🌤 Weather at Fall River State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35–76 °F | 65–90 °F | 35–82 °F | 22–48 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Fredonia, 15 mi away, elevation 893 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Fall River State Park is a public state park in Kansas near Fall River in Bristol41°45′28″N 71°3′48″W / 41.75778°N 71.06333°W / 41.75778; -71.06333 (Freetown-Fall River State Forest) County. Spanning 5,217 acres and established in 2022, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Kansas |
| Nearest City | Fall River |
| County | Bristol41°45′28″N 71°3′48″W / 41.75778°N 71.06333°W / 41.75778; -71.06333 (Freetown-Fall River State Forest) |
| Park Size | 5,217 acres |
| Established | 2022 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.4/5 (350 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Fall River State Park is located near Fall River, Kansas. The park’s coordinates are 37.6333, -96.0667.
Things to Do
Kansas state parks center largely around the state’s 24 federal reservoirs and lakes, offering outstanding water-based recreation in the heart of the Great Plains. Activities include boating, sailing, and water skiing on large prairie lakes, fishing for walleye, crappie, and striped bass, swimming at sandy reservoir beaches, camping under dramatic open skies, hiking through tallgrass prairie and limestone canyons, mountain biking developing trail networks, hunting (in season), and observing spectacular night skies with minimal light pollution.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) provide the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities. Summer (June–August) is peak season for lake recreation but brings intense Kansas heat (95°F+) and humidity. Fall is excellent for hiking and fishing as temperatures cool. Winter can be harsh with cold winds, but it offers solitude, eagle watching, and some of the lowest camping fees. Wildflower season on the Flint Hills prairies (April–May) is a must-see natural spectacle.
Visitor Tips
Kansas state parks require a vehicle permit ($5/day or $25/year for residents, $50 out-of-state). Camping reservations through the Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism website. Many Kansas parks are designed primarily around lake recreation — bring your own watercraft or rent from concession marinas. Shade can be limited at prairie parks, so bring sun protection. Wind is a constant factor — check forecasts before boating.
Explore More Kansas State Parks
Fall River State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Kansas. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Kansas guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
More parks nearby: Cross Timbers State Park is within about an hour’s drive, while El Dorado State Park lies elsewhere in the state.
⛺ Camping at Fall River State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Areas data by campground: Quarry Bay Campground 17 primitive (reservable, ADA camping available); Fredonia Bay 32 primitive + 1 water/sewer/electric + 44 water/electric (reservable, ADA camping available). |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 3 cabins. Heron's Cove and Cedar Crest (max capacity 6): full kitchen, bathroom with shower, full-size bed, full-size futon, twin-size Murphy bed, outdoor shelter, fire ring with grill. Willow Bend (two-bedroom, sleeps up to 9) has the same amenities. No smoking in the cabins and tents are not allowed in the cabin area. Heron's Cove is the only pet-friendly cabin (pet fee required). |
| Pets | Statewide KDWP rule: pets must be restrained by leash, chain or kennel no longer than 10 feet and are not allowed on swimming beaches or in buildings. Heron's Cove is the only pet-friendly cabin; pet fee required. |
| Reservations | Book via KSOutdoors.com/CampItKS.gov or ReserveAmerica.com, by phone, or at the park office, (620) 637-2213. Vehicle permits required. General KDWP cancellation policy applies. |
| Special sites | Six hiking trails; canoeing on Fall River, which feeds into the reservoir. More than 9,000 acres of adjacent public wildlife area. |
Camping questions about Fall River State Park
Can you camp at Fall River State Park?
Areas data by campground: Quarry Bay Campground 17 primitive (reservable, ADA camping available); Fredonia Bay 32 primitive + 1 water/sewer/electric + 44 water/electric (reservable, ADA camping available).
How do you reserve a campsite at Fall River State Park?
Book via KSOutdoors.com/CampItKS.gov or ReserveAmerica.com, by phone, or at the park office, (620) 637-2213. Vehicle permits required. General KDWP cancellation policy applies.
Are there cabins at Fall River State Park?
3 cabins. Heron's Cove and Cedar Crest (max capacity 6): full kitchen, bathroom with shower, full-size bed, full-size futon, twin-size Murphy bed, outdoor shelter, fire ring with grill. Willow Bend (two-bedroom, sleeps up to 9) has the same amenities. No smoking in the cabins and tents are not allowed in the cabin area. Heron's Cove is the only pet-friendly cabin (pet fee required).
Are pets allowed at the Fall River State Park campground?
Statewide KDWP rule: pets must be restrained by leash, chain or kennel no longer than 10 feet and are not allowed on swimming beaches or in buildings. Heron's Cove is the only pet-friendly cabin; pet fee required.
Source: ksoutdoors.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Fall River State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Kansas state parks, including trails and campgrounds, but must always be restrained by a camper, cage, hand-held leash, or tether no longer than 10 feet.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Hand-held leash or tethered chain no longer than 10 feet (or confined in camper/cage)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed on swimming beaches or in buoyed swimming areas, or in public buildings
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed inside cabins except in designated pet-friendly cabins (e.g. at Lovewell, Eisenhower, El Dorado, Clinton) with a $50 pet fee; at other cabins pets must stay outside
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $50 pet fee for designated pet-friendly cabins
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Dogs participating in authorized activities (such as hunting) or assisting the visually or hearing impaired are exempt
Are dogs allowed at Fall River State Park?
Pets are allowed in Kansas state parks, including trails and campgrounds, but must always be restrained by a camper, cage, hand-held leash, or tether no longer than 10 feet. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via ksoutdoors.gov. More: Kansas state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Fall River State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
