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Camping in Kansas: campsites, permits and passes

Camping in Kansas starts in one of a few places: Kansas State Parks for state park campsites, Recreation.gov for federal campgrounds, or free dispersed camping on National Forest land. Here's where to book each, plus permits, passes and licences.

Most people go to:

State park campsites

Kansas state park campgrounds are booked through Kansas State Parks ↗. Book as early as you can for summer and holiday weekends, and check each park's page for cabins, yurts, group sites and pet rules.

National parks in Kansas

Kansas has no national park, but it has National Park Service sites such as monuments, historic parks and trails. See them on the National Park Service Kansas page ↗.

National forests and free camping

Kansas's national forests include Cimarron National Grassland. Developed campgrounds are booked on Recreation.gov (some are first-come, first-served), and most national forest land allows free dispersed camping away from developed sites, usually for up to 14 days. Check the forest's rules and any fire restrictions first.

Permits and lotteries

Most camping in Kansas doesn't need a special permit beyond your campsite reservation. Some wilderness areas, rivers and busy trailheads do; check the managing agency before you go.

Fishing and hunting licences

Licences for Kansas are sold by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks ↗, online or at local retailers. Rules and seasons differ by species and water, so check before you go.

Passes

The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees at national parks and many federal lands in Kansas. State parks usually sell their own day or annual passes; see Kansas State Parks.

Best time to camp in Kansas

Spring and fall are best. Summer is hot; winter camping is pleasant in many parks.

Questions

Packing checklists

Nearby states (South Central)