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Cheney (East Shore)
Overview
Cheney (East Shore) offers a classic Kansas outdoor experience situated within the expansive Cheney State Park. This recreational area surrounds one of the state's most popular reservoirs, providing a scenic backdrop for travelers seeking water-based adventure. Managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the East Shore Marina area and surrounding campgrounds offer a mix of utility-equipped sites and primitive spots. The park is renowned for its open vistas and the consistent breezes that make it a premier destination for sailing enthusiasts across the Midwest.
Location & Surroundings
Located approximately 30 miles west of Wichita, the park is easily accessible via Highway 54. The landscape is characterized by the 9,500-acre reservoir and the surrounding tallgrass prairie. The East Shore specifically provides excellent views of the sunset over the water. This area is generally more developed than the West Shore, offering closer proximity to the marina and various recreational hubs. The surrounding environment is tranquil, dominated by the sounds of lapping waves and local birds, making it a peaceful retreat from the urban bustle of nearby cities.
Amenities & Park Features
Campers at the East Shore will find several loops offering electric and water hookups suitable for various RV sizes. The facilities include modern restrooms and shower houses that are well-maintained for public use. For convenience, the park provides multiple on-site dump stations and fresh water fill-up points. Visitors can also take advantage of the following features:
- Designated swimming beaches with sandy shores
- Multiple boat ramps for easy water access
- Picnic shelters for group gatherings
- A full-service marina offering fuel and supplies
The spacious campsites allow for a sense of privacy even during busy summer weekends.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw is undoubtedly the water, where fishing for walleye and striped bass is a major pastime. Sailors and windsurfers flock here due to the reliable wind conditions, and the park frequently hosts regional regattas. On land, the Gopher Trail provides a modest hiking opportunity to observe local wildlife and native plants. For a change of pace, a short drive into the city of Wichita offers access to the Sedgwick County Zoo and the Botanica Wichita gardens. The nearby town of Cheney provides local dining and small-town charm for those looking to explore beyond the park boundaries.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal fit for active water sports enthusiasts and families who enjoy traditional lakeside camping. Because of the ample space and various hookup options, it caters well to both weekend travelers from Wichita and long-haul RVers looking for a scenic stopover. It is particularly suited for those who travel with boats or kayaks and want immediate lake access. If you appreciate wide-open Kansas skies and the community atmosphere of a state park, the East Shore of Cheney provides a welcoming and functional home base for your next journey.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Jessica Honaker
It is beautiful but bathrooms are usually gross. People don't keep their dogs on their leash, had a couple dogs chase my kid and try to bite. Teens or adults messing with your kids saying things to them that aren't okay.. Park police are a joke and volunteers are rude. So many better lakes than this one. Pick a better lake to go too.
Nichole Hutchings
I love this lake. I have a spot right next to the water and I sleep like a baby here. Listening to the sound of the waves crashing into the shore is so peaceful. There are also bathrooms and showers right by my site. Plenty of beach area and plenty of campsites for tents and rvs
MCB
Nice camping trip. The primitive area has lots of camp sites with very limited shade. Mid-october trip but daytime highs were in the upper 80's but nights cooled down to mid to upper 60's. Campground was pretty empty, only a few tents. Firepits are old and some barely usable, sites vary. In size but many are very large. Bathrooms are very dated, showers were poorly maintained with standing water in the "dry" area, lots of spiders. No one ever stopped by to check on anything but being late in the season may account for that and the bathroom/shower conditions.
Michael Foltz
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.
Jody Determann
Reserved a water and electric hookup site. No water. 30 amp breaker was trashed. Arrived on a Sunday so park office closed. Restrooms, showers closed. It would have been helpful if the park website notified campers of no water. Certainly, they have not started Spring clean up. Camp host arrived on my second day. He called park Ranger to fix my electrical service. No one cared that 2 tent campers were in a loud, aggressive, cursing yelling match the night before. I was to call 911. That seems like a stupid waste of tax payer money and cops time. I asked if one of them could ask that couple to tone it down instead....nope, call 911. Which I did not do. Likely a decent park for fishing (and drinking as per the trash left behind). I would not return.