Doud Campground

For those of us in Kansas who love the great outdoors, Doud Campground, located within the expansive Eisenhower State Park in Lebo, offers a promising destination for your next camping adventure. Situated on the south shore of the beautiful Melvern Lake, Doud Campground provides a convenient base for a wide array of recreational activities, from peaceful fishing mornings to energetic days on the water. It’s a key part of one of Kansas's premier state parks, renowned for its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Eisenhower State Park, named in honor of our state's native son, covers nearly 1,800 acres of rolling tallgrass prairie and woodlands. Melvern Lake, a 6,930-acre reservoir, serves as the park's vibrant heart, drawing in visitors for its excellent fishing, boating, and watersports opportunities. Doud Campground, being one of several distinct camping loops within the park, aims to provide a comfortable and enjoyable stay for various types of campers, from those with large RVs to individuals preferring a more traditional tent camping experience.

While recent feedback on Doud Campground has highlighted some areas for improvement regarding maintenance and electrical services, the overall appeal of its location within Eisenhower State Park remains strong. The natural beauty of Melvern Lake and the extensive recreational offerings of the park continue to draw visitors. This article will provide a detailed overview of Doud Campground and its surrounding amenities, offering you the insights needed to plan your visit and make the most of your time in this Kansas outdoor haven.

Doud Campground is located within Eisenhower State Park, with its address being Lebo, KS 66856, USA. This places it strategically on the south shore of Melvern Lake, a significant flood control project on the Marais des Cygnes River basin. The park itself is situated approximately 30 miles south of Topeka and 35 miles north of Emporia, making it a relatively accessible destination for many Kansans.

Access to Doud Campground and Eisenhower State Park is straightforward, typically via well-maintained state highways. The park's primary entrance is designed to accommodate various vehicles, from passenger cars to large RVs. Once inside the park, clear signage guides visitors to Doud Campground and other recreational areas. Paved internal roads lead to the campsites, ensuring ease of navigation for campers.

The campground's proximity to Melvern Lake is a significant advantage, with many sites offering views of the water or being just a short walk from the shoreline. This makes it incredibly convenient for those looking to engage in fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the lakeside scenery. While the immediate area around Lebo offers basic services, campers should plan to bring most of their supplies, though Ike's General Store at Doud Campground provides some essential non-perishables and conveniences. The rural setting of Osage County contributes to the peaceful atmosphere of the park, allowing visitors to truly unwind and disconnect.

• Utility Campsites: Doud Campground primarily offers utility campsites with electric hookups (typically 30 amp, with some 50/30/20 amp sites also available) and water hookups. Some sites within Eisenhower State Park, including Doud, are noted to have full hookups (electric, water, and sewer).
• Tent and RV Accommodation: Sites are designed to accommodate both tents and RVs, with maximum RV lengths up to 80 feet noted for certain sites.
• Modern Restrooms and Shower Houses: Doud Campground, like other developed areas in Eisenhower State Park, provides access to modern restrooms and shower facilities with hot water. A laundry facility is also available in the Doud Shower Building.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite generally includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, perfect for outdoor cooking and campfires.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A dump station is available within Eisenhower State Park for RVs to dispose of wastewater.
• Ike's General Store: Located at Doud Campground, Ike's General Store serves as a convenient spot to pay campground fees, purchase souvenirs, and find essential non-perishable items. It also offers kayak/canoe rentals and games.
• Ice and Firewood Sales: The Friends Group of Eisenhower State Park offers ice and firewood for sale at Ike's General Store.

• Melvern Lake Access: Doud Campground provides excellent access to Melvern Lake, making it ideal for boating, fishing (walleye, crappie, channel catfish, various bass species), swimming, and other watersports. Two nine-lane boat ramps are available within the park.
• Extensive Trail System: Eisenhower State Park boasts a growing network of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. This includes the 4-mile Tallgrass Heritage Trail, which begins in the Arrow Rock Campground but is accessible from other areas, and a 20-mile equestrian trail.
• Wildlife Viewing: The park's diverse landscape, including tallgrass prairie and woodlands, supports a variety of wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, eastern wild turkey, bobwhite quail, squirrels, and various furbearers. Bald eagles are also known to frequent the lake in winter.
• Recreational Amenities: Beyond camping, the park offers a playground, a swim beach, horseshoe pits, a basketball court, and an 18-hole disc golf course, providing diverse activities for all ages.
• Nature Room: The park office features an interpretive room with live snakes, fish, turtles, and more, offering an educational experience for visitors.
• Pet-Friendly: Most sites in Doud Campground are pet-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their furry companions along for the adventure.

As Doud Campground operates within Eisenhower State Park, under the management of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), specific "promotions" in the commercial sense are not typically advertised. State parks generally operate on a standard fee structure for park entry and campsite rentals, which can vary based on the type of site (primitive, electric/water, full hookup) and the duration of stay. A state park vehicle permit, available for a daily fee or as an annual pass, is required for entry into all Kansas State Parks.

While direct discounts from the campground are rare, the KDWPT occasionally implements statewide initiatives or programs that might offer value to park visitors. For example, an annual state park vehicle permit can be a cost-effective option for Kansans who frequently visit state parks throughout the year. Any such broader programs would be announced through official KDWPT channels.

It is always recommended that prospective campers visit the official Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism website (ksoutdoors.com) for the most current information on park entrance fees, camping rates, and any statewide initiatives. Additionally, contacting Eisenhower State Park directly via the provided phone numbers is advisable to inquire about specific site availability, current conditions, or any potential seasonal considerations, especially during peak seasons or holidays. While some reviews mention issues with electrical panels, checking with the park in advance might provide updated information or guidance.

Address: Lebo, KS 66856, USA (within Eisenhower State Park)

Phone: (785) 528-4102

Mobile Phone: +1 785-528-4102 (This is likely the same park office number, reflecting a mobile-friendly format.)

For reservations for Doud Campground or any general inquiries about Eisenhower State Park's facilities, current conditions, or specific site details, contacting the park office directly via phone is the most reliable method. The staff can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to assist with your planning.

For us Kansans, Doud Campground at Eisenhower State Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, making it a suitable and convenient destination for a local getaway. Its accessible location near Lebo, within easy reach of major cities like Topeka and Emporia, means that a rejuvenating escape to nature is never too far from home. This accessibility is a key factor for those looking to maximize their outdoor time without extensive travel.

Despite some recent feedback highlighting maintenance concerns, Doud Campground remains a part of the larger, highly regarded Eisenhower State Park. The park's extensive amenities, such as clean shower houses (with laundry facilities), diverse trails for hiking and biking, and the prominent Melvern Lake, offer a wealth of activities to keep everyone engaged. Whether you're an avid angler seeking walleye and crappie, a boater looking for open waters, or a family hoping for a fun-filled weekend with playgrounds and nature exploration, the broader park environment provides abundant opportunities.

The presence of Ike's General Store at Doud Campground adds a layer of convenience, offering last-minute necessities and rentals, which is a definite plus for local campers. The park's commitment to wildlife preservation and its diverse ecosystems provide a rich experience for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. While it's always wise to check current conditions and communicate any specific needs when booking, the overall infrastructure and natural appeal of Eisenhower State Park ensure a memorable outdoor experience.

In conclusion, Doud Campground, as an integral part of Eisenhower State Park, offers a compelling option for Kansans seeking a local camping experience. It provides the chance to connect with our state's natural beauty, enjoy lakeside activities, and create lasting memories with family and friends, all within a reasonable drive. It exemplifies the type of accessible outdoor adventure that makes living in Kansas so enjoyable, offering a gateway to the peaceful and active pursuits that define our state's recreational landscape.