Best Campgrounds near Garden Plain, KS
Cheney State Park anchors the camping scene near Garden Plain, Kansas, with two distinct camping areas on the East and West shores of Cheney Reservoir. The area provides multiple options for overnight stays including established campgrounds with RV hookups, tent sites, and cabin accommodations. Lake Afton Park, approximately 15 miles southwest of Garden Plain, offers water and electric hookups for RVs along with tent camping opportunities. All Seasons RV Park in nearby Goddard provides full-service RV sites with water, electric, and sewer hookups on level gravel pads.
Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months. Water spigots at Cheney State Park's winter camping areas are insulated to prevent freezing. "We stayed overnight with our trailer en route. There are specific sites available year round that have water and electric available," noted one visitor about East Shore Camping Area. Many campgrounds require vehicle permits or entrance fees in addition to camping fees. Reservation availability varies by location, with some sites offering advance booking while others operate on a first-come basis. Summer brings high temperatures and increased demand, particularly at lakefront sites. Facilities generally include restrooms and showers, though cleanliness and maintenance quality vary across locations.
Waterfront camping represents the primary draw in this region, with sites at Cheney State Park and Lake Afton Park offering lake views and water access. A camper remarked about Lake Afton Park: "Lake view is great and the sites are big! Ranger lives on site and super helpful!" The primitive camping area at Cheney is particularly popular among visitors seeking direct lake access. Several campgrounds feature on-site camp hosts who provide assistance and maintain facilities. Sites at Lake Afton have received mixed reviews regarding layout and levelness, with some visitors noting confusion about site organization. Cheney State Park offers hundreds of campsites across its various camping areas, with both primitive and developed options available. The RV parks in the region typically provide level sites with full hookups, making them suitable for overnight stays during cross-country travel.
