Kanopolis State Park

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Kanopolis Alert

2024 Reservations go on sale December 8, 2023, at 12 p.m. (NOON) CST.

Located on the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway northwest of Marquette along K-141, about 5 miles north of the K-4/K-141 junction (or) about 7 miles south of the K-140/K-141 junction east of Ellsworth

The first state park in Kansas, Kanopolis State Park is situated in the rolling hills, bluffs and woods of the scenic Smoky Hills region of the state. From the towering Dakota sandstone bluffs to the caves and crevices of Horsethief Canyon, the park and surrounding area offer rugged beauty and stunning vistas. The park is split into two areas north and south of the dam and there are two federal parks, as well.

Kanopolis offers more than 30 miles of trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, 15 of which are on the Smoky Hill Wildlife Area. The 3,500-acre lake and 12,500-acre wildlife area provide anglers and hunters abundant fish and game. Nestled near the Smoky Hill River toward the northwest portion of the wildlife area is Faris Caves, which were carved by early pioneers and served as milk house, school house, and living quarters.

Wildlife viewing and photography opportunities are plentiful. In the winter, bald eagles and ospreys fish the river. Songbirds and wildflowers brighten the landscape throughout the area.

Kanopolis State Park also manages nearby Mushroom Rock State Park, a picnic area with unusual geologic formations that amaze first-time and return visitors alike.

Phone:
Address:
200 Horsethief Rd.
Marquette,KS    67464
County/Counties:
Office Hours:
Office Hours : M-F 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Park Office – (785) 546-2565

Park News - Updated: 04/21/2022
Kanopolis camper

Camping at Kanopolis State Park

2022 Online Reservations 
Reservations for the 2022 camping season are open.  Reservations can be made now for dates between April 1st and October 31st.  Reserve online at www.reserveamerica.com, the Campit-KS app, or call the office at (785)546-2565.  Vehicle permits must be purchased separately from the campsite reservation.

Trail Information: Gate 1 is closed November 1st - February 1st.  Trails are open up to that point.  The Split Boulder Trail is closed through June 17th for eagle nesting.  Trailhead "A" from Rockin' K to about Trailhead "B" is also closed through May 20th for eagle nesting.    

FACILITIES UPDATE: Water is available at all campsites with utilities. Water has also been turned on at the dump stations. The Cottonwood shower house is open. The Rockin'K & Beachhouse shower houses are still closed. The fish cleaning stations are still currently closed.  

Kanopolis cabin-Arapaho cabin with walkway

Kanopolis cabin-Arapaho cabin with walkway

CABINS -- There are currently six, one-bedroom cabins available to rent year-round. Each cabin sleeps five to six people. Some kitchen utensils, dishes, pots and pans are provided.  Bedding, towels, and linens are not provided.  Reservations can be made up to one year in advance.  To make reservations and check availability use www.reserveamerica.com, the Campit-KS app, or call the park office.      

CONCESSIONAIRES --

Hart Marina is a full-service marina providing slip rental, bait, fishing tackle, and convenience items. 

                                                                                                                                      

Hart Marina
Trail riders at Kanopolis State Park

Trail riders at Kanopolis State Park

Daily vehicle permits are required at Kanopolis State Park.

General Information
Phone:
Address:
200 Horsethief Rd.
 
Marquette, KS    67464
County/Counties:
Office Hours:
Office Hours : M-F 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Park Office – (785) 546-2565


History

Kanopolis State Park started it all. The first Kansas state park has drawn visitors to eastern Ellsworth County since 1955. Situated in the rolling hills, bluffs and woods of the scenic Smoky Hills region of Kansas, Kanopolis is located 33 miles southwest of Salina.

Kanopolis Areas
Langley Point
  • Camping Available: Yes
  • ADA Camping Available: Yes
  • Reservable Sites: Yes
  • Primitive Camping: 105
  • Water, Sewer, Electric: 16
  • Water, Electric: 31
  • Click for more information
  • Electric: 41

Horsethief
  • Camping Available: Yes
  • ADA Camping Available: Yes
  • Reservable Sites: Yes
  • Water, Electric: 13
  • Click for more information
  • Electric: 32

Kanopolis Trails
Kanopolis Multi-use Trails Alum Creek Trails Access from Trailheads A,B,C & D
  • Trail Season: Feb. 1st thru Oct. 31st
  • Length of Trail: 8.30000019073486 mile(s)
  • Trail Activities: Walking, Horse Riding, Mt. Biking
  • There is a permit required on the trail
  • Location of Start: N38 39.321' W098 00.100'
  • Click for more information

    These two trails form an 8.3 mile loop across pastures, through canyons, trees and along creeks. There are two minor water crossings. This portion of the trails is easy to moderate in difficulty. There are two short cuts which will make the distance of the loop 5.5 miles. Use caution when traveling this far from the trailheads; there is no short or easy way back once you get to the Alum Creek Trails.


Kanopolis Multi-Use Trails Prairie Trails Access From Trailheads A,B,C & D
  • Trail Season: Feb. 1st thru Oct. 31st
  • Length of Trail: 6 mile(s)
  • Trail Activities: Walking, Horse Riding, Mt. Biking
  • There is camping located near the trail
  • There is a permit required on the trail
  • Location of Start: N38 39.321 W098 00.100
  • Click for more information

    Two trails, which are referred to as the Prairie Trails, connect the Horsethief Canyon Trails to the Alum Creek Trails. These trails are easy to moderate in difficulty with one common water crossing, and a short cut. The Prairie Trails will take you to Red Rocks Canyon, a breathtaking Kansas Canyon lined with red sandstone.


Kanopolis Multi-Use Trails Horsethief Canyon Trails Can be accessed at Trailheads A,B,C & D
  • Trail Season: Year-around
  • Length of Trail: 5.5 mile(s)
  • Trail Activities: Walking, Horse Riding, Mt. Biking
  • There is camping located near the trail
  • There is a permit required on the trail
  • Location of Start: N38 39.321' W098 00.100'
  • Click for more information

    Two sections of the trail system, referred to as the Horsethief Canyon trails, connect the Rockin' K Trails to the Prairie Trails. The orange Horsethief Canyon Trail is one of the more difficult trails in the trail system. It has three relatively easy water crossings, but the trail is narrow in spots and goes in and out of rocky canyons. The blue Horsethief Canyon Trail is short and easy but has three water crossings that can present a challenge. These crossings can be very deep.


Kanopolis Multi-Use Trails Rockin' K Trails Access from Trailhead A & D
  • Trail Season: Year-around
  • Length of Trail: 4 mile(s)
  • Trail Activities: Walking, Horse Riding, Mt. Biking
  • There is camping located near the trail
  • There is a permit required on the trail
  • Location of Start: N38 39.321' W098 00.100'
  • Click for more information

    Two 2 mile sections of the trail system are called the Rockin' K Trails. This section of the trails connect the Rockin' K Horse Campground and the Rockwall Campground to the the main trail system. These are relatively easy trails.


Split Boulder Trail
  • Trail Season: Year-around
  • Trail Activities: Walking, Mt. Biking
  • There is camping located near the trail
  • There is a permit required on the trail
  • Location of Start: N38 39.163 W98 00.070
  • Click for more information

    Built in part by an Eagle Scout and Team LATRR, a Mountian bike club out of Lindsborg Kansas. The Split Boulder Trail is a 2 mile beginner or training trail for mountain bikes and a walking trail. This trail show cases some unusual boulders known as concreations, and many scenic views of the lake.


Wildife Viewing Area
  • Trail Season: Year-around
  • Length of Trail: 0.610000014305115 mile(s)
  • Trail Activities: Walking
  • There is camping located near the trail
  • There is a permit required on the trail
  • This trail is ADA accessible
  • Location of Start: N38 38.786' W097 59.390'
  • Click for more information

    The Kanopolis Wildlife Viewing Area consists of forty acres within Kanopolis State Park Horsethief Area. Just west of the park office, it features 0.6 miles of surfaced ADA accessible trail circling through a marsh and around two ponds, five photo blinds and an observation deck. The Wildlife Viewing Area offers opportunities for birders, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.


Buffalo Track Canyon Nature Trail
  • Trail Season: Year-around
  • Length of Trail: 0.949999988079071 mile(s)
  • Trail Activities: Walking
  • There is camping located near the trail
  • There is a permit required on the trail
  • Location of Start: N38 40.309' W097 59.975'
  • Click for more information

    Enjoy a walk on the trail to observe native plants, wildlife, and the geology of the canyon. The .95 mile (one way) trail follows Bison Creek, which once watered buffalo and the wild horses. Numbered posts along the trail correspond to numbers in the Buffalo Tracks Canyon brochure which is available at the park office, information shelters, gatehouses and local vendors.


Kanopolis Cabins

Important Cabin Information:  Reservation Terms and Conditions, Cabin Reservation Information

Reserve Now
Kanopolis Wyatt Earp cabin

Kanopolis Wyatt Earp cabin

Kanopolis State Park is offering six deluxe cabins as a year-round alternative camping opportunity. These are especially beneficial for individuals who enjoy the park experience but would rather not “rough it.” The cabins feature easy access to the reservoir’s fishing, boating, water-skiing, etc. opportunities. They are also close to Smoky Hill Wildlife Area which offers excellent hunting opportunities in the area. The Arapaho cabin is partially handicap accessible; the Cheyenne cabin is not handicap accessible, having only steps, and the remainder of the cabins are fully handicap accessible.

Our cabins are arranged in the following order from east to west in the Little Bluestem Cabin Area in the Langley Point Area (South Shore) of the State Park:

Each cabin is heated/air-conditioned, sleeps five to six people (one full-size bed, a full-size futon, a pull-down--“Murphy-type" twin-size bed and a couch), comes with a full kitchen (refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishes, pots, pans and

Kanopolis cabin kitchen

Kanopolis cabin kitchen

coffee pot), as well as table and chairs. Beds are fitted with mattresses only; you will need to bring your own bedding (full size sheets), pillows, soap, shampoo and towels. There is no television, and no internet or telephone hookups. Check in times are 2 p.m. or after and check out times are at noon everyday, year-round.

Exterior amenities include a picnic table, fire ring, charcoal grill (you must bring your own charcoal), dog kennel with dog house, water hydrant, and an excellent view of the lake. Please leave the cabins in the same condition as you found them for the next visitors. We invite you to write in the journal located in the cabin and tell us and the next visitors where you are from and about the Kanopolis State Park experience you had. (Please keep it “G” rated). Smoking and pets are not allowed inside the cabins.

Reservations are accepted via telephone, on the internet at http://www.reserveamerica.com , or in person at our office on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices are subject to change.

We are now able to accept reservations for up to one year in advance. You may make reservations by going online at https://www.reserveamerica.com. All online reservations require payment by credit card. Telephone reservations require payment by credit card for the total rental fee plus a non-refundable reservation fee. In addition, a daily vehicle permit is required unless the renter has a current annual vehicle permit. Cabin renters shall be responsible for full payment of any damages incurred during length of stay. You must be 18 or older to reserve and rent a cabin. Our cabins have keyless locks. You must call the park office at least two days prior to your arrival date to receive your key code.

Cancellations: the cabin reservation fee is non-refundable. Cancellation 30 or more days prior to arrival date results in a 100% refund minus the reservation fee. Cancellation 29 to 5 days prior to arrival date results in a refund minus one night rental fee and reservation fee. Cancellation 4 days or less prior to arrival date or after arrival date will result in all fees being forfeited.

Arapaho
  • Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38 36.213 W 097 58.477
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Arapaho
  • Click for more information

    Arapaho cabin sleeps six (one double bed, a futon and a pull-down--“Murphy-type bed;” comes with a full kitchen (refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishes, pots and pans and coffee pot), as well as table and chairs. Beds are fitted with mattresses only; you will need to bring your own bedding (full size sheets), pillows, soap, shampoo and towels. There is no television, and no internet or telephone hookups.

    Exterior amenities include a picnic table, fire ring water hydrant and an excellent view of the lake. Please clean the cabins before you check-out and leave them as you found them for the next visitors.

    Pets are not allowed in cabins. Smoking is not allowed.

    Reservations are accepted via telephone, on the internet at https://www.kshuntfishcamp.com, or in person at our office on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices are subject to change.


Cheyenne
  • Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
  • Location of Facility: N38 36.213 W97 58.477
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Cheyenne
  • Click for more information

    Cheyenne cabin sleeps six (one double bed, a futon and a pull-down--“Murphy-type bed;” comes with a full kitchen (refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishes, pots and pans and coffee pot), as well as table and chairs. Beds are fitted with mattresses only; you will need to bring your own bedding (full size sheets), pillows, soap, shampoo and towels. There is no television, and no internet or telephone hookups.

    Exterior amenities include a picnic table, fire ring water hydrant and an excellent view of the lake. Please clean the cabins before you check-out and leave them as you found them for the next visitors.

    Pets are not allowed in cabins. Smoking is not allowed.

    Reservations are accepted via telephone, on the internet at https://www.kshuntfishcamp.com, or in person at our office on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices are subject to change.


Bat Masterson
  • Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38 36.213 W97 58.477
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Bat Masterson
  • Click for more information

    Cheyenne cabin sleeps six (one double bed, a futon and a pull-down--“Murphy-type bed;” comes with a full kitchen (refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishes, pots and pans and coffee pot), as well as table and chairs. Beds are fitted with mattresses only; you will need to bring your own bedding (full size sheets), pillows, soap, shampoo and towels. There is no television, and no internet or telephone hookups.

    Exterior amenities include a picnic table, fire ring water hydrant and an excellent view of the lake. Please clean the cabins before you check-out and leave them as you found them for the next visitors.

    Pets are not allowed in cabins. Smoking is not allowed.

    Reservations are accepted via telephone, on the internet at https://www.kshuntfishcamp.com, or in person at our office on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices are subject to change.

     


Bill Doolin
  • Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38 36.213 W97 58.477
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Bill Doolin
  • Click for more information

    Cheyenne cabin sleeps six (one double bed, a futon and a pull-down--“Murphy-type bed;” comes with a full kitchen (refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishes, pots and pans and coffee pot), as well as table and chairs. Beds are fitted with mattresses only; you will need to bring your own bedding (full size sheets), pillows, soap, shampoo and towels. There is no television, and no internet or telephone hookups.

    Exterior amenities include a picnic table, fire ring water hydrant and an excellent view of the lake. Please clean the cabins before you check-out and leave them as you found them for the next visitors.

    Pets are not allowed in cabins. Smoking is not allowed.

    Reservations are accepted via telephone, on the internet at https://www.kshuntfishcamp.com, or in person at our office on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices are subject to change.


Buffalo Bill
  • Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38 36.213 W97 58.477
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Buffalo Bill
  • Click for more information

    Buffalo Bill cabin sleeps six (one double bed, a futon and a pull-down--“Murphy-type bed;” comes with a full kitchen (refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishes, pots and pans and coffee pot), as well as table and chairs. Beds are fitted with mattresses only; you will need to bring your own bedding (full size sheets), pillows, soap, shampoo and towels. There is no television, and no internet or telephone hookups.

    Exterior amenities include a picnic table, fire ring water hydrant and an excellent view of the lake. Please clean the cabins before you check-out and leave them as you found them for the next visitors.

    Pets are not allowed in cabins. Smoking is not allowed.

    Reservations are accepted via telephone, on the internet at https://www.kshuntfishcamp.com, or in person at our office on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices are subject to change.

     


Wyatt Earp
  • Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38 36.213 W97 58.477
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Wyatt Earp
  • Click for more information

    Wyatt Earp sleeps six (one double bed, a futon and a pull-down--“Murphy-type bed;” comes with a full kitchen (refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishes, pots and pans and coffee pot), as well as table and chairs. Beds are fitted with mattresses only; you will need to bring your own bedding (full size sheets), pillows, soap, shampoo and towels. There is no television, and no internet or telephone hookups.

    Exterior amenities include a picnic table, fire ring water hydrant and an excellent view of the lake. Please clean the cabins before you check-out and leave them as you found them for the next visitors.

    Pets are not allowed in cabins. Smoking is not allowed.

    Reservations are accepted via telephone, on the internet at https://www.kshuntfishcamp.com/, or in person at our office on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices are subject to change.


Kanopolis Calendar

    Email Kanopolis

    This form allows you to email Kanopolis 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.