Kansas State Parks Report Record Visitation Heading Into Summer
State parks from Milford Lake to Kanopolis logged record spring attendance, prompting officials to add campsites and staff.
Kansas state parks recorded their busiest spring on record, wildlife officials said, as residents flocked to reservoirs and prairies for camping, fishing, and boating heading into the summer season.
Parks including Milford Lake, Kanopolis, and Clinton reported surges in campsite reservations, and officials said the trend has held steady since a pandemic-era boom in outdoor recreation. In response, the state parks division is adding campsites, upgrading utility hookups, and hiring seasonal staff.
"People rediscovered how much there is to do close to home, and they have not stopped coming," a parks official said. The increased traffic has brought welcome revenue but also strained restrooms, boat ramps, and trails at the most popular sites.
Officials encouraged visitors to reserve sites in advance and to consider less-crowded parks in the western part of the state.
