The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is proposing significant increases in state park fees. KDWP officials say the increases are needed to cover park costs that have gone up nearly 45 percent since 2016, and Parks Director Conner O’Flannagan said they are necessary to ensure parks remain safe, well maintained, and accessible.
As proposed, overnight camping fees would increase from $9 to $15, annual vehicle permits from $25 to $40, State Park passports with vehicle registration from $15 to $30 and daily vehicle entry fees from $5 to $8.
There will be five hearings across Kansas on the proposal, the first of which will be Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 5 PM at the Hillsdale State Park Shooting Range near Paola. Other hearings will be held Sept. 23 at 5 PM at the El Dorado State Park Shooting Range, Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Mariah Hills Golf Course in Dodge City, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Fort Hays State University Memorial Union and Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m. at Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan.
Any changes would still have to be taken to the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission for approval.
