West Shore — Cheney State Park

Located just 17 miles West of Wichita and 20 miles South of Hutchinson, Cheney State park offers a unique recreational getaway. The State Park is located on the South end of the Lake on both the East and West Shores. Since its completion in 1964, the park has grown to include 223 electrical sites with water, 22 boat launching lanes on 7 boat ramps, 10 restroom/shower houses, 2 modern restrooms and 6 vault toilets, as well as 4 trailer dump stations. For the camper, there is a mix of primitive and utility camping. These areas range from the waters edge, to grassy, tree covered areas along a quiet spring fed creek. The park has 4 designated swimming areas as well as several picnic/dayuse areas. There are 9 modern cabins on the West shore and 3 modern cabins on the East shore of the lake for those who would rather not "rough it." Located in windy central Kansas, the lake offers excellent sailing. In fact, National Sailing regattas take place at Cheney. It's breath taking to see more than 100 multicolored sailboats on the lake at one time. The Ninnescah Sailing Center on the West shore is "headquarters" for sailing at Cheney. On the East Shore, a full service marina carries supplies for the boater and fisherman with rental docks. Fishing is excellent for Channel catfish and white bass, and good for crappie, striped bass, wipers, and walleye. Hotspots include walleye along the dam in late March, white bass spawning run upriver in May, and channel catfish at the feeders in June and July. One handicap accessible fishing complex at the Toadstool Loop jetty consist of a fishing pier and brush pile fish attractors.

You must be 18 or older to rent a cabin or campsite.

• Subject to regulations and posted notices, any individual over 21 may possess, consume, or drink alcoholic liquor. Kegs and party balls are strictly prohibited.
• Complete regulations may be viewed and printed online at ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Park-Regulations
• 50 amp service is available at South Loop Campground and Smarsh Campground on the West Shore, and at Marina Campground and Heimerman Pt. on the East shore. All other utility sites are 30 amp.
• Electric and gas powered scooters and skateboards cannot be operated in the state park. ATV use is prohibited in the state park.
• Camping is allowed only in designated areas and is subject to restrictions as posted. All campers and camping units are limited to a stay of not more than 14 consecutive days although a 14-day extension may be obtained with written permission from the park manager. A five-day absence is required before returning to the park to camp again. Any property left unused or unoccupied for 48 hours is subject to removal. Only one camper/RV per utility site is allowed.
• Fires are allowed in fireplaces, fire rings, and cooking grills only. Fires must be completely extinguished prior to leaving the area.
• Swimming is allowed in designated areas. Liquor and beer are prohibited on swimming beaches or in waters designated by buoys or other markers as swimming areas. For other beverages, only shatterproof containers are allowed.
• Pets must always be restrained by a camper, cage, hand-held leash, or tethered chain no longer than 10 feet. They are not allowed on swimming beaches or swimming areas that are delineated by buoys or other markers or in public buildings or structures. Dogs participating in authorized activities or assisting the visually or hearing impaired are not subject to these restrictions.
• A special event permit is required for any event involving entrance fees, exclusive use of an area, sales, organized competition, amplified sound, or reservation of a specific site or facility. Check with the park office for details.
• Fishing is prohibited on boat ramps, courtesy docks, swimming beaches, and in swimming areas marked with buoys. In state parks, fish may only be cleaned at designated fish cleaning stations or other locations as posted.
• Boats may not be operated within 200 feet of any area posted specifically for swimming and delineated by markers. No-wake speeds are required within 200 feet of a boat ramp, boat dock. Vessels left unattended at courtesy docks are subject to removal.
• Fireworks are prohibited.
• Litter must be put in trash containers, if provided. Where containers are not provided, park users must carry their trash out with them.
• Digging holes, removing or defacing geological formations, archeological relics or ruins, or vegetation (except for noncommercial use of edible wild plants, wild fruits, nuts, or fungi) is prohibited.
• Quiet hours are 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Actions which alarm, anger, or disturb others are prohibited. Generators can not be used during quiet hours. Failure to comply may result in expulsion from the park.
• Firearms may only be discharged in areas specifically designated for hunting or target practice.
• DUMPING OF GREY WATER IS PROHIBITED. Grey water must be disposed of at the dump station.
• Cabin renters may check in after 3:00pm and check out by Noon everyday, year round. Smoking is not allowed in cabins. Pets and pet carriers are not allowed inside or on the porches of cabins. Cabin renters are not allowed to grill or cook from the porch deck. The cabin must be clean prior to departure. Cabin renters shall be responsible for full payment of any damages incurred during the length of stay. Damages will be billed to the renter for payment.