🌤 Weather at Lake Scott State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28–76 °F | 59–92 °F | 26–82 °F | 16–48 °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 Oakley 19 SSW, 14 mi away, elevation 2,870 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Lake Scott State Park is a public state park in Kansas near Scott City in Scott County. Spanning 1,280 acres and established in 1928, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Kansas |
| Nearest City | Scott City |
| County | Scott |
| Park Size | 1,280 acres |
| Established | 1928 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Lake Scott State Park is located near Scott City, Kansas. The park’s coordinates are 38.6755, -100.9166.
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
Lake Scott 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 Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park (a short drive away) or Cedar Bluff State Park (elsewhere in the state).
⛺ Camping at Lake Scott State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Areas data by campground (mostly small, scattered, non-reservable primitive camps around the canyon, plus one utility loop): Timber Canyon 13 primitive; Flatland 16 primitive; Spillway Camp 1 primitive; N Toadstool Camp 2 primitive; Lakebank Drive Campground 18 primitive; Ladder Cove 3 primitive; Horsethief Cove 1 primitive (reservable); Elm Grove 10 primitive (reservable); Circle Drive 40 water/electric (reservable); Bullcanyon 7 primitive; Boat Ramp Campground 2 primitive; Big Spring 1 primitive; Apache 5 primitive (ADA camping available). |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 2 cabins - Navajo and Taos, both ADA accessible. Furnished with cooking and dining utensils including pots, pans, dishes, silverware, cups and glasses, microwave, electric coffee pot, toaster and electric skillet; ice cubes can be made in the refrigerator's freezer. Outside covered BBQ grill plus a separate campfire pit; firewood may be purchased from the camp host, renters bring their own charcoal. Animals are not allowed in the cabins. |
| 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. Animals are not allowed in the cabins. |
| Reservations | Book via KSOutdoors.com/CampItKS.gov or ReserveAmerica.com, by phone, or at the park office, (620) 872-2061. Vehicle permits required. General KDWP cancellation policy applies. |
| Special sites | A horse camp area has amenities for equestrian visitors. El Cuartelejo, the northernmost known Native American pueblo and a National Historic Landmark, is located within the park. |
Camping questions about Lake Scott State Park
Can you camp at Lake Scott State Park?
Areas data by campground (mostly small, scattered, non-reservable primitive camps around the canyon, plus one utility loop): Timber Canyon 13 primitive; Flatland 16 primitive; Spillway Camp 1 primitive; N Toadstool Camp 2 primitive; Lakebank Drive Campground 18 primitive; Ladder Cove 3 primitive; Horsethief Cove 1 primitive (reservable); Elm Grove 10 primitive (reservable); Circle Drive 40 water/electric (reservable); Bullcanyon 7 primitive; Boat Ramp Campground 2 primitive; Big Spring 1 primitive; Apache 5 primitive (ADA camping available).
How do you reserve a campsite at Lake Scott State Park?
Book via KSOutdoors.com/CampItKS.gov or ReserveAmerica.com, by phone, or at the park office, (620) 872-2061. Vehicle permits required. General KDWP cancellation policy applies.
Are there cabins at Lake Scott State Park?
2 cabins - Navajo and Taos, both ADA accessible. Furnished with cooking and dining utensils including pots, pans, dishes, silverware, cups and glasses, microwave, electric coffee pot, toaster and electric skillet; ice cubes can be made in the refrigerator's freezer. Outside covered BBQ grill plus a separate campfire pit; firewood may be purchased from the camp host, renters bring their own charcoal. Animals are not allowed in the cabins.
Are pets allowed at the Lake Scott 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. Animals are not allowed in the cabins.
Source: ksoutdoors.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Lake Scott 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 Lake Scott 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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