Kanopolis State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Kanopolis State Park in Kansas is along the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway, northwest of Marquette. It’s the first state park in Kansas, and features rolling hills, bluffs, and woods in the Smoky Hills region of the state. See towering Dakota sandstone bluffs and the caves of Horsethief Canyon (guess how that place got its name!) It’s split into two areas – north and south of the dam.
The park is pretty dry, with scarce rain for most of the year. May is the rainiest month, with about a week and a half’s worth of rain for the entire month. The weather can get very cold in winter, with lows down to 17F. Summer highs don’t go much above 90F.
Spring 30 F – 75 F
Summer 61 F – 92 F
Fall 30 F – 81 F
Winter 17 F – 45 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Kanopolis State Park
Kanopolis State Park has utility and primitive campsites; some with water, some with sewer hookups, and some electric-only sites. If you choose to rent an RV to camp, consider renting with RVshare. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a team that is eager to help you make sure you get the perfect RV for your travel plans and for your family.
There are other campgrounds nearby you can try as well:
Minooka Park
Minooka Park Campground is on Wilson Lake. It was named after the Otoe Indian word meaning "Good Earth," and it has many campsites with scenic lake views and shoreline access.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: no
Wi-Fi: no
Pet friendly: n/a
Other amenities: beach access, boat ramp
Wilson RV Park
This RV park in the nearby town of Wilson – which is known as the Czech capital of Kansas – is situated close to the park, with a playground, and coin-operated laundry.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: no
Wi-Fi: n/a
Pet-friendly: n/a
Other amenities: showers, laundry, playground
What to Do at
Kanopolis State Park
Inside Kanopolis State Park
There are more than 30 miles of trails available to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The 3,500-acre lake offers even more opportunities for outdoor fun and exploring, and the 12,500-acre wildlife area promises an exciting adventure as well.
Other activities you can do inside the park include:
Fishing: Fish for crappie, catfish, wiper, and walleye in the Kanopolis Reservoir. The reservoir allows motorboats.
Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding: Trails snake through the Smoky Hill Wildlife Area, and range from easy ½ mile walks to multi-day treks. Horsethief trails loop through canyons and trees, and farther to the north and west, the Prairie trails wander through the high prairie and Red Rock Canyon. The Alum Creek trails take visitors across vast prairie and through many water crossings.
Faris Caves: The caves were excavated by a Colorado miner in the 1880s. They were first put to use as his home...and were then used over the years as a spring house, storage room, generator room, and a schoolhouse.
Wildlife Photography: There are many opportunities for wildlife watching and photography. During winter, bald eagles and ospreys fish in the river. Wildflowers begin to bud in spring, and songbirds flit through the park.
How to Get to
Kanopolis State Park
From Hays, take I-70 E/US-40 E to Venango Rd. US-75. Take exit 206 for KS-232. Turn right onto KS-232 S/2nd Rd. Turn left onto Old U.S. 40. Continue on to KS-140 E. Turn right onto KS-141 S. Turn right onto Venango Rd. Continue on to Horsethief Rd.
Entering Kanopolis State Park
There is a fee of $5 per vehicle to enter the park.
Kanopolis State Park Vehicle Entrance Fee : $5.0
There’s no better way to create memories with those you love than by heading out on an adventure in an RV. Renting an RV with RVshare makes the trip easy and stress-free. Whether you choose to rent an RV near your home and make the trek, or fly into Kansas and rent an RV for camping, you’re sure to have an adventure you won’t soon forget! We would love to see pictures of your travels - be sure to send us photos of your trip to [email protected] and tag us on social media. Your memories could be featured on our blog, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter page!
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanopolis State Park
Kanopolis State Park has a thriving wildlife viewing area where you may spot foxes, coyotes, ducks, whitetail deer, badgers, and raccoons. Common local birds include wild turkeys, robins, eagles, cardinals, barn swallows, and woodpeckers.
Kanopolis State Park has two major campgrounds with almost 450 total campsites. There are 14 RV sites with full hookups and 47 with water and electricity. You're sure to enjoy the full-service marina, dump station, and swimming beaches.
Reservations aren't necessary, but they are recommended if you plan to visit around Memorial Day, Labor Day, or the Fourth of July. Rates vary, and a minimum length of stay might apply.
Pets are welcome in the park as long as they're always supervised and restrained. Feel free to use a cage or a leash up to 10 feet long. Dogs are not allowed in any public buildings or swimming areas.
You'll find several wheelchair-accessible campsites at Kanopolis State Park. The bathrooms and showers are also spacious and easy to maneuver. Don't forget to visit the hardened trail in the wildlife viewing area.
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