🌤 Weather at Hillsdale State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33–75 °F | 64–88 °F | 33–80 °F | 18–44 °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 Hillsdale Lake, 1 mi away, elevation 1,010 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Hillsdale State Park is a public state park in Kansas near Hillsdale in Miami County. Spanning 12,000 acres and established in 1994, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Kansas |
| Nearest City | Hillsdale |
| County | Miami |
| Park Size | 12,000 acres |
| Established | 1994 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.4/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Hillsdale State Park is located near Hillsdale, Kansas. The park’s coordinates are 38.6681, -94.9178.
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
Hillsdale 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.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Clinton State Park (within about an hour’s drive) or Prairie Spirit Trail State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
⛺ Camping at Hillsdale State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Areas data by campground: Scott Creek Campground 60 water/electric (reservable, ADA camping available); Rabbit Ridge Campground 38 primitive (not reservable); Russel Crites 18 primitive + 98 water/electric (reservable, ADA camping available); Saddle Ridge Campground 12 primitive + 22 water/electric (reservable, equestrian area); Youth & Scout Camp 1 primitive (reservable). |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Reservations | Book via KSOutdoors.com/CampItKS.gov or ReserveAmerica.com, by phone, or at the park office, (913) 594-3600. Vehicle permits required. General KDWP cancellation policy applies. |
| Special sites | Saddle Ridge equestrian area on the east side of the reservoir has about 32 miles of marked trails for horseback riders. The USACE-operated Hillsdale Lake Information Center (a separate facility from the state park) has been closed to the public since May 15, 2026, with no interagency-pass or USACE annual-pass sales there; there are no closures at Hillsdale State Park itself. |
Camping questions about Hillsdale State Park
Can you camp at Hillsdale State Park?
Areas data by campground: Scott Creek Campground 60 water/electric (reservable, ADA camping available); Rabbit Ridge Campground 38 primitive (not reservable); Russel Crites 18 primitive + 98 water/electric (reservable, ADA camping available); Saddle Ridge Campground 12 primitive + 22 water/electric (reservable, equestrian area); Youth & Scout Camp 1 primitive (reservable).
How do you reserve a campsite at Hillsdale State Park?
Book via KSOutdoors.com/CampItKS.gov or ReserveAmerica.com, by phone, or at the park office, (913) 594-3600. Vehicle permits required. General KDWP cancellation policy applies.
Are pets allowed at the Hillsdale 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.
Source: ksoutdoors.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Hillsdale 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 Hillsdale 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 Hillsdale State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
