Marina Campground

Embrace the Starlight: An Overview of Marina Campground at Cheney State Park

For Kansans seeking a genuine lakeside escape with essential amenities, Marina Campground, located within the vast and popular Cheney State Park, provides a fantastic setting. Positioned on the East Shore of the impressive Cheney Reservoir, this smaller, dedicated camping loop is a perennial favorite for visitors who prioritize waterfront access and proximity to key boating facilities. The campground is specifically designed to cater to RV and trailer owners, featuring highly sought-after sites with both water and electric utilities, many of which offer stunning, unobstructed views of the water.

The entire Cheney State Park area is renowned for its sheer scale, boasting approximately 9,600 acres of park land and over 5,500 surface acres of water, making it a major hub for sailing, fishing, and bird watching in central Kansas. Marina Campground’s particular appeal is its convenient location near the park’s main marina and several boat ramps, establishing it as the ideal basecamp for days spent on the reservoir. Beyond the daytime activities, this area offers a unique benefit often lost in urban sprawl: the chance to see a truly dark, expansive Kansas sky. As one satisfied camper noted, it’s the perfect place to “put down that cell phone, turn off the TV and get out and enjoy nature,” offering a prime opportunity for stargazing away from the light pollution of Wichita and other nearby cities.

However, visitors should be aware of a few operational nuances. Some past customer feedback has pointed to issues with the consistency of signage leading to the campground and the maintenance of certain facilities, such as the fire rings and some restrooms (especially pit toilets). While staff assistance is available, new guests are advised to arrive during daylight hours and be prepared for a rustic experience in certain non-essential areas, focusing on the natural beauty and the essential utility hookups as the primary draw. The core experience here is the amazing location, and it thrives despite minor logistical imperfections.

Location and Accessibility

Marina Campground is nestled in the East Shore area of Cheney State Park, a large, popular reservoir located northwest of Wichita, Kansas. The address provided, Unnamed Road, Mt Hope, KS 67108, USA, indicates its location near the small community of Mount Hope, though the park entrance itself is most often accessed via K-96 and then K-17. This strategic location places it conveniently about 30 minutes west of Wichita, making it an exceptionally accessible weekend getaway for the state's largest population base.

The campground is part of the extensive East Shore park area, which includes other loops and various facilities. Visitors entering the East Gate will need to follow interior park roads to the specific Marina Campground loop. While local users appreciate the general ease of access from the highway, the interior park navigation can occasionally be confusing, as highlighted by reviews mentioning the need for better maps and signage to reach the actual campsite entrance. It is highly recommended to use GPS coordinates or confirm the route with the park office upon arrival, especially if towing a large RV or arriving after dark.

Services Offered

The services at Marina Campground are tailored to provide core comforts for utility camping units while maximizing access to the water:

• Utility Sites: The campground features approximately 20 reservable utility sites equipped with both water and electric hookups (including both 30-amp and 50-amp service), ideal for enjoying the water with the convenience of an RV.
• Modern Sanitary Facilities: Unlike some more rustic areas of the park, Marina Campground is near an ADA-accessible Shower House with modern toilets, along with less frequent pit toilets, ensuring access to essential sanitation facilities.
• Reservations: All sites within the Marina Campground loop are reservable through the Kansas State Park system, which is strongly advised due to the popularity of these prime, waterfront sites.
• Picnic Amenities: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring/grill, though some reviews suggest checking the condition of the fire ring upon arrival.
• Water Access: Potable water is available via the site hookups and nearby hydrants. While no sewer hookups are available directly at the sites, the East Dumpstation is conveniently located within the East Shore area of the park.
• Park Office & Permits: The main park office and East Gate House are nearby, offering permits, information, and assistance from park personnel.

Features / Highlights

The Marina Campground’s main features leverage its spectacular location on Cheney Lake, offering distinct recreational advantages:

• Waterfront RV Sites: Many sites in the loop offer direct or semi-direct waterfront views, allowing campers to wake up to the sight of Cheney Reservoir.
• Proximity to Marina and Boat Ramps: The campground is strategically placed within a quarter mile of a major boat ramp (12 lanes plus courtesy docks) and the park’s marina, making it the premier choice for boaters, sailors, and personal watercraft users.
• Swimming Access: A designated swimming beach is located within a short distance, providing a safe and clean area for lake swimming during the season.
• Shelter House: An ADA-accessible, reservable shelter house is located nearby, offering a convenient communal spot for groups or families needing a covered area for dining or gathering.
• Stargazing Opportunities: Due to its distance from major light sources, the campground is excellent for astronomy and stargazing, offering incredible views of the night sky—a rare and treasured highlight for many campers.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are permitted but must be kept on a hand-held leash or tether no longer than 10 feet, ensuring that the whole family can enjoy the getaway.

Contact Information

For making reservations, checking the latest conditions, or inquiring about park permits, please use the following contact details for Cheney State Park:

Address: Located on the East Shore of Cheney State Park, near Mt Hope, KS 67108, USA

Phone: (316) 542-3664

Mobile Phone: +1 316-542-3664 (This is the primary park office number)

What is Worth Choosing Marina Campground

Marina Campground is highly worth choosing for Kansas residents, particularly those in the Wichita area, who are avid boaters, sailors, or fishing enthusiasts seeking the ultimate convenience on the massive Cheney Reservoir. Its primary strength lies in its prime location—it’s one of the few areas that combines reservable waterfront RV sites with full water and electric hookups and immediate access to the marina and the largest boat ramps on the East Shore.

While the campground may require patience with navigation and a willingness to overlook occasional maintenance issues in specific areas like the pit toilets, the pay-off is immense: stunning lake views, the opportunity for incredible light pollution-free stargazing, and unmatched access to all of Cheney Lake’s water-based recreational offerings. If your camping checklist is topped by water access and essential utilities, and you are prepared for a classic, slightly rugged state park feel, the Marina Campground provides an excellent and memorable home base on the shores of Cheney Reservoir.