Parks Near Me in Victoria
Webster State Park
1140 10 Rd, Stockton, KS
Located about 8 miles west of Stockton south of US-24
Webster State Park is a 880-acre prairie setting of rolling hills and spacious skies. Visitors often see deer, turkeys, quail, pheasants, and many wildflowers. The 3,700 acres of open water offer great fishing in Webster Reservoir.
Cedar Bluff State Park
32001 147 Highway, Ellis, KS
Cedar Bluff State Park is divided into two, unique areas along the shorelines of Cedar Bluff Reservoir. The Bluffton Area, on the north shore, provides nearly 350 acres for visitors.
It is the most developed area and provides a variety of facilities to meet the outdoor enthusiasts needs. They include: two boatramp facilities, 96 utility campsites, two community shelters, a reservable group utility campground, two large showerhouses and dumpstations; five modern rental cabins and numerous undesignated primitive campsites and picnic areas. While visiting enjoy some of the opportunities including sand volleyball, horseshoes, shore side basketball, bicycling on our BMX track or swimming on our beach. Fishing can be fantastic in the Bluffton area also. Nearly all of the shoreline is accessible and there's a covered, handicap accessible fishing dock as well.
The Page Creek Area, on the south shore of the reservoir, is nearly 500 acres in size. It is not quite as developed but provides some of the finest primitive camping in the state with its large shade trees and sandy shorelines. The Page Creek Area contains 36 utility campsites, a community shelter, two dumpstations, two boatramp facilities, two showerhouses and two vault toilets; one designated primitive campground and numerous undesignated campsites. This area is a favorite for boaters, jet skiers and for those who seek a little more solitude when relaxing outdoors.
Wilson State Park
#3 State Park Road, Sylvan Grove, KS
Located in the heart of the Smoky Hills, Wilson State Park is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the state. Wilson Reservoir features a rugged shoreline punctuated by scenic cliffs and rocky outcrops. The park and surrounding wildlife area offer the opportunity to view and photograph deer, pheasant, waterfowl, songbirds, and furbearers.
Wilson Reservoir offers excellent white bass and striped bass angling. The Cedar Trail in the Otoe area is a one-mile loop with a concrete surface and is great for a leisurely, low-stress walk. The 25.5-mile long Switchgrass Bike Trail is popular with mountain bikers to pursue this challenging activity.
Wilson Wildlife Area is located on the upper end of 9,000 acre Wilson Reservoir. The 8,069-acre public hunting area is made up of 5,000 acres of rugged rolling hills of native prairie, approximately 2,000 acres of cropland, and 1,000 acres of riparian timber along the Saline River, Cedar Creek, Turkey Creek, and Elm Creek. The area has a waterfowl refuge that was established in 1996.
Fishing Information
Wildlife Information
Glen Elder State Park
2131 180Rd, Glen Elder, KS
Located just west of the city of Glen Elder, south of US-24/K-9
On the north shores of 12,500-acre Glen Elder Reservoir (Waconda Lake), one of Kansas' largest lakes, Glen Elder State Park offers nearly unlimited recreational opportunities. With its rural setting, Glen Elder is a perfect place to relax.
The reservoir covers what once was a mineral spring sacred to many Native Americans and former home of a sanitarium. The Waconda Springs Replica at the park pays tribute to this ill-fated site of Kansas geology and Native American history. At Waconda Heritage Village, a living museum, visit the historic Hopewell Church south of the park office. The park is home, also, of the Wakonda Indian Festival.
Glen Elder Wildlife Area encompasses almost 13,200 land acres surrounding the lake. You can see and photograph a diversity of wildlife species. In winter, bald and golden eagles visit. Deer and pheasant are common sights. Waterfowl stop on their migrations, and a small Canada goose flock makes the area home.
Mushroom Rock State Park
200 Horsethief Rd., Marquette, KS
Located on the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway northwest of Marquette about 5 miles north of Kanopolis Reservoir and State Park, 3 miles west of K-141 on Avenue K, a county road or south of K-140 from Caneiro on 25th Road
One of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Geography, Mushroom Rock is the smallest, but one of the most unique, state parks in Kansas. The park is only 5 acres but boasts some of the most unusual rock formations anywhere. The rocks served as meeting places and landmarks for Native Americans and early pioneers such as John C. Fremont and Kit Carson.
Resembling giant mushrooms rising above the horizon, the Dakota formations of Mushroom Rock State Park are the remains of beach sands and sediments of the Cretaceous Period, the interval of geologic time from about 144 to 66 million years ago. Sandstone and sedimentary rock is held together by natural cement. The concretions that make up Mushroom Rocks are cemented calcium carbonate. The largest rock measures 27 feet in diameter.
Kanopolis State Park
200 Horsethief Rd., Marquette, KS
Located on the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway northwest of Marquette along K-141, about 5 miles north of the K-4/K-141 junction (or) about 7 miles south of the K-140/K-141 junction east of Ellsworth
The first state park in Kansas, Kanopolis State Park is situated in the rolling hills, bluffs and woods of the scenic Smoky Hills region of the state. From the towering Dakota sandstone bluffs to the caves and crevices of Horsethief Canyon, the park and surrounding area offer rugged beauty and stunning vistas. The park is split into two areas north and south of the dam and there are two federal parks, as well.
Kanopolis offers more than 30 miles of trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, 15 of which are on the Smoky Hill Wildlife Area. The 3,500-acre lake and 12,500-acre wildlife area provide anglers and hunters abundant fish and game. Nestled near the Smoky Hill River toward the northwest portion of the wildlife area is Faris Caves, which were carved by early pioneers and served as milk house, school house, and living quarters.
Prairie Spirit Trail State Park
419 S. Oak, Garnett, KS
This linear park is located along a former rail bed between Iola and Ottawa, a distance of 51 miles. The city of Garnett is the midway point, and the park office is located at the Garnett Area Chamber of Commerce building. The Prairie Spirit Trail connects with the 9-mile long Southwind Rail Trail between Humboldt and Iola. Combined, the trails pass through 10 charming rural communities.
Prairie Dog State Park
13037 State Highway 261, Norton, KS
Camping at Prairie Dog include 4 reservable cabins (2 modern and 2 primitive), 60 electric/water sites, 12 electric-only sites, and more than 130 primitive sites. Reservable sites are available. Shower and restroom facilities are conveniently located, as are two RV dump stations. A 1.4- mile nature trail complete with interpretive signage is a great way to explore the park and observe wildlife.
Historical interpretation is a hallmark of this park. Two vintage 19th century buildings are preserved here, including a one room school and renovated adobe house.
Sebelius Reservoir is well known for its excellent fishing opportunities. In recent years, anglers have found productive fishing for black bass, walleye, wiper, crappie, catfish and saugeye.
The 6,400-acre Norton Wildlife Area offers good prospects for pheasant, waterfowl and rabbits. Both whitetailed and mule deer can be found here, as well as a variety of furbearers.
Sand Hills State Park
4207 E. 56th, Hutchinson, KS
Located north of Hutchinson, about one mile east of K-61 on either 56th Street or 69th Street
Sand Hills State Park, a 1,123 acre natural area, has been preserved for its sand dunes, grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands. Popular activities at the park are hiking and horseback riding. Other activities include hunting, bird watching, wildflower walks, jogging and just simple relaxation in the country.
There are eight trails in the park which are broken down into interpretive, hiking and horseback riding trails. There are 14 miles of trails which weave in between 10 to 40-feet high sand dunes, through grasslands and trees, and around ponds. Modern facilities are limited to two vault toilets.
Lovewell State Park
2446 250 Road, Webber, KS
Lovewell State Park in northcentral Kansas is a haven for outdoor lovers who look for variety in their vacations. Just 18 miles northeast of Mankato on US Hwy. 14, Lovewell offers a blend of camping, fishing, wildlife watching, and special events. You’ll discover plenty of variety in the day-use areas. A historic limestone schoolhouse hosts summer church services every Sunday. A seven-station, 14-target archery range is located north of the Cottonwood shower building. Pioneer Day-use area activities include a playground, sand volleyball, disc golf course, and horseshoes. Two basketball goals are located west of the marina, The Southwinds swimming beach offers both sun and shade. Picnic facilities are available throughout the day-use areas, as well as two large group shelters that can be reserved.
Cheney State Park
16000 NE 50th, Cheney, KS
The park features 29 miles of asphalt roads and parking areas; a park office; 2 marinas; 223 reservable electrical hookup sites with water; over 400 primitive camp sites; 4 trailer dumpstations; 6 boat ramps with 22 launching lanes; 4 courtesy docks; 2 fish cleaning stations; 7 modern pit toilets; 9 showerhouses; 1 shelter with restrooms; 2 large group shelters; 2 medium group shelters; 29 small picnic shelters; a large shelter and a restroom; 3 nature trails including a 5 mile bicycle/walking trail; and 9 modern cabins.
Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park
County Road 400 and Gold Road, Oakley, KS
Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park was established by the Kansas Legislature in 2018. The 332-acre park encompasses 220 acres of badlands – fragile, but ruggedly spectacular geologic formations adjacent to the 17,290-acre Smoky Valley Ranch. Both properties are owned by The Nature Conservancy. The Nature Conservancy will continue to own both properties, and KDWPT is partnering with The Nature Conservancy to develop and manage visitor access and use of Little Jerusalem Badlands as a state park.
Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park showcases a mile-long stretch of 100-foot-tall spires and cliffs of eroded Niobrara Chalk, a layer of rock deposited about 85 million years ago. Niobrara Chalk was formed by sediment that settled at the bottom of an inland ocean called the Western Interior Seaway which covered most of central North America roughly 140 to 70 million years ago. The sediment became compressed over time, and the seaway floor was lifted by the same tectonic shifting that formed the Rocky Mountains.
The park is the largest expanse of exposed Niobrara Chalk formation in Kansas. Smaller Niobrara Chalk outcrops are commonly seen along U.S. 83 Highway between Oakley and Historic Lake Scott State Park. Monument Rocks is a well-known Niobrara Chalk landmark east of Little Jerusalem.
Scott State Park
101 West Scott Lake Drive, Scott City, KS
Listed by National Geographic as one of the country's 50 must-see state parks and hidden in a canyon in the western Kansas prairie, Scott State Park is a stunning oasis of natural springs, deep wooded canyons, craggy bluffs and early American history. The 1,020-acre park surrounds the 100-acre, spring-fed Scott State Fishing Lake, and a 160-acre wildlife area lies west of the park.
The park is one of the most historic locations in Kansas. More than 26 archeological sites have been documented in and adjacent to the park. The remains of the northernmost known Native American pueblo – El Cuartelejo, a National Historic Landmark – are located in the park. The Steele home, the dwelling of the original settlers on the area, has been preserved much as it was 100 years ago. About 1 mile south of the park is Battle Canyon, the location of the last Native American battle in Kansas.
The park is an ideal setting for camping, boating, swimming, hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. Nature trails accommodate hikers, horseback riders, and naturalists and provide excellent opportunities to observe wildlife in natural habitats. Wild turkey, deer, bobcat and beaver are common in the area. A horse camp area has amenities for equestrian visitors.
Fishing Information
Wildlife Information
Milford State Park
3612 State Park Rd., Milford, KS
Located northwest of Junction City, west of K-77 on K-57
Located on the southeast shore of the state's largest lake, 16,000-acre Milford Reservoir, Milford State Park is a favorite getaway for outdoors loving visitors. It is a popular destination for anglers eager for walleye, crappie and largemouth bass, white bass, catfish and smallmouth bass.
There are many opportunities to observe or photograph wildlife on the 19,000-acre wildlife area located on the west side and upper end of the reservoir. The Steve Lloyd refuge contains an additional 1100 acres. The diverse habitats support many species of nongame birds, mammals, reptiles and aquatic life. Nearby Milford Nature Center and Milford Fish Hatchery (both are located below the dam) offer a variety of interpretive exhibits and displays. The lake hosts a large influx of bald eagles in the winter.
Hunters will find a variety of game including quail, pheasant, prairie chicken, duck, goose, rabbit, turkey, deer and squirrel. Trappers are also active throughout the season in pursuit of raccoon, muskrat, beaver and other furbearers.
El Dorado State Park
618 NE Bluestem Rd., El Dorado, KS
Located 3 miles east of El Dorado on US-54 and 1 mile north
One of the top state parks in America based on fishing, boating and family fun, El Dorado State Park is conveniently located at the edge of the Flint Hills near three state highways and an interstate (the Kansas Turnpike). With about 2,000 acres of park and 4,000 acres of wildlife area surrounding 8,000 acres of water with 98 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of opportunities to explore this premier lake destination.
A variety of trails are available in the State Park - hiking trails, biking trails and horse trails which include hitching posts on the shoreline and campsites with corrals and other equestrian amenities. Steep, rocky shorelines, old river channels, submerged railroad beds and dead standing timber beckon a variety of sportfish popular in Kansas along with the anglers that seek them. Wildlife enthusiasts can see a wide range of small mammals, white-tailed deer, songbirds, game birds and waterfowl.
Tuttle Creek State Park
5800 A River Pond Rd, Manhattan, KS
Four units (River Pond, Cedar Ridge, Fancy Creek and Randolph) make up the 1,200 - acre park. Electric and water hookups, a swimming beach, boat ramps, courtesy docks, and dump stations are available. Campgrounds contain 159 water/electric campsites, 8 electric/water/sewer campsites, 24 electric-only campsites, 20 electric sites with community water at the Randolph Area horse campground and 500 primitive campsites.
Eleven cabins are offered at Tuttle Creek State Park. Each cabin offers a full kitchen with basic pots and pans, table service for six, a full bathroom, heating, A/C, picnic tables, grill and fire-ring. Reservations can be made by contacting the park office or online.
Numerous nature trails, a mountain biking trail, and a scenic equestrian trail offer explorers a variety of routes to experience the aesthetic Flint Hills environment. Scenic picnic areas, an 18-hole disc golf course, volleyball courts, horse shoe pits, and conveniently placed restroom and shower facilities accommodate park visitors. The state-of-the-art Fancy Creek Shooting Range is open the first and third full weekends of each month. A new archery range is now open at River Pond.
Fall River State Park
144 Highway 105, Toronto, KS
Positioned between the Cross Timbers region and the grasslands of the Flint Hills, Fall River State Park is home to a remarkable diversity of plant and animal life. The 980-acre park is a unique blend of forested flood plains, blackjack savannahs, and tallgrass prairie. Outdoors enthusiasts looking to get off the beaten track will find much to their liking at this park, located in southeastern Greenwood County.
Camping, swimming, boating, water skiing, hiking, and picnics are popular pursuits at Fall River. Developed campsites include modern restroom and shower facilities. Forty-five electric/water hookups are available, plus more than 100 primitive campsites. New this fall children can enjoy our playground and swings. Six hiking trails and an orienteering course offer visitors an up-close and personal perspective on this unique area.
A favorite pastime here is canoeing Fall River, which feeds into the 2,450-acre reservoir of the same name. Bird watchers, photographers, and naturalists will enjoy a variety of native plants and animals here. More than 8,000 acres of public wildlife area next to the park are managed for a variety of game and nongame species. Dove, quail, deer, turkey, rabbit, squirrel, waterfowl, and prairie chicken are common.
Fall River offers good fishing opportunities for channel catfish, white bass, crappie, flathead catfish, largemouth bass and walleye. White bass fishing can be excellent in early spring, particularly in Otter Creek and Fall River above the reservoir.
Cross Timbers State Park
144 Hwy. 105, Toronto, KS
The park is located 12 miles west of Yates Center in Woodson County. This region was a favored hunting and camping ground of Native Americans of the Osage Nation. The forested flood plains, surrounded by terraces of prairie and hills of oak savannah, provide visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in some of the most diverse flora and fauna in Kansas.
Shaded campsites within easy access of the lake are available for both full RV hookup and primitive camping. All park campgrounds are served by modern bathroom and shower facilities. All park trails are open to hiking and backpacking. All but the Ancient Trees Trail are open to other non-motorized uses such as jogging and mountain biking. Back country camping is allowed by special permit on segments of the Chautauqua Hills Trail.
Fishing in the river and on the reservoir can be excellent. Both are noted for excellent white crappie, white bass, channel catfish, and flathead catfish angling. Black bass, bluegill, and sunfish round out the diverse fishing opportunities available here. The adjacent 4,600-acre Toronto Wildlife Area is a diverse collection of habitats, including forests, grasslands, farmlands, and marshes. Species common to the area included white-tailed deer, wild turkey, quail, squirrel, rabbit, dove, and raccoon. A rich variety of songbirds appeals to wildlife observers and photographers.
Fishing Information
Wildlife Information
Eisenhower State Park
29810 S. Fairlawn Road, Osage City, KS
Eisenhower State Park has 1,785 acres. It features 1,000 acres of tallgrass prairie, 440 acres of woodland and a complete range of recreational facilities in addition to the 6,930 acres of Melvern Lake.
Eisenhower State Park provides 186 utility campsites: 81 with water, 37 with sewer hookps, 68 electric only sites and five shower houses. Non-utility sites are available for primitive camping in Five-Star, Sailboat Beach, and Omaha Swim Beach. Fifteen Equestrian Campsites with electric/water and individual corrals are available in the upper loop of Westpoint Campground. Cowboy campground is a primitive area for equestrian camping. The park offers 4 modern cabins, 2 primitive yurts and one primitive cabin for rent. Campers may stay at any one of the campgrounds for up to 14 consecutive days.
Willow Park
1800 SW 6th Ave, Topeka, KS
As a part of AARP's 60th Anniversary, AARP launched an ambitious effort in 2019 to create 53 fitness parks – one each in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These AARP Sponsored Outdoor Fitness Parks Organized by FitLot are designed for adaptive use by people with a wide range of abilities and exercise needs.
Willow Park is located along SW 6th Street just north of the University of Kansas St. Francis campus. The park includes playground equipment, a FitLot exercise park donated by AARP, .5 miles of walking paths and park benches.