Kansas Rocks Recreation Park

About Kansas Rocks Recreation Park

Kansas Rocks Recreation Park, known as KRRP or KROCK, is a roughly 380 acre off road park at 2051 130th Street in Mapleton, Kansas, northwest of Fort Scott in Bourbon County. It is a not for profit park with 177 trails covering every difficulty range from beginner to expert, and its unofficial motto answers the obvious question about the state. Who said Kansas is flat.

The park is built for slow speed rock crawling. Four wheel drives, SUVs, side by sides, mountain bikers and hikers all share the property, and the maximum speed anywhere on it is 5 miles per hour.

What You Can Bring

Read this part before loading a trailer. KRRP is a four wheel drive and side by side park. Dirt bikes and ATVs are not permitted.

That restriction is what makes the shared trail system work. With a 5 mile per hour limit across the whole park, a hiker or a mountain biker can share a trail with a built Jeep without conflict. The trade off is that quad and dirt bike riders need to look elsewhere, and there are Corps riding areas elsewhere in Kansas set up for narrower machines.

The Terrain

The trail network runs about 60 miles across the property and mixes rock obstacles, steep rocky hills, wooded sections, creek crossings, mud and open areas suitable for picnicking. With 177 marked trails rated from beginner through expert, a driver can spend a full weekend here without repeating much.

The rock is the draw. This corner of Kansas has genuine ledge and outcrop terrain, and the park has developed lines that challenge well built rigs while leaving easier routes for stock vehicles and first timers. Mountain bike trails and freeride sections have been developed alongside the shared trails.

Camping and Facilities

KRRP is set up for weekend stays rather than day trips only. The park has 24 primitive tent sites and 24 RV campsites, community fire pits and a private shower house. There are picnic areas, a playground and restroom facilities, and electrical hookups are available at RV sites. Field camping and dispersed camping within the park trails are also offered.

Camping reservations are not accepted same day, so book ahead and check in at the office when you arrive.

Hours and Fees

The park operates on weekends during daylight hours, with seasonal hours.

From April through the end of September, gates are open Saturday from 8:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening, and Sunday from 8:00 to 5:00. From October through March, Saturday runs 8:00 to 5:00 and Sunday 8:00 to 4:00.

This is a fee park. Day use fees are charged per vehicle and per individual for hikers and mountain bikers, and season passes are available through the park’s website. Weather closures are posted on the site, and all hours are subject to change for conditions.

While inside the park, the cabin can be reached on CB channel 5.

Events and Training

The park hosts several large events each year that draw four wheel drive clubs from across the region, along with smaller Off Roading 101 classes and driving courses for people newer to the sport. Holiday celebrations and themed weekends fill out the calendar.

If you have a capable vehicle but limited experience picking lines over rock, those classes are the most useful thing the park offers. Learning spotting and throttle control with an instructor beats learning it by breaking parts.

Getting There

Mapleton sits northwest of Fort Scott off highways 69 and 54, about 95 miles south of Kansas City. The route in runs K-7 south to Highway 31 west toward Mapleton, then through town to Tomahawk and north on 130th Street to the front gate.

The park lies along the Frontier Military Historic Byway, the route that connects the historic forts of eastern Kansas, so the drive down is worth taking slowly if you have time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride a dirt bike or ATV at Kansas Rocks?

No. The park is open to four wheel drive vehicles, SUVs, side by sides, mountain bikes and hikers only.

How big is the park?

Roughly 380 acres with 177 trails and about 60 miles of shared trail.

What are the hours?

Weekends only. April through September, Saturday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Sunday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. October through March, Saturday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Is there a fee?

Yes. Day use fees apply per vehicle and per hiker or mountain biker, and season passes are available through the park.

Is camping available?

Yes. There are 24 primitive tent sites and 24 RV sites with hookups, plus community fire pits and a shower house. Reservations are not accepted same day.

What is the speed limit?

5 miles per hour throughout the park, which is what allows vehicles, bikes and hikers to share trails safely.

Is it beginner friendly?

Yes. Trails are rated from beginner to expert, and the park runs Off Roading 101 classes for drivers new to rock crawling.

Where is Kansas Rocks Recreation Park located?

2051 130th Street, Mapleton, Kansas 66754, northwest of Fort Scott off highways 69 and 54, about 95 miles south of Kansas City.

More information on Kansas Rocks Recreation Park; Click here https://www.ksrockspark.com/

For ATV and off road venues click here: https://www.plainspowersports.com/category/atv/