Posted in Kansas Camping, Nature January 14, 2022 by

7 Stunning Kansas State Parks Where You Can Camp All Year-Round

Barring a bad thunderstorm or ice-over, camping is something you can do in any weather, even if you have to opt for a cabin or yurt over a tent. If you’ve ever wanted a place to camp year-round, these beautiful Kansas state parks are the perfect places to start. Pick your favorite time of year or anytime you want to get away, and set up camp!

1. Kanopolis Lake State Park
Kanopolis Lake State Park, 200 Horsethief Rd, Marquette, KS 67464, USA
Kanopolis State Park - Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism Facebook
Though you can pitch a tent at this gorgeous park with red rock and caves to explore, the best way to enjoy it even when the weather isn't great is to use the year-round cabins they have on site. They even sleep multiple people, so you're not all crammed into a small space. Plus, trails with caves are hard to pass up. Check out this article for more about this incredible lake.
2. Fall River State Park
Fall River State Park, Fall River, KS 67047, USA
Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism - Fall River State Park Facebook
Though we do love this park the most during the fall, it's still a great place to visit all year round, even for camping. They also have trails to explore and fish to be caught, if camping isn't your favorite part of the outdoors. Read more here.
3. El Dorado State Park
618 NE Bluestem Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042, USA
Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism - El Dorado State Park Facebook
El Dorado is an underrated location, mostly due to other, larger parks being more popular. However, their scenery is just as beautiful and their campsites and cabins are just as cozy as others. Read more on the official website.
4. Eisenhower State Park
Eisenhower State Park, Osage City, KS 66523, USA
Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism - Eisenhower State Park Facebook
Not only does this gorgeous park have excellent trails to explore, but their choice of camping, cabins, and yurts makes them another great spot for a nature trip no matter the season. Read more in this article!
5. Cross Timbers State Park
Cross Timbers State Park, 144 KS-105, Toronto, KS 66777, USA
Cross Timbers State Park - Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism Facebook
Cross Timbers is absolutely beautiful in any season where their trees have leaves, but during the winter, the lake and sky are the sources of its beauty. Through the whole year, you can enjoy a woodland adventure near the relaxing Kansas forest. Read more Cross Timbers State Park in this article.
6. Crawford State Park
Crawford State Park, 1 W Lake Rd, Farlington, KS 66734, USA
Crawford State Park - Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism Facebook
Crawford is yet another beautiful state park in Kansas that sometimes doesn't get enough limelight. Their beautiful scenery is viewed best from in front of your campsite. Read more in this article.
7. Clinton State Park
Clinton State Park, 798 N 1415 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66049, USA
Clinton State Park - Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism Facebook
Clinton is our last (but not least) beautiful location for year-round camping, with their cabins, camping areas, heated showers, and year-round bathroom access. Plus, just look at the view! Read more about Clinton State Park in this article.

For a map of each of these locations, click here or check out the one below.

If you’re looking for a shorter trip or another place to visit on your nature vacation, check out this place where you can view a wild bison herd closer than ever before.

Address: Clinton State Park, 798 N 1415 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66049, USA
Address: Crawford State Park, 1 W Lake Rd, Farlington, KS 66734, USA
Address: Cross Timbers State Park, 144 KS-105, Toronto, KS 66777, USA
Address: Kanopolis Lake State Park, 200 Horsethief Rd, Marquette, KS 67464, USA
Address: Eisenhower State Park, Osage City, KS 66523, USA
Address: 618 NE Bluestem Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042, USA
Address: Fall River State Park, Fall River, KS 67047, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

State Parks to Visit in Kansas

January 19, 2022
Tori Jane

What are some of the best hiking trails in Kansas?  

Okay, so, maybe Kansas isn’t exactly famous for its hiking, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have any at all! In fact, according to our friends at AllTrails.com, there are actually more than 400 amazing trails all over the state, each of which is special and unique in its own way. These trails range in difficulty from very easy to moderately challenging; there are no hard hike here, after all, Kansas isn’t exactly mountainous and there isn’t really a whole lot of elevation to gain while hiking anywhere in the state. Among the top-rated and most beloved hiking trails in Kansas are gems like the Elk River Hiking Trail, in Elk City State Park. This one is known for its outrageously beautiful wildflowers during spring and summer, and it’s lengthy – 15.3 miles – so you can either do the whole thing (whew!) or choose which parts you want to see most and traverse those. At Shawnee Mission Park, there’s the Orange, Violet, and Red Trails – three amazing hiking and biking trails that are rated as moderately difficult thanks to some rocky bits. Other great trails in Kansas include Tomahawk Creek Trail, Indiana Creek Trail, and Turkey Creek Trail. For more ideas and information, check out this article. 

What are the best state parks in Kansas?  

Kansas has no shortage of state parks – it’s home to 28 of them, after all! Of course, “best” is definitely subjective; what we might think is the “best” may not impress you, or someone else. That’s alright! In this case, to determine the “best” state parks in Kansas, we simply checked out which parks are the most popular. After all, they’re beloved for a reason, right? So, the “best” state parks in Kansas, based on ratings and popularity, are Tuttle Creek State Park, Kanopolis Lake State Park, Milford State Park, and Wilson State Park. Clinton State Park is another really wonderful (and ultra highly-rated) one, and we also love lesser-appreciated parks like Fancy Creek State Park and Webster State Park. Like we said, “best” is subjective – so which do you think is the best?  

Address: Clinton State Park, 798 N 1415 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66049, USA
Address: Crawford State Park, 1 W Lake Rd, Farlington, KS 66734, USA
Address: Cross Timbers State Park, 144 KS-105, Toronto, KS 66777, USA
Address: Kanopolis Lake State Park, 200 Horsethief Rd, Marquette, KS 67464, USA
Address: Eisenhower State Park, Osage City, KS 66523, USA
Address: 618 NE Bluestem Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042, USA
Address: Fall River State Park, Fall River, KS 67047, USA