Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to Host Public Meetings on Proposed State Park Fee Changes

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.

There will be two meetings in western Kansas. The first is set for October 24 at 6:30 pm at Mariah Hills Golf Course in Dodge City, and the second is set for Monday, November 3 at 7 pm in the Black & Gold room at Fort Hays State University Memorial Union, room 208.

Proposed Fee Changes:

• Camping Permits
  • Eliminate 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 $15
    • One-Utility Site Fee from $9 to $11
    • Two-Utility Site Fee from $11 to $13
    • Three-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 $680
    • Two Utility Site Fee of $740
    • Three Utility Site Fee of $800.
• Vehicle Permits
  • Increase 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.

“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.”

For more information about Kansas State Parks, visit ksoutdoors.gov/State-Parks.