Map showing campground location near Cheney, Kansas

Camper submitted image from Deweese Campground

Deweese Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Sitting along a river in south-central Kansas, Deweese Campground is a state-managed site that draws campers looking for a low-key, low-cost overnight without much infrastructure. Sites run along the water and are separated by foliage, giving each one some degree of separation from neighboring spots. Shade is plentiful. The campground tends to be uncrowded, and visitors frequently report having the place entirely to themselves.

Access comes via a dirt road off the GPS entrance point. Campers should take the first right for the initial cluster of sites or continue further in for additional options. A 26-foot Class C RV has made the route without issue in dry conditions, though ruts are present and wet weather could complicate things. The vault toilet is located at the second area further up the road, and one reviewer noted it lacks doors. A dumpster sits along the dirt road. Both AT&T and Verizon provide adequate cell coverage on site.

Noise is worth noting. A shooting range operates nearby during the day, though it closes in the evening. After that, the soundscape shifts to what Melissa C. describes as "birds, frogs, owls and more." Some road noise is also audible depending on conditions. Campfires are permitted, pets are allowed, and alcohol is not restricted. The campground is accessible by boat, foot, or vehicle.

Campers wanting more developed facilities in the area can look at Cheney State Park Campground or browse places to camp around Cheney for a wider range of options.

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Map & DirectionsDeweese Campground is located in Kansas near Cheney

Public Campground

Directions

14 Horseshoe Ln, Pretty Prairie, KS 67570

Coordinates

37.824402963035354 N
97.89534962482003 W

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Connectivity

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T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Trash
Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Visit Website

Drive Time

37 min from Wichita, KS
2 hrs 5 min from Enid, OK
2 hrs 5 min from Manhattan, KS
2 hrs 28 min from Topeka, KS

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Reviews9 Camper Reviews - Deweese Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

9 Reviews

Many mentioned this well-maintained free campground offers peaceful riverside sites with vault toilets and natural privacy. Occasional shooting range noise during day and challenging dirt road access noted.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

jeanne K.

Scout

Reviewed Mar. 15, 2026

Free boo docking

Sites are big, fire ring, pit toilets!

Month of VisitMarch

Calvin F.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 22, 2025

Haven but with skeeters

Lovely drive out here and it’s always nice to know there will be a place to pull in when taking backroad trips and there is nowhere to park let alone pull in for a night.

Sitethere is nowhere to put up a hammock despite all the trees so I just pulled in next to a fire pit

Month of VisitSeptember

papa T.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 13, 2025

Camp nice

I camp here often, it is free and away from people very peaceful

Sitestayed in many spots here

Month of VisitJune

Jana B.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 9, 2025

Small but nice

I like to primitive camp and this place is perfect for that. I stayed 3 days

SiteI don't think they are numbered but I stayed across from the bathroom.

Month of VisitMay

(10) View All

Linda C.

Guide

Reviewed Feb. 2, 2025

Level with lots of room

Had this place all to ourselves. Wish we could’ve stayed longer.

Month of VisitJanuary

Melissa C.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 7, 2023

Nice spot for a night

Seems like a nice spot for the night. I appear to be the only person here tonight but have had several cars drive through. There is a vault toilet here but no doors. I dont see any trash cans here. I can hear a little road noise but I also hear lots of nature noises. Birds, frogs, owls and more. I would probably stop here again if it was on my way.

Month of VisitJune

Bob B.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 27, 2022

Nice sites along the river

Several sites along the river but separated by foliage. Grounds are well maintained as is the vault toilets.

Siteno numbers

Month of VisitJuly

(4) View All

Terron A.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 20, 2022

Riverside view

Great free spot, riverside view and bathrooms

Sitedeweese campgroud

Month of VisitApril

Laura M.

Legend

Reviewed Nov. 8, 2020

Free!

GPS coordinates are for the entrance, drive down the dirt road and take first right or continue on for more sites. Lots of shade and fire pits bathroom however is at the second location further up the road. We were the only ones in the campground. There is a nearby shooting range which you can hear but closes in the evening and then all is quiet. There is a dumpster along the dirt road.

Dirt road passable in our 26 foot class C RV with some navigable ruts, may be worse in wet weather. There was quite a bit of bugs as well and an armadillo.

AT&T and Verizon cell reception was adequate.

Month of VisitOctober

(8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Deweese Campground?

Deweese Campground offers basic amenities perfect for primitive camping. The campground features shaded sites with fire pits and vault toilets (though some may not have doors). There are multiple camping areas along the river, with sites separated by foliage for privacy. The grounds and facilities are generally well-maintained. No trash cans are available on-site, so campers should plan to pack out all waste. The campground is rustic and ideal for those who enjoy a more natural camping experience without modern conveniences.

What recreational activities are available at Deweese Reservoir?

Deweese Reservoir offers excellent opportunities for riverside camping and water activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing along the river and listening to abundant wildlife, including birds, frogs, and owls. The natural setting is ideal for nature observation, photography, and peaceful relaxation. There's also a shooting range in the vicinity for those interested. The scenic surroundings make it perfect for hiking and exploring the area. The peaceful environment, especially when uncrowded, creates an ideal setting for those seeking a quiet outdoor experience.

How do I make reservations for Deweese Campground?

No reservations are required for Deweese Campground as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is often uncrowded, with many visitors reporting having the entire area to themselves. To locate the campground, follow the dirt road from the entrance and take the first right for the initial camping area, or continue further for additional sites. For the most current information about availability and access, consider contacting the managing agency before your trip.

What are the camping fees at Deweese Campground?

Deweese Campground is a free camping area. There are no fees to stay at this primitive riverside campground, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious campers. The campground offers good value with its fire pits, riverside views, and vault toilets despite being a no-fee location. Many visitors appreciate this campground specifically for being free while still providing a peaceful setting away from crowds. As policies can change, it's advisable to verify the current fee status before planning your trip.

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