Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park
Oakley, KS
Kansas’s largest chalk formation, with rim trails looking down onto its spires. Access is limited to marked trails to protect the formation.
Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park is a 330-acre (about 130 hectare) state park in Logan County, western Kansas, roughly 25 miles (40 km) south of Oakley. Established in 2018, it is owned by The Nature Conservancy and managed jointly with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
About 220 acres are Smoky Hill chalk badlands with narrow canyons cut into white rock. Towers and bluffs rise to around 100 feet. In the late 19th century the formations were called "Castle City" because they resembled ruined castles; "Little Jerusalem" points to the look of a walled city. Two trails of roughly a quarter mile and 1.5 miles follow a ridge with views over the formations. Fossils are common, but collecting is not allowed. Ferruginous hawks and rock wrens live here.
Practical notes: the park is open year-round during daylight. You may leave the marked trails only on a tour led by park staff. The terrain is fragile, so step carefully. Check current rules and tour dates beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Oakley, KS
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 38.7850, -100.9360
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Historic Lake Scott State Park Timber Canyon CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park
- Historic Lake Scott State Park Lakeview CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park
- Historic Lake Scott State Park Boat Ramp CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park
- Historic Lake Scott State Park Horse CampCampsite7 mi from Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park
- Historic Lake Scott State Park Circle Drive CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park
- Historic Lake Scott State Park Lakeside CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park
All campsites in Kansas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park?
Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park is in Oakley, KS, at GPS 38.7850, -100.9360. It is about 21 mi from Scott City.
Can you camp near Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Historic Lake Scott State Park Timber Canyon Campground, about 7 mi away; within 25 mi there are 9 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park?
Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Kansas chalk badlands and Bison, chalk pyramids and wagon ruts – by camper along the Santa Fe Trail, through the Flint Hills and the Smoky Hills to Dodge City.
What is there to see near Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Lake Scott State Park (8 mi), Monument Rocks (9 mi), Castle Rock (41 mi) and Boot Hill Museum (87 mi).
When is the best time to visit Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)