Meade State Park sits on 803 acres in southwest Kansas, anchored by a 80-acre lake that draws anglers, swimmers, and waterfowl alike. Established in 1927, it’s one of Kansas’s original state parks — a prairie oasis in Meade County where the flat, open landscape meets cottonwood-lined shoreline.

The lake is the main attraction. Channel catfish, largemouth bass, and crappie keep anglers busy from spring through fall, with catfishing especially productive on warm summer evenings. A boat ramp accommodates small watercraft, and the calm water is well-suited for kayaking and canoeing. Swimmers cool off at a designated beach area when temperatures climb past 100°F in July and August — which they regularly do out here.

Beyond the water, Meade State Park offers solid hiking along trails that wind through native grassland and wooded draws. Birders will find the park rewarding, particularly during spring and fall migration when shorebirds and raptors pass through. White-tailed deer and wild turkey are common year-round.

Spring and early fall deliver the most comfortable weather for extended visits. Summers are hot but manageable if you plan around the lake. Winter brings quiet solitude and surprisingly good fishing on mild days.

With a 4.6 rating across 513 reviews, Meade State Park earns consistent praise from visitors who appreciate its unhurried pace and well-maintained grounds. It’s not a destination that overwhelms — it’s one that invites you to slow down, cast a line, and watch the Kansas sun set over open water.

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