Camping near Buhler, Kansas offers visitors access to both reservoir recreation and prairie landscapes characteristic of central Kansas. The area sits within the Great Plains region at elevations around 1,500 feet, where strong seasonal winds and dramatic temperature swings shape the camping experience year-round. Winter camping temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer heat often exceeds 90°F with limited natural shade at many sites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Harvey County West Park, anglers can enjoy productive fishing in a smaller, less crowded setting. "Awsome little lake, plenty of camping and the fishing is the best," notes reviewer Papa T. The park also offers kayaking opportunities with one camper mentioning it's "Good spot for kayaking, and if you're a fisherman I hear it's a good place."
Wildlife viewing: Cheney State Park provides excellent bird watching opportunities, especially for those interested in spotting raptors. "We saw bald eagles every day of our stay. Majestic!" reports one camper. The park features a 9+ mile trail that's "flat and not challenging, but really nice, secluded" with picnic tables along the lake accessible only by boat or trail.
Mountain biking: Several parks near Buhler offer biking trails suitable for different skill levels. Cheney State Park includes an extensive trail network where visitors "road our bikes over every inch and clocked 12 miles." The park also features an 18-hole disc golf course for those seeking alternative recreation options.
What campers like
Free camping spots: Deweese Campground offers no-cost camping with riverside views. "I camp here often, it is free and away from people very peaceful," says one regular visitor. Another camper notes, "Several sites along the river but separated by foliage. Grounds are well maintained as is the vault toilets." The campground provides basic amenities without fees.
Lakeside camping: Many campers praise the waterfront sites available at several parks. At Cheney State Park's Hobie Loop, "Half the sites are right on the water. Kayaks, Canoes, SUP can be launched right from the sites or just across the road." For tent campers, "The Gapher loop is for tents. If you are a tenter, you are in for a treat. Sites right are right on the water."
Clean facilities: Sand Hills State Park Campground receives positive reviews for its well-maintained amenities. "It is clean, lots of trash cans and restrooms are clean," reports one visitor. Another camper notes the "Good, clean restroom/showers" at this state park located about 4 miles from Hutchinson.
What you should know
Campsite levelness: Many campsites in the area require some adjustment for comfortable setup. At Sand Hills State Park Campground, one camper noted the "Park was a little unlevel so definitely need to bring extra wood to level correctly." Similarly, at Cheney State Park, "The sites are all gravel or grass with the exception of handicap sites. I wouldn't say they were level, but all doable."
Wind conditions: Kansas winds can significantly impact camping experiences in the Buhler area. Campers at Cottonwood Grove RV Campground appreciate the "Trees for shade" which also serve as windbreaks. One Cheney State Park visitor reported, "It was WINDY every day so I couldn't kayak or SUP. I think it is just Kansas, though."
Off-season considerations: When camping during non-peak periods, services may be limited. At Cheney State Park, a visitor noted that "The Smarth loop is not on the lake side, but the only w/e loop that had water turned on during off season" and "water was off for the season. You could fill tanks at the vacant host site or the dump station."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and swimming: Wichita's Spring Lake RV Resort offers family-friendly amenities. "This is a resort. Everything you could want. Swimming pool, chuck wagon on weekends. Free minutes golf, etc. A very nice playground for children," reports one satisfied camper. The resort also offers cabin rentals for families without camping gear.
Cabin options: For families who don't have camping equipment, several parks offer cabin rentals. At Cheney State Park, one visitor mentioned, "We love camping here because the campsites are decent size and they have cabins for our family without campers or tents. We also enjoy the lake and playgrounds for the kids."
Navigation challenges: Some families report difficulty finding their way around larger campgrounds. At Lighthouse Landing RV Park, one family noted, "The only reason this isn't 5 stars is that we had some difficulty finding our campsite." When staying at Cheney State Park, remember it's "large and spread out" with multiple camping loops that offer different amenities and experiences.
Tips from RVers
Overnight convenience: Inman RV Park offers straightforward accommodations for those passing through. "Got here in the dark, fairly unremarkable RV Park... But perfect for our needs! The hosts were friendly & accommodating, letting us pay in the morning at checkout," reports one RVer. Another mentioned, "$25 FHU, easy, in a nice small town" with a "cafe nearby open at 6am."
Dump stations: When planning longer stays, note that not all parks offer full hookups. Sand Hills State Park provides "a dump station that was free" according to one visitor. Some smaller parks like Inman RV Park lack sanitary dumps but offer full hookup sites as an alternative.
Electrical options: Most established campgrounds near Buhler provide electrical hookups, though amperage varies. At Cottonwood Grove RV Campground, full hookups are available with "hot showers with lots of water pressure." Spring Lake RV Resort offers robust services with one camper noting, "Gravel sites. Great, robust WIFI. Clean, modern bathrooms and showers" for $33 per night.
