Kansas Camping: A Guide to the Top Three Camping Spots in the State

Kanopolis State Park is my first choice for camping in the state of Kansas. Located near the town of Marquette, in Ellsworth County, Kanopolis was the first State park. Located 33 miles south of Salina, it is nestled in the scenic Smoky Hills region of the state.

The parks provides a full service marina, cabins, picnic areas, and beaches. There are also plentiful trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Of all the State parks in Kansas Kanopolis offers the most diverse scenery. From prairie trails to canyons and forests. This park really does offer everything.

Horsethief and Langley Point areas have more than 200 primitive camp sites and 119 utility sites. Connectng all of the camping areas is 25 miles of trails.

Kanopolis State Park is located at:

200 Horsethief Rd
Marquette, Ks 67464

For park information call:
(785) 546-2565

or visit the web site at:

http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/State-Parks/Locations/Kanopolis/Brochures

My next choice goes to Cross Timber State Park.

Cross Timber is located in Toronto Kansas in Woodson County. It was a favorite Hunting lcoation for the Osage indians and has a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Primitive as well as RV sites are available with easy access to the lake.
Fishing in the river and the reservoir is well known for crappie, white bass, and bluegill. Adjacent to the park is the Toronto Wildlife Area, offering 4600 acres of diverse habitats.

The park is located at:
144 Hwy. 105
Toronto, Ks,66777

For park information call:
(620) 637-2213

or visit the web site at:

http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/State-Parks/Locations/Cross-Timber/Brochures

Finally there is Lovewell State Park in Jewell County, lcoated close to Webber Kansas.

Lovewell is an 1160 acre park with both primitive and utility camping. There is a full service marina with boat ramps to the 3000 surface acre reservoir.

Over 200 primitive camp sites and 60 plus utility sites are available year round with access to a swimming beach, playgrounds, as well as a 14 target archery range.

Lovewell State Park is located at:
2446 250 Rd
Webber,Ks 66970

For park information call:
(785) 753-4971

Or visit the web site at:

http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/State-Parks/Locations/Lovewell/Brochures

The fees on the following chart apply to Kansas State parks.

**Motor Vehicle Fees

Off - Season
1/1/2009 - 3/31/2009
&
10/1/2009 - 12/31/2009

Prime Season
4/1/2009 - 9/30/2009

Daily Vehicle

$3.70

$4.20

Annual Vehicle
(Temporary available online)

$19.70

$24.70

Annual (2nd Vehicle)

$12.20

$14.70

*Seniors/Disabled Daily Vehicle
(Kansas residents only)

$2.60

$2.85

*Seniors/Disabled Annual Vehicle
(Kansas residents only)

$11.10

$13.60

*Seniors/Disabled Annual
(2nd Vehicle)
(Kansas residents only)

$7.35

$8.60

Duplicate annual vehicle permit
(any time)

$12.50

$12.50

Camping Permits - A camping permit is required in addition to the motor vehicle permit for overnight stays. All daily camping permits expire at noon. Prime site fee applies to designated sites from April 1 - September 30.

Daily Camping

$7.50

$8.50

14-day Camping

$87.50

$101.50

Prime Site Fee

$2.50

These Fees are Year-Round

Annual Camping
(temporary available online )

$152.50

One Utility

$7.00

Two Utilities

$9.00

Three Utilities

$10.00

Rent-A-Camp

$15.50

Designated Overflow Camping

$6.50

Group Camping

$1.50 per/person fee, plus $1.50 per site

Youth Camping

$4.00 per camping unit

Duplicate Camping Permit

$12.50

Campsite Reservation -
Reserve sites by calling individual park.

$10.50

RV long-term camping -
per month, per unit
(Requires annual camping permit)

With one utility $200.50
With two utilities $260.50
With three utilities $320.50

RV Short-term storage

$125.50 per month, designated areas only

Special Event

$0 to $201.50

Trail Permits - A "per-person" trail permit is required to utilize Prairie Spirit Trail (except the portion of Prairie Spirit Trail within the city limits of Garnett and Ottawa)

Per Person Daily Trail Permit

$3.50

Per Person Annual Trail Permit
(temporary available online )

$12.15

Cabin Rental - Price varies per night, depending on location, timing and amenities. See Specific Park Locations. Call park for reservations. Weekly and monthly rental available.

*Seniors/Disabled Discount: Kansas resident seniors (65 and older) and disabled individuals can purchase motor vehicle permits at one-half of the regular price in effect at the time of purchase as long as the vehicle is registered in their name. If purchasing a second vehicle permit, the vehicle registration must be in the same name as the first purchase.

**Vehicle Permits

A daily or annual motor vehicle permit is required for all vehicles entering a Kansas State Park. All daily vehicle permits expire at noon the day following purchase except Sundays, Memorial, Independence and Labor days when they expire at 2:00 pm.

Temporary Permits, which need to be exchanged for permanent permits, are now available online or visit a Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks office, or a licensed agent to exchange or purchase a permanent permit. You must provide vehicle registration at time of purchase for a second vehicle permit. If purchasing a second vehicle permit, the vehicle registration must be in the same name as the first purchase.

Addition information about events hosted at all KDWP areas is frequently updated on the their web site.