Kansas State Parks: Best Choices for the Outdoor-Savvy

Are you hungry for the outdoors after the year of strict quarantining? Burn your 2020 calendar and treat yourselves with some fresher air and feast your eyes with scenic views of Kansas now. But, of course, still following the strict national health guidelines while observing new travel restrictions. 

With its natural wonders and abundant wildlife area, Kansas is the best to consider, no doubt. While some say that this state is as flat as its lands are and mostly covered in prairie, but honestly, everyone has a lot to expect here in the Sunflower State. Not only famous for wheat production as The Breadbasket of the World, from its simple-looking wide-open lands to its thousands of acres of public angling reservoir, hiking trails, scenic 100-feet bluffs, historic Kansas state parks, and the rich wildlife is worth a spot on your precious RV adventure list.  

---

Why should you explore state parks in Kansas?

Behind these extensive, vast grasslands is an ideal destination for hunters from all over the globe. The surrounding reservoirs attract anglers from beginners to enthusiasts. Active campers enjoy and immerse themselves in nature through the forest, bike, and equestrian trails. Special mention for the Flint Hills Trail, the longest one in Kansas and the 7th national longest rail-trail. Would you dare try something new? 

There’s so much more than these mentioned places and activities to get enjoyably tired but relaxed and refreshed. For sure, after a year on a halt, your Kansas experience is one for the books!

---

10 State Parks in Kansas You Should Be Heading To Now

Now, let’s dive deeper and learn something new about every one of our recommended, highly-rated, and top-reviewed national state parks of Kansas, shall we?

1. Cedar Bluff State Park & Reservoir

This state park has two equally breath-taking spots overseeing the Bluff Reservoir: First is the 350-acre Bluffton Area, along the north shoreline of the reservoir and the most developed location from the two. It has facilities to cater to the visitors’ needs, such as 96 RV campsites, primitive camps, two shelters, picnic and shower stations, and two dump and boat ramp stations. Suppose you want the most comfortable experience. Here is the better option because of the five modern rental cabins open for reservations and an open area for basketball, cycling, and swimming. And, you have to choose here for the exceptional angling reservoir.

Located on the south is the less-developed 500-acre Page Creek Area but is an outstanding choice for a more peaceful primitive campout experience. Moreover, this one is the campers’ favorite for boating and skiing. Fully-engage with the wilderness under huge tree-shades and the sandy shores of Page Creek. From the west of the reservoir is the beautiful Castle Rock Badlands, a 30-minute ride on a gravel road that’s all worth the effort. 

This Trego County State Park opens in the summer from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during Sun-Thurs and up to 8 p.m. on Fri-Sat. In winters, they are open from Mon-Fri, 8 AM to 4 PM.

Campsite History and Interesting Facts

Records say 250,000 visitors appreciate the beauty of this reservoir yearly. Constructed in 1949 for flood control and irrigation, following its completion, it became the new famous recreational destination for travelers. The surrounding locations also benefited from this popularity and gave them a notable and significant pin on Kansas history.

Campsite Natural Assets

This RV camp location is a known destination for watchable wildlife and hunting because of diverse species – bald eagles in the air and pheasant, deer, waterfowl, and turkey on the ground. Fishing is another looked forward activity for its wide varieties of fishes such as black or white bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill, and catfish.

2. El Dorado State Park & Reservoir

Named as the top of the largest Kansas state parks in the majestic Flint Hills of Kansas, with 4,000 acres of land. Trails are relatively long, with a 30-mile stretch of hiking, biking, and horse routes that advanced hikers may explore. Festivals and concerts are a yearly event here, painlessly done in their two-stage amphitheater.

Its angling reservoir is abundant with crappie, walleye, wiper, and white bass along the dam’s front, while catfish are rich in the lake and river around the dam outlet. As much as fish catching, public hunting is another must-do activity here but make sure to secure your new state parks vehicle permits ahead for entry. There are high deals of wild turkey, quail, chicken, white-tailed deer, squirrel, and rabbit you may encounter.

The state park has 1,100 camps, a 24-site group campground, and ten group shelters. Ten cabins for reservation and two swimming beaches. Two laundry facilities are present for everyone’s use. The equestrian camp has 24 utility and two non-utility hutments with corrals and water, 25 non-utility sites. And, near the Horse Arena is a reservable shelter. No doubt, vacationers of every age, including beloved pets and horse enthusiasts, have everything needed to maximize the fun.

The state park office schedule is 8:00 to 4:30 p.m. from Mon-Fri only. Visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.
com/ElDoradoStatePark for reservations and new information.

Campsite History and Interesting Facts

Did you know that El Dorado was a famous film location? This place has its natural charm. It became repeatedly used for popular international movies or series like the City of Angels, 11-season Modern Family, and the Indiana Jones filming at the South Fork of American River. Tours are free, and you may go at your own time. Isn’t it cool?

Campsite Natural Assets

As the country’s largest park, it still caters to a peaceful adventure and relaxation for groups and families, with many outdoor activities to entertain every age.

3. Cheney State Park & Reservoir

Cheney Park is along the shorelines of the top-sailing reservoir of the US. The 9,500-acre Cheney lake has 22 boat-launching spots that make it convenient for local anglers.  A marina deals with the boaters and anglers located on the east shore, which is a great location to hook up catfish, white or striped bass, and crappie. Moreover, windsurfing is a known activity that first-timers cross out of their adventure list. 

This 1,913-acre park constitutes three counties on the south, east and west shore. It is a 223-site for RV with electricity and water, and 400 primitive spots for you to choose from if you’d like to coze in and stay for longer. Nine cabin hotels are up for reservation should you prefer a more comfortable and fancy stay. Modern pit toilets, nine bath/restrooms, four dump stations, one shelter house, swimming, and picnic spots around the park welcome the travelers with convenience. 

Across the site is a wildlife area full of beauty, where you closely embrace the rawness of nature. Other equally enjoyable activities are to hop on a bike and ride through the hiking courses, sail a boat, grill a fish from your morning catch, and on to a picnic at the shoreline. A 7.2-mile quick trip from the park is the Eagle Valley Raptor Center, a cool destination for bird-lovers. The facility shelters and deals with injured and orphaned Kansas raptors.

You may visit the park’s Facebook account at https://www.facebook.
com/CheneyStatePark to inquire or call the park office anytime from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 in the p.m. for new deals that you may want to know further.

Campsite History and Interesting Facts

In Cheney is where the yearly National Sailing Contest takes place. Some articles say that this event is an extraordinary sight to see for the hundreds of colorful sailboats afloat the waters. The massive number of boats you see, the competition, and the excitement make you giddy in your seat.

Campsite Natural Assets

As briefly mentioned previously, one exciting attraction that is gaining popularity, now tagged as a Hidden Gem, is the Eagle Valley Raptor Center located at 927 N 343rd St W, Cheney on the KS map. Aside from bird-watching, the facility conducts guided tours for groups or families with a minimum of eight for $5 each. The Lovebirds tour, on the other hand, is a romantic adventure for couples. They generously allow picnicking and cookouts for all tours at their covered pavilion. It looks like this stop might be the coolest one you’ll ever experience! Some article reviews claimed it as educational and a must-visit if you have kids along.

For a tour schedule, set up by calling (316) 393-0710 or send them an email at raptorcare@aol.com.

4. Elk City State Park & Reservoir

The Elk City Park is an 857-acre park on a valley that screams beauty on all corners. An abundant 4,500-acre reservoir, across it, is a rich 12,000-acre wilderness dense with Oak-Pine woodlands and excellent trails that don’t disappoint. These routes invite beginners to advanced hikers,  which kids may enjoy, too. As some article reviews mentioned, it’s a family-oriented place to bond over many activities.

The go-to attractions of Kansas state parks are its famous trails. One of them is the Green Thumb Nature Trail that allows a breath-taking 360-degree scenic view of the reservoir. For the experienced hikers, the 15-mile hike through the Elk River Hiking Track will satisfy eyes from the stunning view of the whole location throughout the route.

You deserve a rest at the shaded RV and primitive camps. All 95-site camps come with 30/50 amp electric and water hookups, and 11 are with sewage hookups. Camp spots have a playground, restrooms, bath and dump stations, group activity spots, and a nearby angling lake dock and pier. Who wouldn’t love to extend a stay here?

As announced by the park, reservations are on-going now; please see details below. You may call the office, which opens from Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM to 4:00 p.m., but the park is open 24/7.

Campsite History and Interesting Facts

Drive 5.5 miles from Elk State Park to Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo. One shouldn’t underestimate this underrated park because it is surprisingly full of fun, and it’s free! Experience again the thrill of a zoo and theme park like the old times. A merry-go-round, mini train, and the zoo itself are worth the short trip from the park. Take a pit stop and rest at the provided picnic areas.

Campsite Natural Assets

The jaw-dropping beauty of Oak-hickory woodland for your backdrop in the summer or winter for your photographs! How amazing is that? There’s no better background than God-given wonders, always. These colors of Mother Nature are genuinely relaxing and refreshing. Now, that’s the Elk State Park, Independence, Kansas asset.

5. Prairie Dog State Park

North of the state park is the 42 feet Keith Sebelius Angling Reservoir. Here is where to experience an excellent opportunity to fish for crappie, saugeye, wiper, catfish, and bass. On the south is the 6,400-care Norton Wildlife Area with excellent hunting opportunities for mules, pheasants, waterfowl, and rabbits.

As the name implies, Prairie Dog State Park is a home for prairie dogs abundant within the classic tall prairies. These animals occupy the 10-acre portion of the park as they dominate and dig on mounds as they watch out for predators. Campers and hikers are indeed up for amazement and entertainment as they learn how these “dogs” (they are ground squirrels that make dog sounds) do their famous wave as they communicate. 

Campsites have four reservable cabin hotels: two moderns with bathrooms and two primitives with nearby shower and bath stations. There are 130 primitive camps, 77 with water and electric hookups, ten with electric/water/sewer hookups, and two electric-only. Camp as you please with these deals on the site. 

The office park opens from Mon-Fri from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. They suggest calling first before heading out, as on some days they close for a half-day.

Campsite History and Interesting Facts

Prairie dogs were not a natural in this park. As reported, after several failed attempts to introduce them to the newly-constructed park, a pair of Prairie dogs learned the place by themselves, and then on, there are at least 300 of them now. Is this true? Only these prairie dogs know for sure!

Campsite Natural Assets

This Norton County State Park is well-known for its “vintage-y” feel because of the two old 19th-century infrastructures: a one-room school and a renovated adobe house. Volunteers maintain and help preserve the condition of the house. There were some renovations, but it still shows the adobe structure on the inside walls. Now, these gems are currently open as museums that take us back in time. Surprisingly, no goosebumps or eerie feelings for those who already dropped by.

6. Wilson Reservoir, State Park And Wildlife Area

For a wallpaper-like photograph, an array of land and water activities, and watchable wildlife before your eyes, pin down Wilson State Park in Sylvan Grove, Kansas, on your RV adventure all around the KS map. 

The Wilson State fishing lake is a 9,000-acre reservoir, seen by many as one of the most beautiful Kansas state parks. With its rocky shoreline and outcrops, and its cliffs are what a thousand-dollar art piece looks like. On the reservoir’s southside are its famous forest and bike tracks: The Dakota Course allows you to see breath-taking views of the Kansas prairie and the Wilson Reservoir. The 10-mile route of Switchgrass Bike Track is for advanced and experienced bikers. 

Hell Creek (Westside) and Otoe (Eastside) are two locations in the Wilson State Park situated in the Smoky Hills region. Handi-capped aspiring hikers are not to be left behind; the Cedar Course is friendly enough to conquer, it’s an easy one-mile asphalted route in Otoe.

Aside from the ground activities, water activities are always a good idea. It never runs out of fun for the kids and the adult. Wilson Reservoir is one that will make you put down your gadgets and get your hands on the wilderness, especially the most transparent waters you’ll ever witness here in KS.

Campsite History and Interesting Facts

To date, Wilson Reservoir remains the clearest reservoir from all of the state fishing reservoirs in Kansas, even after the unfortunate lowering of water levels over the years. Still, the number of visitors from all around the country keeps increasing yearly.

Campsite Natural Assets

The Rock Town Trail of Kansas is a 9.6-mile drive from Wilson State Park. Suppose you want to surprise your eyes with astonishing natural beauty some more. These picturesque rock formations, the surrounding flowering prairies, and the clear lake will surely give the vibe of natural wonders at its finest. It’s suggested to visit during spring or winter per reviews.

7. Kanopolis State Park

In the Smoking Hills region of KS, find the first Kansas state park – The Kanopolis State Park, long-standing since 1955. Surrounded by the rolling hills, scenic sandstone bluffs, and woodlands are where this park stands, separated by the dam’s north and south parts. 12,500-acre wildlife area and 3,500-acre reservoir comprise the Mother of all Kansas state parks.

Right within the park, you may start your hiking journey and traverse all 25 miles of hiking routes. Some of them are the Rockin’ K and Horsethief Trails. For an added thrill, you may take the Alum Creek Course, where you have to soak your feet and pass by some water crossings. This course might be quite challenging to accomplish on foot; make sure you’re well-conditioned for what’s ahead, and you have extra cookies for snack time. Another exciting path to take is the Prairie Course, witness here the beautiful flowering prairies and the enthralling Red Rock Canyon. Buffalo Nature Course is another go-to for more experiences with natural wonders.

Suppose you are the fishing-type of a camper; this 35 feet state fishing lake is an excellent spot to catch some white bass. For anglers, walleye, saugeye, catfish, wiper, and largemouth bass are what to expect from the 3,500-acre (1,416 ha) reservoir. Other fun activities to do here are boating, beach swimming, pond angling, fossil hunting, and a playground for the kids or the whole fam! 

Now, maybe you’re thinking of considering this location. So, here’s where to stay in the park: 200 primitive and 119 utility camps in the park’s 14 campgrounds. Download the app CampitKS app to reserve a site or call the office directly.

Campsite History and Interesting Facts

The first-ever $12.3 million state park, dam, and reservoir were once a witness of World War II. Its construction took a delay after getting the authorization from the Flood Control Act in 1939 due to the WWII onset. Three and a half years passed until it became what it is now. Indeed, it deserves to be the Mother of all Kansas State Parks.

Campsite Natural Assets

Faris Caves are three carved-out small rooms from the Dakota Sandstone formations by Charles Griffie of the US Army in the 1880s. These cave holes served as his room (more like his home), food storage, and a spring house. He then sold those with his lands to the Faris couple, which they continued to use as it was and as a schoolhouse. 

Visitors going here grew in number due to their curiosity about how people from the past lived here. It’s fascinating to imagine how far developed we are now. Are you curious to witness what the people of the past left here, at least? Then, consider this spot on your go-to list!

8. Kaw River State Park

The only urban-site of all state parks in KS is the Kaw State Park, with a 76-acre land area abundant with oak and hickory forest. Also, it is the youngest of all Kansas state parks. Donated to the state in 2005 and officially opened to the public in 2010 following the developments made since 2008. Its location is close to Kansas’ Governor’s Mansion, the Cedar Crest, and the well-developed 244-acre (99 ha) MacLennan Park in Topeka. On the west are the public-prohibited developed courses, called the Menninger Trails, which were then donated to the state, too, after the Menningers left KS in 2003 and are now the course everyone enjoys.

Famous for its various hiking routes that are friendly of all skill levels, this location is an excellent option if you’re coming in with kids or the not-so-active members of the bunch. You may enjoy these routes by walking, biking, hiking, and running. These routes are on another level as they take you through the movie-like Oak Hickory-rich forests. And, they are cool to photograph, too! 

You may fully enjoy and make the most of this location only when the sun is up. So, better start at the earliest possible time. Learn the routes beforehand so you won’t waste time figuring things out on-spot. Go with your KS map and pin on the places you find are the greatest of the greatest. Make cookies for everyone because there’s no time to waste on this precious Kansas treasure.

Campsite History and Interesting Facts

Kaw River’s history is from way back 600,000 years ago through the glacial ice that made its way to the state’s northeast. From then on, it is serving the ten counties that it borders and passes through. These ten counties are home to 45% of Kansans, making Kaw an integral part of the state. The river is their source of drinking and industrial water, gravel, sand, and now as a beautiful site for recreation – boating, angling, paddle boating, and the like.

Campsite Natural Assets

Despite being in the city, it boasts of its rich forests with Oak-Hickory trees making hiking activities more comfortable under the shades. Activities you may do here are the same as those parks outside cities, except for overnight staying and hunting. So, you won’t have to drive miles and stay at expensive hotels or cabins for a closer experience of the wilderness. Now, don’t think twice and have a well-spent day here!

9. Milford State Park

What do we do in state parks with a 16,000-acre reservoir with a 19,000-acre surrounding public land, specifically, the Milford? The answer is a lot! The Milford SP reservoir is the largest human-made in the State, so angling, boating, campouts, and hiking are one level up from the rest. The 19k-acre land is all open for hunting, which has excellent opportunities for many types of hunt animals. There are many wild species to observe and take photos of; some are mammals, birds, and reptiles. And, as the State’s Fishing Capital, here is where your most incredible catch might take place. 

Surrounding the park are five camping grounds with 120 with electric and water utility-site which 30 of them have a sewer hookup. For primitive campouts, you have over a hundred spots to choose from within the park. Each site has campfire stations, picnic tables, and a reservable group shelter for a family or company get-together. 

Plenty of hiking routes are waiting for you to set foot upon, and some of them are Pipeline, Waterfall, Eagle Ridge, Wildlife Area Viewing Tower, and Old River Bluff Trails. Learn that each of these routes offers different fun and scenic views for you to create memories.

Campsite History and Interesting Facts

A highly-recommended stop for your KS adventure is the Milford Fish Hatchery; as one of the state’s largest state fishing lakes, this spot must witness the only warm intensive agriculture of fish hatchery. They are known for Hybrids, Walleyes, and Catfish hatchery. 

It’s advisable to visit during late March and April via a pre-arranged tour through their hotline 785-238-5323. Make sure to include this on your schedule, and regret not!

Campsite Natural Assets

Apart from the gorgeous sights, this is where to get a deeper connection with Kansas’s natural wonders. Close interaction with the wildlife through different activities. If you haven’t had the chance to see the native Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle, this is the perfect spot to see it closely.

They have demonstration sites to learn how to attract birds and butterflies to your gardens. Cool, right? And, tagged as the visitors’ favorite, is the playground, for its substantial animal figures and play in it.

Sounds a lot to entertain the kids as well as yourself, does it? This place is a treat, so you better tick this off of your adventure list!

10. Tuttle Creek State Park

The second-largest reservoir in Kansas with 12,500-acre water and a 100-mile shoreline, situated in Riley’s admirable Flint Hills, is the Tuttle Creek County State Park. Across the park is 16,000 acres of preserved and untouched land made wildlife-viewing and hunting possible for the travelers to spend quality time.

Moreover, the reservoir’s inviting beauty and abundance make it an excellent spot for angling alongside camping, boating, picnicking, and plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking. There are many forest courses around to enjoy and savor the magnificent Flint Hills scenery. Shooting and archery activities are some of the sought-after recreations here at TCSP, too. You may learn and shoot your heart out at Fancy Shooting Range, a state-of-the-art facility that opens on 1st and 3rd weekends monthly. While Luke Nihart Archery Range opens in daylight hours, located at the River Pond Area (RPA), everyone has a swimming beach.

TCSP has a 6-mile rugged mountain for active travelers and biking challenging tracks with surrounding scenic vistas to feed your eyes with natural beauty. On the other side of the lake, you may enjoy 12 miles of the equestrian course. For beginner, kid, and elderly-friendly routes, visit the Cottonwood Course in the RPA, with a short distance of easy walking.

The park has 500 primitive camps, 159 water/electric, eight with electric/water/sewer hookups, and 20 electric-only. Eleven cabins are up for reservation, equipped with the necessary kitchen essentials. 

Park office opens from Mon to Fri from 8:00 to 4:30 in the evening.

Campsite History and Interesting Facts

The Tuttle Creek dam’s construction was a controversial topic from the beginning until it became fully-operational; due to heavy opposition from the locals. For the dam to push through that time, 3,000 people and ten towns were affected and displaced from the location. Hence, the most controversial history in Kansas but now visited and enjoyed by people worldwide.

Campsite Natural Assets

This campsite caught geologists’ attention and rock enthusiasts due to the 300-year old unique formations underneath the Flint Hills. Seen in many parts of the park are limestone outcrops and boulders, these cause to attract more visitors. And, to see exquisite fossils, you may go to the nearby canyon near the dam spillway.

---

Preparation Before Traveling To Kansas: Special County Regulations

The root of all successful adventures is proactive preparation. So, here are some essential tips and guides to starting your memorable and hassle-free journey.

• As advised by most parks, use the HuntFish KS Application to purchase your angling and hunting licenses and permits before your trip. It is an app that stores all your needed licenses conveniently and accessible on your phone.
• Another application for your convenience is the Campit KS App, which is a recommendation from most parks. This app helps find campsite availability from wherever you are and planning to go within KS. And, one of its functions is to guide you to the amenities and facilities from your chosen site.
• State fishing lakes are strict on the Catch and Release rule. Make sure to read on the fishes’ length limits; it may depend on the different types of fish found on every reservoir.

RV Essentials list before traveling to the county state park

For a more enjoyable and worry-free journey, check out these essentials you may want to include on your notes for double-checking:

RV Air Conditioner – This is a must-have, especially when you go on trips during summer, and you plan to traverse or hike on Kansas’ unique spots. Before getting your whole fam out on a trip, make sure your AC is working on point! Fresh air is unbeatable, but after the long hours of physical “labor,” cold air is to die for. Heh!

RV Awning – Get your shade on from your mighty RV, and that is the work of your awning, a humble extension of your RV home. Spending time outside of your RVs or tents is the first step to immerse yourself in the wilderness after quarantining for the longest time. So, get a stable awning and breathe in the freshest air before getting back to the polluted city.

RV Bike Rack – A durable and sturdy bike rack is your twin when traveling to KS because one main activity in all of the parks here is biking! So, invest in good quality and a practical bike rack to stay with you through the years of adventure.

RV Leveling Blocks – This one might help you once in a while but mostly when you do boondock or primitive camping. You might enter into site undeveloped and unleveled roads or grounds, so you’ll need something to put your vehicle on a stable degree.

RV Electric Tongue Jack – Of course, to lift your vehicle and place some leveling blocks, a jack is a must-have. So many brands are out there, some do well, but some fail the job. So, if you’re already thinking twice of your jack’s performance, you better have to get a new one! 

Other Essentials

First Aid Kit – During outdoor activities, it’s not new to set up a medical kit for a quick treatment to accidents, especially when you bring kids with you but be sure to complete the kit.

Fishing paraphernalia – If you are a first-timer on angling, then prepare to set your hands on a rod as KS offers enormous opportunities for that. Take the chance to do as much “First Times” now!

Food and water – Having so much physical activity in KS, everyone will be hungry every hour. So bring enough food and drinks, especially cookies, for energy during those hikes!

Extra lights and batteries – To make you feel safer and ready-for-everything, keep on-board several batteries and lightings.

Bug repellents and disinfectants – Keep those unwanted insects away, spray-on repellents. As for COVID19 protection, disinfect your hands whenever you touch something, or if possible, wash then spritz some alcohol.

---

Conclusion

We don’t want to keep you here for longer! So, to sum everything up, KS will surprise you big time! From the natural attractions to the human-made, everything is worth a visit – the scenic views, fun, and entertainment, as well as the educational spots. Anywhere in this state is a must-go-to, and you won’t be traveling one time only, yeah? We believe that’s a yes. Well then, plan out your KS journey this 2021 and the rest of the years to come. Enter a new paradise, explore and enjoy KS!