While some services limited, park usage still encouraged

Fall and winter are great times to enjoy Kansas state parks, but cooler temperatures mean fewer visitors, as well as some necessary adjustments by park staff. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks designates Oct. 1-March 31 as off-season months for state parks. During this time, many state parks cut down on services, but all remain open. Although hours and services vary from park to park, most office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Most are closed on holidays, as well.

In addition, most unheated toilets and shower buildings with running water are shut down for the cold season. Most heated buildings remain open through the regular firearms hunting seasons, and some remain open year-round. While potable water is available at each park headquarters all year, water is shut off at campgrounds and day-use areas that are prone to freezing pipes.

Most parks have some potable water available at freeze-proof valves in campgrounds into late November or early December, depending on the weather. Electricity stays on year-round where it is available. Each park will remain open to vehicles; however, some campground loops may be closed.

For more details, check for updated news online at the KDWP website (www.kdwp.state.ks.us). Click on "State Parks," then on "Locations" to find contact and information links to individual parks.
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