As the warm months approach, Kansans are reminded that the cost of visiting state parks has been reduced this year. Effective Jan. 1, state park visitors will pay vehicle entrance fees that are roughly half the cost of what they were last year.

Through March 31, the daily entrance fee is $3.70, but just $2.60 for seniors or disabled persons. Those numbers will climb to $4.20 and $2.85 from April 1 through Sept. 30.

Annual vehicle permits cost $19.35 and $10.75 for seniors or disabled persons during the off season and $24.35 and $13.25 during prime season.

Fees purchased in either the offseason or the prime season are valid for the remainder of the calendar year, so if you buy an annual permit prior to April 1, you’ll save $5.

Wildlife and Parks operates a system of 24 parks and the Prairie Spirit Rail-Trail.

Most state parks provide utility and primitive camping and are located adjacent to lakes or reservoirs. Camping and utility fees remain unchanged (although some camping fees are cheaper if purchased in the offseason).

In addition to camping facilities, parks offer boat ramps, courtesy docks, shelter houses, swimming beaches, trails and a variety of other amenities.