Glen Elder State Park

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. All shower buildings are closed for the season. Frost-free water and electric sites remain available in Kanza and Cheyenne campgrounds. The swim beach, Arikaree area, visitor center vault toilets, fish cleaning station, and west dump station are closed for the season. Kanza and Osage vault toilets remain open. Limited to 14 consecutive days per campground.

About

Glen Elder State Park occupies the north shore of 12,500-acre Glen Elder Reservoir, also known as Waconda Lake, offering nearly unlimited recreational opportunities in a rural setting. The park provides diverse camping accommodations including 121 utility sites with electrical hookups (most with water), over 300 primitive sites spread across multiple campgrounds, and two modern rental cabins. Three main campgrounds—Kanza, Cheyenne, and Kaw—offer reservable sites with amenities including concrete pads, 50-amp service, picnic tables, fire rings, and seasonal shower houses. Additional primitive camping is available at Osage, Sioux, Pawnee, and Prairie Dog areas. The reservoir covers what was once Waconda Springs, a sacred ceremonial gathering place for Plains tribes including the Pawnee, Wichita, Kaw, Kiowa, Sioux, and Cheyenne. The springs were also home to a sanitarium built between 1884 and 1894. The park now features a Waconda Springs Replica and the relocated historic Hopewell Church (built 1878) as part of Waconda Heritage Village, a living museum dedicated to pioneer heritage and Native American lore. Several short trails wind through native trees and prairie grass. The surrounding Glen Elder Wildlife Area encompasses 13,200 land acres, providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Bald and golden eagles visit in winter, while deer and pheasant are year-round residents. The lake and park offer boat ramps, swimming beaches, fishing access, and free WiFi in multiple locations courtesy of Cunningham Fiber.

Directions

Glen Elder State Park is located just west of the city of Glen Elder, Kansas, along the north shores of Waconda Lake. From U.S. Highway 24, turn south onto KS-128 and follow signs to the park entrance.

Nearby Campgrounds