Wilson State Park
Located along the Post Rock Scenic Byway about 5 miles north of I-70, west of K-232
Located in the heart of the Smoky Hills, Wilson State Park is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the state. Wilson Reservoir features a rugged shoreline punctuated by scenic cliffs and rocky outcrops. The park and surrounding wildlife area offer the opportunity to view and photograph deer, pheasant, waterfowl, songbirds, and furbearers.
Wilson Reservoir offers excellent white bass and striped bass angling. The Cedar Trail in the Otoe area is a one-mile loop with a concrete surface and is great for a leisurely, low-stress walk. The 24.5-mile long Switchgrass Bike Trail is popular with mountain bikers to pursue this challenging activity.
Wilson Wildlife Area is located on the upper end of 9,000 acre Wilson Reservoir. The 8,069-acre public hunting area is made up of 5,000 acres of rugged rolling hills of native prairie, approximately 2,000 acres of cropland, and 1,000 acres of riparian timber along the Saline River, Cedar Creek, Turkey Creek, and Elm Creek. The area has a waterfowl refuge that was established in 1996.
Wilson State Park is excited to announce that Story Adventures has opened at Cedar Trail in the Otoe Area. This is part of the Imagination Library of Kansas program. Story panels along the trail feature the children's storybook One Leaf, Two Leaves, Count with Me! by John Micklos Jr and Clive Farland. By using the QR code on the Story Adventure panels, families can enroll children ages birth to age 5 in the Imagination Library book gifting program. Once enrolled, children receive one free age-appropriate book per month mailed directly to their home. Cedar Trail coordinates: 38.924695, -98.488815. The park is accessible daily and a vehicle permit is required to enter the state park areas. Check out the new storyboard while the leaves are showing their fall colors.
Link: Story Adventures | Kansas Children's Cabinet and Trust Fund (kschildrenscabinet.org)
Park Office - (785) 658-2465
Office Hours - The Park Office is open Monday through Friday 8:00AM-4:00PM. Please call ahead to make sure the office is open if you are driving from a distance. Check the park news for detailed days the office will be closed. The park office will be closed 12/23/24-1/1/25 for the holidays.
Notice:
Switchgrass Bathroom/Shower facility is open year round and Big Bluestem bathroom/shower facility in Hell Creek is open year round, also Yarrow and Coneflower bathroom/shower facilities in Otoe are open year round. Wheatgrass bathroom/shower is CLOSED for the season. Marina bathroom is closed for the season. Water is available in the following campgrounds year round: Big Bluestem, Foxtail, Lovegrass and Wheatgrass in the Hell Creek Area and Goldenrod in the Otoe Area.
Park Fees
We are in the off season for fees. Annual camping permits have decreased in price from prime-season fees. Prime site fees are not in effect in the campgrounds with 50 amp service (Big Bluestem, Foxtail, Wheatgrass & Goldenrod) during the prime season. Be sure and pay for vehicle and camping permits at the self pay stations during evening hours and days when the office is closed. Please follow instructions and prices at the self pay stations.
Park fees changed October 1, 2024. We are in the off season for permits and rentals thru March 31, 2025.
Shelter Reservations
Wilson State Park has four large shelters available for use. They are great for groups, family reunions, and weddings. Tatanka (the church) is a great place for weddings and is located on the Hell Creek side of the state park. Wyoming shelter can only be reserved with the group camp area. The Otoe area has Pine Shelter and Yucca Shelter. All the shelters are covered and have picnic tables and charcoal grills. Electricity is available at Tatanka & Pine. Yucca shelter does not have electricity. All large shelters (EXCEPT WYOMING) are available individually by paying a designated reservation fee. Contact the park office for more information. 785-658-2465 and Press 1.
Seasonal (Long Term) Camping Dropseed 106-111 Lottery drawing was held Monday 12/16/24. All sites were drawn for 2025.
Lovegrass Group Camp Area is available by online reservation. Annual Camp and Fourteen Night permits WILL NOT be valid in the Lovegrass Group Camp Area when doing reservations. Prime site fees ($2 per site per night) will be added to this area during the prime season. When doing a reservation and you select Lovegrass, one site will be able to be selected. This will reserve all four sites and the shelter in the area. Total Cost for a minimum two night weekend stay will be $190.75 for the four sites and the shelter. If you have questions, please contact the park office at 785 658 2465.
Lake Wilson Marina is located in the Hell Creek Area of the state park and is a full service marina. They carry all kinds of items needed for camping and fishing, including food/drink, dry goods, bait and tackle, and many other items. Boat rental, boat slip rental, storage rental, and boat repair is also available through the marina. For more information on goods and services at the marina, call 785-658-2392.
Knotheads Bait & Tackle Shop is located on the east side of Shoreline Drive just off 232 highway. Live bait and fishing tackle available as well as camping and fishing supplies. Knotheads provides rental for Kayaks, Paddle boards and Canoes. Contact 785 658 2166 for rental or questions. Hourly rentals available.
2025 Reservations for Wilson State Park will go live Friday, December 20,2024 at noon. 2025 Annual vehicle permits, Annual camping permits and 14 day camping permits became available Monday December 9, 2024. Seasonal camp lottery drawing was held Monday December 16 for Dropseed sites. All sites were drawn for 2025.
Wilson State Park is excited to announce that Story Adventures has opened at Cedar Trail in the Otoe Area. This is part of the Imagination Library of Kansas program. Story panels along the trail feature the children's storybook One Leaf, Two Leaves, Count with Me! by John Micklos Jr and Clive Farland. By using the QR code on the Story Adventure panels, families can enroll children ages birth to age 5 in the Imagination Library book gifting program. Once enrolled, children receive one free age-appropriate book per month mailed directly to their home. Cedar Trail coordinates: 38.924695, -98.488815. The park is accessible daily and a vehicle permit is required to enter the state park areas. Check out the new storyboard while the leaves are showing their fall colors.
Link: Story Adventures | Kansas Children's Cabinet and Trust Fund (kschildrenscabinet.org)
WHEATGRASS BATHROOM/SHOWER AND MARINA BATHROOM ARE CLOSED FOR THE SEASON AS WELL AS THE FISH CLEANING STATION. BIG BLUESTEM/SWITCHGRASS (HELL CREEK), YARROW/CONEFLOWER (OTOE) RESTROOM SHOWER FACILITIES ARE OPEN YEAR ROUND.
Notice:
CAMPFIRES ARE PERMITTED. BE SURE TO USE FIRE RINGS FOR CAMPFIRES. DO NOT LEAVE FIRES UNATTENDED. PLEASE MAKE SURE FIRES ARE OUT BEFORE GOING TO SLEEP FOR THE NIGHT OR LEAVING THE CAMPGROUND. ALSO, BE CAUTIOUS WITH WIND CONDITIONS. THANK YOU!
We are in the off season for camping. Prime site fees are not applicable from October through March.
2025 SEASONAL (LONG TERM) CAMPING All sites in Dropseed 106-111 were drawn for 2025. Please contact the park office for details or questions. 785-658-2465
2025 campsite reservations for Wilson went live Friday December 20th at noon.
2025 Lovegrass Group Camp Area is available with online reservations. Annual Camp and 14 Night permits will not be valid when doing reservations in Lovegrass.
Go to reserveamerica.com or kshuntfishcamp.com to make your cabin or campsite reservations or to see availability.
PASSPORT SYSTEM
ANNUAL VEHICLE PERMITS CAN BE PURCHASED FROM THE COUNTY TREASURER'S OFFICE WITH RENEWAL OF TAGS/TAXES. COST FOR PERMITS ARE $15.50 AND WILL BE VALID THROUGH THE TAG EXPIRATION DATE. TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS LET THEM KNOW YOU WANT TO PURCHASE A PARK PASSPORT (ANNUAL VEHICLE PERMITS) FOR KANSAS STATE PARKS.
For Current Lake level and Fishing information view the Lake and Fishing Information page.
The park office will be closed 12/23/24-1/1/25 for the holidays.
The park office is open Monday - Friday 8:00am -4:00pm Closed Saturday/Sunday. Please call ahead if you are driving from a distance to ensure the park office will be open when you arrive.
Check out the cabins page for more information on each of the Wilson State Park Cabin's. From there you can reserve a specific cabin online or you can go to the online cabin reservation system and look at all cabin availability.
Reservation fees and processing fees are in addition to the rental fees. Weekends require a two night stay (Fri-Sat) Holiday weekends require a four night stay (Fri - Mon) for Memorial Weekend, three nights (Thurs-Sun) July 4th weekend and a three night stay (Fri - Sun) for Labor Day weekend. Fees are $85.00 per night for week nights and $95.00 per night for weekends during the off season Oct - March and $95.00 per night on week nights and $140 per night on weekends and holidays during the prime season April - Sept plus a $13.75 reservation fee. Cabin Fees increased January 1, 2023. A $5 fee will be charged when cancelling or reducing the number of nights from the original reservation in addition to the loss of the reservation fee.
Cabin Check-in time is 3:00pm NO EXCEPTIONS and Check-out time is 12:00pm. Cabins have keyless entry on the door locks. Use the last four digits of your phone number the reservation was done under for entry to the cabin. PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN CABINS AND SMOKING IS PROHIBITED IN CABINS.
REMINDER: Permits are required year round for all vehicles that come into the Park.
Here is a complete list of Public Land Regulations or you can download the regulation summary.
Wilson State Park was established by the Kansas Legislature in 1966. The Hell Creek Area was established at this time. The state received Otoe Area in 1984.
- Camping Available: Yes
- ADA Camping Available: Yes
- Reservable Sites: Yes
- Primitive Camping: 39
- Water, Sewer, Electric: 4
- Water, Electric: 49
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- Electric: 36
- Camping Available: Yes
- ADA Camping Available: No
- Reservable Sites: Yes
- Primitive Camping: 43
- Water, Electric: 37
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- Trail Season: Year round
- Length of Trail: 1 mile(s)
- Trail Activities: Walking
- There is camping located near the trail
- There is a permit required on the trail
- Location of Start: N38°55.520 W98°29.177
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- Trail Season: Year round
- Length of Trail: 24.5 mile(s)
- Trail Activities: Walking, Mt. Biking
- There is camping located near the trail
- There is a permit required on the trail
- Location of Start: N38°54.965 W98°30.549
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- Trail Season: Year round
- Length of Trail: 2 mile(s)
- Trail Activities: Walking
- There is camping located near the trail
- There is a permit required on the trail
- Location of Start: N38°55.366 W98°30.244
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Important Cabin Information: Reservation Terms and Conditions, Cabin Reservation Information
Wilson State Park is providing rental cabins as an alternative camping opportunity. You can experience the beauty of the lake from the comfort of one of 8 modern cabins with all the comforts of home.
Four cabins are located at Foxtail in the Hell Creek area and four cabins at Elm in the Otoe area . All four of the cabins in the Hell Creek area are one bedroom with a full size bed. All of the cabins have a futon provided. Futons fold out into a full bed. Sand Lily cabin has a twin sized Murphy bed that folds down from the wall and a couch. Pin Oak cabin has an additional futon that folds out into a double bed instead of a Murphy bed. Kent's cabin and Foxtail kitchens have a two burner cooktop while Sand Lily and Pin Oak have a small oven/stove. All cabins have a refrigerator/freezer, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, pots & pans, dishes and silverware. Kitchen table and four chairs and a charcoal barbecue grill/utensils are also provided. Cabins have modern bathrooms with showers as well as air conditioning and heating.
Cabins in the Otoe area have similar amenities as the Hell Creek area. The kitchen is equipped with a small oven/stove and they have a futon that folds out into a double bed and a couch. Elm Crest and Elm Grove also have a murphy bed which folds down from the wall into a twin bed in the living areas. Bedrooms have a full size bed. Bedding is not provided. You will need to bring your own bedding, towels, toiletry items, and kitchen towels. No pets are allowed in the cabins and smoking is prohibited in the cabins.
Off Season Oct-March Fees: Week nights (Sun-Thurs) $85/night, weekend nights (Fri-Sat) $95/night plus reservation fee $13.75
Prime Season April-Sept Fees: Week nights (sun-Thurs) $95/night, weekend nights (Fri-Sat) $140/night plus reservation fee $13.75
NOTE: The four electric, water & sewer sites located in the Foxtail campground in the Hell Creek area by the cabins are available for reservation.
A daily vehicle permit is required unless the renter has a current annual vehicle permit.
Reservations
Reservations can be done online at www.reserveamerica.com
Walk-ins are possible if cabins are available. Weekend reservations require a minimum two-night stay and holiday weekends require a minimum three or four night stay. A reservation fee equals the total cabin rental fee plus the nonrefundable reservation fee.
Refunds/Cancellations
The cabin reservation fee cannot be refunded. Cancellations up to 30 days prior to the reservation date are eligible for refund of rental fees, but NOT the reservation fee and include a $5 cancellation fee. Cancellations 29 days or less up to 5 days prior to arrival date are eligible for a refund of all but one night's rental, reservation fees and a $5 cancellation fee. Cancellations less than 4 days in advance or after arrival are not eligible for refund of any fees paid plus a $5 cancellation fee. A $5 fee is charged for transfer of dates on cabin reservations.
Check In and Check Out Time
Check In time is 3:00 p.m. No Exceptions
Check Out Time is 12:00 p.m. No Exceptions
For more information on cabins or to make a reservation contact the park office at (785) 658-2465 or go online at the above-listed website.
- Type of Facility: Cabin
- This facility is ADA accessible
- Location of Facility: N38 55 23.80 W98 30 38.59
- This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Sand Lily
- Type of Facility: Cabin
- This facility is ADA accessible
- Location of Facility: N38 55 24.53 W98 30 38.59
- This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Pin Oak
- Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
- Location of Facility: N38 55.404 W98 30.696
- This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Kent's Cabin
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- Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
- This facility is ADA accessible
- Location of Facility: N38°55.608 W98°29.583
- This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Elm Bluff
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- Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
- This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Elm Ridge
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- Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
- This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Elm Grove
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- Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
- Location of Facility: N38* 55.394 W098* 30.675
- This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Foxtail
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- Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
- Location of Facility: N38* 55.602 W098* 29.654
- This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Elm Crest
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- Wilson Park Office Closure 12/23/2024
- First Day Hike 01/01/2025
- Silted Water Bass LLC 04/12/2025
- Hays Bass Anglers 05/03/2025
- Hays Bass Anglers 05/10/2025
- Hi Plains Bassmasters 05/17/2025
- Kansas Walleye Association 06/28/2025
- Hays Bass Anglers 07/12/2025
- All American Kayak Series 08/30/2025
This form allows you to email Wilson 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.