El Dorado-NE Cole Creek

The Shady Creek Area boat ramp provides access to El Dorado Lake, an 8,000-acre reservoir impounding the Walnut River in Butler County. Located on the south shore of the lake's southeastern arm near Chelsea, this is one of four major recreation areas within El Dorado State Park. The ramp is non-reservable and operated by Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks.

This access point is ideal for paddlers and boaters looking to explore a large, stable water body. The impoundment creates calm, lake-like conditions quite different from the Walnut River's natural character—a large river (Stream Order 7) with an average gradient of 3.3 feet per mile and flows around 1,063 cubic feet per second. The lake itself offers unobstructed views and is well-suited for kayaking, canoeing, and recreational boating. Camping facilities and hiking trails are also available in the surrounding El Dorado State Park area.

This recreation area is part of El Dorado Lake