Kansas has over 600 miles of recreational trails meandering through diverse landscape across the state. These multi-use trails offer everything from exploring historic places, visiting ancient trees, testing your mountain biking skills, and getting in touch with nature.
Discover a trail at one of the five state parks below and plan your next visit.
1. Cedar Bluff State Park
Cedar Bluff State Park is known for its unique shorelines along the reservoir. In addition to water sports, visitors like to spend the day exploring the trails. Nearly all of the shoreline is accessible and there’s a covered, handicap accessible fishing dock as well. History buffs will appreciate the Butterfield Overland Despatch trail near the Cedar Bluff Dam. The trail was a post-Civil War freight passage from Atchison to Denver. After the day on the trails, you’ll want to relax at one of the campgrounds. The park offers almost 200 utility and primitive sites, as well as six modern cabins.
2. Kanopolis State Park
Located in the Smoky Hills region of the state, Kanopolis has over 27 miles of trails through rolling hills and sandstone bluffs. The stunning views got the attention of the American Trails Board and the White House Millennium Council who designated the trail system as the Kansas Millennium Legacy Trail. A hardened trail was created for wheelchair access at the wildlife viewing area as well. There are two primary campground areas (Langley Point and Horsethief) providing over 150 utility and primitive campsites, as well as six cabins.
3. Clinton State Park
Clinton State Park is located near Topeka and well known for its extensive trail system used by hikers, nature photographers, mountain bikers, and wildlife observers. More advanced bikers visit the park to ride the Clinton Lake Skills Loop including obstacles such as bridges, ramps, and balancing boards. There are 391 sites (campsites, shelters, cabins) available for reservation.
Recommended: 8 Fun Kansas Fishing Getaways
4. Cross Timbers State Park
Cross Timbers State Park is immersed by hills of oak savanna and the most diverse flora and fauna in Kansas. All park trails are open to hiking and backpacking to explore. Spend part of your afternoon to see the Ancient Oaks Trail with views of 14 old-growth trees dating back to 1730. Or spend time back country camping by special permit on segments of the Chautauqua Hills Trail. If you prefer established campgrounds, stay at one of the shaded campsites within easy access of the lake available for both full RV hookup and primitive camping.
5. El Dorado State Park
El Dorado is popular for fishing, boating, and family fun. Seven trails offer outdoor adventure for hikers, bikers, and horse riders which include hitching posts on the shoreline. A concrete trail for wheelchair access is also available. The facilities include nearly 1,000 campsites that range from primitive to full utility hookups, five camping cabins and five deluxe cabins, modern shower, laundry, restroom facilities, and swimming beaches.
Additional Kansas Trail Systems
In addition to these camping spots, Kansas offers three great trail systems including Flint Hills Trail that is the longest trail in Kansas providing 117-miles of fun; Prairie Spirit Trail traveling 51-miles through 10 rural communities; and the National Water Trail in Kaw River State Park along the Kansas River.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.