🌤 Weather at Perry State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33–73 °F | 64–87 °F | 33–78 °F | 18–42 °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 Perry Lake, 4 mi away, elevation 957 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Kansas’ 40-Mile Trail Network — Mountain Biking, Equestrian & Lake Recreation on Perry Reservoir
Perry State Park occupies the southwestern shores of the 12,500-acre Perry Reservoir in northeast Kansas, about 25 miles northeast of Topeka. While Kansas isn’t typically associated with mountain biking or trail riding, Perry State Park has built a trail network exceeding 40 miles that’s earned a legitimate reputation among Midwest mountain bikers and equestrians — with over 20 miles of technical singletrack through hardwood forests and bluffs, plus 25 miles of dedicated equestrian trails.
The lake itself provides full-service water recreation — boating, fishing (crappie and channel catfish are the stars), swimming beach, and two boat ramps. With over 300 campsites across 11 campgrounds, four rental cabins, and an adjacent 11,000-acre wildlife area popular for waterfowl hunting and birding, Perry offers the kind of large-scale outdoor recreation infrastructure that makes it a genuine multi-day destination, not a quick stop.
Things to Do
Mountain Biking
Perry’s 20+ miles of mountain biking singletrack wind through hardwood forests and along bluffs overlooking the reservoir. Trails are generally rated moderate to difficult and are highly regarded for their design and variety. This is one of the best mountain biking destinations in Kansas.
Horseback Riding
The park’s 25 miles of equestrian trails traverse upland forest habitats and are also open to hikers. The rolling terrain provides a pleasant riding experience through canopy-covered paths — a different Kansas than the open prairie stereotype.
Fishing & Boating
- Target species: Crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass, white bass, walleye
- Facilities: Two boat ramps with courtesy docks; fish cleaning stations
- Boating: Motorized boats, jet skis, catamarans, kayaking, and canoeing welcome
Swimming
A designated swimming beach with beach house provides lake access for swimmers. The beach is typically open 6 AM – 9 PM during summer season.
Hunting & Wildlife
The adjacent 11,000-acre Perry Wildlife Area features extensive wetlands and is a major destination for waterfowl hunting (particularly in fall). Year-round birding is productive, with wetland species, raptors, and songbirds throughout.
Trails
| Trail System | Distance | Difficulty | Use | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Bike Trails | 20+ mi | Moderate–Difficult | MTB/Hike | Technical singletrack; hardwood forest; bluff overlooks |
| Equestrian Trails | 25 mi | Easy–Moderate | Horse/Hike | Upland forest; canopy-covered; rolling terrain |
Camping
| Type | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Electric/Water Sites | 102 | Electric & water hookups; shower houses; dump stations |
| Primitive Sites | 200+ | Basic facilities; fire rings; multiple campground locations |
| Cabins | 4 (1 ADA) | Fully furnished; bring own food/bedding/toiletries; reservable |
| Group Shelters | Available | Reservable shelter houses for groups |
Note: Campsites are first-come, first-served — no advance reservation for tent/RV sites. Cabins can be reserved by calling the park office at 785-246-3449.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | ⭐ Crappie fishing peak; green trails; wildflowers; pleasant riding temps | Muddy trails after rain; mosquitoes near wetlands |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Swimming beach; full lake activities; long days for trails; boating | Hot and humid; arrive early for campsites on weekends |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | ⭐ Best trail conditions; waterfowl hunting; foliage; cooling temps | Hunting season — wear orange on wildlife area trails |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Winter fishing; solitude; wildlife area birding; uncrowded trails | Cold; some facilities closed; shorter days |
Visitor Tips
- Trail conditions: Mountain bike trails can become slick and muddy after rain. Check conditions before riding — riding on wet trails damages the trail surface.
- Equestrian parking: Horse trailer parking is available at designated trailheads. The 25-mile equestrian system is well-maintained and separate from the mountain bike trails where they diverge.
- Waterfowl hunting: The 11,000-acre wildlife area is a premier Kansas waterfowl hunting destination. Kansas hunting license and applicable stamps required. Check Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for season dates.
- First-come camping: Arrive early on summer weekends and holidays — the 102 hookup sites fill first. The 200+ primitive sites provide overflow, but have fewer amenities.
- Location: The park is near Ozawkie, Kansas — about 25 miles from Topeka and 60 miles from Kansas City.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you mountain bike at Perry State Park?
Yes — Perry State Park offers over 20 miles of mountain biking singletrack through hardwood forests and along reservoir bluffs. The trails are rated moderate to difficult and are considered one of the best mountain biking networks in Kansas. Trails may close after rain to prevent surface damage — check conditions before riding.
Can you reserve campsites at Perry State Park?
Tent and RV campsites at Perry State Park are first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved in advance. The park has over 300 total sites, including 102 with electric and water hookups. The four rental cabins can be reserved by calling the park office at 785-246-3449. Arrive early on weekends and holidays, especially during summer.
Last updated: April 2026
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Clinton State Park (within about an hour’s drive) or Kaw River State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
⛺ Camping at Perry State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Areas data: Delaware Point has no camping; Jefferson Point 200 primitive + 102 water/electric + 102 electric (ADA camping available, not reservable). Note: the Hobie Cove shower house is permanently closed. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 8 cabins - 4 in the Lakeview Area (Apache, Cottonwood, Stonefield, Hazelwood), designed for a family of four; each has one bedroom with a full-size bed, bathroom with tub/shower, and a full-size futon in the front room. Apache is ADA accessible with a walk-in shower and covered porch; Cottonwood, Stonefield and Hazelwood have standard tub/shower bathrooms and covered porches. 4 in the Turkey Run Area (Rising Sun, Sicklefin, Shoal, Curlew), designed for up to six people, all ADA accessible with walk-in showers and covered porches; one bedroom with a full-size bed and full-size futon plus a queen-size futon in the living room. All cabins include a bathroom, heating/AC, kitchen facilities (dishes, pot and pan, utensils, toaster, coffee maker and filters, refrigerator, microwave, stovetop), a front room with a futon, picnic table and campfire grill/fire ring. |
| 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. No pets are allowed inside the cabins at Perry State Park. |
| Reservations | Book online via ReserveAmerica or ksoutdoors.com, or through the park office, (785) 246-3449. Vehicle permits are required and are not included in the reservation price. |
| Special sites | 25 miles of horse trails and 20 miles of biking/hiking trails through upland forest. Boat registrations (new, renewal, transfer) handled at the park office Monday-Friday 8:00-3:30 only, requiring a bill of sale and a printed picture or readable etching of the Hull ID. |
Camping questions about Perry State Park
Can you camp at Perry State Park?
Areas data: Delaware Point has no camping; Jefferson Point 200 primitive + 102 water/electric + 102 electric (ADA camping available, not reservable). Note: the Hobie Cove shower house is permanently closed.
How do you reserve a campsite at Perry State Park?
Book online via ReserveAmerica or ksoutdoors.com, or through the park office, (785) 246-3449. Vehicle permits are required and are not included in the reservation price.
Are there cabins at Perry State Park?
8 cabins - 4 in the Lakeview Area (Apache, Cottonwood, Stonefield, Hazelwood), designed for a family of four; each has one bedroom with a full-size bed, bathroom with tub/shower, and a full-size futon in the front room. Apache is ADA accessible with a walk-in shower and covered porch; Cottonwood, Stonefield and Hazelwood have standard tub/shower bathrooms and covered porches. 4 in the Turkey Run Area (Rising Sun, Sicklefin, Shoal, Curlew), designed for up to six people, all ADA accessible with walk-in showers and covered porches; one bedroom with a full-size bed and full-size futon plus a queen-size futon in the living room. All cabins include a bathroom, heating/AC, kitchen facilities (dishes, pot and pan, utensils, toaster, coffee maker and filters, refrigerator, microwave, stovetop), a front room with a futon, picnic table and campfire grill/fire ring.
Are pets allowed at the Perry 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. No pets are allowed inside the cabins at Perry State Park.
Source: ksoutdoors.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Perry 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 Perry 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 Perry State Park
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