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Kansas State Park fee changes are scheduled to take effect November 1, 2026. The annual vehicle permit will rise from $25 to $39, while a daily camping permit will increase from $12.75 to $17.75 per night. KDWP will also end the annual camping permit and raise several other camping and utility fees.
When do the new Kansas State Park fees start?
The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission approved the changes at its August 27, 2026 meeting, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) announced November 1, 2026 as the effective date. The department’s August announcement said administrative requirements, including publication in the Kansas Register, were still to be completed at that time. Check the KDWP state park regulations page and the official fee schedule for the latest posted information before booking.
Which fees are changing?
KDWP’s schedule shows the following current and upcoming amounts. All displayed fees include transaction fees. The separate $2.75 processing fee per camping stay is addressed below.
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| Fee | Current amount shown by KDWP | Beginning November 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Annual vehicle permit | $25 | $39 |
| Daily camping permit | $12.75 per night | $17.75 per night |
| Annual camping permit | $202.50 if purchased before April or after September 30; $252.50 from April 1 through September 30 | No longer offered |
| 14-night camping permit | $112.50 | $165.50 |
| Utility hookup, one utility | $9 per night | $11 per night |
| Utility hookups, two utilities | $11 per night | $13 per night |
| Utility hookups, three utilities | $12 per night | $15 per night |
| Youth camping permit | $4 per night | $4 per night |
| Prime site fee | $2 per night | $2 per night |
| Designated overflow camping | $6.50 per night | $6.50 per night |
Source for all amounts: KDWP Kansas State Park Entrance and Camping Fees.
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What permits do visitors need?
For a day visit
A valid vehicle permit is required at Kansas State Parks. KDWP bases the fee on the vehicle entering the park, not the number of people riding in it. The annual vehicle permit is listed at $39 beginning November 1.
For an overnight stay
Camping requires a camping permit in addition to the vehicle permit. Camping charges apply per unit, and KDWP lists a $2.75 processing fee for each camping stay. Permits expire at 2 p.m.; visitors must be at least 18 to rent a campsite or cabin. Because the fee schedule includes transaction fees and separately lists the processing fee, check the official schedule and booking details to confirm the total for your stay.
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What happens to the annual camping permit?
KDWP will stop offering the annual camping permit on November 1. The 14-night camping permit remains available at the new listed price of $165.50, up from $112.50. Compare that option with the nightly permit using your expected number of nights and the applicable site and utility charges; the fee schedule does not establish one option as cheaper for every visitor.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsAre cabin rental prices changing too?
The fee table does not give a uniform new cabin price. KDWP says cabin costs vary by location, timing, and amenities, so visitors should check the KDWP campsite and cabin reservation information for the specific property and dates. Campsites and cabins are booked through KDWP, and camping is allowed only in designated areas subject to posted restrictions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why is KDWP changing the fees?
KDWP’s fee page says park operations, programs, and staff are funded primarily through entrance permits and campsite and cabin rental fees, and that the department does not receive Kansas General Fund tax dollars for those purposes. In testimony dated February 11, 2026, KDWP said the department sought fee adjustments to maintain and improve park facilities.
The same testimony reported findings from a Wichita State University economic study completed in January 2026: Kansas parks had about 7.5 million visitors annually during 2021–2025 and generated approximately $152.6 million in annual economic activity. Those are visitor and broader economic-activity figures, not state park fee revenue. Separately, a Kansas Legislature supplemental note on HB 2568 estimated an annual $4.6 million increase to the Parks Fee Fund once the regulatory process is complete; that is a projection, not an observed increase or a breakdown of how individual fee changes were calculated.
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