South Loop Campground

For those of us in Kansas looking for a refreshing escape into nature, South Loop Campground at Cheney State Park offers a convenient and accessible option right here in our own backyard. Situated within the larger Cheney State Park, this campground provides a welcoming environment for both seasoned campers and those looking to try out the outdoor lifestyle for the first time. It’s a place where the wide-open skies of Kansas truly come alive, providing a serene backdrop for your next adventure.

South Loop Campground is designed to cater to a variety of camping preferences, from RVs seeking comfortable hookups to tent campers looking for a traditional experience. While some of our beautiful Kansas campgrounds are known for their dense forests, South Loop offers a unique open-field camping experience that allows for expansive views of the lake and the iconic Kansas sunsets. It's a different kind of beauty, one that emphasizes the vastness and peacefulness of our state's landscape. The quiet and peaceful atmosphere here makes it a wonderful spot to unwind and reconnect with nature, far from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

One of the primary draws of South Loop Campground is its direct connection to Cheney Reservoir, a beloved destination for water enthusiasts across Kansas. Whether you're into boating, swimming, or fishing, the lake provides ample opportunities for recreation right at your fingertips. Imagine waking up to the tranquility of the lake, spending your day on the water, and then returning to your campsite to enjoy the starry Kansas nights.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of South Loop Campground, highlighting its key features, services, and what makes it a suitable choice for locals in Kansas seeking a memorable outdoor experience. We’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your visit, from its precise location to the amenities you can expect.

South Loop Campground is conveniently located within Cheney State Park, making it an easy drive for many residents across Kansas. The campground's address is Cheney, KS 67025, USA. This places it a comfortable distance from Wichita, allowing for a quick getaway without an extensive travel time. Its proximity to major roadways ensures that reaching the campground is straightforward, whether you're coming from nearby towns or further afield in the state.

As part of Cheney State Park's West Shore area, South Loop Campground benefits from the well-maintained infrastructure of the park. The asphalt roads and parking areas within the park contribute to easy navigation to and from your campsite. While the open-field setting means fewer natural windbreaks from trees, it also means clear, unobstructed views and easy access to your designated spot. This accessible location means less time driving and more time enjoying the great outdoors.

• Water and Electric Hookups: South Loop Campground provides sites equipped with both water and electric hookups, specifically 50 AMP electrical service. This is ideal for RVs and campers who appreciate the comforts of home while enjoying a natural setting. It allows for the use of air conditioning, charging devices, and other electrical needs, making your stay more comfortable.

• Restroom Facilities: While the specific types of restroom facilities available directly in South Loop are not explicitly detailed in all public information, Cheney State Park generally offers modern pit toilets and shower houses across its campgrounds. It's reasonable to expect access to clean and well-maintained restroom facilities within the vicinity of South Loop, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.

• Sewage Hookups: For RV campers, the convenience of sewage hookups is a significant advantage. South Loop Campground offers sewage hookups, allowing for easy waste disposal without needing to use central dump stations as frequently.

• Potable Water: Access to potable water is essential for any camping trip. South Loop Campground provides potable water, ensuring campers have a reliable source for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

• Designated Campsites: The campground features 45 designated sites, specifically sites #1 through #45. These sites are reservable, which is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred spot.

• Proximity to Cheney Lake: The most significant highlight of South Loop Campground is its direct access to Cheney Reservoir. The lake is renowned for various water activities, making the campground an excellent base for anyone looking to spend time on the water.

• Boating Opportunities: Cheney Lake is a premier destination for boating, windsurfing, and kite-boarding. With numerous boat ramps and launching lanes within Cheney State Park, getting your watercraft onto the lake is convenient. The West Shore, where South Loop is located, has open boat launches primarily for motorboats, as well as a sheltered sailboat launch.

• Fishing Excellence: For anglers, Cheney Lake is a highly productive fishing spot. Common catches include channel catfish, blue catfish, crappie, and walleye. Whether you prefer fishing from the shore, a pier, or out on the open water, the opportunities are abundant.

• Expansive Views and Sunsets: As an open-field campground, South Loop offers unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape and the spectacular Kansas sunsets. This provides a serene and picturesque setting, perfect for relaxing evenings and photographic opportunities.

• Peaceful Atmosphere: Many visitors highlight the quiet and peaceful nature of South Loop Campground. It’s a place where you can genuinely unwind and enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors, making it ideal for a relaxing getaway.

• Wildlife Viewing: The broader Cheney State Park and adjacent Cheney Wildlife Area are home to diverse wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot migratory waterfowl, Franklin's Gulls, pelicans, and various native birds like sandpipers, herons, and egrets. In the fall and winter, bald eagles can also be observed.

While specific, ongoing promotions solely for South Loop Campground are not widely advertised, Cheney State Park, as a whole, may offer various discounts and fee structures. For instance, vehicle permits are required for entry into state parks, costing $5 per day or $25 for an annual pass. Kansas residents over the age of 65 or those with disabilities can often receive reduced rates ($3.25 a day or $13.75 for an annual pass).

It is always recommended to check the official Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWP) website or the ReserveAmerica booking portal for Cheney State Park for the most up-to-date information on any available promotions or discounts, especially when planning your visit. These platforms will also provide the current fee schedules for campsites.

To inquire further or to make reservations for South Loop Campground, you can use the following contact details:

• Phone: (316) 542-3664

• Mobile Phone: +1 316-542-3664

• Address: Cheney, KS 67025, USA

For reservations, it's highly recommended to use the ReserveAmerica website, as South Loop campsites are reservable and tend to fill up, especially during peak seasons. You can search for "Cheney State Park, Kansas" on their platform to find available dates and book your site.

South Loop Campground at Cheney State Park presents an excellent opportunity for Kansans to experience the beauty and tranquility of their home state without traveling far. It’s a place where the simple joys of camping come alive, from the peaceful quiet of the evenings to the stunning open views of the lake and sunsets. While some feedback mentions the open-field nature of the campground with fewer trees, many campers find this very aspect contributes to a unique and refreshing experience, emphasizing the vastness of the Kansas landscape.

Whether you're a first-time camper eager to explore the outdoors, an RV owner seeking comfortable hookups, or a family looking for a relaxing weekend getaway with access to fantastic water activities, South Loop Campground caters to diverse needs. The availability of water and electric hookups, along with essential facilities, ensures a comfortable stay. The opportunity for boating, swimming, and fishing on Cheney Lake right at your doorstep provides endless hours of outdoor fun.

The previous reviews, while mixed, highlight the key aspects of the campground. The "beautiful, quiet, and peaceful" atmosphere noted by one first-time camper truly captures the essence of what many seek in a natural escape. The comments about it being "camping in an open field" with "no trees no grass" accurately describe its unique setting, which some will find charming and liberating for its expansive views, while others might prefer more shaded areas. It truly is "what you would expect" for an open Kansas lake campground, offering a different kind of natural beauty.

In essence, South Loop Campground offers a genuine Kansas camping experience. It’s an accessible, well-equipped, and peaceful destination that allows locals to fully embrace the outdoor recreational opportunities available right here in our state. Pack your bags, plan your visit, and discover the serene beauty of South Loop Campground at Cheney Lake.