Carrying a firearm while hiking/camping in Kansas

This summer I plan on doing a lot of two-three day hiking/camping excursions (kind of a newbie at this, so I'm pretty stoked), and I was curious about the laws regarding the open carry of a rifle/pistol on these journeys. I've done some looking around and it looks like it's a-okay, but I want to be one hundred percent sure before I do it. While we're at it, you guys know of any cool places in the KS/OK to check out for these adventures?

BTW, I do not yet have my CHL, but will in the next few months, if that makes any difference.

Thanks in advance, guys!

Holy avatar similarities... Haha.

I can't tell you about open carry laws here, but I can suggest a couple of places to go. Fancy Creek State Park on the North end of Tuttle Lake is pretty cool for it's trails. Kanopolis Lake, a bit West of Salina, has a pretty large network of trails on what I'm pretty sure is the Northwest side of the lake too. I've not spent any time here, but I've heard that Perry Lake North of Topeka has some great trails as well. If you're into mountain bikes you'll dig all of these places.

I've also heard that the Southeast portion of the state's got some nice parks around different reservoirs, but haven't ever spent any time there. The places I listed are about as good as it gets for this state in my opinion. If you're looking to do any "real" hiking or backpacking I'd obviously suggest heading West and leaving KS altogether.

Kansas is an open carry state. However, as with any where else, be prepared to deal with sheeple who freak out at the sight of an evil baby killing gun.


I open carry at Milford lake regularly, especially at night in the summer when the drunk yahoos are running around. I've run into park rangers and a Geary County Sheriff while OCing and never had issues. Just be polite and don't be an idiot and you'll be fine.

Watch out for the gun buster signs at businesses though. Don't go where you're not wanted.

Awesome, thanks for the help guys. I'm from the southeast part of the state, but am currently living in Manhattan. I'll definitely check out all of the spots you've recommended up here and see what cool places I can discover down south. Heading west to Colorado for an adventure is in my future.

Leatherpuke, I'll definitely abide by all gunbuster signs. I only intend on open carrying outside of city limits (to make sure I'm not breaking any local ordinances) so hopefully I won't run into too many of those!

If I find any cool spots I'll be sure and share em in here.

ETA: Your avatar tastes are strong, mdrauh. Swear I'm not copying.

If you hit some of the area lakes, make sure of the rules if they are a Corps of Engineers property, not sure on the rules for those.

Here is some info I came across: KSCCW

I'm guessing you're in school at KSU then? I'm here for engineering, but work out of state when school's not going on.

Also, about two or three hours northeast of here in Nebraska is Indian Cave State Park. It's got a large network of trails and I'm pretty sure camping is allowed along them.

It's also a nice change of scenery from the mostly treeless stuff around here.

Yes sir, going to KSU for marketing. I was at KU for graphic design, so I have a few years left in Manhattan. Manhattan beats the hell out of Lawrence though, that's for sure.

Looks like I need to get some bros together to head up to Nebraska, sounds like a grand ole time.

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