McPherson State Fishing Lake offers a mix of primitive and developed camping sites around a 47-acre lake at 1,540 feet elevation. Tent sites are available along the shoreline while RV sites with electrical hookups occupy higher ground. Cabin options near McPherson vary from rustic structures to fully furnished units with amenities suited for different comfort levels.
What to do
Hiking trails: Kanopolis State Park features Buffalo Track Canyon Trail with scenic views and interesting geological formations. A camper noted, "Buffalo Track Canyon Trail has gorgeous views with 2 small caves, and beautiful rock coloring. Before you head to your campsite make sure you stop off at Mushroom Rock for a photo op!"
Fishing opportunities: McPherson State Fishing Lake stocks fish and maintains shore access for anglers. According to a review, "Awsome fishing lake, wild bison a mile or 2 down the road. Very nice camp spots with electrical hookups up on a hill and primitive down by the water."
Wildlife viewing: Areas around McPherson provide chances to see native wildlife including bison. Cheney State Park is known for bird watching with one visitor reporting, "Yep, we saw bald eagles every day of our stay. Majestic!"
What campers like
Privacy in primitive areas: Several camping areas offer secluded sites away from crowds. A visitor to McPherson State Fishing Lake shared, "There's quite a few spot to camp. All primitive. Can get a little busy during the day on the weekend but there are some great spots up in the trees away from the water that stay pretty quite."
Clean facilities: Lighthouse Landing RV Park and Cabins maintains clean shower facilities according to guests. One camper mentioned, "The bathrooms and showers were very clean and our kids enjoyed playing with a few other families that were there as well."
Lake views: Waterfront camping sites provide direct access to shorelines. A visitor to Cheney State Park West Shore wrote, "The Hobie Loop has no services, but the amazing views make up for it. Half the sites are right on the water. Kayaks, Canoes, SUP can be launched right from the sites or just across the road."
What you should know
Site differences: McPherson camping areas offer varied terrain and amenities. A camper noted, "Free camping on a lake with tables, fire rings, some have shade, vaulted toilets. Quiet but close to a little town."
Bathroom access: Facilities vary widely between locations. At Sandyshore Campground, a camper advised, "The closest restroom is 1/2 a mile away up in Buzzard Bay though. For how popular this spot is, they need to build one closer to the campground."
Reservation requirements: Most cabin rentals require advance booking, especially during summer. Some camping areas operate on first-come, first-served basis, with a camper reporting, "Wish they would make these spots reservable as they fill up very quick since they are first come first serve. Especially on weekends."
Tips for camping with families
Look for recreational amenities: Salina Campground provides family-focused facilities. A visitor shared, "Kids enjoyed the basketball court, playground, and swimming pool. Clean bathroom/showers."
Consider cabin camping: Family-friendly cabin rentals near McPherson offer alternatives to tent camping. A guest at Wichita's Spring Lake RV Resort mentioned, "Clean, modern bathrooms and showers."
Check for special programs: Some campgrounds run scheduled activities. A family at Salina KOA reported, "We loved this place. Pool, playground, jumping pad, horse shoes, roomy tent sites, gem mining, friendly staff, great price. They also had bikes and a train for the kids."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Prepare for varied terrain at campgrounds. A camper at Cheney State Park advised, "The sites are all gravel or grass with the exception of handicap sites. I wouldn't they were level, but all doable."
Hookup availability: West Shore Camping Area has seasonal water service. An RVer noted, "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."
Highway noise considerations: Some RV parks are located near interstates. A visitor to Salina KOA shared, "Convenient location along I-70 meant lots of highway noise. Being that close to I-70 brought some noise that was easily drown out with our AC."
