🌤 Weather at Kanopolis State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31–76 °F | 62–92 °F | 31–82 °F | 19–46 °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 Kanopolis Lake, 4 mi away, elevation 1,492 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Kanopolis State Park is a public state park in Kansas near Marquette in Ellsworth County. Spanning 1,585 acres and established in 1948, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Kansas |
| Nearest City | Marquette |
| County | Ellsworth |
| Park Size | 1,585 acres |
| Established | 1948 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.6/5 (1100 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Kanopolis State Park is located near Marquette, Kansas. The park’s coordinates are 38.6572, -97.9997.
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
Kanopolis 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.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Mushroom Rock State Park (a short drive away) and Wilson State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
⛺ Camping at Kanopolis State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Areas data by campground: Langley Point 105 primitive + 16 water/sewer/electric + 50 water/electric + 21 electric (reservable, ADA camping available); Horsethief 13 water/electric + 32 electric (reservable, ADA camping available). |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 6 deluxe cabins (Arapaho - only partially ADA accessible; Cheyenne - not accessible; Bat Masterson, Bill Doolin, Buffalo Bill, Wyatt Earp - fully accessible) in the Little Bluestem Cabin Area of Langley Point. Sleeps 5-6 (full-size bed, full-size futon, pull-down Murphy twin bed, couch; mattress only, no linens). Full kitchen (refrigerator, stove, microwave), table and chairs; kitchen utensils, pots, pans, dishes, bedding and towels not included. Exterior: picnic table, fire ring, charcoal grill (bring own charcoal), dog kennel with dog house, water hydrant. Check-in 3pm, check-out noon. Smoking and pets not allowed inside the cabins. Keyless locks - call the park office at least two days before arrival for the key code. |
| 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. Pets are not allowed inside the cabins, but each cabin has an exterior dog kennel with dog house. |
| Reservations | Reservations accepted via telephone, online at www.reserveamerica.com, or in person; up to one year in advance. Park office (785) 546-2565. Cancellation: 30+ days before arrival = 100% refund minus the reservation fee; 29-5 days = refund minus one night's rental fee and reservation fee; 4 days or less, or after arrival = all fees forfeited. Daily vehicle permit required unless renter has a current annual permit. |
| Special sites | Kanopolis State Park also manages nearby Mushroom Rock State Park, a day-use-only picnic area with unusual geologic formations (no camping there). More than 30 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, 15 of which are on the Smoky Hill Wildlife Area. |
Camping questions about Kanopolis State Park
Can you camp at Kanopolis State Park?
Areas data by campground: Langley Point 105 primitive + 16 water/sewer/electric + 50 water/electric + 21 electric (reservable, ADA camping available); Horsethief 13 water/electric + 32 electric (reservable, ADA camping available).
How do you reserve a campsite at Kanopolis State Park?
Reservations accepted via telephone, online at www.reserveamerica.com, or in person; up to one year in advance. Park office (785) 546-2565. Cancellation: 30+ days before arrival = 100% refund minus the reservation fee; 29-5 days = refund minus one night's rental fee and reservation fee; 4 days or less, or after arrival = all fees forfeited. Daily vehicle permit required unless renter has a current annual permit.
Are there cabins at Kanopolis State Park?
6 deluxe cabins (Arapaho - only partially ADA accessible; Cheyenne - not accessible; Bat Masterson, Bill Doolin, Buffalo Bill, Wyatt Earp - fully accessible) in the Little Bluestem Cabin Area of Langley Point. Sleeps 5-6 (full-size bed, full-size futon, pull-down Murphy twin bed, couch; mattress only, no linens). Full kitchen (refrigerator, stove, microwave), table and chairs; kitchen utensils, pots, pans, dishes, bedding and towels not included. Exterior: picnic table, fire ring, charcoal grill (bring own charcoal), dog kennel with dog house, water hydrant. Check-in 3pm, check-out noon. Smoking and pets not allowed inside the cabins. Keyless locks - call the park office at least two days before arrival for the key code.
Are pets allowed at the Kanopolis 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. Pets are not allowed inside the cabins, but each cabin has an exterior dog kennel with dog house.
Source: ksoutdoors.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Kanopolis 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 Kanopolis 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
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