Your Ultimate Guide To State Parks In Kansas

Kansas is, without a doubt, one of the most underrated states in the US. What most people ignore as “flyover country” couldn’t be further from boring if it tried – and no, Kansas doesn’t try to be boring. Honestly, it’s not even CLOSE to boring – and perhaps this list will change your mind if you don’t agree. As it turns out, Kansas is an absurdly beautiful state with plenty of natural wonders to behold. What better way to explore Kansas’s great outdoors than by checking out our state parks? With 28 state parks in Kansas to choose from, it might be a little overwhelming to start – so why not go to one of the 15 best state parks in KS mentioned in this handy list? Adventure awaits!

Most Popular State Parks In Kansas

It only makes sense to begin with the best of the best – the cream of the crop! As mentioned above, there are 28 different Kansas state parks to choose from (and nobody says they won’t add more). Of course, some of these parks are definitely more popular than others, so let’s start with the three most popular state parks in Kansas – all of which are worthy of a day trip or longer (camping, anyone?).

El Dorado State Park, 618 NE Bluestem Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042, USA

Mike Coffey/Google Local

Location: El Dorado, Kansas

Wow Factor: The gorgeous, 8,000-acre El Dorado Reservoir has an impressive 98 miles of pristinely beautiful shoreline. Astounding natural beauty aside, there’s always something fun going on at this park, and it’s incredibly popular (by Kansas standards, anyway) for all these reasons and then some.

Need To Know: This 4,500-acre state park is Kansas’s largest, and it’s located right on the eastern (and western) shores of El Dorado Reservoir. Entry fees are $5 or $6 per vehicle - $5 for in-person fee and $6 when purchased online.

With more than one million visitors in 2022, El Dorado State Park is by far Kansas’s most-visited state park. And it’s easy to see why: this absolutely gorgeous, 4500-acre slice of paradise is jam-packed with things to do, see, and experience. The list of things to do at El Dorado State Park include age-old traditions like biking, boating, a wildlife area on the north edge of the lake (thanks, Kansas Department of Wildlife - we love you!), and more. This is also one of Kansas’s most ADA-accessible parks, which certainly adds to its popularity.

Clinton State Park, 798 N 1415 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66049, USA

Clinton State Park - Kansas Wildlife & Parks/Facebook

Location: Lawrence, Kansas

Wow Factor: This beautiful, 1,500-acre park is nestled on the north shore of the Clinton Reservoir, which is well-known for just how jaw-droppingly clear it is. This is by far one of the best state parks in Kansas for hiking and fishing, as both are very popular here.

Need To Know: Daily vehicle fees are the standard $5 if purchased upon arrival and $6 if purchased online. If you decide to go camping, camping fees are in addition to the vehicle fee, and one is only allowed to camp here for up to 14 consecutive days.

There are so many fun things to do at Clinton State Park that it comes as no surprise that it’s among our most popular. Clinton Reservoir, also known as Clinton Lake, is popular among fishers and boaters, and the Clinton Lake Marina has all sorts of delights available like boat slips, fishing and boating supplies, equipment rentals, and even a restaurant floating on the lake. With an amazing number of hiking trails – 15 miles worth, to be exact - this park is a favorite among those who think the perfect getaway is one that involves hiking.

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Cheney State Park, 16000 NE 50 St, Cheney, KS 67025, USA

Charles Scott/Google Local

Location: Cheney, Kansas

Wow Factor: As with all Kansas state parks, this park is gorgeous, but it’s so much more than a pretty face. From September 15th until March 1st, part of the wildlife area is turned into a refuge to protect migratory waterfowl just passing through for the season. Outside of these months, it’s an excellent fishing and non-hunting day-use area.

Need To Know: Daily vehicle fees are the standard $5 if purchased upon arrival and $6 if purchased online. If you decide to go camping, camping fees are in addition to the vehicle fee, and one is only allowed to camp here for up to 14 consecutive days.

The third most popular state park in Kansas is Cheney State Park, 20 miles west of Wichita, with 1900 acres of Kansan wilderness to fall in love with. This beautiful state park is located along the shores of one of the best sailing lakes in the USA, believe it or not; lakes and water sports are a great American pastime, and there’s no better place in Kansas to indulge than here. Craving a nature trail or two? Look no further than Cheney State Park’s gorgeous Spring Creek and/or Giefer Nature Trails, both of which are worth the effort (not that they’re overly challenging).

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Best State Parks In Kansas To Camp

Lovers of all things camping in Kansas, rejoice: our state parks feature some of the downright best camping in the United States, and it’s all ours! Camping is, after all, a favorite Kansan pastime, and there’s no limit to the wonders our state parks hold for campers to enjoy in particular. Campers and outdoorsy folks, this one’s for you: these are the best state parks in Kansas to go camping.

Lake Scott State Park, 101 W Scott Lake Dr, Scott City, KS 67871, USA

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Location: Scott City, Kansas

Wow Factor: This gorgeous campground is located right beside beautiful Lake Scott, and as a result, the views are to die for. The park is more than just visually striking – it's also incredibly historically significant, being the site of no less than 26 archaeological sites that’ll blow your mind. This one’s a must for lovers of the outdoors who also find our history intriguing.

Need To Know: Camping permits are required in addition to the motor vehicle permit for overnight stays. Daily camping is $10. The prime site fee is $2. You can opt to add utilities for a little extra depending on how many you need. Daily vehicle fees are the standard $5 if purchased upon arrival and $6 if purchased online. If you decide to go camping, camping fees are in addition to the vehicle fee, and one is only allowed to camp here for up to 14 consecutive days.

Lake View Campground is the awesome campground present at historic Lake Scott State Park, and it’s a doozy. The list of things to do at Lake Scott State Park seems to never end, and the campground makes for the perfect place to stay while you’re at it. This particular park was listed on National Geographic’s 50 Must-See State Parks thanks to its all-around awesomeness. It looks and feels unlike any other place in Kansas. With almost 180 campsites to choose from, you’ll find exactly what you need for your adventure here.

Pomona State Park, 22900 KS-368, Vassar, KS 66543, USA

Pomona State Park - Kansas Wildlife & Parks/Facebook

Location: Vassar, Kansas

Wow Factor: We’re not sure what it is about waterfront destinations that’s so amazing, but goodness, we love it – and Pomona State Park is located right along the shores of the 4,000-acre Pomona Reservoir, which is a much-beloved lake for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and camping. This park exists in an awesome “transition zone” between tallgrass prairie and woodlands, and the mesh of the two ecosystems is a sight to behold.

Need To Know: Camping permits are required in addition to the motor vehicle permit for overnight stays. Daily camping is $10. The prime site fee is $2. You can opt to add utilities for a little extra depending on how many you need. Daily vehicle fees are the standard $5 if purchased upon arrival and $6 if purchased online. If you decide to go camping, camping fees are in addition to the vehicle fee, and one is only allowed to camp here for up to 14 consecutive days.

Camping is the star of the show here at Pomona State Park, with more than 450 available sites spanning from classic primitive sites to full hook-ups. With plenty of things to do at Pomona State Park, you’ll never get bored; it seems to have it all: hiking and biking trails, a lake for water sports and fishing, a swim beach, and more. With close proximity to Topeka, the Flint Hills, and other must-see destinations in Kansas, you can’t possibly go wrong with a weekend or two spent camping at Pomona.

Perry State Park, 5441 W Lake Rd, Ozawkie, KS 66070, USA

Perry State Park - Kansas Wildlife & Parks/Facebook

Location: Ozawkie, Kansas

Wow Factor: Nothing beats a sunrise or sunset over the water, and this stunning Kansas state park is idyllic for lovers of both. With 25 miles of equine trails, this state park in Kansas is perfect for activities like horseback riding and hiking with some of the most jaw-dropping views in the Sunflower State. You’ll find yourself saying “wow” under your breath 200 times for sure.

Need To Know: As with all Kansas state parks, camping permits are required in addition to the motor vehicle permit for overnight stays. Daily camping is $10. The prime site fee is $2. You can opt to add utilities for a little extra depending on how many you need. Daily vehicle fees are the standard $5 if purchased upon arrival and $6 if purchased online. If you decide to go camping, camping fees are in addition to the vehicle fee, and one is only allowed to camp here for up to 14 consecutive days.

There are two primary campgrounds at Perry State Park: Lake View, which has water and electricity, and Turkey Run, which is full of old-school primitive sites for those who prefer roughing it. With 160 miles of beautiful shoreline – some of which can be seen from some campsites – Perry State Park is unmatched in its loveliness. Things to do at Perry State Park while you’re camping here include things like hunting and fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife and bird watching, and SO much more. The catfish fishing here is top-notch; just ask any angler. Many of the campsites are nicely shaded, making this one of the best state parks in Kansas in the summer.

Best State Parks In Kansas To RV

Okay, so maybe you’re not a camper – but you’re not a hotel person, either. No worries: there’s a delightful term for that kind of thing: glamping. Glamping is a step above camping in a tent but below staying in a hotel room. Glamping can come in the form of anything from yurts to RVs – and in fact, RVs were the original style of glamping long before “glamping” was even a term. Here are three of the best state parks in Kansas to RV camp – be sure to reserve your spots well in advance.

Hillsdale State Park, Paola, KS 66071, USA

Mike/Google Local

Location: Paola, Kansas

Wow Factor: Located in the beautiful, rolling emerald hills of eastern Kansas, Hillsdale State Park is a reminder of just how diverse our landscapes can be. Kansas is so much more than just plains and tallgrass, and Hillsdale State Park illustrates this beautifully.

Need To Know: There are multiple different campgrounds at Hillsdale State Park, all of which have RV spots available for reservation. Rates are typically $10-$30, though this varies from time to time and from park to park. Reserve well ahead of time for the best chances of lakeview spots. Fees vary based on Amps and hookups. Daily vehicle fees are the standard $5 if purchased upon arrival and $6 if purchased online. If you decide to go camping, camping fees are in addition to the vehicle fee, and one is only allowed to camp here for up to 14 consecutive days.

As with all the amazing state parks in Kansas, things to do at Hillsdale State Park are plenty and the potential for boredom is low. This park is popular for drone pilots who wish to fly over the park. Disc golf is another favorite activity, as is archery and horseback riding. The maximum length for an RV at this Kansas state park is 70 feet, so please plan ahead. With 51 miles of gorgeous shoreline to laze on while you camp here, it’s easy to see why Hillsdale State Park is a favorite among Kansan RVers. There’s no excuse not to go: with 241 awesome RV campsites up for grabs, the possibilities are endless.

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Elk City State Park, 4825 Squaw Creek Rd, Independence, KS 67301, USA

Joseph Kerski/Google Local

Location: Independence, Kansas

Wow Factor: This 857-acre park is small but mighty. Featuring amazing lake views, endless hiking trails, gorgeous geography and more, this little slice of paradise is everything that makes Kansas beautiful. Sleeping here overnight and waking up to this stunning piece of Kansan art is a must.

Need To Know: Daily RV site rates range from $10 to $30 depending on amenities and needs. Daily vehicle fees are the standard $5 if purchased upon arrival and $6 if purchased online. If you decide to go camping, camping fees are in addition to the vehicle fee, and one is only allowed to camp here for up to 14 consecutive days.

This stunning state park is made up of both gorgeous woodlands and rolling hills with stunning prairie and Indian grass. As with all of our wonderful state parks, the list of things to do at Elk City State Park seems never-ending, especially for anyone who enjoys getting outside. The 4,500-acre delight that is the Elk City Reservoir makes for some excellent boating and watersports, and setting up camp here with an RV couldn’t be easier. With 87 RV sites available, RV camping at Elk City State park is state-of-the-art, with excellent sites, clean grounds, and even waste disposal so excellent it’s mentioned in more than one review. Hookups accommodate 20, 30, and 40 Amps at fully electric, hookup, and water sites alike.

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Eisenhower State Park, 29810 S Fairlawn Rd, Osage City, KS 66523, USA

Dan Durig/Google Local

Location: Osage City, Kansas

Wow Factor: As yet another state park on this list to have a lake, there’s almost nothing you can’t do at Eisenhower State Park. This scenic, idyllic little slice of heaven is amazing no matter what you’re into, from camping and fishing to hunting and hiking. No matter where you turn, it’s absolutely beautiful – and it’s definitely worth a weekend or two.

Need To Know: RV rates vary from $10-$110, and with 163 RV sites to choose from, you can carve out your ideal Kansas getaway. RV sites are for 30 and 50 Amp hookups. Daily vehicle fees are the standard $5 if purchased upon arrival and $6 if purchased online. If you decide to go camping, camping fees are in addition to the vehicle fee, and one is only allowed to camp here for up to 14 consecutive days.

Things to do at Eisenhower State Park are, predictably, aplenty – everyone will find something they love about this park, from hikers and bikers to horseback riders, RV campers, and just about everyone else, too. We west side of the park is undeveloped and folks are encouraged to explore it on horseback. This is probably the best state park in Kansas for horseback riding and Equestrian goings-on, and thanks to its spacious RV sites, one can bring the whole rodeo. Shower houses, laundry, a general store and more are enough to put this entire state park and all its campgrounds on all the best-of lists there are.

Best State Parks In Kansas For Hiking

There’s no better way to explore the outdoors than by hiking if you ask us. Few things are more satisfying than pitching a tent (or setting up camp for the night) and then heading off to hit the trails and see everything you can while you’re here. Of course, Kansas’s state parks offer seemingly endless miles of hiking trails spanning across all levels of difficulty. Beginner hikers will love the gentle plains of Kansas’s wilderness while more experienced hikers will adore more rugged, longer hikes. There’s something for everyone when it comes to hiking in Kansas – explore these awesome state parks on foot for the best possible experience.

Cross Timbers State Park, 144 KS-105, Toronto, KS 66777, USA

Stephen Holbert/Google Local

Location: Toronto, Kansas

Wow Factor: Gorgeous, shady campsites highlight all the best things about this beautiful state park, and its hiking trails do much the same. Everywhere you turn is scenic and wild, with very little influence from mankind other than some trailblazing.

Need To Know: Daily vehicle fees are the standard $5 if purchased upon arrival and $6 if purchased online. If you decide to go camping, camping fees are in addition to the vehicle fee, and one is only allowed to camp here for up to 14 consecutive days.

Hidden in the hills of Verdigris River Valley in southeastern Kansas is Cross Timbers State Park, a beautiful place with scenery amazing enough to make it a favorite among hikers and mountain bikers alike. Toronto Lake and all the boating, fishing, and lazing you want to do are among the most popular things to do at Cross Timbers State Park, followed closely by its awesome trails. All of the trails within Cross Timbers State Park are short and sweet, and it makes for an excellent afternoon adventure.

Kanopolis Lake State Park, 200 Horsethief Rd, Marquette, KS 67464, USA

Berduno/Google Local

Location: Ellsworth, Kansas

Wow Factor: Kanopolis and its highly unusual landscape is one of the most popular state parks in Kansas, and for good reason – most of it is straight-up odd! While most of Kansas is plains, hills, and woodlands, Kanopolis State Park is a diamond in the rough, featuring caves, rock formations, and some of the best hiking in the United States.

Need To Know: Daily vehicle fees are the standard $5 if purchased upon arrival and $6 if purchased online. If you decide to go camping, camping fees are in addition to the vehicle fee, and one is only allowed to camp here for up to 14 consecutive days.

With more than 30 miles of hiking trails to explore, you’ll want to pack plenty of water for this one. The hiking trails at Kanopolis State Park are something special indeed, with a range of difficulties and intensities sure to thrill even the most experiences of hikers. Things to do at Kanopolis State Park include, of course, hiking, but there’s also spelunking, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, and so much more. Hiking is by far the best way to explore this park! Horsethief Trail is the most popular of all the hiking trails at Kanopolis State Park.

Mushroom Rock State Park, Ave K, Brookville, KS 67425, USA

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Location: Replace this text with the correct information.

Wow Factor: At just five acres in size, Mushroom Rock State Park is sure to wow you right from the start with its absolutely bizarre geological formations. If you enjoy yourself at Kanopolis State Park, be sure to head just five minutes up the road and experience Mushroom Rock, too. It’s delightfully bizarre, exceedingly beautiful, and 100% worth hiking all over.

Need To Know: Daily vehicle fees are the standard $5 if purchased upon arrival and $6 if purchased online. If you decide to go camping, camping fees are in addition to the vehicle fee, and one is only allowed to camp here for up to 14 consecutive days.

Okay, maybe the things to do at Mushroom State Park are a little few and thin, but don’t worry: the park itself is a tour de force of awesomeness that even the most experienced of hikers will love for its strangeness. Featuring some of the most bizarre (yet awe-inspiring) landscapes in Kansas, Mushroom Rock State Park is excellent for hikers of all skill levels thanks to its truly unique experience on every trail. Sure, it isn’t huge, but you’ll get to say you hiked through an entire Kansas state park in one day if you go do it. Hiking through here is like hiking on another, really weird planet. Count us in!

Little-Known State Parks In Kansas

So, we already did the most popular state parks in Kansas – in fact, we opened with it – so why not close this out with some of the most wonderful, lesser-known, hidden gem state parks in Kansas? We think yes! Kansas is an amazing place to be simply to avoid the crowds, even at its more popular natural attractions, but sometimes if you want a break from even those folks, you can find it at one of our lesser-known state parks. These three hidden gem state parks in KS definitely belong on your to-do list:

Lovewell State Park, 2446 250 Rd, Webber, KS 66970, USA

Matthew Breneman/Google Local

Location: Webber, Kansas

Wow Factor: Lovewell Lake is absolutely gorgeous, though it’s often overlooked in favor of more popular lakes in better-known state parks. The fact that this one is so away-from-it-all adds to the wow here; it’s quiet and tranquil but has the potential for being incredibly fun nevertheless. Lovers of the water will love their adventures at Lovewell State Park, as the lake is the center of the good times.

Need To Know: Daily vehicle fees are the standard $5 if purchased upon arrival and $6 if purchased online. If you decide to go camping, camping fees are in addition to the vehicle fee, and one is only allowed to camp here for up to 14 consecutive days.

Lovewell State Park is one of the coolest lesser-known hidden gems in Kansas, period. With tons of room for camping, some truly gorgeous hiking trails, and even a little history thrown in for good measure, you can’t go wrong with exploring around here. The ever-coveted list of things to do at Lovewell State Park include all the things you’ve come to expect from Kansas state parks, like camping and hiking, but it’s also got unique features that draw folks right in, like the old Limestone schoolhouse that still stands (and still has church services on Sundays in summer), an archery range, disc golf, picnic facilities, and more. Bring the whole family – they'll love this one, and they’ll love the lack of crowding, too.

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Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park, County Road 400 and Gold Road, Oakley, KS 67748, USA

SRKRAHN/TripAdvisor

Location: Oakley, Kansas

Wow Factor: A fairer question would be “What ISN’T incredible about this one?”, because seriously – we're not sure how this place isn’t a National Park yet (but it’s probably because it’s so new as even a state park). The geology here is absolutely incredible and sure to amaze. It’s so unlike the rest of Kansas – and unlike the rest of the parts of Kansas that aren’t like the others either – that you might as well have landed on the moon. This one is sure to take your breath away.

Need To Know: ONLY guided tours are able to go off-trail, so please don’t do it. The ecosystem here is exceedingly fragile, and trails exist for a reason. Unlike other parks on this list, there are no facilities here for camping, biking, and horseback riding – hiking only! Daily vehicle fees are the standard $5 if purchased upon arrival and $6 if purchased online. If you decide to go camping, camping fees are in addition to the vehicle fee, and one is only allowed to camp here for up to 14 consecutive days.

Made up of highly unusual rock formations known as the Niobrara Chalk formations, this state park in Kansas offers an alien world to explore for all ages. This state park is newer, having been introduced in 2018, and it hasn’t yet attracted the level of attention that we so righteously believe it deserves. Things to do at Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park include hiking through the bizarre formations, admiring the fragile landscape, and learning all about how it came to be. Fun fact: Great plains buckwheat ONLY grows in western Kansas’s chalk prairies, and the largest population of this plant exists at Little Jerusalem State Park. How special!

Tuttle Creek State Park, 5800 River Pond Rd A, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA

Arthur Fink/Google Local

Location: Manhattan, Kansas

Wow Factor: This 1,200-acre state park looks and feels like something out of a movie instead of somewhere in Kansas, but lo and behold, it’s simply Sunflower State. This gorgeous state park is close enough to Kansas City to make for a wonderful day trip, and it’s incredible scenic, offering up memories of a lifetime.

Need To Know: Cedar Ridge is one of five units that make up Tuttle Creek State Park. It’s home to 50 primitive campsites, and that’s it. There are four cabins available for reservation. Daily vehicle fees are the standard $5 if purchased upon arrival and $6 if purchased online. If you decide to go camping, camping fees are in addition to the vehicle fee, and one is only allowed to camp here for up to 14 consecutive days.

Last on this list but certainly not least in anyone’s eyes, Tuttle Ridge State Park is a gorgeous respite from the real world with five different units – one of which is Cedar Ridge. Cedar Ridge is a little on the rougher side, making it less popular than the other units in this often-overlooked Kansas state park. Things to do at Cedar Ridge State Park include trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as a shooting range, an archery range, a swimming beach, and plenty more. This one is, like its siblings, stunningly beautiful – dare we say it’s Kansas at its best.

So, there you have it: 15 amazing state parks in Kansas for every season, desire, hope, and plan. If you’re not already madly in love with Kansas and the Great Plains, perhaps you will be after you’ve been to these jaw-droppingly gorgeous natural slices of paradise. Of course, this list is nowhere near exhaustive – there are more than a dozen other awesome state and National Parks sites just waiting to be discovered. These just happen to be the ones best suited for this list – but you’re sure to find at least a park or two best suited for you. Check out legendary parks like Meade State Park, Wilson State Park, Cedar Bluff State Park, Milford State Park, Crawford State Park, and all the rest! Come out and explore Kansas: one of the most underrated places in America.