Discover the Magic of Kansas' 28 State Parks and Fall in Love!

Kansas boasts an impressive array of 28 State Parks, each offering a distinct natural experience that includes picturesque vistas, invigorating outdoor recreational activities, and ample facilities for camping. These pockets of paradise range from rocky, forested terrain with massive boulders to seemingly endless stretches of prairie grasses and wildflowers, covering miles upon miles of horizon. It's no surprise that some of these parks have been recognized to be among the top 1% in the United States for scenic beauty.

If you plan to visit these parks, you will likely need a Vehicle Permit, except for Mushroom Rock State Park, Prairie Spirit Trail State Park, and Flint Hills Trail State Park. Camping facilities are available in designated areas, with specific restrictions posted for your safety and convenience. To stay overnight, you will need a camping permit, which expires at 2:00 p.m., alongside the motor vehicle permit. The prime site fee is applicable to designated camping sites between April 1 and September 30. The fees below do not include a $3.00 transaction fee for overnight stays, which is also mandatory. Each camper and camping unit are allowed a maximum of 14 consecutive days of stay, with an additional 14-day extension available upon acquiring written permission from the park manager. Furthermore, a five-day gap is mandatory for the return of campers and camping units.

Apart from Vehicle and Camping permits, you will need a fishing license and a hunting license if you plan to indulge in these activities at the State Parks. It is important to note that pets must be restrained at all times and are not allowed in swimming areas delineated by buoys or other markers and public buildings and structures. Dogs participating in authorized activities or assisting the visually or hearing impaired are exempt from these restrictions.

The cost of a State Park Pass is $15.50 at a discounted rate for Kansas residents when they renew their annual vehicle registration. This rate is exclusively available during vehicle registration renewal.

The price for the Standard Rate is set at $25, which is available for purchase at the State Park office. What is referred to as the Kansas State Parks Passport is a permit that costs $15.50 upon renewing your vehicle and $25.00 at the KDWP office. With this Passport, Kansas residents who have their vehicles registered in the State can visit any State Park without having to pay the $5 Daily Vehicle fee.

In most of the State Parks in Kansas, fishing is allowed, and hunting is allowed in some parks with different rules for each. You can get more information about hunting regulations and permissions from the local park manager.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) such as drones are permitted for use within specified UAS operating areas in some State Parks. Authorities do not allow the use of drones outside of these areas unless authorized by the KDWPT Secretary(see KAR 115-8-13). However, within the operating areas, it is prohibited to fly over people, structures, campgrounds, or beaches.

The largest State Park in Kansas is the El Dorado State Park, which you can learn more about by following the provided link. There are no national parks in Kansas, but the State has several parks, the number of which can be found out from their official website.

To stay up-to-date with State Park news, you can check the State Park Social page which features sponsored sites as well.