Camping options near Colwich, Kansas vary from full-service RV resorts to free primitive sites along riverbanks. The area sits at approximately 1,400 feet elevation in the Arkansas River Valley, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F between June and August. Winter camping remains available at select locations, though seasonal wind patterns can make tent camping challenging without proper sheltering.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cheney State Park provides excellent fishing access with waterfront primitive sites on the East Shore where campers can launch small craft directly from their campsites. "Many spots to choose from, the primitive area is where i like to be. Right on the water," notes a regular visitor to East Shore Camping Area — Cheney State Park.
Wildlife observation: Deweese Campground offers free camping along the riverside with opportunities to spot local wildlife. "I can hear lots of nature noises. Birds, frogs, owls and more," reports a camper at Deweese Campground. The quiet setting makes it ideal for nature photography and bird watching.
Mountain biking: The West Shore of Cheney State Park features a 9+ mile trail system suitable for mountain biking. A visitor explains, "If you do mountain bike, you would enjoy the 9 + mile trail. It's flat and not challenging, but really nice, secluded and if you bring a lunch, there are 3 picnic tables on the lake that can only be reached by boat or the trail."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer generous site sizes that accommodate larger camping setups. At West Shore Camping Area — Cheney State Park, campers appreciate the roominess: "We love camping here because the campsites are decent size and they have cabins for our family without campers or tents."
Nature immersion: Despite proximity to Wichita, campers can find peaceful settings away from urban areas. "I camp here often, it is free and away from people very peaceful," shares a regular at Deweese Campground, which offers riverside sites separated by natural foliage.
Convenient facilities: Spring Lake RV Resort provides high-quality amenities for travelers. "Gravel sites. Great, robust WIFI. Clean, modern bathrooms and showers," notes one visitor at Wichita's Spring Lake RV Resort, which maintains year-round operations at $33 per night.
What you should know
Weather challenges: Summer heat affects comfort levels significantly. "We stayed for two days. While the park is nice, with plenty of places to walk, it was just too hot. Our service dogs couldn't go out for very long so they were stuck inside with both of our 15,000 ac units blasting away 24 hours a day," reported one summer visitor to East Shore.
Seasonal differences: Water levels fluctuate throughout the year, affecting campground conditions. A reviewer at Lake Afton Park noted, "Camped here a couple of times, small lake that in the heat of summer has bad algea bloom."
Site selection importance: Unlevel sites can present challenges for RVs. "It's a nice site but the people that departed, after our check-in time, left a mudhole and dog poop everywhere. Don't think we will stay at this site again. The water hookups just make a mess," shared one camper about their experience at Cheney State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated facilities for children. "We also enjoy the lake and playgrounds for the kids. It is close to home but a nice getaway," mentions a family staying at All Seasons RV Park in Goddard, just minutes from Colwich.
Nature trails: Kid-friendly walking paths provide educational opportunities. A family noted about Cheney State Park: "Nature trails are great for the kids."
Water activities: Beaches and swimming areas offer summer cooling options. "Great place to take the boat out...Great open campsite...Nice beach area for kids. Bathroom facilities adequate and they have showers," mentions a visitor to West Shore Camping Area.
Tips from RVers
Overnight convenience: RVers passing through appreciate efficient check-in processes. "We arrived after 10pm the man in the office had our paperwork ready for us and escorted us to our lot. It was a huge level lot. Surrounded by open fields so we were able to fall asleep to the crickets. Such an easy stop for a cross country trip," noted a traveler staying at All Seasons RV Park.
Site leveling: Many RVers mention the importance of selecting level sites. "The sites are all gravel or grass with the exception of handicap sites. I wouldn't say they were level, but all doable," advises an RVer about Cheney State Park.
Cell connectivity: Remote workers and digital nomads find good connectivity at select campgrounds. "Electrical spots have wifi that is actually good," notes a visitor to East Shore Camping Area, while others confirm that "AT&T and Verizon cell reception was adequate" at Deweese Campground.
