Santa Fe Lake near Derby, Kansas offers tent, RV, and glamping accommodations with access to multiple trails for hiking and mountain biking. Located 28 miles east of Derby, this lake allows kayak and boat access but prohibits alcohol consumption on the grounds. The area experiences hot summers and cold winters, making spring and fall ideal for outdoor activities.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: At Santa Fe Lake, visitors can access multiple trail difficulty levels. One reviewer notes, "Several trails offshoot from this main road, each is marked for either hiking (trail running), mountain biking, or camping. Some bike routes are more difficult."
Kayaking on calm waters: Santa Fe Lake offers a peaceful paddling experience with fewer motor boats than larger lakes in the region. A camper mentioned, "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."
Fishing opportunities: Cheney State Park offers fishing from both the shore and boats with multiple access points. Park visitors report impressive wildlife sightings: "Yep, we saw bald eagles every day of our stay. Majestic!"
Swimming beaches: Harvey County East Park features sandy beaches at most tent campsites. One camper stated, "Sandy beaches at most of the tent campsites are our favorite things about this lake! Also, super affordable camping."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Wellington KOA maintains well-kept common areas and restrooms. A visitor commented, "Friendly staff, extremely clean bathrooms and showers! Nice grassy spot for our tent!"
Late check-in options: Some campgrounds accommodate late arrivals with organized systems. One Wellington KOA camper appreciated this feature: "Pulled in around 11pm, had to use the late check-in process. Well organized and easy with individual maps for each site number."
Lakeside camping spots: Harvey County East Park offers prime waterfront access. A reviewer noted, "Most campsites have easy access to the lake. I also like how they put boat docks behind all of the lake side sites."
Stargazing opportunities: The Beaumont Hotel & RV Park provides exceptional night sky viewing. A tent camper reported, "Quiet evening and fantastic stargazing."
What you should know
Water hookups arrangement: Some campgrounds have shared water sources. At Harvey County East Park, "You have to share a water source with the campsites next to you."
Price considerations: Camping costs vary across the region. Santa Fe Lake charges $32 per night with coin-operated showers, according to one review: "It was $32 to stay the night, and the showers were coin-op."
Alcohol restrictions: Not all campgrounds permit alcohol. Santa Fe Lake prohibits alcohol consumption, though one visitor noted, "The only real downside is that there is no alcohol allowed, but nobody really came around checking that we noticed."
Seasonal facility closures: At Cheney State Park, water services may be limited during off-season periods. A camper observed, "The Smarth loop is not on the lake side, but the only w/e loop that had water turned on during off season."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer kid-friendly play areas. A visitor to El Dorado State Park 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."
Cabin options: Families without camping gear can rent cabins at various parks. Cheney State Park provides cabin accommodations alongside traditional tent and RV sites.
Nature trails for kids: Look for beginner-friendly hiking options. At Cheney State Park, "Nature trails are great for the kids."
Swimming areas: Designated swim beaches provide safer water recreation for children. One Harvey County East Park visitor commented, "Relaxing and clean swimming area. Bathroom was clean."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require work to level RVs. At Cheney State Park, a camper noted, "The sites are all gravel or grass with the exception of handicap sites. I wouldn't say they were level, but all doable."
Electric options: Check the amp service available at your preferred site. At Harvey County East Park, "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."
Small campground considerations: When glamping in Derby, Kansas area, some RV parks may be compact but well-maintained. A visitor to Wellington KOA commented, "This is a small, older campground. It is clean, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Hookups all work, no problems."
Water fill stations: Some campgrounds offer central water fill locations rather than at-site connections. A Cheney State Park visitor shared, "You could fill tanks at the vacant host site or the dump station."
