We get many compliments from people that stay in the park and use the facilities. Customers continue to let us know how great the park looks, with the mowed areas, excellent camping availability, gorgeous views of the lake, and recreational items.

You must have a vehicle permit to drive into the park, whether you plan to just drive through or use the available facilities.

The Park, Lake, and Wildlife Area
Going from north to south, there is the Prairie Dog State Park, the Sebelius Reservoir that is the lake, and the Norton Wildlife Area. (Technically the Sebelius Reservior is considered part of the Norton Wildlife Area.) These three entities are located next to each other, about 3 miles west and 1 mile south of Norton, Kansas.

To get to the Prairie Dog State Park, from the east: take highway 36 west out of Norton, then turn south on highway 261. From the west: take highway 36 east, turn south on highway 261.

There are a variety of ways to get to the Norton Wildlife Area. One way is to take highway 36 west out of Norton, then turn south at the 'Norton Dam' sign that you will see on the left side. Another way is to continue on highway 36 west of Norton and turn left on highway 383. Go south at least 2 miles, and any of the next several roads going left or right will give you access to the Wildlife Area.

Blue-Green Algae Info
Did you know... blue green algae is not really algae? It's a bacteria, called cyanobacteria. It releases toxins sometimes, and these toxins can affect warm-blooded animals in the area of the brain, liver, or other organs. To learn more, visit: https://ksoutdoors.com/Outdoor-Activities/Outdoor-Health-and-Safety/Blue-Green-Algae-Information

General Information:
Camping at Prairie Dog State Park includes 4 reservable cabins, all of which are nice on the inside and have air conditioning, heat, refrigerator & freezer, and microwave (2 modern cabins with nice bathrooms, and 2 primitive cabins very close to a shower house with bathrooms), 10 electric/water/sewer sites, 77 electric/water sites, (10 more electric/water sites are under construction until approximately August 15) and more than 130 primitive sites. Reservable sites are available, as well as walk-in sites. Shower and restroom facilities are conveniently located, as are two RV dump stations. A 1.4-mile nature trail complete with Story Walk signage for kids is a great way to explore the park and observe wildlife.

Historical interpretation is a hallmark of this park. Two vintage 19th century buildings are preserved here, including a one room school and renovated adobe house.

Keith Sebelius Reservoir is well known for its excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers continue to find productive fishing for black bass, walleye, wiper, crappie, catfish and saugeye.

The 6,400-acre Norton Wildlife Area offers good prospects for quali, pheasant, waterfowl and rabbits. Both whitetail and mule deer can be found here, as well as a variety of furbearers.