South Loop Campground

For Kansans seeking a convenient and well-equipped lakeside camping experience, **South Loop Campground** is one of the premier destinations within the expansive **Cheney State Park**. Located on the park’s desirable West Shore, South Loop offers a collection of utility campsites designed to accommodate both modern RVs and traditional tent campers who require essential amenities. Unlike some of the park's more primitive areas, this loop is focused on providing comfort and accessibility, making it an excellent choice for family camping trips, extended stays, or a hassle-free weekend getaway from Wichita or Hutchinson.

Cheney State Park is famously built around the **Cheney Reservoir**, a massive body of water that has earned a national reputation, especially within the sailing community. The park spans 1,900 acres of land and offers an array of outdoor activities beyond camping. South Loop is a key part of this ecosystem, providing 45 reservable sites with utility connections. While the landscape of this particular loop may be open and characteristic of the central Kansas plains—often described as being in an open field—the trade-off is often a quick path to the water's edge and the cooling breezes of the reservoir. For many Kansas campers, the draw of a secure campsite with power, water, and proximity to excellent boating and fishing opportunities far outweighs the presence of shade trees, which are naturally sparse in certain areas of the region. It’s a dedicated hub for those who prioritize immediate lake access and necessary hookups.

**South Loop Campground** is situated within the **West Shore Area** of **Cheney State Park**, a major recreational area in south-central Kansas. Its address is linked to the main park entrance: **Cheney, KS 67025, USA**.

Accessibility is one of the strong suits of this campground. It is located just 17 miles west of Wichita and approximately 20 miles south of Hutchinson, making it an easy and convenient drive for a significant number of Kansas residents. The park is accessed via well-maintained asphalt roads, ensuring a smooth arrival for vehicles of all sizes, including large RVs and trailers. Once inside the West Shore area of the park, the South Loop is clearly marked.

The campground is designed to be highly accessible. The campsites are generally laid out in a loop formation, often featuring **pull-through driveways** up to 80 feet in length, making maneuvering large camping units relatively simple. The site surfaces are typically grass, which may be susceptible to mud ruts during heavy rains, a known variable in open field camping areas. However, its close proximity—often within a quarter mile—to essential park facilities like shower houses, modern restrooms, and boat ramps significantly enhances the overall accessibility and convenience for all types of campers.

South Loop Campground is recognized as one of the more developed camping areas within Cheney State Park, offering a robust suite of services that cater to modern RV and utility-focused campers.

• **Utility Hookups:** All 45 designated campsites are equipped with **water and electric hookups**. Notably, South Loop is one of the park areas that offers **50-amp electrical service**, in addition to 30-amp and 20-amp, accommodating larger, power-intensive RVs.
• **Reservable Sites:** All 45 sites in the South Loop are reservable, allowing Kansas campers to secure their spot well in advance, especially crucial during peak summer weekends.
• **Modern Restrooms and Showers:** A short walk from the campsites (typically within a quarter mile) are modern restroom and shower house facilities, providing hot water and a comfortable experience.
• **Potable Water Access:** In addition to the water hookups at individual sites, central water sources are available within the loop for easy replenishment.
• **Sewage Hookups:** While the description implies water and electric, the larger park system features **trailer dump stations** nearby, necessary for RV waste disposal.
• **Lakeside Proximity:** The loop is situated within a quarter mile of the shoreline, often offering lake views and easy walking access to the water.
• **Grills and Fire Rings:** Each site typically includes a grill or a fire ring, allowing for safe, contained cooking over an open flame.
• **ADA Accessibility:** The campground and nearby facilities are generally designed to be ADA-accessible, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the park.

Choosing South Loop gives campers access to the best features of Cheney State Park, emphasizing convenience and world-class water recreation that the reservoir is known for throughout the Midwest.

• **50-Amp Service Availability:** As one of the few loops with 50-amp electrical service, South Loop is a prime choice for modern RV owners who need higher power capacity for running multiple air conditioners or appliances simultaneously, which is highly desirable during the Kansas summer.
• **Year-Round Camping:** Like many utility loops in the park, South Loop often maintains water service later in the fall and resumes it earlier in the spring than primitive areas, though campers should always confirm seasonal shut-down dates with the park office.
• **Sailing Center Proximity:** The West Shore is the location of the **Ninnescah Sailing Center**, the hub for the reservoir’s famous sailing scene. South Loop campers are perfectly situated to observe or participate in regattas on what is often called one of the best sailing lakes in the United States.
• **Immediate Water Recreation Access:** The loop is exceptionally close to boat ramps, courtesy docks, a fishing pier, and a designated **swimming beach** (all within a short walk or drive), ensuring minimal time spent traveling and maximum time spent recreating.
• **Breathtaking Sunrise/Sunset Views:** Being in an open, "field-like" setting, the campground offers unobstructed, sweeping views of the renowned Kansas sunrises and sunsets over the expansive water of Cheney Reservoir, creating a beautiful and peaceful backdrop for your stay.
• **Excellent Fishing:** Campers are within easy reach of the lake’s best fishing spots, known for abundant channel catfish, white bass, crappie, and walleye.

To plan your visit or for inquiries about South Loop Campground and the extensive facilities at Cheney State Park, please use the following contact details:

**Address:** Cheney State Park Cheney, KS 67025, USA

**Phone:** (316) 542-3664 (Park Office)

**Mobile Phone (Alternative Contact):** +1 316-542-3664

For Kansans who travel with an RV, trailer, or simply require the convenience of utility services, **South Loop Campground** is definitively worth choosing. Its key value proposition lies in the balance it strikes between modern convenience and lake access. Unlike more forested campgrounds that can feel secluded, South Loop places you front and center on the West Shore, maximizing your exposure to the natural light and the refreshing breezes coming off the reservoir—a feeling that many campers find beautiful, quiet, and peaceful, as noted by visitors.

The availability of **50-amp electric and water hookups** is a significant advantage, particularly during the hot Kansas summer months when running air conditioning is essential for comfort. The ability to reserve one of its 45 dedicated sites in advance eliminates the uncertainty of finding a spot, making trip planning stress-free. While some feedback mentions the open, less-treed landscape and potential for mud, these are typical characteristics of many high-utility, lake-adjacent campgrounds in the region, where the primary feature is the water, not dense shade. The open field setting translates directly to quick access to the water's edge, nearby modern amenities like the shower house, and the essential boat ramps.

Choosing South Loop means securing a functional, comfortable base camp where you can rely on power and water, allowing you to focus completely on the premier recreation opportunities at Cheney Reservoir—from enjoying the nationally renowned sailing to fishing for walleye and catfish, or simply relaxing by the water under the vast, unforgettable Kansas sky. It’s the smart, comfortable choice for the modern Kansas lake enthusiast.