Mushroom Rock State Park
Brookville, KS
Small sandstone boulders balanced on narrow stalks stand on a grassy hilltop, a quick stop of a few minutes with a short path among the formations. It makes an easy detour from I-70, ideally in soft evening light.
Mushroom Rock State Park in the Smoky Hills is, at just five acres (about two hectares), the smallest state park in Kansas. The mushroom-shaped rocks are made of Dakota Formation sandstone laid down about 100 million years ago in the Cretaceous Period. Calcium carbonate cemented parts of the rock into hard concretions; as the softer sandstone eroded away, rocks with a stem and cap were left standing, the largest about 8 meters (27 feet) across.
Two very short paths of only about 150 to 180 meters (0.09 and 0.11 miles) lead past the formations, so a stop is quickly done; allow about 15 to 30 minutes. Camping is not allowed and no vehicle permit is required. The park is in Ellsworth County, northwest of Marquette and about 8 km (5 miles) north of Kanopolis Reservoir. Rock City in Ottawa County has about 200 similar concretions, also up to about 8 meters (27 feet) across, and charges a small admission fee.
- Nearest town
- Brookville, KS
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 38.7258, -98.0306
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–August. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Kanopolis State Park Rockwall CampgroundCampsite5 mi from Mushroom Rock State Park
- Kanopolis State Park Rockin' K CampgroundCampsite5 mi from Mushroom Rock State Park
- Kanopolis State Park Eagle Point CampgroundCampsite5 mi from Mushroom Rock State Park
- Kanopolis State Park Sandyshore CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Mushroom Rock State Park
- Sundown RV ParkMotorhome stopover18 mi from Mushroom Rock State ParkMotorhomes
- Licoln CampingMotorhome stopover23 mi from Mushroom Rock State ParkMotorhomes
All campsites in Kansas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Mushroom Rock State Park?
Mushroom Rock State Park is in Brookville, KS, at GPS 38.7258, -98.0306. It is about 46 mi from Hutchinson.
Can you camp near Mushroom Rock State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Kanopolis State Park Rockwall Campground, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 18 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Mushroom Rock State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Coronado Heights (16 mi), Lindsborg (22 mi), Cheyenne Bottoms (39 mi) and Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum (46 mi).
When is the best time to visit Mushroom Rock 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)