Glamping in McConnell AFB, Kansas offers accessible outdoor experiences in the south-central Kansas prairie region. The area sits at approximately 1,300 feet above sea level with relatively flat terrain and is characterized by hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through August. Most glamping sites enforce quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, and many operate with reduced amenities during winter months.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Santa Fe Lake features trails suited for various skill levels, with dedicated routes clearly marked for hikers versus bikers. "The mountain bike trails as well as hiking trails are perfect for beginners to experts," notes Helena P., who frequents the area.
Kayaking on calm waters: Santa Fe Lake provides a more peaceful paddling experience than larger reservoirs in the region. "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," explains Chris L.
Stargazing opportunities: The relatively low light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing. "Fly in with your own plane, drive your car/RV or ride your bicycle. Beaumont with their own airport, hotel, campground, and cafe with a lot of Frisco Railroad History... Quiet evening and fantastic stargazing," reports Joyce R. about her experience at Beaumont Hotel & RV Park.
Wildlife observation: The reservoirs attract diverse bird species, including seasonal migration patterns. "Yep, we saw bald eagles every day of our stay. Majestic!" shares Nancy C. about her time at West Shore Camping Area at Cheney State Park.
What campers like
Accessible water recreation: Multiple sites offer direct water access from campsites. "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. It is close to home but a nice getaway," explains Holly D. about her experience at West Shore Camping Area — Cheney State Park.
Clean facilities: Many glamping sites prioritize bathroom and shower maintenance. "Friendly staff, extremely clean bathrooms and showers! Nice grassy spot for our tent!" reports Wandering W. about Wellington KOA.
Late check-in processes: Some campgrounds accommodate after-hours arrivals with self-service systems. "Pulled in around 11pm, had to use the late check-in process. Well organized and easy with individual maps for each site number. Highly recommend!" says Aaron S. about his Wellington KOA experience.
Shade availability: Several campgrounds offer tree cover during hot summer months. "Even though it is older, has giant Cottonwood trees shading the sites... one of the 10 modern bathhouse was conveniently located at the entrance to the loop," explains Nancy C. about Cheney State Park's amenities.
What you should know
Seasonal water shutoffs: Some campgrounds restrict water access during colder months. "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," notes Nancy C. about West Shore Camping Area.
Variable pricing: Campsite rates range significantly based on amenities and location. "It was $32 to stay the night, and the showers were coin-op. The view over the lake was gorgeous when we woke up, but we were sandwiched between the lake and the main entry road," reports Shaanti O. about Santa Fe Lake.
Alcohol restrictions: Some parks prohibit alcohol consumption on premises. "The only real downside is that there is no alcohol allowed, but nobody really came around checking that we noticed. We also didn't leave beer cans scattered all around so that probably helped," mentions Chris L. about Santa Fe Lake's policies.
Multiple camping areas within parks: Larger state parks contain several distinct camping loops with different amenities. "There are several loops within this State Park. The Gopher loop is for tents. If you are a tenter, you are in for a treat. Sites right are right on the water," explains Nancy C. about Cheney State Park's layout.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near recreational facilities for children. "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," recommends Holly D. about Shady Creek Area — El Dorado State Park.
Kid-friendly water areas: Look for designated swimming zones with gradual entry points. "Great place to hang out with the family. Awesome for fishing in the boat if, you can find the right spot!!" says Dakota H. about West Shore Camping Area.
Educational opportunities: Several sites offer nature programs or historical components. "We stopped here for the night because it was in the right location, but were surprised by how nice it was. The campground itself isn't anything special (it had full hookups like we wanted), but the history of the hotel and accompanying landing strip was fascinating," shares Sarah B. about her experience at Beaumont Hotel & RV Park.
Tent-specific zones: Some parks designate quiet areas specifically for tent campers. "The Gopher loop is for tents. If you are a tenter, you are in for a treat. Sites right are right on the water," explains Nancy C. about West Shore Camping Area's layout.
Tips from RVers
Hookup sharing protocols: Some sites require water hookup coordination between neighboring sites. "Very few 50 amp site to choose from and no 50 amp sites with shade. Decent beach area with playground equipment for kids," notes Stanleigh S. about their stay at Bluestem Point Area — El Dorado State Park.
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain with leveling blocks. "Sites are gravel and maybe a little rutted, some more gravel would help level things up," mentions Mark S. about Wellington KOA's conditions.
Fresh water access points: Know where to fill tanks before parking at your site. "Electric only but the office lets you fill your fresh water tank by the entrance and there is a dump station," explains Marty D. about Santa Fe Lake's accommodations.
Off-season service reductions: Call ahead to confirm which amenities remain available during winter months. "The last 2 loops (North and South) are w/e loops, but water was off for the season. You could fill tanks at the vacant host site or the dump station," advises Nancy C. about winter camping at West Shore Camping Area.
