State Parks Near Lawrence, Kansas
10 state park units lie within 50 miles of Lawrence, including 3 parks across the line in Missouri. The closest is Clinton State Park, about 5 mi west of town. 3 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Clinton State Park5 mi west
- Within 25 miles
- 3of 10 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 75 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 2pets allowed
State parks near Lawrence, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Lawrence; driving distance is usually longer.
Clinton State Park
Visitors come for golf, disc golf, archery, biking, and wildlife watching. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with full hookups, tent sites, primitive or hike-in sites, and group camping. There are also cabins for rent.
Hours, fees and rules for Clinton State Park →Perry State Park
Things to do include horseback riding, hunting in season, biking, and hiking. Overnight options include campsites, with RV sites with full hookups, tent sites, and primitive or hike-in sites. There are also cabins for rent.
Hours, fees and rules for Perry State Park →Prairie Spirit Trail State Park
The park supports mountain biking, biking, wildlife watching, and hiking.
Hours, fees and rules for Prairie Spirit Trail State Park →Kaw River State Park
Things to do include mountain biking, biking, wildlife watching, and hiking.
Hours, fees and rules for Kaw River State Park →Pomona State Park
Popular activities here are horseback riding, golf, fishing, biking, and hiking. For overnight stays there are campsites (RV sites with full hookups, tent sites, and primitive or hike-in sites). There are also cabins for rent.
Hours, fees and rules for Pomona State Park →Hillsdale State Park
Popular activities here are golf, horseback riding, disc golf, archery, and canoeing and kayaking. Its trail network totals roughly 48 miles, according to the park.
Hours, fees and rules for Hillsdale State Park →Weston Bend State Park
Popular activities here are mountain biking, biking, ranger programs, picnicking, and hiking. For overnight stays there are campsites (RV sites with full hookups and tent sites).
Hours, fees and rules for Weston Bend State Park →Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site
The park supports historic sites and ranger programs.
Hours, fees and rules for Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site →Eisenhower State Park
Visitors come for horseback riding, golf, disc golf, archery, and fishing. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with full hookups, tent sites, and primitive or hike-in sites. Roofed lodging includes cabins and yurts.
Hours, fees and rules for Eisenhower State Park →Lewis and Clark State Park
Things to do include mountain biking, biking, ranger programs, hiking, and picnicking. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with full hookups and tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Lewis and Clark State Park →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Lawrence
- Clinton State Park 5 mi west · Campground listed
- Perry State Park 18 mi northwest · Campground listed
- Pomona State Park 28 mi southwest · Campground listed
- Hillsdale State Park 29 mi southeast · Campground listed
- Weston Bend State Park 36 mi northeast · Campground listed
+ 2 more in the list above
Cabins and lodging near Lawrence
- Clinton State Park 5 mi west · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Perry State Park 18 mi northwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Pomona State Park 28 mi southwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Hillsdale State Park 29 mi southeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Eisenhower State Park 40 mi southwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
Dog-friendly state parks near Lawrence
- Weston Bend State Park 36 mi northeast · Pets allowed under park rules
- Lewis and Clark State Park 41 mi north · Pets allowed under park rules
Hiking near Lawrence
- Clinton State Park 5 mi west · Hiking trails listed
- Perry State Park 18 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed
- Prairie Spirit Trail State Park 23 mi south · Hiking trails listed
- Kaw River State Park 28 mi west · Hiking trails listed
- Pomona State Park 28 mi southwest · Hiking trails listed
+ 3 more in the list above
Fishing near Lawrence
- Clinton State Park 5 mi west · Fishing listed
- Pomona State Park 28 mi southwest · Fishing listed
- Hillsdale State Park 29 mi southeast · Fishing listed
- Eisenhower State Park 40 mi southwest · Fishing listed
Questions about state parks near Lawrence
What is the closest state park to Lawrence?
Clinton State Park is the closest, about 5 miles west of Lawrence in a straight line. Next are Perry State Park and Prairie Spirit Trail State Park.
How many state parks are near Lawrence?
10 state park units are within 50 miles, and 3 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Lawrence have camping?
7 parks list camping, the nearest being Clinton State Park, Perry State Park and Pomona State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Lawrence?
Yes, at 2 parks, including Weston Bend State Park and Lewis and Clark State Park. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.
Are there free state parks near Lawrence?
None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.
State parks near other cities
- Near Topeka, KS24 mi west
- Near Overland Park, KS31 mi east
- Near Kansas City, MO40 mi east
- Near Atchison, KS42 mi north
- Near St. Joseph, MO60 mi northeast
- Near Emporia, KS63 mi southwest
- Near Manhattan, KS74 mi west
Or see all Kansas state parks, Missouri state parks or every city we cover.
Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.