New law reduces vehicle entrance fees;
park users can save even more by purchasing permits by March 31
PRATT -- 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 from the Kansas Legislature and the governor and fulfill a request by KDWP to reduce entrance fees.

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 the governor and 2006 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, these are the state park vehicle entrance permit fees:

Off-Season (Oct. 1-March 31)

• 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)

Prime Season (April 1-Sept. 30)

• 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 online purchase convenience fee. Fees purchased in either the off-season or the prime season 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 also available at the department’s website.
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