Cheney State Park
Kansas's windiest lake, offering sailing, camping, hiking, and the striking Red Bluff.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for beach & water fun
Cheney State Park
Best Time
Perfect for beach & water fun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kansas's windiest lake, offering sailing, camping, hiking, and the striking Red Bluff.
"A beautiful area to spend the weekend with the family or to camp and fish."
Sail Away! ⛵
Embrace the wind! Cheney Lake is ideal for sailing and windsurfing.
Free Camping Nearby 🏕️
Consider Deweese Campground outside the park for free, discreet camping.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 389 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cheney Reservoir
Cheney Lake
Kansas's windiest lake, perfect for sailing, boating, and water sports. Feel the breeze!
Red Bluff
Cheney State Park
Striking red rock formations offering scenic views and photo opportunities. A must-see!
Disc Golf Course
Cheney State Park
Enjoy a round of disc golf amidst scenic park trails and beach access.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wind: Cheney Lake's Signature Feature
Camping Comforts & Reservations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Sail Away! ⛵
Embrace the wind! Cheney Lake is ideal for sailing and windsurfing.
Free Camping Nearby 🏕️
Consider Deweese Campground outside the park for free, discreet camping.
Beach Day Bliss ☀️
Enjoy the sandy shores for sunbathing and relaxation.
Trail Adventures 👟
Explore hiking and biking trails, some around the disc golf course.
Tips
from all over the internet
Sail Away! ⛵
Embrace the wind! Cheney Lake is ideal for sailing and windsurfing.
Free Camping Nearby 🏕️
Consider Deweese Campground outside the park for free, discreet camping.
Beach Day Bliss ☀️
Enjoy the sandy shores for sunbathing and relaxation.
Trail Adventures 👟
Explore hiking and biking trails, some around the disc golf course.
Book Ahead! 🎟️
Reserve campsites online for a smooth check-in experience. [^Review]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cheney State Park for its cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and the enjoyable experience of its windy lake, perfect for water sports. Many highlight the beautiful scenery, especially Red Bluff, and the family-friendly atmosphere with playgrounds and trails. Occasional issues with site reservations and facility availability are noted, but overall, it's a highly recommended destination for outdoor recreation.
"By far one of the cleanest camp grounds we've been to in a while. Reserving and paying for the two nights was easy through the state park website. Upon arriving we found our name and reservation posted on the campsite marker. The public restroom and shower house was clean and well lit. Connecting electric and water was painless, and the camp wifi worked flawlessly. We'll be back soon."
Michael Foltz
"We will definitely be back. Just a stop over for our trip from Arizona to Michigan. Very clean, quiet, nice spot, and the dogs enjoyed it there."
Sue Williams
"We parked in a reserved spot by mistake even though our tent was in a vacant spot and we paid for the site and we were woken up and told to vacate the park immediately by Kansas Wildlife and Parks. We weren't rude or combative, simply compliant and apologetic. It left a very bad taste in my mouth. I do not recommend."
Melissa Kellogg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cheney State Park is located near Cheney, Kansas. It's accessible by car via local highways. The park is about a 30-40 minute drive west of Wichita.
Public transportation options directly to Cheney State Park are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the park.
From Wichita, take US-54 W and then follow signs for Cheney State Park. The drive is scenic and straightforward.
The town of Cheney is nearby and offers basic amenities. For more extensive options, Wichita is the closest major city.
Yes, GPS navigation systems will accurately direct you to Cheney State Park. Ensure your maps are up to date.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is typically an entrance fee for Cheney State Park. Fees can vary, so it's best to check the official Kansas State Parks website for current pricing. [^Review]
Camping fees vary depending on the type of site (e.g., primitive, electric/water hookups). You can reserve and pay online through the state park website. [^Review]
Yes, advance reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends and holidays, to secure your preferred spot. [^Review]
Cheney State Park is generally open year-round, but specific hours for facilities like visitor centers or campgrounds may vary. Check the official website for details. [^Review]
Yes, Deweese Campground, located just outside the state park area, is often cited as a free camping option.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include sailing, boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, disc golf, and picnicking. The park offers a variety of outdoor recreation.
Yes, Cheney Lake has designated beach areas suitable for swimming, especially during warmer months.
The park features hiking trails, some of which are integrated with the disc golf course, offering scenic views of the lake and surrounding nature.
Campgrounds offer amenities like restrooms, showers (check availability), and some sites have electric and water hookups. Wi-Fi is also available. [^Review]
Yes, dogs are generally welcome in Cheney State Park, but they must be kept on a leash. They can enjoy the outdoor spaces with their owners. [^Review]
📸 📸 Photography
Red Bluff offers dramatic landscapes, while the lake itself provides beautiful water and sky views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The natural surroundings are also great subjects.
Nature photography, landscape shots of the lake and Red Bluff, and action shots of water sports like sailing are popular.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits. Always check park regulations.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the best light for capturing the colors and textures of Red Bluff.
Drone usage is subject to park regulations and FAA rules. It's advisable to contact park management beforehand to inquire about drone policies.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit