About Cheney State Park (Cheney Reservoir)

Cheney is Wichita’s lake. The state park spreads over 1,913 acres on the south end of Cheney Reservoir, on both the east and west shores, about 25 miles west of the city — close enough for an after-work swim, big enough to fill a weekend. The reservoir holds 9,600 surface acres of water, with four designated swimming areas among the picnic and day-use areas — pick a shore and you are a short walk from parking to water. Cheney’s other identity is wind. The reservoir is regarded as one of the top sailing lakes in the United States, the Ninnescah Sailing Center on the West Shore is the headquarters for sailing here, and regattas are held on most summer weekends — expect coloured sails beyond the swim areas. Staying over is easy: 223 electric and water hookup sites, over 400 primitive campsites and 12 modern cabins are spread between the two shores, with marinas and boat ramps too.

Key facts

Highlights

• Four designated swimming areas across the East Shore and West Shore areas of a 1,913-acre park.
• One of the top sailing lakes in the US — the Ninnescah Sailing Center on the West Shore hosts summer regattas.
• 9,600 surface acres of water, about 25 miles west of Wichita.

Access & fees

Day use needs no reservation — just buy the Kansas State Park vehicle permit. It costs $5.00 for one day or $25.00 for the annual permit, and both rise on 1 November 2026, to $7.00 and $39.00; one fee covers the vehicle and everyone in it, swimming included. From Wichita, drive west on U.S. 54/400 to K-251, then north 4 miles. Campsites and cabins can be reserved up to 364 days ahead — book at least two days out; closer in, all walk-up, and from November to mid-April all sites are first come, first served. The camping permit ($12.75 a night, $17.75 from 1 November 2026) is on top.

Winter note: from early November to mid-April, water is shut off to most campgrounds and shower houses; check KDWP’s current winter notice before you go.

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Map & location

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FAQs

How much does it cost to swim at Cheney State Park?

Swimming is included in park entry. Every vehicle needs a state park vehicle permit: $5.00 a day or $25.00 a year — rising to $7.00 and $39.00 on 1 November 2026.

Where can I swim at Cheney State Park?

In the four designated swimming areas on the East and West Shores, beside the picnic and day-use areas.

Can I camp at Cheney State Park?

Yes — 223 electric/water sites, over 400 primitive sites, a group area and 12 cabins; winter sites are first come, first served.

Plan your trip: explore more lake spots, browse Kansas.

Photo: Aerial view of Cheney Reservoir, full length of the lake with the town of Cheney in the foreground, by Kurt Bauschardt, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Sources: Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks. Last verified: 30 October 2026.