Historic Lake Scott State Park
Located along the Western Vistas Historic Byway about 11 miles north of Scott City, west of US-83 on K-95
Listed by National Geographic as one of the country's 50 must-see state parks and hidden in a canyon in the western Kansas prairie, Scott State Park is a stunning oasis of natural springs, deep wooded canyons, craggy bluffs and early American history. The 1,020-acre park surrounds the 100-acre, spring-fed Scott State Fishing Lake, and a 160-acre wildlife area lies west of the park.
The park is one of the most historic locations in Kansas. More than 26 archeological sites have been documented in and adjacent to the park. The remains of the northernmost known Native American pueblo – El Cuartelejo, a National Historic Landmark – are located in the park. The Steele home, the dwelling of the original settlers on the area, has been preserved much as it was 100 years ago. About 1 mile south of the park is Battle Canyon, the location of the last Native American battle in Kansas.
The park is an ideal setting for camping, boating, swimming, hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. Nature trails accommodate hikers, horseback riders, and naturalists and provide excellent opportunities to observe wildlife in natural habitats. Wild turkey, deer, bobcat and beaver are common in the area. A horse camp area has amenities for equestrian visitors.
Park Office – (620) 872-2061
Update: April 4, 2024:
Licenses and permits may be purchased in Scott County at the following vendors: Historic Lake Scott State Park, Scott County Clerk, The Beach House, and Presto's.
LITTLE JERUSALEM BADLANDS STATE PARK: Bathrooms are available at Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park. Self guided trails are available daily from dawn to dusk. For more information please visit www.natur.org/littlejerusalem or www.KSOutdoors.com/Little-Jerusalem
The Elm Grove and Beach Shower Buildings are closed for the season and will re open in May 2024. Vault toilets are also available throughout the park.
ALL CAMP SITES ARE RESERVABLE! Reservations may be made by noon the day prior to arrival at: ksoutdoors.com or https://www.kshuntfishcamp.com. If you plan to stay more than one night it is vitally important to have a reservation or you may be bumped out of your site. Primitive walk-in sites may be available for one night. Sites are reservable April - October. November - March are all walk-in / first come sites.
KSN featured Historic Lake Scott State Park on their "Main Street Kansas" program on August 29th and 30th, 2019. It may be viewed at: https://www.ksn.com/news/local/main-street-kansas/ Thank you KSN for featuring Historic Lake Scott State Park on Main Street Kansas program.
KCL Journal has an article regarding Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park. Follow the link to view the article: https://klcjournal.com/creation-little-jerusalem-state-park/
A new playground has been added at the north end of the Circle Drive Camp ground and just south of the Beach Shower Building.
A FRISBEE GOLF COURSE has been completed and available. Stop by the park office or Beach House for the Frisbee Golf map.
Cabin and camping reservations may be made at: http://www.reserveamerica.com , ksoutdoors.com or https://www.kshuntfishcamp.com or the Lake Scott office at 620-872-2061.
Scott County was featured on the Smokey Hills Public Broadcasting Station, which featured Lake Scott State Park. You may view the program at: http://www.shptv.org/index.php/component/content/article/535
November 1 began our Off-Season: Daily camping fee is $10.00 per night; water/electric sites 1-15 are an additional $11.00 per night, electric sites 16-35 are an additional $9.00 per night and water/electric/sewer sites 39-42 are an additional $12.00 per night. A $2.75 processing fee is required on all camping permits. Lakeview has 15 electric and water utility sites and are an additional $11.00 per night plus the $2.75 transaction fee. Lakeview utility sites are 50 amp. Reservations may be made for the Prime-Season at: http://www.reserveamerica.com, https://www.kshuntfishcamp.com or ksoutdoors.com .
Navajo and Taos cabins: Prime Season, April 1 - September 30: Monday - Thursday $80.00 per night and $105.00 per night Friday and Saturday; Off Season, October 1 - March 31: $75.00 per night. There is a reservation fee of $14.00. Weekends require a two night stay and holiday weekends require a three night stay. The door entry code is the last four digits of the phone number used / listed on the reservation. Each cabin sleeps six and provide a full size bed, futon that lays down to a full size bed, a couch and a twin size murphy bed. Bedding / pillows are not provided. Both cabins have air conditioning / heating, restroom with a shower, refrigerator, stove and oven, microwave, pots, pans, dishes and silverware. The deck and patio provide a picnic table, charcoal grill and campfire ring. Please bring charcoal if you plan to use the grill. Pets are not allowed inside the cabins. Cabins are expected to be cleaned and trash removed prior to leaving. There's a $50.00 charge if the cabin is not properly cleaned or if pets have been in the cabin. Bedding and shower items are not provided.
RVs and campers are NOT allowed at the cabin sites. One tent is allowed for household minor dependents only. A tent pad is provided on the north side of the cabins. Please do not place a tent, volleyball net, horseshoe stakes, or park on the grass as it may damage the sprinkler system. Two vehicles are allowed per cabin location. Additional vehicles may park in the parking area at the Shelter House. Please do not park on the grass! No pets are allowed in the cabins and must be in a kennel or on a leash outside at all locations in the park including the cabins. There will be a $50.00 charge if pets have been allowed in the cabin. Cabin pictures may be viewed in the photo gallery.
Circle Drive and Lakeview utility campgrounds allow one (1) camping unit or tent per campsite. One additional tent is allowed for minor dependent children at no extra cost. The tent must be accompanied with a Special Permit approved by the office, camp host or park ranger. Vehicle and camping permits may be purchased at the park office, gatehouse or self pay station located at the park entrances and Circle Drive Campground. (The Beach House can sell vehicle permits and fishing licenses.)
REMINDER: Please pick up and properly dispose of your trash. Dumpsters are provided at several locations throughout the park. Thank you!
Pets are not allowed inside the office, cabins or restrooms! Thank you!
Due to the pine tree disease recently discovered in Western Kansas, firewood is not allowed to be brought into the Park with the exception of treated wood or construction scrap wood. Firewood is available at the Beach House and office provided by the Friend's Group for $5.00 per bundle. Firewood brought into the park may be confiscated and immediately burned. Thank you!
Historic Lake Scott State Park is open year around. Fees may be paid at the park office or a self pay station. Self Pay stations are located at the office, east park entrance and the Circle Drive Campground.
We are participants of the Kansas Green Team Recycling Program. Aluminum cans may be dropped in the plastic container at the Circle Drive (utility) camp ground. Thank you for recycling!
Park Fees, Permits, & Licenses:
Changes: Seniors age 65 - 74 are required to have a Fishing / Hunting license. Senior Resident licenses are offered at a discounted price: Senior Annual Fishing or Hunting license: $15.00. Senior Annual Vehicle permits: $13.75. You must be 65 and a Kansas resident to qualify for the senior discounts. Great gift ideas!
Permits and/or fishing and hunting licenses, boat registrations and renewals are available at the park office Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Office hours may vary throughout the week due to lack of staff and/or staff training. Please call before your visit to make sure someone will be available to assist you, or if you need assistance with your license call: (620) 872-2061.
Self-pay stations are available when the park office is closed. The online system is available as well at: ksoutdoors.com for license purchases from your home. Cabin and camping reservations may be made at: http://www.reserveamerica.com, https://www.kshuntfishcamp.com or ksoutdoors.com
· If you are purchasing a license for the FIRST TIME, please remember to bring your social security number and driver’s license. If you've already purchased a license, please bring your KDWP number or social security number and driver’s license.
· Office Hours Monday-Friday 8:00-4:00. (Closed weekends.) Below are the current prices for the 2019 - 2020 Off-Season:
| Permits Available | Oct. 1 - Mar. 31 |
| Daily Permits: | |
| Daily Vehicle Permits | $ 5.00 |
| Senior Daily Vehicle Permits (Must be KS Resident 65 yrs or Older) | $ 3.25 |
| Disabled Daily Vehicle Permits (Must be KS Resident) | $ 3.25 |
| Camping Permits: | |
| Annual Camping Permit | $202.50 |
| 14 Day Camping Permit | $112.50 |
| Daily Camping Permit | $ 10.00 |
| Two Utilities (Electricity & Water) | $ 11.00 |
| Three Utilities (Electric, Water & Sewer) | $ 12.00 |
| Camping Transaction fee | $ 2.75 |
| Annual Vehicle Permits: | |
| "Passport" Annual Vehicle Permits at time of Vehicle Registration | $ 15.50 |
| Annual Vehicle Permits | $ 25.00 |
| Senior Annual Vehicle Permits (Must be KS Resident 65 yrs or Older) | $ 13.75 |
| Disabled Annual Vehicle Permits (Must be KS Resident) | $ 13.75 |
| Unconventional Vehicle Permit | $ 52.50 |
Notices
· Verizon has erected a cell phone tower at the northeast side of the park. Cell phone service is now available at most park locations.
· Historic Lake Scott State Park is a State Fishing Lake . Please pay attention to state statutes and regulations regarding required licenses and permits, boating, swimming, and fishing at our lake.
For questions or more info, please contact us at (620) 872-2061 or ScottSP@ks.gov.
Rich in history, this park provides an ideal setting for camping, boating, swimming, hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. Hunting is allowed at the adjacent public hunting area. The Steele home, the dwelling of the original settlers on the area, has been preserved much as it was 100 years ago. The park also boasts the northernmost pueblo in the U. S. - El Cuartelejo.
- Camping Available: Yes
- ADA Camping Available: No
- Reservable Sites: No
- Primitive Camping: 13
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- Camping Available: Yes
- ADA Camping Available: No
- Reservable Sites: No
- Primitive Camping: 16
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- Camping Available: Yes
- ADA Camping Available: No
- Reservable Sites: No
- Primitive Camping: 1
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- Camping Available: Yes
- ADA Camping Available: No
- Reservable Sites: No
- Primitive Camping: 2
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- Camping Available: Yes
- ADA Camping Available: No
- Reservable Sites: No
- Primitive Camping: 18
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- Camping Available: Yes
- ADA Camping Available: No
- Reservable Sites: No
- Primitive Camping: 3
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- Camping Available: Yes
- ADA Camping Available: No
- Reservable Sites: Yes
- Primitive Camping: 1
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- Camping Available: Yes
- ADA Camping Available: No
- Reservable Sites: Yes
- Primitive Camping: 10
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- Camping Available: Yes
- ADA Camping Available: No
- Reservable Sites: Yes
- Water, Electric: 40
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- Camping Available: Yes
- ADA Camping Available: No
- Reservable Sites: No
- Primitive Camping: 7
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- Camping Available: Yes
- ADA Camping Available: No
- Reservable Sites: No
- Primitive Camping: 2
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- Camping Available: Yes
- ADA Camping Available: No
- Reservable Sites: No
- Primitive Camping: 1
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- Camping Available: Yes
- ADA Camping Available: Yes
- Reservable Sites: No
- Primitive Camping: 5
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Important Cabin Information: Reservation Terms and Conditions, Cabin Reservation Information
The Navajo and Taos Cabins are furnished with cooking and dining utensils including pots, pans, dishes, silverware, cup & glasses, microwave, electric coffee pot, toaster and electric skillet. Ice cubes can be made in the freezer part of the refrigerator. An outside covered BBQ grill is provided along with a separate campfire pit. Firewood may be purchased from the Camp Host. Renters are required to bring their own charcoal. Animals are not allowed in the cabins.
- Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
- This facility is ADA accessible
- Location of Facility: N38 40.742 W100 55.017
- This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Taos Cabin
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- Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
- This facility is ADA accessible
- Location of Facility: N38 40.736 W100 55.036
- This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Navajo Cabin
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This form allows you to email Scott State Park with any questions you might have about the State Park and its facilities. This includes season openings and closings, campsite reservations, special events, etc.