Those not wanting to pay fees for camping at Marion Reservoir need only to wait one more month. “At the end of October, we’ll be officially closing the campgrounds,” assistant lake manager Kevin McCoy said, “but we’ll have all the campgrounds out here for after season use.” From the end of October until April, people will be able to camp at Hillsboro, French Creek, Marion, and Cottonwood Point coves without any fees. McCoy said boat ramps will be open, but with courtesy docks due to possible ice coverage. The boat ramp at Marion Cove is closed for repairs.

“All of the water-born showers and water-born toilets will be winterized,” McCoy said, “but the vault systems will be available for use.” Sewer hook-ups also will not be available, but power and water will be on unless “we have one of those Kansas cold snaps,” McCoy said. “But we’ll leave the water on as long as possible,” McCoy said.

“All the park rules are still in place during that time period,” McCoy said. “As long as people are following those rules, then the campgrounds will remain available.”