Cheney State Park sits at the eastern edge of the Arkansas River Lowlands in south-central Kansas, with an elevation of approximately 1,400 feet above sea level. The 9,500-acre reservoir creates multiple bay areas and coves ideal for camping and water activities. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, with limited water hookups available during cold months at most campgrounds.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Santa Fe Lake offers multiple trail options for both beginners and experts. "The mountain bike trails as well as hiking trails are perfect for beginners to experts," notes one Santa Fe Lake visitor.
Wildlife photography: Early mornings provide the best opportunities for capturing native wildlife. "We road our bikes over every inch and clocked 12 miles. If you do mountain bike, you would enjoy the 9+ mile trail (we walked it). It's flat and not challenging, but really nice, secluded," shared a visitor at Cheney State Park West Shore.
Disc golf: The 18-hole disc golf course at Cheney State Park provides a challenging course suitable for various skill levels. "Boating, fishing, birding, 18 hole disc golf course, swimming, biking or just relaxing, this place is great," reports a camper.
Kayaking: Protected coves provide calm water conditions for paddling. "This lake is a nice break from places like Cheney and Afton. It's small so there aren't a lot of big boats disturbing the water, which makes paddling a lot more enjoyable," says a Santa Fe Lake camper.
What campers like
Lakeside access: Many sites offer direct water access for boats and watercraft. "Half the sites are right on the water. Kayaks, Canoes, SUP can be launched right from the sites or just across the road," notes a camper at Cheney State Park.
Clean facilities: Wellington KOA maintains well-kept facilities according to visitors. "Friendly staff, extremely clean bathrooms and showers! Nice grassy spot for our tent!" reports one camper.
Sandy beach areas: Several campgrounds feature natural sand beaches for swimming and relaxation. "Sandy beaches at most of the tent campsites are our favorite things about this lake! Also, super affordable camping," shares a visitor at Harvey County East Park.
Quiet atmosphere: Less crowded camping options exist within driving distance. "The lake was beautiful, the trees were still pretty full with fall foliage, and it was very quiet," notes a Harvey County East Park visitor.
What you should know
Variable water hookups: Some campgrounds have water restrictions. "The water hookups are shared between sites and currently have signs reading, '15 MINUTE TIME LIMIT. Do Not Leave Water Hose Connected, Even If You Have A Splitter,'" reports a recent visitor to Harvey County East Park.
Reservation requirements: Weekend stays often require minimum night bookings. "We only needed one night, but had to pay for two nights (it was on a weekend, but this place was no where near full, so the demand isn't there to warrant a 2 night requirement)," notes a Sedgwick County Lake Afton Park visitor.
Park entry fees: Additional entrance fees may apply beyond camping costs. "We had to pay another $5 just to enter the park to get to our campsite," reports a Cheney camper.
Seasonal water availability: Cold weather affects water service. "Smarth is a loop that is not on the lake side, but the only w/e loop that had water turned on during off season," advises a camper about Cheney State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple playgrounds throughout the parks offer recreation for children. "We also enjoy the lake and playgrounds for the kids. It is close to home but a nice getaway," shares a Cheney State Park visitor.
Swimming areas: Designated swimming zones provide safer water recreation. "Relaxing and clean swimming area. Bathroom was clean," notes a visitor to Harvey County East Park.
Cabin options: For glamping in Cheney, Kansas, several parks offer cabin accommodations without the need for tents. "Nice campground really enjoy the large and shady sites. I also like how they put boat docks behind all of the lake side sites. The swim area is nice but often crowded on the weekends," reports a Harvey County East Park camper.
Nature education: Trails provide opportunities for wildlife spotting and nature learning. "This is a Great place for families to enjoy spending time with one another! Love the cleanliness of bathrooms and outdoors! Lots of fish!" shares a Harvey County East Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Dump station locations: Fill fresh water tanks at designated areas before setting up. "This is a very clean and well maintained camp ground. We just needed one night and used the coin operated laundry," shares a Wellington KOA visitor.
Electric hookup options: Different camping loops offer various amperage options. "This campground has both 50 and 30 amp sites. All of the 50 amp sites are on the inner loop and all of the lake side sites are 30 amp," advises a Harvey County East Park camper.
Site leveling considerations: Some sites require additional equipment for leveling. "Sites are all gravel or grass with the exception of handicap sites. I wouldn't say they were level, but all doable," notes a camper about Cheney State Park.
Late arrival protocols: Some campgrounds offer self-check-in options. "Pulled in around 11pm, had to use the late check-in process. Well organized and easy with individual maps for each site number," reports a Wellington KOA visitor.
