Cheney State Park

Open — Open year-round. During winter, water is shut off to most campgrounds from early November through mid-April. Smarsh Creek campground sites 96-115 remain open with both water and electric during winter. Winter camping is first-come, first-served only with reservations resuming in spring. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during winter.

About

Cheney State Park encompasses 1,913 acres across three counties along the south shores of Cheney Reservoir, completed in 1965 by the Bureau of Reclamation. The park features extensive camping facilities including 223 reservable sites with electric and water hookups distributed across multiple campgrounds on both the east and west shores, plus over 400 primitive campsites for those seeking a more rustic experience. The reservoir's 9,600 surface acres make it one of Kansas's premier destinations for water-based recreation, ranked among the 10 windiest lakes by Windsurfing Magazine, drawing sailors, windsurfers, and kite-boarders from across the nation. Developed amenities include two full-service marinas, six boat ramps with 22 launching lanes, nine showerhouses, seven modern pit toilets, four dump stations, multiple swimming beaches, fish cleaning stations, and over 29 miles of paved roads. The park offers 12 modern rental cabins ranging from 1-bedroom units sleeping up to six to 2-bedroom cabins sleeping up to 10, with full kitchens and ADA-accessible options. Nature enthusiasts can explore three nature trails including a five-mile bicycle/walking path, while anglers target walleye, crappie, and catfish in the productive reservoir waters. The park maintains strong partnerships with the Ninnescah Sailing Association and Friends of Cheney Lake, hosting regattas most summer weekends.

Directions

West of Wichita on U.S. 54/400 to K-251, then north 4 miles.

Nearby Campgrounds