Top state parks
State ParkMushroom Rock State Park
State ParkKanopolis State Park
State ParkCedar Bluff State Park
State ParkPrairie Dog State Park
State ParkWilson State Park
State ParkClinton State Park
State ParkElk City State Park
State ParkMilford State Park
State ParkLake Scott State Park
State ParkPawnee Indian Museum State Historic Site
State ParkCrawford State Park
State ParkCross Timbers State Park
State Parks by county
All state parks (17)
| Name | County | Elevation | Nearest town | Sky |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mushroom Rock State Park | Ellsworth County | — | Ellsworth | 2 |
| Kanopolis State Park | Ellsworth County | — | Ellsworth | 2 |
| Cedar Bluff State Park | Ness County | — | Ellis | 1 |
| Prairie Dog State Park | Norton County | — | Norton | 3 |
| Wilson State Park | Ellsworth County | — | Russell | 2 |
| Clinton State Park | Douglas County | — | Lawrence | 4 |
| Elk City State Park | Montgomery County | — | Independence | 4 |
| Milford State Park | Geary County | — | Fort Riley North | 4 |
| Lake Scott State Park | Scott County | — | Scott City | 1 |
| Pawnee Indian Museum State Historic Site | Republic County | — | Belleville | 2 |
| Crawford State Park | Crawford County | — | Arma | 3 |
| Cross Timbers State Park | Woodson County | — | Yates Center | 2 |
| El Dorado State Park | Butler County | — | El Dorado | 4 |
| Kaw Mission | Morris County | — | Council Grove | 2 |
| Marais des Cygnes Massacre Site | Linn County | — | Pleasanton | 3 |
| Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park | Logan County | — | Scott City | 1 |
| Meade State Park | Meade County | — | Plains | 1 |
Sky = estimated Bortle class (1 darkest – 9 brightest).
Map
How to photograph state parks
State parks often protect a signature feature — a gorge, lake or overlook — that is best in early morning before visitors and harsh light arrive.
- Check park hours: many state parks close at dusk, which affects sunset and night shooting.
- Ask rangers about photography permits for commercial work, models or drones.
- Weekday mornings are the least crowded at popular viewpoints.
- Trail maps often mark overlooks — combine them with the sun azimuth to plan.
- Day-use fees or passes are common; buy them online before arriving.
Season: Spring wildflowers and autumn color are peak seasons in most parks.