New law reduces vehicle entrance fees;
park users can save even more by purchasing permits by March 31

The cost of visiting Kansas state parks is going down in 2007. In a public hearing in Chanute last October, the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission approved changes in state park vehicle entrance fees, effective Jan. 1 of this year. The changes in fees at the state parks for calendar year 2007 were made possible through enhanced funding support approved by the Kansas Legislature and Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

Historically, Kansas state parks have been funded by a combination of user fees and state general revenue funds. However, in recent years, Kansas state park fees had been increased to accommodate declining appropriations from the State General Fund. The actions of Gov. Sebelius and the 2006 Kansas Legislature reversed that trend. As a result, state park visitors in 2007 will enjoy vehicle entrance fees that are roughly half the cost of fees in 2006.
For 2007, state park vehicle entrance permit fees for permits purchased before March 31 are:

• Daily vehicle permit -- $3.70 (senior/disabled: $2.60)
• Annual vehicle permit -- $19.35 (senior/disabled: $10.75)
• Additional annual vehicle permit -- $11.85 (senior/disabled: $7)

Fees for permits purchased between April 1 and Sept. 30 are:

• Daily vehicle permit -- $4.20 (senior/disabled: $2.85)
• Annual vehicle permit -- $24.35 (senior/disabled: $13.25)
• Additional annual vehicle permit -- $14.35 (senior/disabled: $8.25)

Costs listed include applicable service fees, except convenience fees for online-purchased permits. Fees purchased in either the off-season (Oct. 1 through March 31) or the prime season (April 1 through Sept. 30) are valid for the remainder of the calendar year.

KDWP's Parks Division operates a system of 24 parks and the Prairie Spirit Rail-Trail. Most state parks provide utility and primitive camping and are located adjacent to lakes or reservoirs. Camping and utility fees remain unchanged (although some camping fees are cheaper if purchased in the off-season). In addition to camping facilities, parks offer boat ramps, courtesy docks, shelter houses, swimming beaches, trails, and a variety of other amenities. Parks also host numerous special events, such as concerts and festivals, throughout the year.

More information on state parks is available here.

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