🌤 Weather at Glen Elder State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27–75 °F | 60–93 °F | 26–82 °F | 14–45 °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 Glen Elder Lake, 2 mi away, elevation 1,500 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Waconda Lake Recreation in the Heart of Kansas — State Park on the 12,500-Acre Glen Elder Reservoir (Waconda Lake) in North-Central Kansas, Full-Service Marina With Boat Ramp and Dock Facilities, Fishing for Walleye Wipers White Bass and Channel Catfish, 400+ Campsites Including Full Hookups and Primitive Sites, Swimming Beach and Water Sports on the Open Prairie Lake, Hiking and Wildlife Viewing on the Grassland Trails, Near Glen Elder Mitchell County North-Central Kansas
Glen Elder State Park is a state park on 12,500-acre Glen Elder Reservoir (Waconda Lake) in Mitchell County, north-central Kansas, managed by Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The park features a full-service marina with boat ramp and dock facilities on one of Kansas’s most popular recreation lakes, fishing for walleye, wipers (hybrid striped bass), white bass, and channel catfish, over 400 campsites including full hookups, utility sites, and primitive camping, a swimming beach with sandy shoreline, water sports including waterskiing and jet skiing on the open prairie lake, hiking and wildlife viewing on grassland trails, hunting access in designated areas during season, and panoramic Great Plains views across the reservoir from elevated campground bluffs.
The wiper fishing is exceptional — these aggressive hybrid striped bass provide explosive surface-feeding action, especially during summer evening feeding frenzies when schools of wipers chase shad across the surface. Waconda Lake is one of the premier wiper fisheries in the Great Plains.
The open prairie setting creates spectacular sunsets — with no trees or hills to block the view, the western Kansas sky puts on a nightly show that reflects across the lake surface. The elevated campground bluffs provide front-row seats to this natural theater.
Things to Do
- Fishing — walleye, wipers, catfish
- Camping — 400+ sites, hookups
- Boating — marina, ramp
- Swimming beach — sandy shore
- Water sports — skiing, jet ski
- Wildlife — grassland trails
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Glen Elder, Mitchell County, KS |
| Lake | 12,500-acre Waconda Lake |
| Campsites | 400+ (hookups + primitive) |
| Fishing | Walleye, wipers, white bass, catfish |
| Marina | Full-service, ramp, docks |
| Managed By | Kansas Dept. Wildlife & Parks |
| Coordinates | 39.4833° N, 98.7667° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Waconda Lake Kansas?
Waconda Lake (Glen Elder Reservoir) in north-central Kansas is stocked with walleye, wipers (hybrid striped bass), white bass, and channel catfish. Glen Elder State Park on the 12,500-acre lake offers a full-service marina, over 400 campsites with hookups, a swimming beach, and water sports. One of the premier wiper fisheries in the Great Plains. Managed by Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
The park sits in the geographic heart of Kansas — and close to the geographic center of the contiguous United States. This central location makes Glen Elder a convenient meeting point for families traveling from different parts of the state, and the massive campground with over 400 sites ensures everyone can find a spot even on holiday weekends.
Last updated: May 2026
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Waconda Lake State Park (a short drive away) and Lovewell State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Kansas state parks online at reserveamerica.com.
⛺ Camping at Glen Elder State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Areas data by area: Osage 8 primitive (not reservable); Prairie Dog camping available but no site count published; Arickaree camping not available; Cheyenne 40 primitive + 36 water/electric (reservable, ADA camping available); Kanza 108 primitive + 36 water/electric + 5 electric (reservable, ADA camping available); Kaw 5 water/electric (reservable, ADA camping available); Sioux 20 primitive + 5 electric (not reservable); Pawnee 20 primitive (not reservable); Marina Cove has no camping. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 2 modern cabins (Leotie, Tahoe), one bedroom with a full-size bed, futon bed and Murphy bed in the living area. Kitchen: small stove with oven, refrigerator/freezer, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, pots and pans, dishes, silverware, kitchen table and 4 chairs; picnic table and grill outside; modern bathroom with shower, AC and heat. Bedding not provided - bring your own bedding, towels and toiletries. No pets, no smoking. Non-peak season Nov 1-Mar 31, peak season Apr 1-Oct 31. |
| 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 the cabins. |
| Reservations | Book by phone at the park office, (785) 545-3345, or online at www.reserveamerica.com. Vehicle permits required. General KDWP cancellation policy applies. |
| Special sites | Waconda Heritage Village living museum with the historic Hopewell Church south of the park office; Waconda Springs Replica trail. |
| Season notes | Cabin rates and terms distinguish a peak season (April 1-October 31) from a non-peak season (November 1-March 31); no explicit campground winter water shutoff is documented. |
Camping questions about Glen Elder State Park
Can you camp at Glen Elder State Park?
Areas data by area: Osage 8 primitive (not reservable); Prairie Dog camping available but no site count published; Arickaree camping not available; Cheyenne 40 primitive + 36 water/electric (reservable, ADA camping available); Kanza 108 primitive + 36 water/electric + 5 electric (reservable, ADA camping available); Kaw 5 water/electric (reservable, ADA camping available); Sioux 20 primitive + 5 electric (not reservable); Pawnee 20 primitive (not reservable); Marina Cove has no camping.
How do you reserve a campsite at Glen Elder State Park?
Book by phone at the park office, (785) 545-3345, or online at www.reserveamerica.com. Vehicle permits required. General KDWP cancellation policy applies.
Are there cabins at Glen Elder State Park?
2 modern cabins (Leotie, Tahoe), one bedroom with a full-size bed, futon bed and Murphy bed in the living area. Kitchen: small stove with oven, refrigerator/freezer, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, pots and pans, dishes, silverware, kitchen table and 4 chairs; picnic table and grill outside; modern bathroom with shower, AC and heat. Bedding not provided - bring your own bedding, towels and toiletries. No pets, no smoking. Non-peak season Nov 1-Mar 31, peak season Apr 1-Oct 31.
Are pets allowed at the Glen Elder 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 the cabins.
Source: ksoutdoors.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Glen Elder 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 Glen Elder 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
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