Restricted camping, recreation options take effect across Kansas

TOPEKA (KSNT) - People looking to kick off summer with a trip to one of Kansas' reservoirs may be a bit disappointed with what they find this year.

The Kansas City District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced on April 24 that outdoor enthusiasts might encounter service reductions and recreational area closures this summer. Many of these service changes were set to take effect starting on May 15, 2025.

27 News reached back out to the Kansas City District of the USACE to see if anything has changed with the plans announced back in April, and to find out how many positions are being impacted by a hiring freeze. Christine Paul with the USACE said there are no additional impacts at this time but encourages people to check with the USACE before planning a trip to avoid unnecessary disappointment.

"Mission success remains the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ top priority," Paul said. "However, current workforce constraints pose significant operational challenges across the Kansas City District. These challenges affect multiple business lines, to include our ability to support seasonal operations at recreation areas."

Paul said numerous seasonal positions remain empty at the start of summer 2025. These positions are necessary to run many parks and recreational areas at reservoirs operated by the USACE in Kansas.

"As of this spring, the Kansas City District has been unable to onboard a number of seasonal employees—positions that are vital to safely operating and maintaining recreation sites," Paul said. "This includes park rangers, maintenance staff and other essential support roles. As a result, the district has implemented targeted, temporary service reductions at selected campgrounds and recreation areas to ensure visitor safety and maintain the quality of services at sites where staffing remains sufficient."

Both the Kansas City District and Tulsa District announced service reductions at recreational areas in Kansas earlier this year, resulting in the closure of information centers, campgrounds and campsites at some of the reservoirs they manage. While the Kansas City District reported that people would start to notice changes at all 18 of the lakes it manages starting on May 15, the Tulsa District said restrictions took effect at the start of the month. The following changes are now in effect at USACE reservoirs in Kansas as of May 15:

• Kansas City District
  • Hillsdale Lake information center – closed to the public, no public services including interagency pass and USACE annual pass sales.
  • Kanopolis Lake information center – closed to the public, pass sales by appointment only.
  • Minooka Park, Marshall Cove Loop - closed for dispersed overnight use, day use is still open.
• Tulsa District
  • Council Grove
    • Canning Creek – all of the park is closed, May 15 to June 3.
    • Santa Fe Trail – only the boat ramp is open, May 15 to June 3.
    • Outlet East – all of the park is closed, May 15 to June 3.
    • Kanza View – camping is closed but day use is open, May 1 to June 3.
    • Richey Cove – all of the park is closed, May 15 to June 3.
    • Neosho Park – only the boat ramp is open, May 1 to June 3.
    • Kit Carson – all of the park is closed, May 1 to June 3.
    • North Richey Cove – only the boat ramp is open, May 1, to June 3.
  • John Redmond Lake.
    • Hickory Creek East, temporary closure attributed to staffing shortfall, May 15 to June 3.
  • Marion Reservoir.
    • Overlook - restrooms closed pending repair and renovations due to damage.
  • Fall River Lake.
    • Overlook - restroom closed for maintenance.
  • Elk City Lake.
    • Overlook - restroom closed for repairs.

"It is important to note that the situation remains dynamic based on evolving workforce conditions and hiring guidance," Paul said. "The Kansas City District is committed to transparent communication with the public and stakeholders as new information becomes available and decisions are made. We appreciate the public’s understanding and patience as we navigate these staffing limitations while upholding our mission to serve the nation."

The restrictions being implemented by the USACE do not extend to campgrounds managed by other organizations, such as the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP). You can check the Kansas City District's website or the Tulsa District's website for updates on temporary closures.

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