Camping at Kansas state parks is about to become considerably more expensive, and competition with private campgrounds is part of the reason.
The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission approved a package of fee increases on August 27. Beginning November 1, the base overnight camping fee will rise from $9 to $15, while utility and vehicle charges will also increase.
Kansas will also eliminate its annual camping permit, which frequent campers could use to cover their basic camping charges for the year. The annual vehicle permit is not going away, but its price will rise from $25 to $40.
New Kansas state park fees
The state’s economic impact statement lists the following changes:
| Fee | Current price | New price | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic overnight camping | $9 | $15 | 67% |
| One utility | $9 | $11 | 22% |
| Two utilities | $11 | $13 | 18% |
| Three utilities | $12 | $15 | 25% |
| 14-night camping permit | $110 | $165 | 50% |
| Annual vehicle permit | $25 | $40 | 60% |
| DMV State Parks Passport | $15 | $30 | 100% |
| Daily vehicle permit | $5 | $8 | 60% |
Utility fees are charged in addition to the basic camping fee. That means an RV campsite with three utilities would increase from $21 to $30 per night before vehicle, reservation, or processing charges.
Why Kansas is raising prices
Kansas officials say state park operating costs increased from approximately $11.2 million in fiscal 2017 to $16.2 million in fiscal 2025. That is a 45% increase in eight years, driven by higher utility, staffing, equipment, maintenance, and contracted-service expenses.
The state offered another reason that may surprise campers. Private campground owners reportedly told officials that Kansas state parks were charging far less than private businesses could charge for comparable campsites.
According to the state’s economic analysis, private campground operators repeatedly requested that park fees be raised. Kansas believes bringing public campground prices closer to private rates could send more long-term and seasonal campers to privately owned parks.
Officials compared the current $9 basic camping fee with rates of $15 in Nebraska and Missouri, $18 in Oklahoma, and $22 in Colorado. The new $15 Kansas rate would match the lowest rates among those neighboring states.
Kansas expects the changes to generate about $4.6 million in additional annual revenue. That estimate already assumes a 15% reduction in park visits and permit use because some campers may stay away after prices increase.
The state says the added money will help maintain park facilities, address deferred repairs, improve safety, and cover rising operating expenses. About 7.5 million people visit Kansas state parks each year, producing an estimated $152.6 million in annual economic activity.
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