STATE PARK CABINS SERVE AS IDEAL BASE CAMPS FOR HUNTERS

Lodging at a comfortable state park cabin can save hunters money and time

PRATT – Hunters have to factor in a lot of components when planning a hunt, and one of the most important aspects focuses on timing. Whether you are figuring out what time to wake up, when to change locations, how soon to call an animal in, or even when you should shoot, it’s always better when a hunter has time on their side. State park cabins can offer hunters an affordable base camp that won’t require factoring in a ton of extra time for travel. Often located within just a few miles, some even within walking distance, of some of the state’s most popular public hunting areas, state park cabins are a great way to enjoy the outdoors long after shooting hours are over.

Offered in either “deluxe” or “sleeper” styles, state park cabins provide the flexibility that comes with lodging at a chain hotel, without the brand-name price. Depending upon the season and amenities offered, nightly fees vary from $35 to $110 and can sleep anywhere from four to ten adults. Deluxe cabins offer heating and air conditioning, a bathroom, shower, and often a furnished kitchen equipped with a refrigerator, stove, microwave, and coffee pot. Sleeper cabins are a little more rustic with fewer amenities, but are still equipped with heating and air conditioning, as well as electricity. Beds are included, however guests are required to bring their own linens.

Reservations can be made online at reserveamerica.com as far out as 364 days in advance and as soon as three days in advance. If booking on a Friday, cabins must be reserved for both Friday and Saturday, and cabins booked on a Saturday must be reserved for both Saturday and Sunday. Hunters wishing to make a reservation one to two days in advance my contact the nearest state park office for availability, or call (620) 672-5911 for assistance.

For more information on state park cabin locations and amenities, visit ksoutdoors.com and click “State Parks / Reservations.”

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LOVEWELL STATE PARK SENDS OFF SUMMER WITH TWO DAYS OF EVENTS

Saturday, Sept. 7th, Lovewell State Park will host its first-ever “Tailgating Saturday”

PRATT ­­– Lovewell State Park will celebrate the end of the summer with two days of events Sept. 7 and 8, including a free park entrance day on Sunday. Events include a football-themed campsite decoration party, a chili cook-off contest and a 3D archery shoot.

The weekend will kick off with the park’s first-ever “Tailgating Saturday,” a friendly football-themed competition where campers will compete to see who can decorate their campsite with the most pride for their favorite team. No registration is required.

After taking in the scenic views of campers in all their pigskin-glory, park goers can fill up on good eats at the chili cook-off contest Sunday at the Lovewell Marina. Those wishing to compete in the cook-off must register with the park office no later than 9 a.m. Judging will be done by the first 100 people who contribute a $5.00 donation for a taste-testing ticket. Judges will have from noon to 1:00 p.m. to score entries and vote for their favorites. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place.

For park goers who would rather compete outside of the kitchen, a 3D archery shoot will be held Sunday for archers of all skill levels. Registration for the shoot will begin at 9 a.m., with course completion by noon. Shooters are asked to donate a $10 entry fee and will compete in men’s, women’s and youth divisions. Following the 3D shoot, archers may also participate in a steel deer competition, for a donation of $5. Prizes will be awarded for the first, second and third places.

For more information, contact the Lovewell State Park office at (785) 753-4971.

LOVEWELL STATE PARK TO HOST ANNUAL CAMPGROUND CHRISTMAS EVENT

Campers will trade in “hot and humid” for “ho, ho, ho” during this holiday decorating contest

PRATT ­– Do the hot and humid days of summer have you wishing for a winter wonderland? Well look no farther than Lovewell State Park because your wish is about to be granted. Lovewell State Park, located in Jewell County in northcentral Kansas, will host the 11th Annual Campground Christmas event Saturday, Aug. 17. Campers will compete in a two-day decorating contest by adorning their campsites and cabins with yuletide themes.

The decorations will then be available for public viewing, followed by a formal judging at 8 p.m. Saturday evening. Prizes will be awarded at 11 a.m. the following morning.

Campers interested in entering the contest must register at the Lovewell State Park Office no later than 5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17. Those interested in viewing the campsites must have a vehicle permit to enter the park. Daily permits can be purchased for $5.00, annual permits for $25.00. For more information, contact Lovewell State Park manager Thane Loring at (785) 753-4971.

For a list of park events near you, visit ksoutdoors.com and click “State Parks/Event Calendar.”

KANSAS STATE PARKS TO HOST SATURDAY OPEN HOUSES

TOPEKA ­– On Saturday, Mar. 9, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) will host a free entrance day and open houses at all state parks. Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of events at most parks.

During the open houses, park visitors can take advantage of low, off-season camping permit prices. Mar. 31 is the last day annual camping permits are priced at off-season discounts. On Apr. 1, the prices increase to their regular prime-season levels. Visitors can purchase annual camping permits and make cabin or campsite reservations during the open houses, as well. For pricing information, or to purchase permits online, go to the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com. For online permit purchases, click the License/Permits icon. For campsite and cabin reservations, click the Reservations icon.

Free entrance at all Kansas state parks,
along with special events for the family

Kansas motor vehicle owners can now buy an annual park vehicle permit as part of their vehicle registration process. The permit – called a Kansas State Parks Passport – will cost $15.00 (county treasurers can elect to add a $0.50 service fee). This lower-price, non-transferable permit will be available only during the vehicle registration process at a motor vehicle registration office, through the online vehicle registration site at www.kswebtags.org or when registering by mail. The Kansas State Parks Passport will expire when the vehicle registration expires a year later.

Park entry is free on March 9, but persons who would like to buy an annual park permit before they register their vehicles can do so at any KDWPT office, Kansas license vendor or through the KDWPT website, and then request a pro-rated refund for the difference in cost after purchasing their Kansas State Parks Passport.

State parks and their special events are listed below:

Cedar Bluff

Open house: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Park and cabin tours all day

Free hot dog feed: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Refreshments served all day

Cheney

Office open: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. for permit sales and to answer questions

Cabin tours

Clinton

Park office open: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. with animal viewing and show-and-tell.

Cabin open house: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Entrance gate open: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Crawford

Park office open: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. for permit sales

Cabin tours

Courtesy boat inspections upon request

Cross Timbers & Fall River

Park office, Toronto Point gate, and Fredonia Bay gate: open 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cabin open houses at both parks: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Trail hikes at each cabin beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Eisenhower

Open house: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cabin open for viewing

Hot dogs and refreshments

5K Run/Walk sponsored by Osage City Warmth Fund

Games

El Dorado

Park office open: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Courtesy boat inspections upon request

Two skins and skull programs: 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Cabin tours available upon request and availability

Elk City

Park office open: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Events run from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

One-mile nature hike

Fishing derby at kids fishing pond

Geocaching

Free hot dog feed: noon – 1:00 p.m.

Drawings for prizes

Glen Elder

Park office and cabin open: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Hillsdale

Park office open: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for permit sales and to answer questions

Shooting range open for questions: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Kanopolis

Park office open: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Cabin open house: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Lovewell

Park office open: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Cabin tours: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Lovewell and Glen Elder fishing presentation: 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Willow Group Shelter

Lovewell Marina open all day to serve refreshments

Meade

Open house: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cabin and campsite reservation system information

Refreshments served all day

Milford

Park office open: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Courtesy boat inspections at the office

Cabin open for tours upon request and availability

Coffee and cookies

Perry

Coffee and cookies at park office: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cabin open

Car show: 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at office parking lot

Pomona

Park office open: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. for permit sales

Cabin tours: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

RV Show hosted by Olathe Ford RV

Disc golf

Scavenger hunt

Personal watercraft simulator

Easter egg hunt: 1:00 p.m.

Food vendors on site

Lighthouse Bay Marina open

Prairie Dog

Open house: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cabin and Adobe House tours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Prairie Spirit Trail

City of Iola, Riverside Park: 8:00 a.m. – noon

Allen County Thrive PowerPoint on trail extension

Franklin County CVB, Garnett Chamber, Iola Chamber presentations

Allen County Hospital blood pressure and BMI evaluation

Snacks by Friends of Prairie Spirit Trail

Lake Scott

Open house and all events: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cookies and punch

Cabin tours

Slide show of park pictures

State Parks Passport information

Requirements for senior fishing licenses

Tuttle Creek

Park office open: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Courtesy boat inspections: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Sioux Cabin open: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Instructional archery shooting, Nihart Range: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Skins/skulls/trapping, Nihart Range: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Coffee and cookies

Trout fishing at Willow Lake (to be stocked Mar. 7). Applicable licenses and permits required.

Webster

Open house: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Boat show in Old Marina Cove: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

BBQ grill demonstrations: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Traeger Grills at Lakeview Shelter #5

Green Mountain Grills at Townsite Shelter

Ozark Mountain Grills at Hill Top Shelter

Wilson

Park office open: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. for permit sales

Cabin open for tours

For more information, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “State Parks.”

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RESERVE YOUR CAMPING SPOT FOR 2013

Online reservation system allows reservations up to a year in advance
PRATT – If you’re making plans for next year’s state park fun, you can reserve your favorite campsite or cabin up to a year in advance, beginning at 12:01 a.m., Dec. 15. You can also purchase your 2013 permits and licenses beginning Friday, December 14, 2012, and all issuances will be valid through the rest of 2012 and all of 2013.
Camping and cabin reservations guarantee the holder their spot will be open and ready when they arrive at the park. All Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) 121 cabins can be reserved year-round. About half of each individual park’s sites may be reserved for the camping season which is April 1-Sept. 30, 2013.
It’s never been easier to reserve a cabin or campsite. Last spring, KDWPT unveiled its Outdoor Recreation Management System (ORMS), which provides reservation services and much more.
In addition to allowing customers to make reservations from the comfort of home, photos of each campsite and whether it’s available will be hosted online. In most cases, ORMS will save park users money through reduced service fees and more efficient management. The system also will allow staff to mark sites with problems — such as broken hydrants or electrical issues — until these issues can be fixed. ORMS data will show which sites are used the most, making management planning more efficient. ORMS will allow park staff to look within the system to see what sites are full and who is on that site, making emergency notifications much faster.
For those who still prefer using a phone, park staff can use ORMS to help callers with reservations.
Payment in full is required at the time a reservation is made. Reserving a cabin requires a non-refundable $14 reservation fee. Reserving a campsite requires a non-refundable $3 reservation fee per campsite.
And remember the $15 Kansas State Parks Passport annual vehicle permit will be available during your vehicle registration process in 2013. It saves money and is convenient. Regular annual state parks vehicle permits for $25 are still available at KDWPT offices, and daily vehicle entrance permits are $5. Annual vehicle permits for seniors and persons with disabilities are still available through department offices for $13.75.

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STATE PARK RESERVATION SYSTEM SHUTDOWN APRIL 1-16

Kanopolis State Park. I took this myself. Category:Images of Kansas (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

New Outdoor Recreation Management System being installed

PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) reminds all state park users that parks will not take cabin, campsite, or other reservations from April 1-16. The shutdown will allow the agency to implement the new Outdoor Recreation Management System (ORMS). During this time, no reservations will be taken either online or by phone. Reservations made before April 1 will be moved into the new reservation system, so there will be no need to renew existing reservations.

Once the new system is up and running April 17, reservations will be made faster and easier. In addition to allowing customers to make reservations from the comfort of home, photos of each campsite and whether it’s available will be hosted online. In most cases, ORMS will save park users money through reduced service fees and more efficient management. The system also will allow staff to mark sites in need of repair until they can be fixed. ORMS data will show which sites are used the most, making management planning more efficient. ORMS will also allow park staff to look within the system to see what sites are full and who is on those sites, making emergency notifications much faster.

For those without computers or who still prefer using a phone, park staff will be able to use the new system to help callers with reservations.

To make reservations on or after April 17, visit the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com, where you’ll be directed to reservemerica.com, or call a KDWPT state park office or the Pratt Operations Office at 620-672-5911. For the location of your nearest Kansas state park office, go to the KDWPT website and click “State Parks/Locations.” Prior to April 17, park users can go to reserveamerica.com and familiarize themselves with how to use the system ahead of the launch date.

Among many other benefits of ORMS, park users will be able to make a reservation online from home, be assured to have a site if they have made a reservation, and avoid reservation errors such as double-booking. Park staff will use ORMS to manage walk-in as well as phone sales.

For more information, contact the nearest KDWPT state park or phone the Pratt Operations Office, 620-672-5911, and ask for the Parks Division.

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MARCH 31 LAST DAY FOR PARK AND TURKEY COMBO BARGAINS

Camping - cooking over a hunters fire. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Park users and hunters can save by purchasing permits before April 1

PRATT — Visitors to Kansas state parks can save money by purchasing many permits before the prime park season begins on April 1. Permits purchased in the off-season — Oct. 1-March 31 — are valid for the remainder of the calendar year, and they are cheaper if purchased during this period. And hunters looking for a bargain can find it in the turkey permit/game tag combination, available through March 31 at a reduced price. By purchasing the combination early, hunters save $7.50 over the cost of purchasing each separately after March 30.

For 2012, state park vehicle entrance permit fees include the following:
Off-Season (through March 31)

• Annual camping permit — $202.50
• 14-night camping permit —$87.50
• Annual vehicle permit — $19.70 (senior/disabled: $11.10

Prime Season (April 1-Sept. 30)

• Annual camping permit — $252.50
• 14-night camping permit —$101.50
• Annual vehicle permit — $24.70 (senior/disabled: $13.60)

Turkey Permits

• Resident Turkey permit — $22.50
• Resident Turkey game tag — $12.50
• Resident Turkey Combo permit/game tag — $27.50

Costs listed include applicable service fees, except online purchase convenience fee. Annual permits are valid for the remainder of the calendar year whether purchased in the off-season or the prime season.
The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s Parks Division operates a system of 26 parks, including the Prairie Spirit Rail-Trail. Most state parks provide utility and primitive camping, as well as cabins, and are located adjacent to lakes or reservoirs. Most camping and utility fees remain unchanged year-round, but daily, 14-day, and annual camping permits, as well as annual vehicle permits, are cheaper if purchased in the off-season. In addition to camping facilities, parks offer boat ramps, courtesy docks, shelter houses, swimming beaches, trails, and a variety of other amenities. Parks also host numerous special events, such as concerts and festivals, throughout the year.
Turkey season for youth and disabled runs April 1-10, and the general season runs April 11-May 31. Each permit or game tag is valid for one turkey. A hunting license is also required, unless exempt by law.
More information on state parks is available at the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com. To reserve a cabin, click "Cabin Reservations" under “Topics” in the middle of the KDWPT home page.

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NEW SYSTEM TO STREAMLINE STATE PARK RESERVATIONS

Image via Wikipedia

System available online April 17; all reservations will shut down April 1-16
PRATT — Have you ever wondered what state park facilities are still available on a busy weekend or wished you could make a reservation in advance from home, when park offices are closed? The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Outdoor Recreation Management System (ORMS) — available April 17 — will provide that service and much more.

In addition to allowing customers to make reservations from the comfort of home, photos of each campsite and whether it’s available will be hosted online. In most cases, ORMS will save park users money, through reduced service fees and more efficient management. The system also will allow staff to mark sites with problems — such as broken hydrants or electrical issues — until these issues can be fixed. ORMS data will show which sites are used the most, making management planning more efficient. ORMS will allow park staff to look within the system to see what sites are full and who is on that site, making emergency notifications much faster.

For those without computers or who still prefer using a phone, park staff will be able to use ORMS to help callers with reservations.

Reservations made before ORMS is launched will be moved into the new reservation system, so there will be no need to renew existing reservations. A cancellation/reschedule policy will be implemented, similar to the policy for camping cabins. The number of campsites available for reservation will vary by park. The rest will be available through the traditional first-come, first-served method. Shelter and group campground reservations will continue to be made only through the park office where the facilities are located.

In order to implement ORMS, the current reservation system will be shut down from April 1 through April 16. During this time, no reservations will be taken either online or by phone.

On March 31, all state parks will host a Free Park Entrance Day, with open-house in the offices, allowing customers to purchase park permits on the last day of lower off-season pricing. During open house, ORMS demonstrations will offer customers the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the new system. Also during the open house, visitors can enter a drawing to win a free one-night stay at a state park or public land cabin of their choice (terms and conditions apply, no purchase is necessary to enter. Call park office for details).

Those who cannot make it to a state park open house March 31 and see a demonstration can go online to Reserve America — www.reserveamerica.com — and familiarize themselves with how to use the system ahead of the launch date. Forty states are currently using the system, so pick one and see what they have to offer.

Among many other benefits of ORMS, park users will be able to make a reservation online from home, be assured to have a site if they have made a reservation, and avoid reservation errors such as double-booking. Park staff will use ORMS to manage walk-in as well as phone sales.

For those sites that can be reserved, users will be able to search for specific locations, sites, dates, and lengths of stay. Searches can be narrowed by amenities such as site size, utility hookups, equestrian facilities, hiking and biking trails, boating facilities, swimming areas, and more. Visitors without a camping permit can purchase one online before leaving home.

State park cabin reservations may already be made online atreserve.ksoutdoors.com or by calling or visiting a state park office. Constituents should continue to use these venues through March 31.

ORMS is much more than a camping and cabin reservation system. It will help KDWPT staff provide better customer service and more accurate visitor information. For more information, contact the nearest KDWPT state park or phone the Pratt Operations Office, 620-672-5911, and ask for the Parks Division.

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KANSAS STATE PARKS OPEN FOR WINTER BUSINESS

Image by florisla via Flickr

Cold weather months limit facilities, but parks still offer outdoor opportunities

PRATT — Kansas state parks began their off-season on Oct. 1, and it runs through March 31. During this time, many state parks cut down on services although all remain open. Hours and services vary from park to park, but most offices are open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday but are closed on holidays.

In addition, most unheated toilets and shower buildings with running water are shut down for the cold season. Most heated buildings remain open through the regular firearms hunting seasons, and some remain open year-round. While drinkable water is available at each park headquarters all year, water is shut off at campgrounds and day-use areas that are prone to freezing pipes.

Most parks have some drinkable water available at freeze-proof valves in campgrounds into late November or early December, depending on the weather. Electricity stays on year-round where it is available. Each park remains open to vehicles; however, some campground loops may be closed. Some boat ramps across the state may be closed or only usable by shallow-draft boats.

And while some facilities are reduced, so are some off-season park permit fees. A Daily Vehicle permit is $3.70 (senior/disabled, $2.60); an Annual Vehicle permit is $19.70 (senior/disabled, $11.10); a Daily Camping permit is $7.50; and a 14-Day Camping permit is $87.50.

In addition, rental cabins 20 state parks and five wildlife areas make a winter stay comfortable. For more information on cabins at state parks, go to “State Parks/Locations With Cabins” at the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us.

For other winter park details, look up individual state parks on the KDWPT website. Conditions may also be checked by phoning individual parks.

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OCTOBER OPENS BARGAIN SEASON AT KANSAS STATE PARKS

Image via Wikipedia

Reduced prices, uncrowded conditions make parks attractive in fall and winter
PRATT — If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure bargain close to home, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has a deal for you. The state park off-season runs Oct. 1-March 31, and during this time, you can enjoy parks at reduced prices. Kansas is well into autumn, and many outdoorsmen and women consider this is the best time of year to visit a Kansas state park. Hunters and anglers — and even campers looking for a cool-season adventure — take advantage of these lower prices while relaxing in cool weather and uncrowded conditions.

Hunters and anglers probably use parks more than other visitors during the off-season, and the growing number of cabins in parks makes a stay more inviting — and comfortable. Many cabins provide the amenities of home and proximity to popular outdoor activities. Cabin rental fees vary depending on size, days of the week, and time of year. Visit reserve.ksoutdoors.com for cabin information and reservations.

Standard off-season state park permit fees are as follow:

• Daily Vehicle permit — $3.70 (senior/disabled, $2.60);
• Annual Vehicle permit — $19.70 (senior/disabled, $11.10);
• Daily Camping permit — $7.50; and
• 14-Day Camping permit — $87.50.

Costs listed include applicable service fees (an online purchase convenience fee is not included). Annual permits purchased in either the off-season or the prime season are valid for the remainder of the calendar year. 2011 permits go on sale Dec. 15.

KDWPT’s Parks Division operates a system of 26 parks. In addition to cabins, most state parks provide utilities and primitive camping and are located adjacent to lakes or reservoirs. Utility fees remain unchanged year-round.

In addition to camping facilities, parks offer boat ramps, courtesy docks, shelter houses, trails, and a variety of other amenities. More information on cabin reservations and state park fees is available at the KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us.

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LOVEWELL STATE PARK FREE ENTRANCE DAYS MARCH 26-27

Open house featuring new facilities, cabin tours to highlight weekend
WEBBER — Lovewell State Park will hold Free Park Entrance Days on Saturday and Sunday, March 26 and 27. For these two days, vehicle permits are not required to enter the state park. However, park users are reminded that if they plan to camp overnight, a camping permit is still required and can be purchased at the park office or self-pay station

To enhance this special weekend, park staff will present an open house featuring the park’s new facilities and camping cabins, as well as information on budget issues, the campsite reservation system, and a question-and-answer time regarding park regulations. Two programs will begin at the Willow Group Shelter at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The programs will conclude with tours of the new Southwinds Camping Cabins, weather permitting.

In addition to the programs, the park office will be open both days from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for park permit sales prior to the switch to peak season pricing on April 1. Off-season Annual Vehicle permits are discounted $5 at $19.70; Second Annual Vehicle permits are discounted $2.50 at $12.20; Annual Camping permits are discounted $50 at $202.50; and the 14-Day Camping permits are discounted $15 at $87.50. Those purchasing annual and second vehicle permits must present vehicle registration.

For more information, phone Lovewell State Park at 785-753-4971.

FISHING PLACES

MARCH 31 LAST DAY FOR PARK FEE BARGAINS

Park users can save by purchasing permits before April 1
PRATT — Visitors to Kansas state parks can save money by purchasing many permits before the prime park season begins on April 1. Permits purchased in the off-season — Oct. 1-March 31 — are valid for the remainder of the calendar year, and they are cheaper if purchased during this period.

For 2011, state park vehicle entrance permit fees include the following:

Off-Season (through March 31)

• Annual camping permit — $202.50
• 14-night camping permit —$87.50
• Annual vehicle permit — $19.70 (senior/disabled: $11.10)
• Additional annual vehicle permit — $12.20 (senior/disabled: $7.35)

Prime Season (April 1-Sept. 30)

• Annual camping permit — $252.50
• 14-night camping permit —$101.50
• Annual vehicle permit — $24.70 (senior/disabled: $13.60)
• Additional annual vehicle permit — $14.70 (senior/disabled: $8.60)

Costs listed include applicable service fees, except online purchase convenience fee. Annual permits are valid for the remainder of the calendar year whether purchased in the off-season or the prime season.

KDWP's Parks Division operates a system of 25 parks and the Prairie Spirit Rail-Trail. Most state parks provide utility and primitive camping, as well as cabins, and are located adjacent to lakes or reservoirs. Most camping and utility fees remain unchanged, but daily and 14-day camping permits are cheaper if purchased in the off-season. In addition to camping facilities, parks offer boat ramps, courtesy docks, shelter houses, swimming beaches, trails, and a variety of other amenities. Parks also host numerous special events, such as concerts and festivals, throughout the year.

More information on state parks is also available at the KDWP website,www.kdwp.state.ks.us. To reserve a cabin, click "Cabin Reservations" in the upper right-hand corner of the KDWP website.

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