Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
Boating Education

Kansas offers some of the finest water recreation found anywhere. More than 150 lakes, 10,000 stream miles, and 55,000 ponds make the state attractive to boaters of many types. Most of the lakes are well served by public access facilities and provide excellent opportunities for anglers, swimmers, skiers, sailboaters, powerboaters, canoeists, and others.

The Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas rivers are the state's only public rivers. Other waters are privately owned, and landowner permission is required to access them.

As the demand for recreational use of Kansas waters increases, it becomes more important for boaters to be safe, knowledgeable, and responsible. All boaters must commit themselves to learning and practicing the fine points of safe watercraft operation, as well as knowing the rules governing boating and other activities on Kansas waters.

A fee may be required for entrance to some lakes. Many Kansas streams have public access points associated with state, federal, or municipal lands. Often located on Wildlife and Parks public areas of U.S. Corps of Engineers properties, most of these streams are open to public access only where they are bordered by public land.

It is a goal of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to provide as many safe recreational boating opportunities as possible. You may receive more information about boating education by contacting: Boating Education, 512 SE 25th Avenue, Pratt, KS 67124-8174, 620-672-0770, fax 620-672-0770, ErikaN@wp.state.ks.us or visiting our boating education website.

Important KDWP Contact Information