Kaw River State Park is the only free state park in Kansas.

Forested trails and access to the Kansas Kaw River sets Kaw River State Park apart from other state parks. Hiking and mountain-biking trails wind through an extensive oak-hickory forest on steep slopes with good views. The park property presently consists of 76 acres of land on the south bank of the Kansas River in west Topeka, and it is adjacent to MacLennan Park and Cedar Crest the Kansas Governors residence to the east. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Region 2 Office is also adjacent to the park property. Additional property west of the Region Office building will also include public access for trails.

Some of the more remote areas of the park provide interesting natural features and views. Deer, turkey, and numerous other wildlife species are common in the surrounding forest. Eagles and various species of waterfowl are common visitors on the river through winter.

Kaw River is Kansas' newest state park and is the only urban type park in the state park system. The property was acquired by donation in 2005 and the park officially opened to public use on September 4, 2010.