Eisenhower State Park

Eisenhower Location
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Areas
Trails
Eisenhower Cabins
Eisenhower ADA Compliant
Eisenhower Calendar
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Eisenhower Gallery
Melvern Reservoir Fishing Information
Melvern Wildlife Area
Eisenhower Alert

2024 Reservations go on sale December 15, 2023, at 12 p.m. (NOON) CST.

Eisenhower State Park has 1,785 acres. It features 1,000 acres of tallgrass prairie, 440 acres of woodland and a complete range of recreational facilities in addition to the 6,930 acres of Melvern Lake.

Eisenhower State Park provides 163 utility campsites: 126 with water/electric, 25 with water/electric/sewer hookps and five shower houses. Non-utility sites are available for primitive camping in Five-Star, Sailboat Beach, and Omaha Swim Beach. Fifteen Equestrian Campsites with electric/water and individual corrals are available in the upper loop of Westpoint Campground. Cowboy campground is a primitive area for equestrian camping. The park offers 4 modern cabins and 2 primitive yurts for rent. Campers may stay at any one of the campgrounds for up to 14 consecutive days.

FREE WIFI is available at the park office/parking lot. A Boat Dock with 16 slips located at the East Boat Ramp can be rented through the Ike Store.

Ike's Shelterhouse is excellent for hosting family reunions within the Jones Family Activity Area. There is a playground, basketball court and horseshoe pits close by. Other recreational facilities include a swimming beach, sand volleyball court, picnic shelters, an 18-hole disc golf course, a 19 target walk through archery trail, kids fishing pond and a fly fishing pond.

Visit Ike's General Store located at Doud Campground to pay your campground fees, purchase souvenirs, rent kayaks/canoes and check out games. Eisenhower State Parks' Friends Group offers items you might have forgot at to bring from home. Ice and firewood for sale at Doud campground. Laundry facilities are available at the Doud shower building

Eisenhower is also home to a burgeoning trails system for horseback riding, biking, hiking and archery. Crooked Knee Horse Trail offers equestrians a 20-mile excursion through the undeveloped west side of the park. Biking and hiking is available on the horse trail. The bike trail and 19 target walk through archery trail head is located in the Five-Star campground.

Wildlife include white-tailed deer, eastern wild turkey, bobwhite quail, squirrels, furbearers, and waterfowl.

Anglers seek walleye, crappie, sauger, white bass, and channel catfish. Two nine-lane boat ramps offer excellent access to Melvern Lake.

Phone:
Address:
29810 S. Fairlawn Road
Osage City ,KS    66523
County/Counties:

Phone: 785-528-4102

Eisenhower State Park is located in Osage County on the North shore of Melvern Lake.

South of Topeka 30 miles on 75 Hwy then 3 miles west on K-278

Park News - Updated: 02/28/2024
Welcome to Eisenhower State Park!
  • Office is open Monday - Friday 8am to 4pm
  • Please use Self-Pay Station located at park entrance
  • STATE PARK VEHICLE PERMIT REQUIRED YEAR AROUND!
  • email - kdwpt.esisenhowersp@ks.gov
Don't forget to purchase your State Park Passport when you renew your vehicle tags. 
Save $10 on annual vehicle permits.

 

Remember to purchase Annual Camping or 14 Day Camping Permits in the Off Season and SAVE!!

Prime Season Rates go into effect April 1st

Eisenhower State Park is OPEN year round!

Melvern Lake Daily Conditions:   http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/DistrictLakes/MelvernLake/DailyLakeInformation.aspx

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kansas-Wildlife-Parks-Tourism-Eisenhower-State-Park/452654821492179

NATURE ROOM and ARBORETUM

Stop by our office to look around in our Nature Room to see honey bees, snakes, fish, turtles, amphibians, the bear and much more. Take a strolling walk through the Arboretum or sit by the waterfall and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature. Sponsored by the Friends of Eisenhower State Park!

IKE'S GENERAL STORE
  •  You may purchase your vehicle or camping permits.
  •  Find a few non-perishable items that you forgot to bring.
  •  Purchase Ice Cream, Soda, Ice, Worms, and Firewood
  •  Checkout/rent recreational games:
  • Kayaks (4 singles and 4 tandems)
  • Canoes (4 - 17')
  • Frisbee Disc
  • Laddergolf
  • Horseshoes
  • Basketballs
  • Croquet
  • Laundry Facility (across the street in center of shower building)
BIKE & ARCHERY TRAIL
  • Trailhead is located in the Five-Star Campground
  • A 19 target walk-thru Archery Trail has been added to the existing Bike Trail which is just one phase of expanding this area into a multi-purpose trail.
  • Come and enjoy the easy ride along the east cove of the park to see deer, quail and other visitors and inhabitants of Eisenhower.
    • **Reminder: bikers yield to hikers.

FREE WIFI

  • At the park office parking lot.
  • Seating available in park office during open hours.
  • Connect with ks-open.  -No Password Necessary-

BOAT SLIP RENTAL

  • If you are looking for some place to leave your boat on the water while on vacation, Eisenhower is your place to be.
  • Located on the East Boat Ramp
  • We have 10 covered boat slips that are available for rent during the summer months by the day ($15.00), week ($80.00) or 14 days ($150.00).
  • Rent slips through IKE's General Store

18 HOLE DISK GOLF

  • Located near the east boat ramp.

MODERN FULL SERVICE CABINS

  • We will provide you with all the essentials of home plus a view of the lake, sunsets, and enough time to relax.
  • Algiers & Meade are located in the WestPoint Campground. Arvonia & Melvern are located centrally in the park west of Abilene Campground.
  • These one bedroom cabins sleep 6 people, have a full kitchen and restroom with shower.
  • Each has a double bed & couch in the bedroom. A futon that folds down into a double & a twin pull-down--"Murphy-type bed"
  • Each cabin is supplied with a table & chairs, refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishes, silverware, pots & pans, toaster and coffee pot.
  • You need to bring your bedding including blankets & pillows, toiletries including soap, shampoo & towels.
  • Outside each will have a picnic table, BBQ grill and a fire ring.
  • View availability and make reservations online or by calling the park office.
  • Reservations can be made 364 days out &; up to 3 days in advance online.

YURTS

  • YURTS Colt (sleeps 4) and Gaillard (sleeps 5) are a great alternative to "roughing it" & are located in the WestPoint Campground.
  • These primitive units provide beds, electricity, heat and A/C inside.
  • No kitchen or restroom!
  • Outside is a water hydrant, BBQ grill and picnic table.
  • View availability and make reservations online or by calling the park office.
  • Reservations can be made 364 days out & up to 3 days in advance online.

IKE'S SCOOTER TRAIL

  • A 1 mile Scooter Trail runs between WestPoint and Doud campgrounds with a parking area in WestPoint Campground. It runs through open area as well as along a forested portion of the old Fairlawn township road and crosses a pretty nifty bridge that staff worked hard to build.
  • RULES
    • Trail is open to motorized scooters 50cc and smaller
    • Helmets must be worn at ALL times.
    • Open to scooters during the hours of 10:00am - 6:00pm.
    • This trail may be used as a walking trail from sunrise to sunset.
    • Obey traffic signs. The trail is a one way trail.
General Information
Phone:
Address:
29810 S. Fairlawn Road
 
Osage City , KS    66523
County/Counties:

Eisenhower SP (PDF 1.08 MB)

Phone: 785-528-4102

Eisenhower State Park is located in Osage County on the North shore of Melvern Lake.

South of Topeka 30 miles on 75 Hwy then 3 miles west on K-278


History

Eisenhower State Park formerly known as Melvern State Park was renamed in 1990 by legislature to honor the only native son President Dwight Eisenhower. Located on Melvern Lake in the eastern fringe of the Flint Hills in southern Osage County.

Eisenhower Areas
East Shore
  • Camping Available: Yes
  • ADA Camping Available: No
  • Reservable Sites: Yes
  • Primitive Camping: 30
  • Water, Electric: 10
  • Click for more information
  • Electric: 10

South Shore
  • Camping Available: Yes
  • ADA Camping Available: No
  • Reservable Sites: Yes
  • Primitive Camping: 31
  • Water, Sewer, Electric: 25
  • Water, Electric: 78
  • Click for more information
  • Electric: 146

West Shore
  • Camping Available: Yes
  • ADA Camping Available: No
  • Reservable Sites: Yes
  • Primitive Camping: 5
  • Water, Electric: 30
  • Click for more information
  • Electric: 15

Eisenhower Trails
Archery Trail
  • Trail Season:
  • Length of Trail: 2 mile(s)
  • Trail Activities:
  • There is camping located near the trail
  • There is a permit required on the trail
  • Click for more information

    Ike's Archery Trail is made up of 20 targets set at various ranges and difficulties. The trail coincides with our Five Star Bike Trail, so be sure to follow all trail rules while enjoying the trail!

    • When on the range, display TRAIL IN USE sign.
    • Vehicles must display valid park pass.
    • Know ALL the safety rules of archery before entering (i.e. Red Flag Rule).
    • Alcoholic beverages are NOT permitted on trails.
    • Practice good sportsmanship and common sense.
    • No Broadheads allowed.
    • STAY ON MARKED TRAIL.

     Archery equipment is not available for rent in the park.

    Archery Trail Map

18 Hole Disc Golf
  • Trail Season:
  • Trail Activities: Walking
  • There is a permit required on the trail
  • Click for more information

    The Friends of Eisenhower State Park, along with the E.L. and Z. Irene Hopkins family, built and dedicated this golf course in July 2010. Score cards may be obtained from the office.


Scooter trail
  • Trail Season: Year Round
  • Length of Trail: 1.5 mile(s)
  • Trail Activities: Walking, Mt. Biking
  • There is camping located near the trail
  • Location of Start: N38 30.990 W95 44.814
  • Click for more information

    Ike’s Scooter Trail is the newest trail addition to Eisenhower! It is a scenic, one-way trail just over 1 mile long. It is perfect for those out for a morning stroll, or for someone looking for a safe place to ride their scooter. Motorized scooters, 50cc and under, are allowed on the trail, and it is open to everyone during hours when motorized scooters are NOT present. Motorized scooters ore only allowed on the trail from 10:00AM-6:00PM.

    Keep In Mind…

    • Carry plenty of water. There is NO water available on the trail.
    • Be courteous to others on the trail.
    • Carry out at least as much as you carry in.
    • Take your camera and snap the perfect photo!

Five Star Bike Trail
  • Trail Season: Year Round
  • Length of Trail: 5 mile(s)
  • Trail Activities: Walking, Mt. Biking
  • There is camping located near the trail
  • There is a permit required on the trail
  • Location of Start: N38 31.439 W95 44.350

Horse Trail
  • Trail Season: Year Round
  • Length of Trail: 20 mile(s)
  • Trail Activities: Walking, Horse Riding, Mt. Biking
  • There is camping located near the trail
  • There is a permit required on the trail
  • Location of Start: N38 31.594 W95 45.379
  • Click for more information

    Crooked Knee Trails are multi-use trails. Please share trails courteously. 


Eisenhower Cabins

Important Cabin Information:  Reservation Terms and Conditions, Cabin Reservation Information

Reserve Now

Would you like to stay at the park for a weekend but don't have a tent or camper? Mamie's Cabin (located near the east boat ramp) or our two Yurts Colt and Gaillard (located in WestPoint Campground) can provide a primitive (no kitchen or restroom) alternative camping option. Equipped with a beds, electric, heat and AC as well as a picnic table, BBQ grill, fire ring, and a water hydrant, this ADA accessible cabin/yurts are the perfect place to stay for a weekend at the Lake.

Or if you would like a place as cozy as home we have 4 modern cabins. Melvern and Arvonia (located near Abilene Campground); Algiers and Meade (located in WestPoint Campground) cabins will each sleep six only (one double bed, a futon, a couch and a pull-down--”Murphy-type bed”; comes with a full kitchen (refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishes, silverware, pots and pans and coffee pot), as well as table and chairs and a restroom/shower. Beds have mattresses only; you will need to bring your own bedding (full size sheets), pillows, soap, shampoo and towels and kitchen linens. Exterior amenities include a picnic table, BBQ grill and a fire ring. There are two additional modern cabins in WestPoint campground that were added in the spring of 2010 giving family members another option for spending time with extended family members with campers.

Check-in 2:00pm - Check-out 12:00pm (noon)

NO smoking and NO pets allowed in Cabin.

There is no television, no internet or telephone hookups. We do offer free WiFi at the office parking lot.

Click on cabin/yurt links below to learn more.

Mamie's Cabin
  • Type of Facility: Primitiv Cabin
  • Location of Facility: N38 31.209 W95 44.088
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Mamie's Cabin
  • Click for more information

    Primitive three room cabin will sleep 5 (one double bed, a double futon bunk bed with a twin on top. No kitchen or restroom but shower facalities nearby. Has beds, electricity, heat and A/C. Outside there is a water hydrant, BBQ grill and picnic table.

    Check-in 2:00pm - Check-out 12:00pm (noon)

    NO smoking and NO pets allowed in Cabin.

    Mamie's Cabin is located near the east Boat Ramp.

    Click on Make a Reservation above to view available dates and make reservations on-line or by contacting the Park Office.


Melvern Cabin
  • Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38 30.982 W95 44.577
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Melvern Cabin
  • Click for more information

    This cabin will allow the renter a view of the lake. The cabin will sleep 6 (one double bed, a futon, couch and a pull down "Murphy-type bed"); full kitchen (refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishes, silverware, cooking utensils, pots and pans, and coffee pot), as well as a table and chairs and a restroom with a shower. Beds will have mattresses, you will need to bring your own bedding (full/twin size), pillows, and toiletries. Exterior amenities will include a picnic table and a fire ring.

    Check-in 2:00pm - Check-out 12:00pm (noon)

    NO smoking and NO pets allowed in Cabin. NO TENTS ALLOWED outside cabin.

    Melvern Cabin is located near Abliene Campground.

    Click on Make a Reservation above to view available dates and reserve on-line or by contacting the park office (785-528-4102).


Arvonia Cabin
  • Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38 30.982 W95 44.577
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Arvonia Cabin
  • Click for more information

    This cabin will allow the renter a view of the lake. The cabin will sleep 6 (one double bed, futon, couch and a pull down "Murphy-type bed"); full kitchen (refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishes, silverware, cooking utensils, pots and pans, and coffee pot), as well as a table and chairs and a restroom with a shower. Beds will have mattresses, you will need to bring your own bedding (full/twin size), pillows, and toiletries. Exterior amenities will include a picnic table and a fire ring.

    Check-in 2:00pm - Check-out 12:00pm (noon)

    NO smoking and NO pets allowed in Cabin. NO TENTS ALLOWED outside cabin.

    Arvonia Cabin is located near Abliene Campground.

    Click on Make a Reservation above to view available dates and reserve on-line or by contacting the park office.


Meade Cabin
  • Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38 31.044 W95 45.028
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Meade Cabin
  • Click for more information

    This cabin will allow the renter a view of the lake. The cabin will sleep 6 (one double bed, futon, couch and a pull down "Murphy-type bed"); full kitchen (refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishes, silverware, cooking utensils, pots and pans, and coffee pot), as well as a table and chairs and a restroom with a shower. Beds will have mattresses, you will need to bring your own bedding (full/twin size), pillows, and toiletries. Exterior amenities will include a picnic table and a fire ring.

    Check-in 2:00pm - Check-out 12:00pm (noon)

    NO smoking and NO pets allowed in Cabin. NO TENTS ALLOWED outside cabin.

    Meade Cabin is located in WestPoint Campground.

    Click on Make a Reservation above to view available dates and reserve on-line or by contacting the park office.


Algiers Cabin
  • Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38 31.030 W95 45.032
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Algiers Cabin
  • Click for more information

    This cabin will allow the renter a view of the lake. The cabin will sleep 6 (one double bed, futon, couch and a pull down "Murphy-type bed"); full kitchen (refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishes, silverware, cooking utensils, pots and pans, and coffee pot), as well as a table and chairs and a restroom with a shower. Beds will have mattresses, you will need to bring your own bedding (full/twin size), pillows, and toiletries. Exterior amenities will include a picnic table and a fire ring.

    Check-in 2:00pm - Check-out 12:00pm (noon)

    NO smoking and NO pets allowed in Cabin. NO TENTS ALLOWED outside cabin.

    Algiers Cabin is located in WestPoint Campground.

    Click on Make a Reservation above to view available dates and reserve on-line or by contacting the park office.


Camp Colt (Yurt)
  • Type of Facility: Primitive Cabin
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38 31.064 W95 45.005
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Camp Colt (Yurt)
  • Click for more information

    A yurt is a modern adaptation of the ancient shelter used by Central Asian nomads for centuries. The compact shape of the yurt and combination of lightweight members in tension and compression mean that the structure is highly efficient in maximizing strength while minimizing the use of materials.

    Colt is a primitive 16' diameter round one room tent like cabin with no kitchen or bathroom but there is a showerhouse across the road. It has a full size bed and a futon that will fold down into a double bed. It has electricity, heat and A/C. Outside there is a BBQ grill, picnic table and a water hydrant.

    Check-in 2:00pm - Check-out 12:00pm (noon)

    NO smoking and NO pets allowed in Cabin.

    Camp Colt is located in WestPoint Campground.

    Click on Make a Reservation above to view available dates and reserve on-line or by contacting the park office.


Camp Gaillard (Yurt)
  • Type of Facility: Primitive Cabin
  • Location of Facility: N38 31.072 W95 44.994
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Camp Gaillard (Yurt)
  • Click for more information

    A yurt is a modern adaptation of the ancient shelter used by Central Asian nomads for centuries. The compact shape of the yurt and combination of lightweight members in tension and compression mean that the structure is highly efficient in maximizing strength while minimizing the use of materials.

    Gaillard is a primitive 16' diameter round one room tent cabin with no kitchen or restroom but a showerhouse is across the road. It has a full size bed with a twin bunk on top and a futon that will fold out into a double bed. It has electricity, heat and A/C. Outside there is a BBQ grill, picnic table and a water hydrant.

    Check-in 2:00pm - Check-out 12:00pm (noon)

    NO smoking and NO pets allowed in Yurt.

    Camp Gaillard is located in WestPoint Campground.

    Click on Make a Reservation above to view available dates and reserve on-line or by contacting the park office.


Eisenhower Calendar

    Email Eisenhower

    This form allows you to email Eisenhower State Park with any questions you might have about the State Park and its facilities. This includes season openings and closings, campsite reservations, special events, etc.