How much does camping cost at Kanopolis State Park?

Camping fees at Kanopolis State Park range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Kanopolis State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Kanopolis State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Kanopolis State Park before I book?

Yes! Kanopolis State Park has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Kanopolis State Park?

Kanopolis State Park is open Open year-round with seasonal variations in office hours.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Kanopolis State Park?

Yes, Kanopolis State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Kanopolis State Park have?

Kanopolis State Park has 450 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Kanopolis State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Kanopolis State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Kanopolis State Park?

Kanopolis State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Kanopolis State Park?

Popular activities at Kanopolis State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Kanopolis State Park

Q: Can I have a campfire at Kanopolis State Park?

Fire policies at Kanopolis State Park: Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings, fireplaces, and grills, and must be fully extinguished before leaving.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.32

128 reviews

200 Horsethief Rd, Marquette, Kansas, 67464, United States

Top 25% in KSFall

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Kansas#2 Group Camping Kansas Fall Camping Kansas +4 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,535 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

450 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Kanopolis State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,535 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

450 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Kanopolis State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Kanopolis State Park

$0.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees for Kanopolis State Park include state park permits, camping, utility permits, and special event permits. During the off-season, basic camping...

Hookup Site Fee$10.00

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Provider

7855462565

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

200 Horsethief Rd, Marquette, Kansas, 67464, United States

Kanopolis State Park

200 Horsethief Rd, Marquette, Kansas, 67464, United States

Nearby places

Salina, Kansas (~23 miles)

Lindsborg, Kansas (~27 miles)

Ellsworth, Kansas (~28 miles)

Nearby supplies

The nearest grocery store is within 10 miles in the town of Marquette, which also features a restaurant. Additional supplies such as fuel and ice are available within the park and nearby areas.

Driving directionsFrom Salina Kansas on interstate I-135 take K-140 west 23 miles to K-141, then take K-141 south 13 miles to the park. From interstate I-135 near Lindsborg, Kansas take K-4 west 20 miles to K-141, then take K-141 north 7 miles to the park. From Ellsworth Kansas take K-140 East 15 miles to K-141 then take K-141 south 13 miles to the park.

The park is accessible via major highways, including K-140 and K-141. Roads leading to the park appear to be paved and suitable for most vehicles.

Weather at Kanopolis State Park

Best Time to Camp at Kanopolis State Park

Fall delivers the most comfortable camping, with daytime temps in the mid-50s to mid-70s and nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Water clarity improves after summer, and prairie grasses shift to gold, making it ideal for photography and wildlife viewing. Summer brings warmth for swimming and water sports, though afternoon thunderstorms roll across the prairie and bugs become heavy in the evenings. Winter camping is possible but cold, with occasional snow. Reviewers suggest avoiding busy summer weekends if you prefer quieter conditions.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 25% in KS

Fall called the most comfortable season; temps, water clarity and scenery praised.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round with seasonal variations in office hours.

About Kanopolis State Park

Kanopolis State Park operates multiple campground areas across 450 sites, from primitive tent spots to RV sites with full hookups. The park sits at 1,535 feet elevation in Kansas's Kaw Region, where a reservoir and park lake meet rolling grasslands. Six cabins provide an alternative to tent and RV camping. A full-service marina, swim beaches, modern showers, and 26 miles of multi-use trails round out the amenities.

Kanopolis State Park accommodates different camping preferences, including primitive, RV, and improved sites.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the most comfortable camping, with daytime temps in the mid-50s to mid-70s and nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Water clarity improves after summer, and prairie grasses shift to gold, making it ideal for photography and wildlife viewing. Summer brings warmth for swimming and water sports, though afternoon thunderstorms roll across the prairie and bugs become heavy in the evenings. Winter camping is possible but cold, with occasional snow. Reviewers suggest avoiding busy summer weekends if you prefer quieter conditions.

Natural Features and SceneryThe park's centerpiece is its reservoir and separate park lake, both set against a backdrop of tallgrass prairie that defines the Kaw Region. Trails wind through grasslands where visitors spot native Kansas wildlife. The most photographed feature is the waterfall at the dam, which reviewers consistently mention as a must-see stop. Prairie grasses turn golden in fall, drawing photographers and waterfowl during migration season.

Geological RegionNestled in Kansas's distinctive Kaw Region, Kanopolis State Park showcases the area's unique geological character through its impressive reservoir and pristine park lake. The surrounding grasslands tell the story of ancient prairies, creating a landscape where water meets grass in a harmonious blend that defines this special corner of the Sunflower State.

Scenic ViewsThe campground offers beautiful lake views and scenic vistas, as highlighted in user reviews. Deer and wildlife sightings are common.

Lodging & AccommodationsSix deluxe cabins are available for rent. Cabin check-in is after 3:00 PM, and check-out is by 12:00 PM.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

3:00 PM for cabins

Check-out

12:00 PM for cabins

Stay Limit

14 consecutive days, extendable with park manager approval.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are organized into loops, including Switchgrass Loop, with spacing that varies by area. Some loops offer good separation while others feel tighter, especially during peak weekends.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the state park office, gate houses, camp hosts, or self-pay stations.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up/first-come-first-served availability is not explicitly mentioned, but permits can be purchased on-site.

Cancellation PolicyDetails on cancellation policy are not explicitly provided.

AccessibilityThe park includes a wheelchair-accessible hardened trail at the wildlife viewing area. Plans exist to extend accessibility to the 'kids fishing pond.

Site SizeCampsites vary from primitive to improved sites with full utility hookups.

PrivacyPrivacy levels differ between campgrounds; some areas such as Riverside Park are noted for good spacing, while others are described as cramped.

Total Campsites450 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites directly under mulberry trees, as they can be messy. Site 7 offers water and 30-amp electric hookups but can be buggy at dusk. Sites 15, 16, and 17 are praised for their condition.

Best CampsitesReviewers recommend sites on the Switchgrass Loop and specifically call out sites 15, 16, 17, and 7 for level ground and good amenities. Some campgrounds like Riverside Park offer better spacing than others, which reviewers describe as cramped. Choosing sites with shade helps during summer heat.

Need help booking Kanopolis State Park?

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Kanopolis State Park offers an expansive set of amenities across two primary campground areas (Langley Point Area and Horsethief Area). The park features nearly 450 campsites ranging from primitive to full utility hookups, 5 group picnic shelters, six deluxe cabins, modern showers, restroom facilities, swimming beaches, three boat ramps, and a full-service marina. A 26-mile multi-use trail system accommodates hiking, biking, and equestrian activities, while a wildlife viewing area includes a wheelchair-accessible hardened trail.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Kanopolis State Park offers a wide variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, and boating. The 26-mile multi-use trail system is a highlight for outdoor enthusiasts.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include abundant bugs at dusk, low-hanging tree limbs on some roads, and limited TV and internet reception.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed only in designated fire rings, fireplaces, and grills, and must be fully extinguished before leaving.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesEmergency services, including hospitals, are located greater than 10 miles away from the campground.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are provided, and dumping of grey water is prohibited outside of the designated dump station.

Water FeaturesThe park features a reservoir, park lake, and river/stream access, making it ideal for boating and fishing.

Camp HostUsers report helpful and friendly camp hosts who are especially supportive during maneuvering.

Cell CoverageMixed reviews indicate that cell service is limited in some areas. One user mentioned, 'Cell service is very spotty. My Verizon Jetpack was useless here, and only one of my T-Mobile phones could get service.'

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

128 reviews

Recommended

Kanopolis State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight Kanopolis State Park as a versatile and well-maintained camping destination. While many appreciate the variety of activities and clean facilities, some point out concerns like noisy neighbors during peak seasons and maintenance issues in certain areas.

Review Summaries

Based on 128 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 128 reviews.

Site #11Mentioned
Site #11 lacks shade, while sites #15, #16, and #17 are considered great.
Site #7Issues noted
Site #7 was noted as large and level, with water and 30-amp electric hookups but issues with flying bugs.

What Campers Love

Many users praise the park for its clean bathrooms and showers, scenic beauty, and wide range of outdoor activities. Specific highlights include fishing, hiking, and spacious campsites.

Based on 128 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include noise from nearby lake homes, maintenance issues such as untrimmed trees and unclean fire pits, and limited cell service. Some users also noted the presence of bugs and mosquitoes...

Based on 128 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include bringing bug spray for evening hours, choosing campsites with shade, avoiding busy summer weekends, and eating before dusk to avoid bugs. Visitors also suggest checking the...

Based on 128 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Off-season camping receives high praise for its quiet atmosphere and free stays for those who don’t require hookups. Summer weekends can be crowded and noisy, making weekdays or other seasons...

Based on 128 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice place. Baths clean. Some sites are better than others." - J B. "Bathrooms and showers were clean. Unfortunately, just across the way is a community of lake homes that loves to blast music until...

Based on 128 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is enhanced by features like the wheelchair-accessible trail, but no direct feedback from users with disabilities is provided.

Based on 128 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be restrained. Some users observed unattended dogs as an issue.

Based on 128 reviews

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Go if

Equestrians, mountain bikers, and anglers who want a lot of trail and water access for very little money. Sites 15, 16, and 17 get solid reviews, fall temps run 50s-70s during the day, and basic hookup sites rarely break $10/night.

Skip if

Cell service is genuinely unreliable, with Verizon Jetpacks reported as useless. Summer holiday weekends bring noise from lake homes and crowds, unmowed sites, and heavy bug pressure after dusk that reviewers say ruins evening meals.

Nearby Campgrounds

US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, 105 RIVERSIDE DRIVE, MARQUETTE, KS, 67464, USA

Venango Park sits on the shores of Kanopolis Lake in Kansas foothills, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This large campground offers electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station for both tent and RV campers, plus primitive and group options. Visitors come for lake recreation — boating, fishing, and swimming — with spacious sites that reviewers consistently praise for their views and wildlife watching opportunities.