For a long time, Clinton Lake has provided an alternative housing option for people who cannot afford a traditional home in Lawrence but still need to remain close to jobs, medical care, transportation, schools, and other community resources. For some individuals and families, staying in a camper or using a campsite has offered a relatively affordable option while still providing access to electricity, water, bathrooms, and a safer place to stay.
Beginning November 1, Kansas state park fees are increasing significantly. Some of the changes include:
Annual vehicle permit: $25 to $40
State Park Passport with vehicle registration: $15.50 to $30.50
Daily vehicle permit: $5 to $7 or $8
Overnight camping: about $9 to $10, now $15 per night
14-night camping permit: about $110 to $112.50, now $165
Utility fees are also increasing
The annual camping permit is being eliminated entirely
For someone using Clinton Lake as a temporary or longer-term housing option, these aren’t small increases. They can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of simply having somewhere to stay.
That concerns us because many of the people using options like this are doing so precisely because traditional housing is already financially out of reach. Taking away or substantially increasing the cost of one of the remaining alternatives can leave people with very few places to go.
So let’s crowdsource some resources. If you know of affordable campgrounds, RV sites, long-term camping options, private property arrangements, safe parking opportunities, or other creative housing alternatives in or around Lawrence, please let us know at info@hrclawrence.org.
And please share this so we can get the word out! There may be people currently staying at Clinton Lake who don’t yet know these increases are coming and deserve as much warning as possible to make another plan.
Sometimes helping our neighbors starts simply with sharing what we know. Thank you!