Camping near Garden Plain, Kansas centers around Cheney Reservoir, a 9,500-acre body of water that serves as the region's primary recreational hub. The area sits at approximately 1,400 feet elevation with prairie terrain characterized by open grasslands and scattered woodlands. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while winter nights often drop below freezing, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences.
What to do
Birding opportunities: Cheney State Park offers exceptional wildlife viewing, particularly for bird enthusiasts. "Yep, we saw bald eagles every day of our stay. Majestic!" reports one visitor who explored the West Shore Camping Area. The park's diverse habitat attracts various bird species throughout the year.
Mountain biking trails: The 9+ mile trail at West Shore provides a flat route suitable for casual riders. "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," notes a camper who tracked 12 miles riding through the entire campground.
Fishing access: Deweese Campground provides riverside camping with good fishing opportunities. "Great free spot, riverside view and bathrooms," states a visitor. The campground offers several sites along the river separated by natural foliage.
Disc golf course: West Shore Camping Area features an 18-hole disc golf course as part of its recreational offerings. Visitors appreciate the variety of activities available: "Boating, fishing, birding, 18 hole disc golf course, swimming, biking or just relaxing, this place is great."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Lake Afton Park receives praise for its generous site dimensions. "Great caretakers, always polite, facilities clean (notwithstanding June bug attacks!)" mentions one satisfied camper. Another notes that "the sites are big" with helpful on-site rangers.
Cabin accommodations: Families appreciate the lodging options at West Shore Camping Area beyond traditional tent and RV spots. "We love camping here because the campsites are decent size and they have cabins for our family without campers or tents," shares one visitor who regularly camps there with children.
Multiple camping loops: West Shore offers distinct camping experiences across several loops. "The Gapher loop is for tents. If you are a tenter, you are in for a treat. Sites right are right on the water," explains a reviewer who thoroughly explored the park. Each loop has different amenities and proximity to water.
Budget-friendly options: Primitive camping areas provide affordable alternatives to full-service sites. "Many spots to choose from, the primitive area is where I like to be. Right on the water," reports a camper about East Shore Camping Area.
What you should know
Seasonal water access: Winter camping requires planning for water availability. "There are specific sites available year round that have water and electric available. These are located in the Marina and Lakeside campgrounds on the East side. The water spigots are insulated," explains an East Shore visitor.
Multiple night requirements: Weekend reservations sometimes require longer stays regardless of occupancy rates. "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)," reports a West Shore camper.
Permit fees structure: Champion Ridge Inn & Country RV Park provides an alternative to state parks without entrance fees. "Very nice small camping area at a farm. Very friendly and helpful host," shares a reviewer who appreciated this quieter option.
Site selection challenges: Lake Afton Park's layout creates confusion for some visitors. "Most screwed up backward spot choices I've ever seen. seriously. does not make sense," comments one camper. Another advises: "Not a bad place sites are not level but for 14$ a night for water and electric not bad."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: West Shore Camping Area features playgrounds for children. "We also enjoy the lake and playgrounds for the kids. It is close to home but a nice getaway," mentions a family that regularly visits the park.
Swimming areas: Designated beach areas provide supervised swimming, though maintenance varies. "Nice beach area for kids. Bathroom facilities adequate and they have showers," notes a visitor to West Shore who appreciated the family-friendly amenities.
Bike-friendly environment: USI RV Park in nearby Wichita offers additional family amenities. "The bathrooms are super clean, there is a very nice playground and fenced dog run," reports a visitor who stopped overnight during a cross-country trip.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Lake Afton Park provides chances for children to observe local wildlife. "Good place to bring your bike and ride in the mornings," suggests a regular visitor who enjoys camping there with family.
Tips from RVers
Overnight travel stops: All Seasons RV Park serves as a convenient waypoint for cross-country travelers. "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," shares a visitor who found it ideal for a single night.
Site leveling considerations: Prepare for potentially unlevel sites at Lake Afton Park. "Not a bad place sites are not level but for 14$ a night for water and electric not bad," advises an RVer who stayed at the park.
Winterized facilities: East Shore Camping Area maintains select services during colder months. "50 amp available at Marina campground only. 30 amp at both. Being winter, it's pretty sparse, dry, and windy. For an overnight, it was an affordable stay," notes a winter visitor.
Utility hookup reliability: All Seasons RV Park offers dependable full-service sites. "It's not a destination park but it is convenient to Wichita and is great as an overnight stop. We've been here 2 times and have had great service from the staff and it's always easy to book," explains a repeat visitor.
