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Kansas
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Kansas State Parks

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Western Kansas Region
Cheney State Park
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Cheney State Park © brian Timm
Cheney State Park © stateparks.com
Cheney State Park © brian Timm
Cheney State Park © brian Timm
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CHENEY STATE PARK
CHENEY STATE PARK
16000 Northeast 50 Street
Cheney, Kansas   67025
(lat:37.7208 lon:-97.8341) map location

Phone: 316-542-3664
This 1,900-acre park comprises two areas located at the south end of Cheney Reservoir, located 20 miles west of Wichita. Since its completion in 1964, the park has grown to include more than 200 utility camping sites. In addition to the variety of camping amenities available here, the West Shore Area offers seven reservable modern cabins.

Cheney State Park is situated along the shores of one of the top sailing lakes in the United States. The Ninnescah Sailing Center on the West Shore Area is the 'headquarters' for sailing at Cheney. A marina in the East Shore Area offers supplies and services for boaters and anglers.

The park is equipped with modern pit toilets, nine restrooms with showers, a shelter house, four trailer dump stations, and four designated swimming areas, as well as several picnic/day use areas. The Giefer Creek and Spring Creek nature trails offer hikers an aesthetic sampling of the area's lush natural beauty.

Fishermen are attracted to productive fishing for channel catfish, white bass, crappie, striped bass, wiper, and walleye. The parks 22 boat launching lanes provide convenient access to the 9,500-acre lake. A handicapped-accessible fishing complex is available at the Toadstool Loop Jetty.

The 5,200-acre Cheney Wildlife Area adjacent to the park provides a rich variety of wildlife watching, nature photography, and public hunting opportunity. A refuge has been set aside on the wildlife area for migratory waterfowl. The area is closed to all activities from Sept. 15 through March 15, when it is reopened for fishing and non-huntingday use activities.
History of the Area
Cheney Reservior was constructed by the BOR and was finished in 1965. The lake consists of 9,600 surface acres of water. The State Park consists of 1,913 acres in three counties on the South end of the lake, both on the East shore and West Shore.
Cabins
The smaller cabins will accommodate a family or group of up to four people and provides a bathroom/shower, microwave, refrigerator, full bed bunk bed, air conditioner/heater, outside hydrant, picnic table, table 4 chairs, common fire ring with grill. Some of the cabins have screened in porches and are in close proximity to the lake. Cabins 2 Kingfisher, 3 Nuthatch, 4 Mockingbird, 5 Pelican, 6 Kestrel and 7 the Roadrunner have screened in porches. The other three cabins are ADA accessible, Cabins 1 Heron, 8 Nighthawk and 9 Osprey. These 3 cabins have decks not screened in porches.

Cheney State Park has nine modern cabins that we are offering as an alternative to roughing it. These provide a great opportunity to experience the joys of the outdoors for those wanting to enjoy the lake but not wanting to tent-camp.
Cabins
Cabin Line-up

Cabins are located in an area together but staggered to provide privacy from each other. They are in close proximity to the lake and are within walking distance of the beach and swimming area.

Six of our cabins sleep four with a full-sized bed and a set of bunk beds, heating and air-conditioning,
Cabin Interior

table and chairs, shower and toilet, a dorm-room sized refrigerator, a microwave, toaster and coffee pot. These cabins have a screened-in porch, a patio with a charcoal grill provided, picnic table, fire ring, outside water hydrant and exterior electrical outlet. Those reserving the cabins must provide their own bed linens, pillows, kitchen utensils, towels, soap, and personal items. Smoking is not allowed in the cabins and pets are not allowed in the cabins. We do allow pets on the screened-in porch and this cabin does have a screened in porch. There is a leash law in effect for the park.

Reservations are accepted online or by phone at the Cheney State Park Office, 316-542-3664.
Swimming
1. Cheney State Park offers two designated swimming areas on the eastern and western shores of its reservoir.
2. Lifeguards are not provided, so swimmers should exercise caution.
3. Swimming is free with park admission but swim at your own risk policy applies.
4. The sandy beaches provide a perfect spot for sunbathing or building sandcastles after a refreshing dip in the water.
5. Water quality tests are conducted regularly to ensure safe conditions for visitors who wish to swim.

Boating
The park offers a wide range of boating options. It is home to one of the top sailing lakes in the United States, making it ideal for sailboats and windsurfers. Power boats are also allowed on this 9,500-acre reservoir with five modern boat ramps provided for easy access to water. The marina within the park provides services like fueling stations and docking slips while fishing enthusiasts can enjoy angling opportunities as well.
Fishing
Fishable Populations: Crappie, Channel Catfish, Walleye, White Bass, Wiper, White Perch

Motorboat Access: Yes

Special Fishing Regulations: 10" Length Limit for Crappie; 21" Length Limit on Striped Bass, Wiper, & Walleye; 2 per day combined Creel Limit on Striped Bass & Wipers; 6 per day Creel Limit on Largemouth Bass; 2 per day Creel Limit on Walleye


Location
Cheney State Park is located near Hutchinson

Picnicking
Cheney State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables and grills. Some sites even have shelters for larger gatherings.
Trails


The Spring Creek Nature Trail is a 1/2 mile interpretive trail with about 200 yards of elevated board walk over a beaver pond. The Giefer Nature Trail is a 1/4 mile interpretive trail. Both trails offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

The wildlife area provides public hunting during open seasons. Primary game species are pheasant, quail, rabbit, waterfowl, dove, deer and turkey. Furbearers such as raccoon, red fox, opossum, skunk, muskrat, beaver, and bobcat are common in the area. Due to habitat development, the wildlife area supports an excellent wildlife population.

A refuge has been set aside on the wildlife area for migratory waterfowl. This area is closed to all activities from September 15 to March 1. The refuge is clearly marked with fences, signs, and buoys in the water area. It is reopened each March for fishing and non-hunting day-use activities.

Nature watching is popular on the wildlife area and the road along the north side of the refuge is a good place to observe waterfowl.

There is a gun safety range on the north end of the area. Please follow the special rules posted at this range.
Bicycling
While exploring the park, cyclists can enjoy a 5-mile trail that winds through scenic landscapes.

However, it's important to note this path is shared with pedestrians.

It offers moderate difficulty levels suitable for intermediate riders and beginners seeking challenges.

The terrain varies from flat stretches to slight inclines providing an engaging ride experience.

Remember though, helmets are strongly recommended due to occasional loose gravel on trails.

Also be aware of wildlife crossing paths as you cycle; safety should always come first!

During peak seasons or weekends expect more traffic which may slow down your pace significantly.

Lastly remember: respect others' space while enjoying your cycling adventure in nature's embrace!
Geocaching
Venture into the heart of Kansas, where an exciting treasure hunt awaits. Geocaching enthusiasts will find a plethora of options to explore.

Unearth hidden gems scattered across diverse terrains and trails. Each cache offers unique challenges that test your navigation skills and perseverance.

Experience nature's beauty while hunting for caches nestled in scenic spots. From serene lakeside views to dense woodland areas - every location is picture-perfect!

The park boasts numerous geocache types including traditional, multi-cache, mystery or puzzle caches - there's something for everyone from beginners to seasoned hunters!

Remember: Leave no trace behind except footprints; take nothing but pictures; kill nothing but time during this thrilling adventure.

So grab your GPS device or smartphone app and embark on a journey filled with discovery at one of Kansas' best-kept secrets!
Birding
The park offers birdwatchers a variety of species, including waterfowl and shorebirds. Raptors are also common sights.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 17 Varied water and camping by snofun
park review stars; one to five Lake is easy to navigate and can find different spots to boat even with wind. Lovely sight with sailboats in evening.
March 21 My home away from home! by Allison Gable
park review stars; one to five I have been going to Cheney lake since I was a little girl! It is an amazing place to spend the long summer hours. Waking up early to see the calm lake with a sunrise in the background is the perfect way to start the day. And to know that a long day of tubing and skiing is ahead. Then the perfect way to end the day is by a camp fire looking over the lake.
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Directions
FROM WICHITA, KS:

1. West on Highway 54-400 to the Cheney Lake Exit, which is also K-251. 2. North on K-251 3 ? miles to 21st N. 3. From there you can go straight 2 miles to the East shore, or turn west 2 ? miles to the West Shore. The office is on the West shore at the end of the Dam.

FROM KINGMAN, KS:

1. Drive East on Highway 54-400 to the Mt. Vernon Exit. 2. Take that exit North 3 ? miles to the stop sign 3. Turn East and travel ? mile to the entrance.

FROM HUTCHINSON, KS:

1. Drive South on K-96 to K-17. 2. Drive South on K-17 17 miles to NE 50th street. 3. Then go East on NE 50th 51/2 miles to the Park Entrance.

FROM LANDSDOWNE, KS:

1. Drive East 2 miles on SE 20th street. 2. Then go North 7 miles on 160th Ave. 3. Turn West and go ? mile to the Park Entrance.

GPS LOCATION OF THE OFFICE:

N 37 43.129W 097 49.537

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Kansas State Parks

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