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Did you know that our Kansas State Parks are funded by user fees?
Kansas State Park operations, programs and staff are funded primarily through the sale of park entrance permits and campsite and cabin rental fees. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks does not receive tax dollars from the State of Kansas General Fund. Your purchase of park permits and camping reservations helps provide safe, enjoyable outdoor recreation experiences for more than 7 million visitors each year.
A valid State Park Vehicle Permit is required at all Kansas State Parks. Fees are based on the vehicle used to enter the park, not the number of people in the vehicle.
| Permit Type | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vehicle Permit (2025) | Covers unlimited vehicle entry to all Kansas State Parks during the calendar year for which it is purchased | $25.00 |
| Annual Vehicle Permit – Senior/Disabled (2025) | Covers unlimited vehicle entry to all Kansas State Parks during the calendar year for which it is purchased | $13.75 |
| Kansas State Park Passport | Covers unlimited vehicle entry to all Kansas State Parks, valid until the vehicle registration expires Available only at time of vehicle registration at your county treasurer’s office; the State Park Passport is not available through KDWP offices. |
$15.50 |
| Daily Vehicle Permit | Covers one day vehicle entrance to the Kansas State Park for which it is purchased Available only the specific State Park's office |
$5.00 |
| Daily Vehicle Permit – Senior/Disabled | Covers one day vehicle entrance to the Kansas State Park for which it is purchased Available only the specific State Park's office |
$3.25 |
| Replacement Permit | $2.50 | |
| Unconventional Vehicle Permit | Required for all UTVs and golf carts which are only allowed on improved roads and parking areas Special permit; apply at the specific State Park's office |
$52.50 |
A valid Camping Permit is required in addition to the State Park Vehicle Permit for all overnight stays. You must be 18 or older to rent a campsite or cabin at Kansas State Parks and all camping permits expire at 2 pm.
Camping fees are per unit—meaning a camping permit is required for each tent or unit—and a $2.75 processing fee will apply to each camping stay.
Camping is allowed only in designated areas and is subject to restrictions as posted. All campers and camping units are limited to a stay of not more than 14 consecutive days in one campground although a one-time 14-day extension may be obtained with written permission from the park manager. A five-day absence is required before returning to the same campground to camp again.
Please note there are minimum stay requirements for campsite and cabin reservations on Memorial Day, July 4th/Independence Day, and Labor Day weekends.
| Permit Type | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Kansas State Park Camping Permit (2025) | Covers all Daily Camping Permit fees in the calendar year for which the permit is purchased; does not cover utility and prime site fees | $202.50 if purchased prior to April or after September 30 $252.50 if purchased April 1 - September 30 |
| 14-Night Kansas State Park Permit (2025) | Covers 14 daily Camping Permit fees in calendar year 2025; does not cover utility and prime site fees; visits do not need to be consecutive | $112.50 |
| Daily Camping Permit | Required for each night of the stay (charged per camping unit) | $10.00 per night |
| Youth Camping Permit | Required for each night of the stay (charged per camping unit) | $4.00 per night |
| Prime Site Fee | Additional required daily fee for designated sites on stays April 1-September 30; prime sites vary by park | $2.00 per night |
| Utility Fees - Water, Electric, and Sewage | Covers utility hookups only; does not cover required camping fees | $9.00 per night for one utility $11.00 per night for two utilities $12.00 per night for three utilities |
| Designated Overflow Camping | $6.50 per night | |
| Cabin Rentals | Visit CampItKS.com for information about cabin rentals at Kansas State Parks | Prices vary based on location, timing, and amenities |
It is illegal to resell camping reservations at Kansas State Parks. K.A.R. 115-8-19 states that “no person shall advertise, engage in, or solicit any business, or make a charge for any event or service except as authorized by the department” on Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks lands and waters. Persons or businesses found to be engaging in this activity can be ticketed resulting in a court appearance and related fines/costs.
For those planning to visit Kansas State Parks during holiday weekends, please note these minimum stay requirements for campsite and cabin reservations in 2025:
Campsites:
Cabins:
All campers and camping units at state fishing lakes or wildlife areas are limited to designated camping areas and a stay of not more than seven consecutive days on that department managed land unless otherwise established by posted notice or authorized by written permit from the department.
Upon completing seven consecutive days on the same campsite, each person and all property of each person shall be absent from the department-managed area for at least five days.
An extended camping stay of not more than seven additional consecutive days at the state fishing lake or wildlife area may be granted by written permit from the department if vacant camping sites are available.
All property of each person shall be removed and remain absent from the department managed area and campsite for a period of at least five days before beginning another stay.
KS State Parks Passport Frequently Asked Questions
Kansas motor vehicle owners can buy an annual park vehicle permit as part of their vehicle registration process. The permit – called a Kansas State Parks Passport – costs $15.50. This lower-price, non-transferable permit will be available only during the vehicle registration process at a motor vehicle registration office, through the online vehicle registration site, or when registering by mail. Owners must request to purchase the permit; offering is not automatic. The Kansas State Parks Passport will expire when the vehicle registration expires a year later.
Kansas residents (except seniors and persons with disabilities) and owners of vehicles not registered in Kansas who buy their park vehicle permits at a KDWP office or vendor will have to pay the regular price for annual and daily permits. The regular annual park vehicle permit will cost $25.00, and the daily vehicle permit fee will be $5.00, including processing fees.
Also, residents 65 years of age or older or persons with disabilities who display a special license plate or placard issued pursuant to state law can buy a park vehicle permit directly from a KDWP office or vendor. Including processing fees, the cost will be $13.75 for annual vehicle park permits or $3.25 for regular daily permits. These lower-priced permits will not be available as part of the vehicle registration process.
Information about the Kansas State Parks Passport will be included in the registration renewal notice sent to vehicle owners each year.