Kansas State Parks looks ahead to 2026

Whether it’s camping under the stars, hiking new trails, or enjoying a cabin by the lake, now is the time to plan ahead. Mark your calendars for upcoming dates to purchase annual permits and reserve campsites at Kansas State Parks.

“Kansas State Parks are where family memories are made,” said Conner O’Flannagan, Kansas State Parks director. “Annual permits and campsite reservations are a gift you can give yourself and your loved ones this holiday season.”

Annual vehicle entrance and camping permits available Dec. 1

Beginning Dec. 1, annual permits for visiting and camping at Kansas State Parks throughout 2026 will be available online and at state park offices.

Annual vehicle permits – Unlimited entry to all Kansas State Parks Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2026

• $25 for standard permits (residents and non-residents)
• $13.75 for senior/disabled Kansas residents

Unconventional vehicle permits – $52.50 (for UTVs and golf carts; available only at park offices; valid on improved roads and parking areas

Annual camping permits – Covers all daily camping fees (utility fees still apply) Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2026

• $202.50 if purchased before April 1 or after Sept. 30
• $252.50 if purchased between April 1 and Sept. 30

14-night camping permits – $112.50 for 14 nights of camping (utility fees still apply)

With annual camping and 14-night camping permits, they do not cover additional daily utility fees or prime site fees, and valid state park vehicle permits are also required. A person must be 18 or older to rent a campsite or cabin at Kansas State Parks. 

Prime season reservation dates

Reservations for campsites during the prime season (April 1–Oct. 31) open at 12 p.m. CST on:

• Dec. 10, 2025 – Cedar Bluff, Cheney, Clinton, Eisenhower, Hillsdale, Kanopolis, Meade, Milford, Pomona, Perry, Sandhills, and Tuttle Creek State Parks.
• Dec. 17, 2025 – Crawford, Cross Timbers, El Dorado, Elk City, Fall River, Glen Elder, Historic Lake Scott, Lovewell, Prairie Dog, Webster, and Wilson State Parks.

Holiday weekend minimum stay requirements

For those planning to visit Kansas State Parks during holiday weekends, note these minimum stay requirements for campsite and cabin reservations:

Campsites

Memorial Day weekend —four-night minimum, customer choice of

• Thursday through Sunday nights, May 21 to 24 or
• Friday through Monday nights, May 22 to 25

July 4 weekend— three-night minimum, customer choice of

• Thursday through Saturday nights, July 2 to 4, or
• Friday through Sunday nights, July 3  to 5

Labor Day weekend—four-night minimum, customer choice of

• Thursday through Sunday nights, Sept. 3 to 6 or
• Friday through Monday nights, Sept. 4 to 7

Cabins

• Memorial Day weekend—three-night minimum including May 22 to 24
• July 4 weekend—two-night minimum including July 3 to 4
• Labor Day weekend—three-night minimum including Sept. 4 to 6

Tips for a smooth reservation experience

To improve your chances of securing your preferred dates:

• Familiarize yourself with CampItKS.gov or ReserveAmerica.com before the December opening dates.
• Ensure your login information is current or create a new account if needed.
• Download the CampItKS mobile app for easy access on the go.
• Set reminders for permit sales and reservation dates.

For maps, amenities, and a complete list of Kansas State Parks, visit ksoutdoors.gov/State-Parks.