30 miles south of Topeka.
Park Fast Facts
Eisenhower State Park is located in Osage County on the north shore of Melvern Lake, about 30 miles south of Topeka.
| 📍 Location | South of Topeka on Hwy 75, then 3 miles west on K-278 |
| 🗺️ Region | Eastern Flint Hills / Osage County |
| 📐 Park Area | 1,785 acres |
| 🌊 Lake Size | 6,930 acres (Melvern Lake) |
| 🌾 Prairie | 1,000 acres tallgrass prairie |
| ⏰ Office Hours | Monday-Friday 8 AM – 4 PM |
| 📞 Phone | (785) 528-4102 |
| [email protected] |
Entry & Camping Fees
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🎫 Daily Vehicle Permit | $5 | Required year-round |
| 🎫 Annual Vehicle Permit | $25 | Valid at all KS state parks |
| ⛺ Primitive Sites | $10/night | 30+ sites |
| ⚡ Electric Sites | $18-22/night | Water/electric |
| 🚿 Full Hookup | $24-28/night | Water/electric/sewer |
| 🏠 Modern Cabins | $75-90/night | 4 cabins, sleeps 6, full kitchen |
| 🏕️ Yurts | $50-60/night | 2 yurts, primitive (no kitchen) |
| 🐴 Equestrian Sites | $22/night | 15 sites with individual corrals |
Buy Annual Camping Permits in the off-season and SAVE! Prime season rates begin April 1st.
Equestrian Paradise: Crooked Knee Horse Trail
Eisenhower is a premier equestrian destination in Kansas, featuring one of the state’s longest horse trails.
| Equestrian Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 🐴 Crooked Knee Trail | 20 miles through undeveloped west side |
| ⛺ Equestrian Campsites | 15 sites with electric/water + individual corrals |
| 🤠 Cowboy Campground | Primitive area for horse camping |
| 🥾 Multi-Use | Hiking and biking also allowed on horse trail |
Trails & Recreation
| Activity | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🥏 18-Hole Disc Golf | Near east boat ramp | Score cards at office |
| 🏹 Ike’s Archery Trail | 20 targets at various ranges | Bring your own equipment |
| 🚴 Five Star Bike Trail | Multi-use biking/hiking | In Five Star Campground |
| 🛴 Ike’s Scooter Trail | 1-mile motorized scooter path | 50cc and smaller, 10am-6pm |
| 🏐 Sand Volleyball | Beach volleyball court | Near swim beach |
| 🏀 Basketball Court | In Jones Family Activity Area |
Fishing Melvern Lake
Melvern Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities with two nine-lane boat ramps providing access to the 6,930-acre reservoir.
| Fishing Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 🐟 Top Species | Walleye, crappie, sauger, white bass, channel catfish |
| 🛥️ Boat Ramps | 2 nine-lane ramps |
| ⛵ Boat Slips | 16 covered slips at East Ramp ($15/day, $80/week) |
| 🎣 Kids Fishing Pond | Dedicated pond for young anglers |
| 🪰 Fly Fishing Pond | Separate fly fishing area |
Cabins & Yurts
| Lodging | Description | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Algiers Cabin | WestPoint Campground | Sleeps 6, full kitchen, lake view |
| 🏠 Meade Cabin | WestPoint Campground | Sleeps 6, full kitchen, lake view |
| 🏠 Arvonia Cabin | Central park | Sleeps 6, full kitchen |
| 🏠 Melvern Cabin | Central park | Sleeps 6, full kitchen |
| 🏕️ Colt Yurt | WestPoint Campground | Sleeps 4, primitive (A/C, heat, no kitchen) |
| 🏕️ Gaillard Yurt | WestPoint Campground | Sleeps 5, primitive (A/C, heat, no kitchen) |
Cabins include full kitchen with dishes, pots, pans, refrigerator, stove, microwave, toaster, and coffee pot. Bring your own bedding and towels!
Nature Room & Arboretum
Stop by the park office to explore the Nature Room—a unique exhibit featuring live honey bees, snakes, fish, turtles, amphibians, and even a bear display! Then take a walk through the Arboretum or relax by the waterfall.
Ike’s General Store
| Store Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Doud Campground |
| 🛶 Rentals | 4 single kayaks, 4 tandem kayaks, 4 canoes (17′) |
| 🎮 Games | Frisbee, ladder golf, horseshoes, basketballs, croquet |
| 🧊 Supplies | Ice, firewood, ice cream, soda, worms |
| 📶 WiFi | FREE at park office parking lot |
Best Times to Visit
| Season | Experience | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Apr-May) | Wildflowers, fishing, mild temps | Prime season rates start April 1 |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug) | Swimming, water sports, full activities | Most popular; book ahead |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov) | Tallgrass prairie colors, hunting season | Great for horse riding |
| ❄️ Winter (Dec-Mar) | Quiet, ice fishing, off-season discounts | Park open year-round |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Eisenhower SP — on Melvern Lake. Named for President Dwight D. Eisenhower — born in nearby Denison, TX but raised in Abilene, KS. The park’s lake, tallgrass prairie, and Osage orange hedgerows support bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys.
Nearby Attractions
Osage City — nearby. Melvern Lake — at the park. Flint Hills — surrounding.
Why is it called Eisenhower State Park?
The park was renamed in 1990 by the Kansas legislature to honor President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was born in Denison, Texas but grew up in Abilene, Kansas. As Kansas’s most famous native son, it was fitting to name this beautiful state park in his honor.
Can you ride horses at Eisenhower State Park?
Yes! Eisenhower is a premier equestrian destination with the 20-mile Crooked Knee Horse Trail winding through the undeveloped west side of the park. There are 15 equestrian campsites with electric/water and individual corrals, plus a primitive Cowboy Campground for horse camping.
Does Eisenhower have disc golf?
Yes! There’s a full 18-hole disc golf course near the east boat ramp. It was built by the Friends of Eisenhower State Park and the Hopkins family in 2010. Score cards are available at the park office.
What fish are in Melvern Lake?
Melvern Lake (6,930 acres) offers excellent fishing for walleye, crappie, sauger, white bass, and channel catfish. Two nine-lane boat ramps provide access. There’s also a kids fishing pond and a separate fly fishing pond in the park.
Are there cabins at Eisenhower State Park?
Yes! The park has 4 modern cabins (Algiers, Meade, Arvonia, Melvern) that sleep 6 people with full kitchens and lake views. There are also 2 yurts (Colt and Gaillard) for a glamping experience—they have A/C and heat but no kitchen. Bring your own bedding!
What is Ike’s Scooter Trail?
Ike’s Scooter Trail is a unique 1-mile trail for motorized scooters (50cc and smaller). It runs between WestPoint and Doud campgrounds through open areas and forested sections. Helmets are required, and the trail is open 10 AM – 6 PM. It doubles as a walking trail from sunrise to sunset.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Pomona State Park is a short drive away, and Flint Hills Trail State Park is a short drive away.
Plan Your Kansas Prairie Adventure
Ride 20 miles of horse trails, play 18 holes of disc golf, fish walleye on Melvern Lake, or stay in a lakeside cabin. Reserve your spot at Ike’s park today!
Explore More Kansas State Parks
Eisenhower State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Kansas. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Kansas guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
⛺ Camping at Eisenhower State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Descriptive text states 163 utility campsites (126 water/electric, 25 water/electric/sewer - these two figures sum to 151, not 163) plus five shower houses. Areas data lists higher totals: East Shore 30 primitive + 10 water/electric + 10 electric; South Shore 31 primitive + 25 water/sewer/electric + 78 water/electric + 146 electric; West Shore 5 primitive + 30 water/electric + 15 electric. Non-utility primitive camping also available at Five-Star, Sailboat Beach and Omaha Swim Beach. Fifteen equestrian campsites with electric/water and individual corrals in the upper loop of Westpoint Campground; Cowboy Campground is a primitive equestrian camping area. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 4 modern cabins (Melvern, Arvonia near Abilene Campground; Algiers, Meade in WestPoint Campground), each sleeps 6 (one double bed, futon, couch, pull-down Murphy bed), full kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, dishes, silverware, pots/pans, coffee pot), table and chairs, bathroom/shower; bring own bedding (full-size sheets), pillows, towels and toiletries. Plus 2 primitive yurts (Colt, Gaillard) and Mamie's Cabin - no kitchen or restroom, beds, electric, heat/AC, picnic table, grill, fire ring, water hydrant, ADA accessible. Check-in 2pm, check-out noon. No smoking or pets in cabins; no TV, internet or phone (free WiFi at the office parking lot). |
| Pets | Statewide KDWP rule: pets must be restrained by leash, chain or kennel no longer than 10 feet and are not allowed on swimming beaches or in buildings. No pets allowed in cabins or yurts. |
| Reservations | Book via KSOutdoors.com/CampItKS.gov or ReserveAmerica.com, by phone, or at the park office, (785) 528-4102; campground fees also payable at Ike's General Store at Doud Campground. Vehicle permits required. Campers may stay at any campground for up to 14 consecutive days. General KDWP cancellation policy applies. |
| Special sites | Crooked Knee Horse Trail (20-mile equestrian route); bike and hiking trails on the horse trail; 19-target walk-through archery trail at Five-Star campground; 18-hole disc golf course; kids' fishing pond and fly-fishing pond; Boat Dock with 16 slips at the East Boat Ramp, rentable through the Ike Store; laundry facilities at the Doud shower building; free WiFi at the park office/parking lot. |
Camping questions about Eisenhower State Park
Can you camp at Eisenhower State Park?
Descriptive text states 163 utility campsites (126 water/electric, 25 water/electric/sewer - these two figures sum to 151, not 163) plus five shower houses. Areas data lists higher totals: East Shore 30 primitive + 10 water/electric + 10 electric; South Shore 31 primitive + 25 water/sewer/electric + 78 water/electric + 146 electric; West Shore 5 primitive + 30 water/electric + 15 electric. Non-utility primitive camping also available at Five-Star, Sailboat Beach and Omaha Swim Beach. Fifteen equestrian campsites with electric/water and individual corrals in the upper loop of Westpoint Campground; Cowboy Campground is a primitive equestrian camping area.
How do you reserve a campsite at Eisenhower State Park?
Book via KSOutdoors.com/CampItKS.gov or ReserveAmerica.com, by phone, or at the park office, (785) 528-4102; campground fees also payable at Ike's General Store at Doud Campground. Vehicle permits required. Campers may stay at any campground for up to 14 consecutive days. General KDWP cancellation policy applies.
Are there cabins at Eisenhower State Park?
4 modern cabins (Melvern, Arvonia near Abilene Campground; Algiers, Meade in WestPoint Campground), each sleeps 6 (one double bed, futon, couch, pull-down Murphy bed), full kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, dishes, silverware, pots/pans, coffee pot), table and chairs, bathroom/shower; bring own bedding (full-size sheets), pillows, towels and toiletries. Plus 2 primitive yurts (Colt, Gaillard) and Mamie's Cabin - no kitchen or restroom, beds, electric, heat/AC, picnic table, grill, fire ring, water hydrant, ADA accessible. Check-in 2pm, check-out noon. No smoking or pets in cabins; no TV, internet or phone (free WiFi at the office parking lot).
Are pets allowed at the Eisenhower State Park campground?
Statewide KDWP rule: pets must be restrained by leash, chain or kennel no longer than 10 feet and are not allowed on swimming beaches or in buildings. No pets allowed in cabins or yurts.
Source: ksoutdoors.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Eisenhower State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Kansas state parks, including trails and campgrounds, but must always be restrained by a camper, cage, hand-held leash, or tether no longer than 10 feet.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Hand-held leash or tethered chain no longer than 10 feet (or confined in camper/cage)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed on swimming beaches or in buoyed swimming areas, or in public buildings
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed inside cabins except in designated pet-friendly cabins (e.g. at Lovewell, Eisenhower, El Dorado, Clinton) with a $50 pet fee; at other cabins pets must stay outside
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $50 pet fee for designated pet-friendly cabins
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Dogs participating in authorized activities (such as hunting) or assisting the visually or hearing impaired are exempt
Are dogs allowed at Eisenhower State Park?
Pets are allowed in Kansas state parks, including trails and campgrounds, but must always be restrained by a camper, cage, hand-held leash, or tether no longer than 10 feet. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via ksoutdoors.gov. More: Kansas state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Eisenhower State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
