Cheney State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Cheney State Park in Kansas spans 1,900 acres, with the Cheney Reservoir along one side, the Ninnescah Sailing Center on its west shore, and a full-service marina along its eastern shore. The park was established in 1964 and offers many amenities, including 11 campgrounds, cabin rentals, and a wildlife area adjacent to the property. Activities at the park include biking, boating, fishing, hiking, paddling, wind or snow sports, swimming, and wildlife watching. Other local attractions you may want to visit include the Keeper of the Plains and Exploration Place, both of which are within a short commute from the park.
Spring 39 – 59 F
Summer 73 – 93 F
Fall 51 – 70 F
Winter 29 – 46 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Cheney State Park
Cheney State Park has 11 campgrounds to choose from. Giefer Hill, Hobie Beach, and M&M Point campgrounds are used for tent camping only. Ninnescah is available for guests who want to rent a cabin. South Loop, Lakeview, Wichita Point, Heimerman Point, Marina, North Loop, and Smarsh Creek are equipped with 30- or 50-amp electrical, water, and sewage hookups. You can camp at these seven campgrounds in tents or RVs. All campgrounds have restrooms, showers, potable water, and picnic tables. The campgrounds offer Wi-Fi, are ADA accessible, and are pet friendly.
What to Do at
Cheney State Park
You can enjoy many outdoor activities at Cheney State Park, including wildlife watching, sailing, skiing, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and paddling. The park has an impressive beach along the shores of Lake Cheney that is open for swimming in summer. The off-season is a great time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and picturesque views of the park and wildlife. You can rent kayaks, canoes, or bikes at the Outpost during the peak season.
Enjoy a fantastic adventure at Cheney State Park, including kayaking down Lake Cheney, photographing the splendid animals you see, and relaxing by the beach. Fishing at the state park brings in many anglers hoping to catch trophy bass.
Fishing
Many visitors and professional anglers fish in the Cheney Reservoir and Lake Cheney. You can catch channel catfish, white bass, crappies, striped bass, walleye, and wipers. All guests must have a valid Kansas fishing license to fish via the state park. You can use motorized boats on the lake and reservoir but must remain at a trolling speed.
Geocaching
Start at the park office and inquire about the geocaching hunt. You can find many treasures throughout the state park and learn about its history.
Nature Watching
Cheney State Park offers many vantage points for nature watching, and you can find many bird species throughout the park. Birdwatchers can spot upland sandpipers, common nighthawks, and Smith's longspurs. Bald eagles are also occasionally spotted at the park.
Stargazing
The shores of Lake Cheney are idyllic for stargazing, and guests can see constellations, stars, and planets with binoculars and telescopes. Stargazing is recommended during the fall on clear nights.
Flora and Fauna
The flowers and plants at the park include river birch, pin oak, pecan trees, Shumard, sassafras, dogwoods, sagebrush, prairie sand reed, shortgrass, and sand bluestem. Among the wildlife you might see are opossums, skunks, muskrats, deer, turkeys, rabbits, and red foxes.
Hiking
Enjoy a peaceful hike on any of the four hiking trails. The Cheney State Park West Side Trail is an easy trail spanning 9.6 miles. The Cheney Trail to Goldfish Pond is an easy 1.3 miles long. Giefer Creek Nature Trail is just 0.3 miles and takes you along the park's creeks with breathtaking views. Spring Creek Nature Trail is 0.7 miles, and you can see the wildlife from different vantage points.
Boating
Lake Cheney is one of the top sailing lakes, and you can sail, canoe, or kayak on the lake. The Outpost near the state park offers boat, canoe, and kayak rentals for a fee.
Swimming
You can swim in Lake Cheney via the beach area open during the summer. However, there isn't a lifeguard on duty.
Biking
Mountain bikes are allowed on the Cheney State Park West Side Trail, and you can explore the trail and picturesque views. The trail is over 9 miles long and offers an easy ride. You must wear a bicycle helmet while biking on the trail.
How to Get to
Cheney State Park
From Cheney, head north to North Main Street toward West 1st Avenue. Turn left onto W 31st Street South/West 6th Street. Turn right onto South 39th Street West/North Lake Road. Turn left onto W 21st Street North. Continue onto Northeast 50th Street. Turn right onto Cheney Lake Road and continue until you see the park entrance.
Entering Cheney State Park
Park your vehicle in the parking lot and enter the park on foot, as motor vehicles aren't allowed on the park roadways and trails. There isn't a fee for parking on the lot, but you must enter the office and pay the entrance fee. Handicapped parking is available, and there are ramps for wheelchair access. Park hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the park has strict quiet hours for visitors from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. The maximum RV length is 140 feet.
Daily : $5.0
When purchased at the Visitor Center.
Daily : $6.0
When purchased online.
Seniors : $3.25
Yearly : $25.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheney State Park
Early summer and fall are the best times to visit Cheney State Park, as the temperatures are mild. The temperatures are frigid in winter, and early spring and limit many outdoor activities.
You'll find many bird species at Cheney State Park, including waterfowl, tree swallows, Prothonotary warblers, scissor-tailed flycatchers, and grasshopper sparrows. Raccoons, bobcats, and beavers also make their home within the park.
No, there aren't any camping spots that are designated for RVs only. All campgrounds except Giefer Hill, Hobie Beach, M&M Point, and Ninnescah are equipped for RVs.
You are not required to make a reservation for a camping spot. However, the minimum stay requirement is four days if you make a reservation. The daily camping fees range from $9 to $12, depending on what type of site you choose.
Yes, pets are allowed at Cheney State Park, however, you must keep your dogs on a leash no longer than six feet. Keep your pets in a crate if they aren't on a leash.