State Parks near Wichita, KS

Alabaster Caverns State Park is a park located near Freedom, Oklahoma and lies in Woods County. Alabaster Caverns is named for the gypsum caves on the property. Gypsum is a mineral used in chalk, drywall, and several other industrial applications. At the park, most of the gypsum is found in the form of alabaster. In fact, it’s the largest gypsum cave in the entire world. It’s also one of only three sources of black alabaster in the world.

Freedom, Oklahoma has a humid continental climate, which means that it has warm summers that trend towards hot. The winters are cold; in northern Oklahoma and the state as a whole, the winter is the driest season of the year.

The state …

If you're a water sports enthusiast searching for the perfect RV camping destination in Kansas, look no further than Cheney State Park. Located five miles north of Cheney in central Kansas, this 1,913-acre park sits right on the shores of the 6,800-acre Cheney Reservoir.

Situated at the southern end of the lake, Cheney State Park is divided into two separate zones — the East Shore area and the West Shore area. Famous for its excellent sailing conditions, the park is also a popular destination for fishing, boating, and hiking. And with hundreds of campsites to choose from in various campgrounds around the lake, Cheney State Park has a whole lot to offer to anyone planning their next relaxing camping getaway.

Located in the hills of Verdigris River Valley in southeast Kansas is the home to scenic Cross Timbers State Park. Located just south of the city of Toronto, the park is not too far from Chanute and Independence, and both cities are easily accessible by renting an RV; you’ll find a range of affordable RV rentals in Woodson County. Coming back to what’s so great about this park and why you should be planning a motorhome camping trip here soon – well, for one, its spread across 1075-acres of forest land that’s made up of terraces of Prairie and hills of Oak Savanna; the park lies right opposite the Toronto Wildlife Area. What’s more, the park offers easy access …

El Dorado State Park is situated in the southern section of Kansas, just a short drive away from Wichita. This state park is one of the largest in Kansas and spans over 4,000 acres. It rests next to the Flint Hills and El Dorado Reservoir providing guests with plenty of stunning views.

Besides its beautiful landscapes, El Dorado State Park also features abandoned railroad tracks and a large amphitheater which hosts numerous festivals throughout the year. The park is located next to El Dorado Lake and has an impressive 98-mile shoreline.

Elk City State Park is a microcosm of sorts, a nature preserve and outdoor recreational destination located within a compact area. The landscape includes rolling meadows and woodland forests to the east of the Elk City Reservoir (which is also incorporated into the park area). The park is intended for quiet family outings but is open to the public at large. The park has a beach where you can swim and a boat ramp granting access to the reservoir lake. The lake is not particularly deep, but it is a good venue for getting some fishing in; the lake is stocked with blue and channel catfish, white bass, and crappie. Younger anglers can take advantage of a pond that is …

Spread over 980 acres of beautiful open plains, tallgrass prairie, and mixed bush and grass, Fall River State Park is a unique wilderness getaway for state park campers in southeast Kansas. Neighboring cities with the cozy town of Eureka and rural Hamilton, the park makes for a Greenwood County gem. The park offers campsites sprinkled near the glassy Fall River Lake, six hiking trails filled to the brim with diverse wildlife, and excellent hunting and archery opportunities at every bend in the woods.

Fall River Lake is one of the oldest reservoirs in Kansas, although it didn’t always look as good as it does today. The former Osage territory had to wait until the Flood Control Act of 1941 …

As the United States expanded west in the mid-19th century, conflicts began to break out along the Santa Fe Trail, and the federal government established forts to provide protection to the settlers. Fort Larned was established in 1859 and remained in place until it was abandoned in 1878.

Today the National Historic Site is a monument to the history and cultures of those times. When you visit, you will first see a picnic area as you enter the site. There are picnic shelters and restrooms near the entrance; the shelters are set among trees that provide shade and are near the Pawnee River, which flows past the site. You may be able to spot the wildlife that now resides here, …

Stepping foot into the Great Salt Plains State Park will feel like you've entered into a dream. The huge plains of salt look almost like an ocean; it is easy to forget that you're still in Oklahoma. The salt that coats this barren land has been left over from an ancient ocean that once existed in the area.

The park is often considered one of Oklahoma’s most unique state parks, and it is not hard to see why, when you rent an RV in Alfalfa County. The landscape is pretty barren, just is simply bursting with things to do and see. From boating and swimming to bike riding and crystal digging, the options are endless. In addition to the …

As the oldest recreation area in Kansas, Kanopolis State Park has a reputation that precedes it. Located near Ellsworth in the heart of Kansas, and situated on the shores of the 3,000-acre Kanopolis Reservoir, this big and beautiful park offers a long list of recreational opportunities to campers.

Excellent boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking can all be enjoyed here, with the park offering two distinct areas for visitors to enjoy — Horsethief in the north and Langley Point in the south. And with 14 campgrounds and more than 300 campsites spread throughout these two areas, there are plenty of great places to stay for campers looking to escape civilization for a while.

A visit to Little Sahara State Park will give you an insight into the diverse landscape of Oklahoma, as you'll feel like you have stepped straight into the African Desert. The landscape is filled with over 1600 acres of rolling sand dunes just waiting to be explored, with the tallest reaching an impressive 75 feet, drawing people in from miles around to search for an RV in Woods County, OK. These incredible dunes have been forming over the years thanks to the terrace deposit that were left when the Cimmeron Rover flowed through the area.

The nearest town to the state park is Waynoka, located in the northwest of Oklahoma. It was formed in the 1950s and was given …

Milford Lake State Park is located in north-central Kansas. The tiny community of Milford sits just north of the park, while the nearest larger town is Junction City, which is found less than 10 miles to the southeast. The nearest larger city is Wichita, at almost 120 miles to the south.

The state park contains a mix of grassland, forested areas, and waterways. Many activities are available to enjoy here, including camping, picnic sites, and hiking. It also sits on the shores of a large lake, so there's plenty of access for water sports as well. Winter activities, such as cross-country skiing, can also be enjoyed when the snow flies.

Located in the heart of Osage Nation, just west of Bartlesville lies Osage Hills State Park, a prime example of some of the natural beauty that Oklahoma contains. The park covers an area of 1100 acres, made up of rocky bluffs, waterways, and thick forest. Lay in the campground at night listening to the cascading waters of Sand Creek Falls or take in the stunning night sky, rent an RV in Osage County for an experience to remember.

The park is steeped in history, going back in history, it was once an Osage Indian settlement before becoming the location for the Civilian Conservation Corps. Many of these buildings are still standing, making it a fascinating place to visit. Any time …

If you like fishing, boating, or just immersing yourself in nature, you'll love Pomona State Park. Located near Vassar in northeastern Kansas, this 490-acre park boasts an enviable position on the shores of the 4,000-acre Pomona Reservoir.

With the beautiful lake set against a backdrop of prairie and woodland, Pomona State Park offers plenty of eye-catching natural scenery that's easily accessible from both Kansas City and Topeka. And with excellent fishing, water skiing, and wildlife opportunities to enjoy, there's no shortage of things to do in the park.

Best of all, the park offers more than 300 campsites spread around 14 campgrounds, ensuring a peaceful lakeside camping experience for all RVers. Let's take a closer look at what to expect …

Home to a unique landscape of sand dunes, wetlands, and woods, Sand Hills State Park offers a memorable camping experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Located north of Hutchinson in central Kansas, this 1,123-acre park is easily accessible from Wichita and the ideal spot for a family camping weekend.

Best known for its excellent network of hiking trails, Sand Hills State Park also boasts great horseback riding and wildlife watching opportunities. And with a 64-site campground tucked away near the park's southern end, it's perfectly set up for RVers searching for a relaxing camping experience. If you're planning to camp with an RV at Sand Hills State Park, here's a quick guide to what you can expect during your stay.

In the heartland of the heartland, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Strong City, Kansas, sets you up perfectly to explore the underrated beauty of Kansas. The ever-stretching lands of central Kansas laid the groundwork for the American dream to head west. You can experience this sensation and desire for exploration when you rent an RV near Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Not only that, but the preserve was once a ranch operated by the Jones family. While there are still some general ranch operations, such as maintaining the resident bison herd, the majority of the preserve now focuses on maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

As you explore the sprawling land of the Kansas Flint Hills region, you’ll come to learn …

A pretty park on the shores of the 9,000-acre Wilson Reservoir, Wilson State Park is one of Kansas' favorite recreational hotspots. Located ten miles north of Wilson, this 945-acre park encompasses two areas in the reservoir's southeastern corner — Hell Creek and Otoe.

Regardless of whether you visit Wilson State Park for a weekend, a week, or even longer, you'll find plenty of activities to keep you occupied. Highlights include excellent boating, fishing, hiking, and biking, making this a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

And with more than 200 sites spread across multiple camping areas, Wilson State Park offers something to suit the tastes of all campers.