KANOPOLIS STATE PARK
Kanopolis State Park started it all. The first Kansas state park has drawn visitors to eastern Ellsworth County since 1955. Situated in the rolling hills, bluffs and woods of the scenic Smoky Hills region of Kansas, Kanopolis is located 33 miles southwest of Salina.
The park features a full-service marina, beaches, picnic areas, and trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking. More than 200 primitive campsites and 119 utility sites are located through the 14 campgrounds in the Langley Point and Horsethief areas. Buffalo Track Nature Trail is an enthralling 1.5-mile route rich in native plants and wildlife, as well as Native American history.
Kanopolis offers 25 miles of trails, all of which start in the state park. The Rockin' K trails take visitors to and from the Rockin' K campgrounds. The Horsethief trails loop through canyons and trees. Farther north and west, the Prairie Trails traverse high prairie and Red Rock Canyon. The Alum Creek trails take visitors across vast prairie and through many water crossings. Be aware that it can take more than a day to complete some trails on foot.
The 3,500-acre Kanopolis Reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities. White bass fishing can be good soon after ice-out and in April during the spawning run. The best crappie fishing occurs from March through May. In addition, anglers will find walleye, saugeye, wiper, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. More than 12,500 acres of public wildlife area add to Kanopolis' appeal.
Impoundment Type: Reservoir
Surface Acres: 3,550
Maximum Depth: 35
Normal Lake Level: 1463 msl This lake is generally held 4 feet above this conservation level during the summertime.
The lake has Motor Boat Access
Bluegill, Channel Catfish, White Crappie, Flathead Catfish,Largemouth Bass, Saugeye, Walleye, Wiper, Trout
Kanopolis State Park is located near Mcpherson, Salina
Buffalo Tracks Canyon Nature Trail follows Bison Creek. Listed on the National Historic Registry, this one mile trail offers native plants, wildlife, Native American history and canyons of geologic interest. Brochures about this historic trail are available at the park office and self pay stations. This is a hiking trail only.Kanopolis SP Buffalo Track Canyon 85.23 kB
Kanopolis Multi-Use Trail SystemKanopolis offers 24.9 miles of trails open to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. These trails loop through canyons, trees, high prairie and Red Rock Canyon, a sandstone canyon that is breathtaking. Northern loops encompass the Alum Creek trails which offer views of vast prairie and many water crossings. This an extensive system which may take more than a day to travel. However there is no camping along the trails. Please check with the park office for more information on trail rules and conditions.
Trail SeasonThe Prairie trails and Alum Creek trails are closed to horseback riding and mountain bikes from Nov. 1 through Jan. 31. This is a safety precaution during hunting season. Trails inside the park including Rockin' K trails, Horsethief trails and Buffalo Track Canyon Nature Trail are open year-round. Portions of the trails may be closed duing high water because low water crossings become hazardous or impassable at times. Always approach crossings with caution.
Trail AccessAll trails start in Kanopolis State Park, Camping equestrians use the Rockin' K Campground, (trailhead A). Equestrians visiting for the day use Horsethief Canyon, (trailhead B). Hikers and mountain bikers use Buffalo Track Canyon, (trailhead C). Stay on designated trails and do not trespass onto private land.
Kanopolis State Park Office200 Horsethief Rd.Marquette, KS 67464(785) 546-2565 (Park Office)(316) 683-8069 (Regional Office)
I just wanted to know why after years of coming to Kanopolis and camping overnight at Yankee Run Point with my family, that their is no more overnight camping just day camping. I was there on June 10, 2012 and my family and I were very disappointed when we spotted the signs and saw that the tables and grill were removed from Yankee Run. Not only that but just the back at the end of April begining of May there were no signs and the tables were still there, Can you explain why there is not Overnight camping?
Great place to see deer just before dark. Last August counted 60+ in one evening ----everything from fawns to 14 pt buck. Also lots of turkeys. 
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