Kanopolis State Park encompasses more than 14,000 acres of rolling hills and sandstone bluffs around a reservoir in central Kansas. The park sits at approximately 1,500 feet elevation with hot summers reaching into the 90s and cold winters often below freezing. The prairie landscape features limestone outcroppings and diverse wildlife including deer, turkey, and numerous bird species that frequent the shoreline.
What to do
Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems traverse Kanopolis State Park with varying difficulty levels. The horse trails near Rockin' K Horse Campground connect to scenic limestone formations. "I camped there in early October and this campground appeared to have multiple spots for campers with horses. There were numerous horse pens along with some dispersed camping area. There looked to be a trail for horse riding nearby," notes Caleb J.
Swimming and beach activities: The swimming beach offers relief during hot Kansas summers. At Sandyshore Campground, Carter W. reports, "We got a perfect camp spot all to ourselves. It was not necessarily private or in the woods. But we were right up against the lake. There was sand like a beach, the water was alright."
Fishing opportunities: The reservoir provides habitat for numerous fish species. At Cheyenne Campground, Laura D. confirms it's a "Good lake to fish and camp. Well taken care of. I enjoyed my stay."
What campers like
Privacy in primitive areas: Less developed areas offer solitude away from RVs. At Mulberry Campground, Katie L. reports, "Primitive campground is well maintained and largely unoccupied because of the lack of hookups for RVs. Stayed on 4th of July and only one other family was in the entire campground."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain high standards for restrooms and shower facilities. At Rockin' K, Alex R. shares, "We stayed at Eagle Point as we don not have horses but this campground had the shower house that we used which was very clean and the water was actually hot! Very well maintained!"
Spacious campsites: Sites provide adequate room between neighbors. Charles notes that at Rockin' K Horse Campground, "Spots were well spaced and organized. Some had water/electric with others being just electric. Great system for checking in after hours without a reservation."
What you should know
Tick prevention: Ticks can be prevalent during warmer months. Nick P. from Sandyshore Campground advises, "Great scenery and nice trails (bring tick spray can be brutal out there!)."
Reservations and check-in: Some campgrounds offer after-hours check-in options. Charles from Rockin' K Horse Campground noted, "Great system for checking in after hours without a reservation."
Wildlife viewing: The park hosts diverse bird populations and wildlife. Katie L. at Mulberry Campground mentions, "Great birds too!" while other campers frequently spot deer and other mammals throughout the park.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access consideration: Some campsites provide direct beach access, ideal for families with children. Jennifer H. describes Sandyshore Campground with "Gorgeous view and perfect shaded camping grounds."
Seasonal timing: Summer visits offer water recreation but crowds increase. Hunter shares about Sandyshore: "We had the last spot at the end of the drive, which seemed to be a popular place for day users to park and walk the edge of the water. Several groups showed up looking to cool off and walked right by our spot."
Bring your own water: Some primitive areas lack nearby water sources. Katie L. advises at Hayland Farm's Horse Shoe Campground: "bring your own water as there is no spigot nearby."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for hookups: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of services. At Rockin' K Horse Campground, Charles points out, "Spots were well spaced and organized. Some had water/electric with others being just electric."
Campground improvements: Some areas have seen recent upgrades. About Cheyenne Campground, Brandy shares, "I grew up here, stopped going when it became a party haven filled with drama, recently gave it a second chance and could not be happier I did. It has really been cleaned up in all aspects."
Site accessibility: Sandyshore offers various sites with different features. Henry M. reports, "My wife and I camped in site 093 and really enjoyed the scenery of the lake and the park itself. Great place for a weekend getaway or long fishing trip on the reservoir. All the facilities were very clean and the park was well maintained."
