Aug 28, 2025

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to Host Public Meetings

Posted Aug 28, 2025 8:51 PM

PRATT –The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) will host five public meetings this fall to share information on proposed state park fee changes and hear directly from Kansans. These town hall-style meetings will provide the public with an opportunity to learn about the proposed changes, ask questions, and provide feedback. Fees remain unchanged at this time; any adjustments will require a vote of approval by the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission before they are implemented.

Meeting Schedule:

  1. September 3 | 5:00 p.m.Hillsdale State Park Shooting Range26719 Toe Rd, Paola, KS 66071
  2. September 23 | 5:00 p.m.El Dorado State Park Shooting Range2980 NE Shady Creek Access Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042
  3. October 24 | 6:30 p.m.Mariah Hills Golf Course1800 Matt Down Ln, Dodge City, KS 67801
  4. November 3 | 7:00 p.m.Fort Hays State University Memorial Union 208 – Black and Gold Room (Second Floor)700 College Drive, Hays, KS 67601
  5. December 3 | 6:30 p.m.Flint Hills Discovery Center315 S 3rd St, Manhattan, KS 66502

Proposed Fee Changes:

  1. Camping PermitsEliminate the Annual State Park Camping Permit, which has become unsustainable due to rising operational costs and significant revenue loss.Increase overnight camping rates:Overnight Camping Permit from $9 to $15One-Utility Site Fee from $9 to $11Two-Utility Site Fee from $11 to $13Three-Utility Site Fee from $12 to $15.Increase the 14-Night State Park Camping Permit from $110 to $165, maintaining the discount equal to three nights off the standard daily camping rate.Streamline the Seasonal Camping Program into a single statewide tier, offering a $100 discount based on the utility site type:One Utility Site Fee of $680Two Utility Site Fee of $740Three Utility Site Fee of $800.
  2. Eliminate the Annual State Park Camping Permit, which has become unsustainable due to rising operational costs and significant revenue loss.
  3. Increase overnight camping rates:Overnight Camping Permit from $9 to $15One-Utility Site Fee from $9 to $11Two-Utility Site Fee from $11 to $13Three-Utility Site Fee from $12 to $15.
  4. Overnight Camping Permit from $9 to $15
  5. One-Utility Site Fee from $9 to $11
  6. Two-Utility Site Fee from $11 to $13
  7. Three-Utility Site Fee from $12 to $15.
  8. Increase the 14-Night State Park Camping Permit from $110 to $165, maintaining the discount equal to three nights off the standard daily camping rate.
  9. Streamline the Seasonal Camping Program into a single statewide tier, offering a $100 discount based on the utility site type:One Utility Site Fee of $680Two Utility Site Fee of $740Three Utility Site Fee of $800.
  10. One Utility Site Fee of $680
  11. Two Utility Site Fee of $740
  12. Three Utility Site Fee of $800.
  13. Vehicle PermitsIncrease the Annual State Park Vehicle Permit from $25 to $40.Adjust the State Park Passport (available with vehicle registration) from $15 to $30 (maintaining the $10 discount).Increase the Senior/Disability Annual State Park Vehicle Permit from $12.50 to $20.Raise the Daily State Park Vehicle Fee from $5 to $8.Raise the Senior/Disability Daily State Park Vehicle Fee from $2.50 to $4.
  14. Increase the Annual State Park Vehicle Permit from $25 to $40.
  15. Adjust the State Park Passport (available with vehicle registration) from $15 to $30 (maintaining the $10 discount).
  16. Increase the Senior/Disability Annual State Park Vehicle Permit from $12.50 to $20.
  17. Raise the Daily State Park Vehicle Fee from $5 to $8.
  18. Raise the Senior/Disability Daily State Park Vehicle Fee from $2.50 to $4.

“Utility and operational costs for our state parks have risen nearly 45 percent since 2016,” said Conner O’Flannagan, KDWP State Parks Director. “These proposed changes are necessary to ensure our parks remain safe, well-maintained, and accessible to all Kansans, both now and for future generations.”

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