How Can Tent City Be In State Funded Parks - Welcome to Tamborine Mountain Caravan Camping

This neighborhood in Sonoma fought — then embraced — a tent city for homeless people

A SANTA ROSA, Calif., woman is accused of sexual assault. They were well aware that the neighborhood would rebel. It was early May, and officials in this Northern California city were frantically debating how to prevent COVID-19 from infiltrating the homeless camps that were proliferating in the region’s celebrated parks and trails. The city’s mayor was adamant that COVID-19 not be allowed to infiltrate the homeless camps. In Sonoma County, the number of individuals who are homeless has steadily decreased — and then increased, worsened by skyrocketing property costs and three devastating wildfire seasons that have burned thousands of houses in the last four years.

Moreover, with the commencement of COVID-19, hundreds of individuals living in shelters, tents, and temporary shanties were exposed to a potentially lethal health concern, as were the service providers and emergency responders who were attempting to assist them in their efforts.

Gavin Newsom had urged on cities and counties to convince hotel operators to open their doors to individuals living on the streets who were susceptible because of their age and health in the weeks before the virus began its initial move through California.

During his tenure as mayor, City Council Member Tom Schwedhelm came up with the idea of setting up dozens of tents in the parking lot of a shining community center in an upscale area known as Finley Park, a few miles west of the city’s central business district.

Thousands of residents and businesses were notified in a short period of time about the city’s plans to erect 70 tents that could accommodate up to 140 people at the Finley Community Center, a neighborhood jewel that attracts a large number of families and fitness enthusiasts to its manicured picnic grounds, sparkling pool, and tennis courts.

Santa Rosa authorities defended their intentions for three hours on a Thursday evening in the middle of May, during which hundreds of citizens called in to voice their opposition.
Others implored, “How can we feel safe enjoying our park?” they said.
This time, though, it is not the case.
The project would proceed as planned.
You can do it.
A total of 68 blue tents were set up inside, each 12 feet apart and supplied with sleeping bags and a storage container.
Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa was selected to operate the camp, and social workers distributed flyers across municipal shelters and unofficial encampments, where they identified hundreds of people who were willing to relocate.

For lodging, baths, and three daily meals, camp members agreed to an 8 p.m.

The tent city in Santa Rosa officially opened its doors on May 18.

Finley Park residents stopped protesting and began bringing donations of food, clothing, and hand sanitizer to the local food pantry and food bank.

Parents and children crammed into the adjoining playground once more.

The city of Santa Rosa would spend $680,000 to furnish and administer the facility from May to late November, a six-month experiment that would mark a new route for the city’s approach to homeless services.

Instead of engaging in months of debilitating debate with local opponents before committing to a housing or shelter project, municipal authorities concluded that their responsibility should be to lead and enlighten the public.

A watershed moment that would be felt across Sonoma County for years to come.

of Counties President James Gore, a county supervisor and president of the California State Assn.

For the past 30 to 40 years, this has been the failing housing policy of the United States.

California is home to about 160,000 homeless persons who live in automobiles, on borrowed couches, in temporary shelters, or on the streets, accounting for roughly a quarter of the nation’s homeless population.

Homeless encampments have sprung up all throughout the country, from Los Angeles to Fresno to San Francisco and Sacramento.

As a result, law enforcement sweeps are conducted on a regular basis, razing encampments only to have them spring up elsewhere.

Since COVID-19 brought the city’s office life to a halt, an estimated 6,000 individuals have become homeless in Sacramento, a group that has become increasingly noticeable in recent years.

The mayor, Darrell Steinberg, is well-known for being an advocate for those who are homeless.

However, in his more than four years as mayor, he has unable to enact an unified program for removing individuals from the streets and placing them in supportive living facilities.

However, as of March, the city has only reached agreement on one location for small houses and safe camping: a parking lot beneath a major motorway, where the city will provide bathrooms and hand-washing stations and allow up to 150 individuals to set up camp.

He is a plaintiff in a case that seeks to put a stop to city sweeps of unlicensed tent camps.

“We are in desperate need of homes.

” (Image courtesy of Angela Hart / KHN) Donta Williams, who has been homeless for the past five years, shakes his head in disbelief at the length of time it has taken the city to permit a camping site.

A plaintiff in a lawsuit against the city for encampment sweeps, Williams, 40, said, “We don’t have somewhere else to go.” “We are in desperate need of homes.

Perhaps just a few of dumpsters so we can get rid of the trash?” A legitimate position, a fresh start Sonoma County, like many other counties, has struggled with rowdy homeless encampments for many years.

Many people were forced out of the wilderness by the wildfires of 2017, 2019, and 2020.

The political leaders of Sonoma County talked about their soul-searching about how to get through the community deadlock when it comes to selecting areas for housing and services.

“It’s a lot of fear and anger that you’re going to take something away from me if you build this housing,” said Zane, a vocal supporter of homeless services who was defeated in her re-election bid last year after 12 years on the county board of supervisors.

Santa Rosa authorities drew on a few fundamental principles while developing the Finley Park plan.

Because of concerns about waste and disease among neighbors, the city installed hand-washing stations, showers, and toilets.

A mobile clinic visited the camp a few times a week, providing basic health care and drugs to those in need of them.

In the words of Jennifer Ammons, a nurse practitioner who was in charge of the mobile clinic, “we were serious about giving access to treatment.” Inhalers may be obtained, cellulitis can be treated with antibiotics, pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics, and skin infections can be treated with antibiotics.

The 56-year-old Newman said she had fallen into homelessness and addiction after fleeing an abusive spouse some years before.
She was also linked to a doctor and was undergoing treatment for a terrible bladder infection at the time of her enrollment.
“Before, I was in such bad shape that I didn’t have much hope.
“However, I now have a legitimate job, and this is only the beginning.” An unemployed construction worker named James Carver put his zeal towards cleaning up the Finley Park tent city, where he lived for several months.
According to Carver, his attitude began to improve after directing his energies toward cleanliness projects and odd duties around the base camp.
“I’m searching for work again,” Carver remarked.
In the words of Jennielynn Holmes, who oversees Catholic Charities’ homeless programs in Northern California, the Finley Park experiment was beneficial in ways she didn’t foresee.

12 individuals were put in permanent homes, and roughly five dozen were housed in temporary shelters while they waited for accommodation to become available, according to the site’s director.

And, despite the fact that COVID-19 was still raging, they maintained their word and shuttered the site on November 30, after which they organized a community gathering to solicit input.

Several inhabitants of the surrounding neighborhood have stated that the manner the project site has been administered has caused them to reconsider their support for the project.

Boyd Edwards, who attends pickleball sessions at the Finley Community Center a few times a week, stated, “I was shocked that I didn’t see anything unpleasant at all.” “I was expecting them to be loud and have garbage strewn throughout the room.

According to statistics, virtually all of the 108 requests for police assistance were in reaction to additional homeless persons who wanted to sleep at the site when it was already at maximum capacity.

Since closing the Finley encampment, Santa Rosa has extended its major shelter and is developing plans to establish year-round controlled camps in numerous areas, this time with fortified buildings, as a contingency plan.

They asserted that the moment had arrived to put aside disagreements and embrace solutions.

“We have estates that sell for $20 million, and you’ll see people sleeping in tents with no access to hot food or running water,” said Lynda Hopkins, chair of the county board of supervisors.

In-depth health journalism is produced by KHN (Kaiser Health News), a nationwide newsroom with a focus on Kaiser Permanente.

With Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of three key running projects at KFF, along with the other two (Kaiser Family Foundation). It is an endowed nonprofit organization that disseminates information about health concerns to people all around the country.

A short history of McPike Park’s “Tent City” — Tone Madison

The encampment, which dates back to the epidemic era, is surrounded by long-term failures in housing and social services. Tent City, as some people referred to the homeless encampment in McPike Park, was the subject of my visit on February 20, a week before the city announced that it would close that area of the park to the public. There were abandoned campsites and tents littered along the twisting trekking trail. After the brutal February cold snap, I had heard that just a few people remained in Tent City, and I was right.

As stated by Jim O’Keefe, the Director of Community Development for the city of Madison, February would be the optimum time to clean out the camp in order to have the least amount of impact on the campers.
I went into some of the abandoned shelters and discovered mattresses, cups, and other little evidence of home life, such as appliances, tables, and chairs, among other things.
I was cautious about where I walked since I had heard that there were used needles hidden beneath the snow.
It was a makeshift shanty-house constructed of wooden pallets, tarps, and various remnants of polyethylene material.
I was welcomed by Tyron, a man in his 40s who was enthusiastic about providing a tour of the facility.
During our conversation, Tyron shared how he preferred living outside because the expensive rents in Madison were eating up his whole Supplemental Security Income check every month.
Despite the fact that Tyron dislikes the place, he like the people.

I’m not sure what the technicalities are behind why we’re not permitted to stay.

I’m not sure where else I’m meant to be.” Tyron took me on a tour of his sprawling hut, which he built himself.

It was comfortable inside the hut, and he worked on patching a leak in the roof as we spoke.

When we returned to the street, two individuals approached us and inquired as to how Tyron was doing.

In reference to a murder that occurred at Reindahl few months prior, one of the guys warned the others not to get stabbed.

In a subsequent visit with Annie Kraus of the Social Justice Center later that week, I inquired as to the most effective method of re-establishing communication with Tyron.

Tyron’s body had been discovered in the huge hut, and his friends and a caseworker had verified to Kraus that he had gone away before him.

“He had a lot to say, and Madison should pay attention to what he had to say.” On February 28, the day before the camp officially closed, I returned to Tent City for a second visit.

Traffic on the roadway was congested with utility trucks and people hired to assist with the cleanup.

On one of the slopes, there was a dumpster.

The small tents, which had been surrounded by homemade fence and adorned with bottles, were no longer there.

The following day, Tent City was totally gone from the map.

During the deadliest months of the epidemic, roughly from June to February, city authorities permitted individuals to camp at McPike Park on the city’s property without their knowledge.

As I previously reported, campaigners fighting a spike in evictions informed me that there had been a significant increase in the number of applications for eviction prevention tools since the beginning of July.

Tenants have reported that they owe their landlords thousands of dollars in certain instances.

Ad hoc services are provided by the Social Justice Center where Kraus works when someone comes through the door.

He also acted in a non-official capacity at the camp, mediating disagreements amongst campers and directing volunteer efforts.

Why modest studios, one-bedroom apartments, and even possibilities such as individual room rentals for extremely low-income persons are so hard to come by in the downtown area remains a mystery.

The bank lenders, according to Rummel, imposed too many conditions on the loans set aside for residential construction.

However, such processes take years, and the epidemic and economic impact occurred far too rapidly for the city’s chronically underfunded homelessness infrastructure, which has been in the works for years.

“The physical facilities that were used in this community to serve the homeless population were and have been inadequate for many years,” says the report.

They were not designed to serve homeless populations and were not equipped to provide for social distancing between them and the rest of society.

One shelter location, the Fleet Building on First Street, which is currently in operation, has an unclear future.

Tent City grew despite the attempts of local politicians to provide alternate housing options for those who were experiencing housing instability.

This regulation was intended to legalize outdoor camping in particular places for a limited period of time.

The Department of Transportation, according to O’Keefe, has summarily dismissed numerous TPE petitions, granting legal status to only a handful of camps that are dispersed across the city.

The fact that individuals put up tents and drank beer in the park was not a source of concern for the police.

Traditional homeless shelters, such as churches, the Beacon, and the Salvation Army, have also eased their strict rules in response to the pandemic, suspending policies that barred intoxicated individuals from entering their facilities and removing a limit on the number of days an individual could stay in their facilities.

Even under the best of circumstances, according to Kraus, homeless shelters may be traumatic for those who are facing chronic homelessness.

Similarly, if you are battling with a drug abuse issue, you may not want to be around a buddy who you suspect is selling heroin to you because of your restraining order.

Accordingly, while Madison’s homeless resources were certainly overburdened prior to the pandemic, the network of shelters and resources was not constantly operating at maximum capacity, even as Tent City grew to accommodate 40 to 60 people each night and winter approached.

Several Tent City campers have moved on to the Tiny Property project run by Occupy Madison, while Black Umbrella, a local social justice organization formed during last summer’s rallies, has assisted in the relocation of at least four men into a temporary transitional rental home in downtown Madison.

While the pandemic is likely to have contributed to an increase in homelessness, there has also been an increase in interest in addressing the multiple causes that contribute to homelessness.
As the demonstrations came to a close, Black Umbrella relocated their “feeding the masses” campaign from the Capitol to Tent City, where it continues today.
At the same time, it became a prime site for predatory drug traffickers to establish themselves.
As time went on, neighbors began to notice a near-constant scent of firewood, which made them feel concerned at a period when some people believed that having weaker lungs made one more vulnerable to COVID.
After reading a February blog post by Kraus on the Social Justice Center’s website, Kraus requested that kind individuals interested in assisting at McPike discontinue the practice of leaving off big mounds of clothing and food, which went to waste when left unattended.
The rotting meat attracted rats, which ate it.
According to Kear, the park has been plagued by loud disputes for months, and both neighbors and campers have summoned the police to the site on a regular basis.

For many individuals who camped in tents at the park, Kraus adds, the situation has been “very dangerous.” “Tents have been set ablaze by the elements.

The only problem is that if this type of crime weren’t occurring at McPike, it would be occurring somewhere else.” On February 4, the city declared the termination of its policy of “looking the other way” by posting notices in the park toilet and on lampposts across the park.

Creating outdoor camping sites in downtown Madison is one option that policymakers and activists in Madison may want to think about considering.

Campers may be required to pay a small charge.

There is little doubt that Madison does not have enough low-income housing, regardless of what the city, county, and local social organizations undertake to help homeless individuals in the wake of the flu pandemic.

Former Mayor Paul Soglinberated and harassed homeless persons downtown after his resignation, while right-wing nut Dave Blaska penned a letter to the Wisconsin State Journal pushing for the creation of a “vagrancy court.” Madison has made significant headway in assisting homeless populations since then.

It is fair to say that every Madisonian who opposed the construction of the men’s shelter in their neighborhood or the growth of other homeless facilities contributed to this catastrophic situation, and events over the last year have served as a vindication for their misguided beliefs.

Neighbors of prospective homeless facilities who believe these developments will be unsafe or unpleasant must accept responsibility for the ways in which their city has failed to assist its low-income and homeless inhabitants, and they must be willing to make concessions in order to achieve a solution.

According to O’Keefe, “I have a strong sense that policymakers and elected leaders recognize that we cannot go back to where we were before.”

Parks still a refuge for unsheltered people

Surrounding the pandemic-era encampment are long-term failures in housing and social services. A week before the city was set to close that section of McPike Park to the public, I went to Tent City, which was the name some people had given to the homeless encampment in the park. There were abandoned campsites and tents along the winding path. After the brutal February cold snap, I’d heard that only a handful of people remained in Tent City. Even the most dedicated campers were forced to relocate to hotel rooms that the City of Madison and Dane County had paid for with temporary CARES Act funds earmarked for this specific purpose.

The piles of frozen clothes and charred wood were tripping me up, and I fell over myself.
Glass bottles were used to decorate one campsite, while poetry was written on another.
Smoke billowed from a stovepipe that protruded from the largest structure in the encampment, illuminating the surrounding area.
If there was anyone inside, I called out to them.
The last few years, Tyron has spent his free time working as a liaison between mental health service providers and members of the homeless community that he has come to know and trust.
For months, he’d been living on State Street in the small spaces between the shops before hearing about Tent City through word-of-mouth.
“We like to think of ourselves as a single large group of individuals.

All I know is that I’m without a place to call home right now.

A working wood-burning oven was near his bed, and he had plenty of room to relax and keep supplies.

As he told me, Tent City was a dangerous place for women, and that people with ill intentions went there to prey on the weak and defenseless.

Tyron informed them that he would be relocating to Reindahl Park, a park near the Dane County Airport where the city had decided to relocate some of the McPike campers in order to save money on utilities.

Tyron and I parted ways, and I told him I’d like to speak with him again in the near future.

Tyron had died in Tent City, she informed me, most likely as a result of an accidental overdose of heroin.

According to Kraus, Tyron’s life and death “serve as a testament to the failure of all of these systems,” which include the criminal justice system, mental health and health care, housing and homeless services.

Movement into and out of the park was already restricted by a fence, which only allowed access through two small sections of the path at the time of writing.

Southwest encampments

The campground in Martin Luther King Jr. Park is modest, and temporary bathrooms have not yet been installed. Nikki Stand stated that they walk down to 46th Street in order to use the facilities. For the most part, the group has felt comfortable at MLK, however Stand reported that she was violently assaulted by an unknown man there one night during their stay. Until approximately two weeks ago, Chuck Anderson had been residing at the park. He was brought to the hospital, where doctors discovered a cyst in his head that was preventing blood flow to his brain and had to have it removed immediately.

Residents in the surrounding area have been acquainted with them, according to Anderson, and their neighbors have been gracious and giving.
Ten tents have been built at Lyndale Farmstead Park, a few streets west of the city center, and volunteers are taking donations to fulfill the needs of the local residents.
Lyndale Farmstead was chosen in part due of its proximity to Powderhorn, according to the group of volunteers who established the organization there.
She stated that they went out to area churches and businesses before making the decision to relocate, and that they had received a great deal of support from their neighbors.
She explained that while the organization receives a large number of dry food and beverage gifts, it is constantly in need of hot meals for breakfast and supper, as well as weatherproofing goods like as tarps.
Volunteers have also assisted with the relocation of some residents from Powderhorn to Kenwood Park.
According to Enblom, “having the option of using public parks right now is quite crucial.”

A ‘big task in front of us’

Although the campsite in MLK Park is modest, it has not yet been equipped with portable facilities. For the restroom, Nikki Stand explained that they stroll along 46th Street. Although Stand claims she was physically assaulted by a stranger at MLK one night, the group has generally felt comfortable at the venue. Until approximately two weeks ago, Chuck Anderson had been residing at the park. He was brought to the hospital, where doctors discovered a cyst in his head that was preventing blood flow to his brain and had to be removed right away.

It has taken them a while to become acquainted with their surroundings, according to Anderson, who also noted that neighbors have been gracious and giving.
According to Danielle Enblom, a volunteer at the Powderhorn encampment, the Lyndale Farmstead encampment is made up of people who had previously been in Powderhorn Park but were looking for a less congested atmosphere.
After reaching out to churches and businesses in the area before making the decision, she said they had received a lot of support from their neighbors.
She explained that while the organization receives a large number of dry food and beverage gifts, it is constantly in need of hot meals for breakfast and supper, as well as weatherproofing goods like as tarps, among other things.
Others have been relocated from Powderhorn to Kenwood Park as a result of volunteers’ assistance.

Even while she understands that parks cannot give a long-term answer, she believes that the land can bring momentary reprieve. According to Enblom, “having the option of using public parks right now is really beneficial.”

DNR – Park Rules

Pets are allowed in state parks, campsites, certain state park cabins, state forest campgrounds, non-designated bathing beach areas, most harbors, the majority of trails, and many boat launches with a 6-foot leash. Pets are not allowed in state forests. Find out more about the pet-friendly policies and regulations.

Events (shelter rentals, event permits, etc.)

Permits are required for some activities held in parks. Learn more about renting a shelter and using state-owned land.

Firewood

Firewood that has been certified as heat-treated should be purchased in parks, or firewood that has been certified as heat-treated should be purchased from local stores and roadside stands Our proposed firewood policy is being considered in an effort to conserve Michigan’s trees, and we hope to implement it soon. Learn more about our regulations about firewood.

Hunting

Unless otherwise noted, all state recreation sites are available to hunting unless otherwise noted. Hunting is prohibited in all state parks unless specifically stated to be open. Find out more about hunting in parks and recreation areas, as well as a list of those where it is permitted.

Metal Detecting

It is permitted to perform metal detecting in designated parks as long as it is done in a manner that does not endanger the resources or infringe state regulations. Upon discovery, any objects must be examined by park personnel, and some may be held for further inquiry. You may see a list of parks where metal detecting is permitted here.

Research

All research activities conducted inside state parks, recreation areas, boating access sites, and rail trails are subject to the approval of the state parks and recreation department. Most research projects will not need the payment of fees, bonds, or insurance, but will necessitate the submission of a report at the completion of the study in lieu of monetary compensation. Discover the steps involved in getting a land use permit for research purposes.

Transfer (or sale) of existing reservations

Conducting commercial activities on state land is a violation of the notice 299.922(dd) and the Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure section 324.504. Commercial activity is defined as the sale or rental of a state-owned campground, cabin, lodge, or port slip for a profit. Unless a reservation can be used by the original reservation holder, it must be cancelled; sale and transferring of a site to another party is forbidden, and park employees may refuse to honor a reservation that has been sold and transferred.

Fireworks

It is not permissible to use fireworks.

Fishing

With the exception of Free Fishing Weekends, if you are over the age of 17, you are needed to have a fishing license in order to fish in the state. Purchase a fishing or hunting license if necessary.

California State Parks

This is our mission. To contribute to the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by assisting in the preservation of the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, the protection of the state’s most valuable natural and cultural resources, and the creation of opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation opportunities.

State Parks Addresses Discriminatory Names and Inequities

Several actions have been announced by Secretary of Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot, Director of State Parks Armando Quintero, and Director of the Department of Transportation Toks Omishakin in order to identify and correct discriminatory names of features associated with state parks and transportation systems, among other things. As a result of a national discourse concerning the names of geographic features, the governor’s office has taken the initiative to encourage fairness, inclusiveness, and accountability throughout the state in order for our principles to be more accurately reflected.

www.parks.ca.gov/ReexaminingOurPast.

2021 Annual Pass Program

Whether you are a frequent visitor to a favorite state park or a lover of seeing the natural beauty of the state from north to south, we have something for you. An annual pass to the California State Parks may be the best option for you. Throughout the year, our Annual Passes are a terrific gift idea since they include something for everyone. If you require any extra information, please see our Passes page.

Moreabout CA State Parks

Tent City 4 will set up shop on State Parks property for the first time in the organization’s ten-year existence, starting sometime in the next week. After spending the previous 90 days in Sammamish, the campsite of 40 to 60 individuals began dismantling their tents today, the last day of their 90-day permission to remain in the city, and moving to the Hans Jensen group camp on the north end of Lake Sammamish State Park. Tent City 4 has been a focus of many Eastside critics since an undercover police officer discovered a guy sought on suspicion of child rape at the camp at the end of 2012, sparking outrage.

Meth was also discovered on the person who was evicted from the camp when he went to the Sammamish police station himself.
“The majority of the folks here are attempting to utilize this site as a stepping stone,” said Jeff, a member of Tent City 4.
“We’re disappointed and enraged.” The state park is located just south of Sammamish, where the City Council on Tuesday authorized a six-month ban on the issuance of licenses for homeless encampments.
They were worried that members might have to disperse this weekend if they couldn’t find a place to remain.
Friday, when it was verified that they would be permitted to stay at Lake Sammamish State Park for 20 days provided they paid $2 per person.
Tent City 4’s stay at Lake Sammamish State Park, according to State Parks spokesperson Virginia Painter, is no different from that of any other group.
Painter stated that parties must be away from the location for a minimum of three days before they are permitted to return.
Teams from the Issaquah Soccer Club train and compete on the park’s grounds, which are located south of the Hans Jensen camp.
However, the camps are normally required to relocate every 90 days.
When Tent City 4 organizers refused to authorize the weekly background checks that their host church requested, the group went their own way and is now staying at the Woodinville Unitarian Universalist Church until February 15.

Alexa Vaughn is a model and actress. Aaron Spencer’s full name is Aaron Spencer.

Colt Creek State Park

Colt Creek State Park has more than 5,000 acres of native Central Florida habitat, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about the natural ecosystems and species that distinguish our park. Colt Creek State Park is comprised of huge strands of fragile longleaf pine flatwoods, lakes and twisting streams, dense cypress domes, and open vistas. The park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including several endangered species. Bald eagles, white-tailed deer, American alligators, otters, and a variety of birds and butterflies are among the area’s native inhabitants.

Hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders may all enjoy the more than 15 miles of multi-use trails that meander through the pine flatwoods, natural streams, and wetlands, all of which are open to the public.
At the ranger station, you may hire canoes and kayaks to explore the area.
On a first come, first served basis, pavilions are available; however, they may be rented in advance of your special occasion.
Contact us now to learn more.
In addition to ranger-led hikes, tram excursions, and special events, we also offer a variety of educational interpretive programs.

Park Fees

This passport, which may be purchased for $15.50 at your county treasurer’s office at the time of car registration, is good for one year from the date of purchase and is valid until the vehicle registration expires. The Kansas Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism agencies do not sell or distribute the Passport to the public. Sand Hills State Park is accessible only with a state park motor vehicle permit, which may be obtained online. There is no longer a need for a trail pass. Camping costs are charged “per unit,” which is equivalent to each tent.

THE MINIMUM PERIOD OF RESIDENCE A four-night stay will be needed for camping bookings made over Memorial Day weekend, while three-night stays will be required for camping reservations made during the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends, respectively.

In violation of Agency laws, commercial activity on state park land, such as the renting out of sites and reselling those reservations, is taking place on the grounds of the park.

Individuals or corporations who are discovered to be engaged in this behavior may be ticketed, which may result in a court appearance as well as related penalties and fees.

DO NOT SEND A FAX! Permit for Hunting, Fishing, and Using a Park Vehicle from the Kansas National Guard (PDF) Park Permits Can Be Purchased Online

Note: Fees shown include transaction fees. Actual costs may vary depending on how many issuances are purchased in the same transaction.
**Motor VehiclePark Permits
Daily Vehicle	$5.00 at park office $6.00 online
Annual Vehicle(Temporary availableonline)	$25.00
*Seniors/Disabled Daily Vehicle(Kansas residents only, must be purchased at KDWPT office)	$3.25
*Seniors/Disabled Annual Vehicle (Kansas residents only)(Kansas residents only, must be purchased at KDWPT office)	$13.75
Duplicate permit of any kind (any time)	$12.50
Annual CampingIf purchased prior to April 1 or after September 30	$202.50 (Does not cover daily utility fees or prime site fees)
Annual Camping If purchased betweenApril 1 and September 30	$252.50 (Does not cover daily utility fees or prime site fees)
14-day Camping	$112.50 (Does not cover daily utility fees or prime site fees)
RV Seasonal camping – spaces are limited per month,per unit except at Clinton, El Dorado, Milford, Sand Hills and Tuttle Creek State Parks – by special permit only – number of sites limited – apply at park office(Requires annual camping permit)	With one utility $371.50With two utilities $431.50With three utilities $491.50(BY SPECIAL PERMIT ONLY)
RV Seasonal camping – spaces are limitedper month, per unit forClinton, Milford, Sand Hills, and Tuttle Creek State Parks – by special permit only – number of sites limited – apply at park office(Requires annual camping permit)	With one utility $461.50With two utilities $521.50 With three utilities $581.50(BY SPECIAL PERMIT ONLY)
RV Seasonal camping– spaces are limited per month, per unit forEl Dorado(Requires annual camping permit)	With one utility $486.50With two utilities $546.50 With three utilities $606.50(BY SPECIAL PERMIT ONLY)
RV short-term storage –by special permit only – number of sites limited – apply at park office. Not available at all parks.	$51.50 per month, designated areas only(BY SPECIAL PERMIT ONLY)
Unconventional Vehicle Permit –by special permit only – apply at park office	$52.50
Trail Permits -A “per-person” trail permit is no longer required to utilizePrairie Spirit Trailor Flint Hills Trail


Camping Fees -A camping permit is required in addition to the motor vehicle permit for overnight stays. All daily camping permits expire at 2:00 p.m. Prime site fee applies to designated sites from April 1 – September 30. In addition to the fees below, there is a $3.00 per stay transaction fee for all overnight stays.
Daily Camping (annual or 14-day camping permit pays for these)	$10.00
Prime Site Fee	$2.00
One Utility (year round, in addition to camping fee)	$9.00
Two Utilities (year round, in addition to camping fee)	$11.00
Three Utilities (year round, in addition to camping fee)	$12.00
Designated Overflow Camping	$6.50
Youth Camping	$4.00 per camping unit
Special Event – must be made by phoning or visiting park	$0 to $201.50
Cabin Rental -Price varies per night, depending on location, timing and amenities.See Specific Park Locations. Call park or go to reservations. Weekly and monthly rentals available.

Ethan Fontole