Park Regulations

The information in this Web site is a service to everyone. It has been prepared as a guide only. This is not a complete list of regulations. For more detailed legal information, contact the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt, KS 67124-8174, (620)672-5911. To view and print out complete regulation click on KDWP Regulations.

Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs described herein is available to all individuals without regard to their race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap. Complaints of discrimination should be sent to Office of the Secretary, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, 1020 S. Kansas, Topeka, KS 66612 or the Interior Department, 1849 C St. NW, Washington, DC 20240.

* Subject to the provisions of K.A.R. 115-8-21 and K.A.R. 115-8-1 and to other posted provisions or restrictions, any individual may possess, consume, or drink alcoholic liquor, as defined in K.S.A 41-102 and amendments thereto on department lands and waters unless otherwise posted. Kegs and party balls are strictly prohibited.

* KDWP regulation K.A.R. 115-8-19 states that no person shall advertise, engage in, or solicit any business, or make a charge for any event or service except as authorized by the department-on-department lands and waters.  Persons or businesses found to be engaging in this activity can be ticketed resulting in a court appearance and related fines/costs.

Note: you must be 18 or older to rent a cabin or campsite.
  1. A current motor vehicle permit is required for every motorized vehicle entering the state park.
  2. Motor vehicles are restricted to maintained roads and parking areas only, unless otherwise posted, and are limited to a 25-mile-per-hour speed limit.
  3. Camping is allowed only in designated areas and is subject to restrictions as posted. All campers and camping units are limited to a stay of not more than 14 consecutive days although a 14-day extension may be obtained with written permission from the park manager. A five-day absence is required before returning to the park to camp again. Any property left unused or unoccupied for 48 hours is subject to removal.
  4. Fires are allowed in fireplaces, fire rings, and cooking grills. Fires must be completely extinguished prior to leaving the area.
  5. Swimming is allowed in designated areas. Liquor and beer are prohibited on swimming beaches or in waters designated by buoys or other markers as swimming areas. For other beverages, only shatterproof containers are allowed.
  6. Boating and fishing regulations can be obtained at Wildlife and Parks offices.
  7. Pets must always be restrained by a camper, cage, hand-held leash, or tethered chain no longer than 10 feet. They are not allowed on swimming beaches or swimming areas that are delineated by buoys or other markers or in public buildings or structures. Dogs participating in authorized activities or assisting the visually or hearing impaired are not subject to these restrictions.
  8. A special event permit is required for any event involving entrance fees, exclusive use of an area, sales, organized competition, amplified sound, use of temporary structures (does not include common camping gear or blinds), or reservation of a specific site or facility. Check with the park office for details.
  9. Hunting is allowed only on remote portions of a few state parks, as posted. Be sure to check with the state park office before hunting.
  10. Fishing is prohibited on boat ramps, swimming beaches, and in swimming areas marked with buoys. In state parks, fish may only be cleaned at designated fish cleaning stations or other locations as posted. Trotlines and setlines are prohibited in the waters of state fishing lakes, Crawford State Park, Meade State Park and Scott State Park.
  11. Boats may not be operated within 200 feet of any area posted specifically for swimming and delineated by markers. No-wake speeds are required within 200 feet of a boat ramp, boat dock, boat storage, or concessionaires facilities. Boats may be moored or stored in excess of 24 hours only at designated sites. Vessels left unattended at other than a designated moorage or storage sites are subject to removal. Other posted notices may apply.
  12. Only livestock used for riding are allowed in state parks. Horses and other such livestock are restricted to maintained roads and designated riding trails and may only be stabled in designated areas.
  13. Fireworks are allowed only at designated times and in designated areas.
  14. Litter must be put in trash containers, if provided. Where containers are not provided, park users must carry their trash out with them.
  15. Digging holes, removing geological formations, archeological relics or ruins, or vegetation (except for noncommercial use of edible wild plants, wild fruits, nuts, or fungi) is prohibited.
  16. Any resident who has a permanent handicapped identification placard or a wheelchair license plate may be issued, upon request, an annual handicapped persons special motor vehicle permit for a vehicle for which that resident is the title holder.
  17. No person may advertise or solicit sales.
  18. Quiet hours are 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Actions which alarm, anger, or disturb others are prohibited. Failure to comply may result in expulsion from the park.
  19. Firearms may only be discharged in areas specifically designated for hunting or target practice.