Exploring one of the 28 Kansas State Parks provides visitors an opportunity to see the natural beauty of this amazing state. The state parks system includes a rail trail, historic structures and events.
Your browser is not supported for this experience.
We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.
2131 180 Rd. Glen Elder, KS 67446
This 1,451-acre state park is situated on the shores of Glen Elder Reservoir (Waconda Lake). The 12,500-acre lake is named for the mineral spring that was covered when the lake was filled. Native Americans called the spring "Wakonda," meaning “great spirit.” It features the Chautauqua Fishing Pond, which is accessible for individuals with disabilities and families with children. The pond is stocked with trout in the winter. Visitors can also practice archery on the archery range or take advantage of the playground at Kanza Campground.
Glen Elder State Park is also 5 miles east of Cawker City - home to the remarkable World's Largest Ball of Twine!
Modern Cabins |
2 |
Primitive Cabins |
0 |
Primitive Campsites |
195 |
Electric and Water Hookups |
120 |
Full Hookups |
0 |
Exploring one of the 28 Kansas State Parks provides visitors an opportunity to see the natural beauty of this amazing state. The state parks system includes a rail trail, historic structures and events.
Here, visitors can enjoy entertaining displays about the area’s unique history. The Waconda Springs replica is at the park’s highest elevation and offers unparalleled views. The historic Hopewell Church in Waconda Heritage Village is a popular wedding venue.
At 17,320 lbs, 40 foot circumference, and over 7,938,709 of sisal twine, the Cawker City Community Club is the official owner/caretaker of…
Eyegore's Curiosities and Monster Museum is our love letter to the classic roadside attractions of the past. Step into our collection of…
The Waconda Visitor and Education Center opened in 2018, with displays and educational materials about the settlement of the Solomon River…
The Cawker City Farmer's Market is back and better than ever! Featuring homegrown, homemade and handmade items! Market Location: Grassy area…
On the National Register of Historic Places. Re-dedication conducted May 6, 2006.
Webster State Park is a protected prairie setting of rolling hills and spacious skies. Visitors often see deer, turkeys, quail, pheasants…
Lovewell offers a blend of camping, fishing, wildlife watching, and special events. You’ll discover plenty of variety in the day-use areas…
Do I need a permit to visit Glen Elder State Park?
You’ll need to purchase a Vehicle Permit for daily visits or have a valid State Park Passport.
A Camping permit is required for overnight stays. 14-Day, Seasonal, and Annual Camping Passes are also available online as well as at the State Park Offices.
Glen Elder Park Office - (785) 545-3345
Park PermitsWhere can I buy the permits needed to get into Glen Elder State Park?
Vehicle permits, camping, and utility permits are required year-round and are available online, from the office, or self-pay station.
Glen Elder Park Office - (785) 545-3345
Purchase PermitsDo you have to pay to get into Glen Elder State Park?
Are dogs allowed at Glen Elder State Park?
Yes, all pets must always be restrained by a camper, cage, hand-held leash, or tethered chain no longer than 10 feet. They are not allowed on swimming beaches or swimming areas that are delineated by buoys or other markers or in public buildings or structures. Dogs participating in authorized activities or assisting the visually or hearing impaired are not subject to these restrictions.
Park RulesCan I fish at Glen Elder State Park?
Yes, fishing is permitted at Glen Elder State Park. Questions pertaining to fishing should be directed to the Glen Elder State Park Office - (785) 545-3345.
Fishing LicenseCan I hunt at Glen Elder State Park?
Questions pertaining to hunting and the wildlife area should be the Glen Elder State Park Office - (785) 545-3345
Hunting LicenseCan I fly a drone at Glen Elder State Park?
Drone flying is only permitted in some designated areas at some State Parks. Please contact the Glen Elder Park Office at (785) 545-3345 for more information on whether or not drone flying is permissible.
More About DronesThese public lands are a perfect escape no matter what your interest may be - hiking, camping, wildlife watching, fishing, mountain biking…
It’s been called the “Serengeti of the Sky”, when hundreds of thousands of northward migrating snow geese arrive at…
On the high plains of northwest Kansas, Prairie Dog State Park is a rare and welcome place to play in the water and shade.
Within Eisenhower State Park sits 1,000 acres of some of the last wild prairie in eastern Kansas.
Where the Ozarks spill into Kansas, in the Great Depression the government gave jobs to hundreds of destitute men with the Civilian…
Just north of Scott City lays a stunning canyon nestled among the prairie and natural springs.
“Oasis” may be the best way to describe this 400-acre paradise shaded by tall cottonwoods, with an 80-acre lake of cool…
Carson and Custer once explored the jagged prairies in what’s now Kanopolis State Park on horseback.
On the Kansas River kayaks and canoes often float in solitude as they pass towering cottonwoods, nesting bald eagles, kingfishers, otters…
Visit the newest State Park in Kansas - Lehigh Portland Trails, a vast network of hiking and biking trails around Elk's Lake in Iola.
Rather than water, it’s the work of the wind that draws people to Sand Hills State Park.
The park’s 1,900 acres are laced with good trails and dotted with shaded cabins and campsites. In the reservoir you can sample some of…
Welcome to the "Badlands of Kansas" - Little Jerusalem State Park in Western Kansas is truly a sight to see!
Far from any sizable cities, many might consider Webster State Park “in the middle of nowhere.” Those who know the park will…
A century ago Kansans took the train from town to town, watching the countryside lazily pass as they road the rails.
A few minutes south of the hustle and hassle of I-70 in western Kansas, life goes relaxingly slow at Cedar Bluff State Park.
Terms like “world-class” and “one of the nation’s best” are usually unwarranted. Both are accurate for Wilson…
Tuttle Creek State Park is a story of two special places. One sits where both land and lake are expansive, with a campground on classic…
It’s the kind of place where you can travel many miles in near silence as your hiking boots or bike tires move over a surface velvety…
Life’s easy at Fall River State Park, where crowds are few but recreational possibilities are many.
Elk City State Park sits in a gorgeous valley with natural greatness on both sides.
Kansas’ largest, Milford Reservoir has enough shoreline to reach from Kansas City to Salina. The waters within that 161 miles of land…
For decades visitors have come to Pomona State Park by automobile. Now, they’re also coming by horseback and bicycle.
Clinton State Park is a 1,400 acre island of unspoiled nature amid the suburban sprawl of northeast Kansas.
Just south of Salina stands one of Kansas' many natural wonders - Mushroom Rocks.
Hillsdale State Park is only minutes away from the 2 million-plus people of the greater Kansas City area. It’s a place where…
Perry State Park sits well within Kansas, but with long ridges of hickory and assorted oaks it wouldn’t look out of place in the…
Southeast Kansas’ Cross Timbers region is a narrow, rugged, 50-mile finger of steeply timbered hillsides that rise to towering…
El Dorado State Park’s 4,000 acres makes it Kansas’ largest. Yet you can be as secluded or social as you like amid landscapes…