Kanopolis State Park - Kansas Wildlife & Parks

Kanopolis State Park - Kansas Wildlife & Parks The first state park in Kansas, Kanopolis State Park is situated in the rolling hills, bluffs and woods of the scenic Smoky Hills region of the state.

From the towering Dakota sandstone bluffs to the caves and crevices of Horsethief Canyon, the park and surrounding area offer rugged beauty and stunning vistas. The park is split into two areas north and south of the dam and there are two federal parks, as well. Kanopolis offers more than 30 miles of trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, 15 of which are on the Smoky Hill Wi

ldlife Area. The 3,500-acre lake and 12,500-acre wildlife area provide anglers and hunters abundant fish and game. Nestled near the Smoky Hill River toward the northwest portion of the wildlife area is Faris Caves, which were carved by early pioneers and served as milk house, school house, and living quarters. Wildlife viewing and photography opportunities are plentiful. In the winter, bald eagles and ospreys fish the river. Songbirds and wildflowers brighten the landscape throughout the area.

05/10/2026

SORRY THE SPRING BENEFIT RIDE HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR MAY 16-17, 2026

THE BENFIT RIDE FOR THE ROCKIN'K CAMPGROUND MAY 16-17, 2026 HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO LOW PARTICIPATION (ONLY 4 RESERVAT...
05/10/2026

THE BENFIT RIDE FOR THE ROCKIN'K CAMPGROUND MAY 16-17, 2026 HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO LOW PARTICIPATION (ONLY 4 RESERVATIONS) YOU ARE STILL WELCOME TO COME AND RIDE YOUR HORSES, ENJOY THE PARK AND ALL THE CAMPGROUND HAS TO OFFER!

Come Ride to Benefit Rockin'K Horse Campground at Kanopolis State Park!
04/29/2026

Come Ride to Benefit Rockin'K Horse Campground at Kanopolis State Park!

04/24/2026
The winner of the 2026 Over the Ears Photo contest is Steve Boyce.
01/26/2026

The winner of the 2026 Over the Ears Photo
contest is Steve Boyce.

We had a fantastic crew that joined our 2026 First Day Hike! Thank you to each and every one of you who showed up to enj...
01/03/2026

We had a fantastic crew that joined our 2026 First Day Hike! Thank you to each and every one of you who showed up to enjoy the outdoors and our fabulous Parks!

12/22/2025

The Park Office will be CLOSED December 24th-December 26th.

12/05/2025
2026 “Over the Ears” Photo ContestSponsored by The Kansas Horse Council& Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Please ...
11/24/2025

2026 “Over the Ears” Photo Contest
Sponsored by
The Kansas Horse Council
&
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

Please submit your favorite “Over the Ears” photo from any Kansas State Park Horse Trail or any other Public Horse Trails in Kansas. One entry per photographer. (Photos taken along any of these horse trails are welcome even if no ears are showing.) Submit your entries to: Wendy Bowles, [email protected] by December 15, 2025.

Rules:
Photos need to be a minimum of 1 MB resolution (Submit your entry with the highest resolution, don’t make your image smaller)
Participant may enter one photo
Each photo will be available for public vote during Equifest at the KDWP booth
The contest is open to residents and non-residents of any age
Photos must be the participant’s original work and taken in Kansas on Public Horse Trails
Need not be present to win

Entries must include the following information with their photo:
Full Name:
Full Address:
Phone:
Email:
Where was the photo taken?
When was the photo taken?

Entries will be displayed at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks booth during Equifest in Salina, Kansas January 23rd through the 25th, 2026.
Equifest attendees can cast their vote (1 vote per person please) at the Kanopolis State Park/Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks booth for their favorite photo from the opening of Equifest on Friday, January 23, 2026 until 10:00am Sunday January 25, 2026. The winner will be announced/displayed at 11:00 am at the Kanopolis State Park /Kansas Wildlife and Parks Booth.
The winner will receive:
2 nights free camping at any Kansas State Park with a Horse Campground. (This will include your campsite, electric and water if available and a 2 day vehicle permit for 1 vehicle)
This prize is being given by The Kansas Horse Council/Equifest 2026.
1. Eisenhower State Park
2. El Dorado State Park
3. Hillsdale State Park
4. Kanopolis State Park
5. Milford State Park
6. Perry State Park
7. Sand Hills State Park
8. Historic Lake Scott State Park
9. Tuttle Creek State Park

Photos may be published in KDWP publications so please submit the highest resolution available for your photo.

11/24/2025

Send a message to learn more

Address

200 Horsethief Road
Marquette, KS
67464

Telephone

+17855462565

Website

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