Cheney El Dorado Kanopolis Milford	Mushroom Rock Tuttle Creek Wilson

Cheney

Located in southcentral Kansas 25 miles west of Wichita, the 9,500-acre Cheney Reservoir is known as one of the finest sailing lakes in the United States. Several national sailing regattas have been held here, including national championships. It's a breathtaking sight when more than 100 multi-colored sailboats grace the lake at the same time.
In addition to serving as a base for sailing and sailboarding, Cheney State Park's 2,000 acres include 185 electric hookup sites with water, 22 boat launching lanes, six modern pit toilets, nine restrooms with showers, one shelter house with restrooms, a marina, and four trailer dump stations.
Swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing are popular activities. The nearby wildlife area provides 5,250 acres of natural area for hunting and wildlife viewing. A waterfowl refuge provides an excellent opportunity to view ducks and geese. The refuge is off limits September 15 through March 1.

El Dorado

Perhaps the most popular state park in Kansas, El Dorado lies about 25 miles northeast of Wichita. El Dorado Reservoir provides 8,000 acres of water, and the wildlife areas adds 4,600 acres for the outdoor lover's enjoyment.
This beautiful Flint Hills park offers 1,100 campsites (including cabins), five shelter houses, two swimming beaches, a modern marina, and a large amphitheater with an indoor-outdoor stage. Squirrels, rabbits, songbirds, and other wildlife can be seen in the park, and the wildlife area boasts good populations of game species such as wild turkey, prairie chicken, quail, geese, and deer. Bald eagles also nest on the area.
Primitive camping is restricted to designated sites.

Kanopolis

Kansas' first state park is also one the most beautiful. From the towering Dakota sandstone bluffs to the caves and crevices of Horsethief Canyon, Kanopolis State Park and surrounding area offer rugged beauty found few places in the Midwest.
The park itself is split into two areas on the north and south sides of the dam. A marina, beaches, picnic areas, full-service camping areas, volleyball courts, and softball diamonds make the area an all-round recreation spot. Of particular interest is Horsethief Canyon, which offers 26 miles of trails for hikers, horseback riders, and bicyclists.
The 3,500-acre lake and 12,500-acre Corps of Engineers wildlife area provide anglers and hunters with abundant fish and game. Nestled near the Smoky Hill River toward the northwest portion of the wildlife area is Farris Caves, which were carved by early pioneers and served as milkhouse, school house, and living quarters.

Milford

Mushroom Rock

Almost within shouting distance of Kanopolis State Park is the smallest, but one of the most unique state parks in Kansas. Mushroom Rock State Park is only 5 acres but boasts some of the most unusual rock formations anywhere. Looking exactly like giant mushrooms rising above the horizon, these rocks served as meeting places and landmarks for Indians and early pioneers such as John C. Fremont and Kit Carson.
While there are trails throughout the area, no facilities are available, and camping is not allowed. Still, this spot is definitely worth driving out of your way to see.

Tuttle Creek

Just a few miles north of Kansas State University and Manhattan, Tuttle Creek State Park is located on the banks of the state's second largest lake, Tuttle Creek Reservoir. Four areas: River Pond, Spillway, Fancy Creek, and Randolph make up the 1,160-acre park, while the lake comprises 15,800 acres, and the wildlife area 12,200 acres.
Tuttle Creek State Park offers 104 electrical and water campsites, as well as primitive camping. Swimming beaches, fishing docks, boat ramps, courtesy docks, dump stations and hiking trails provide comfortable camping and recreation. New restrooms and a spacious shower house are also offered in the River Pond area, along with the Kansas River Outfitters store which provides canoe and paddleboat rentals. Picnicking, softball, mud or sand volleyball, water skiing, boating, and wind surfing are more of the activities one can enjoy at Tuttle Creek. In addition, the park has over 16 miles of hiking, biking , and horseback riding trails, including Cedar Ridge Trail, a half mile handicapped accessible trail in the spillway area of the park. The Big Dawg Marina is also located in the Spillway park as a convenience to boaters. Tuttle Creek Lake provides hunters and fishermen with abundant fish and game opportunities with good crappie and catfishing and a 200- acre marsh for excellent waterfowl hunting.

Wilson

Wilson State Park is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the state. Located in the heart of the Smoky Hills approximately 25 miles east of Russell. Wilson is divided into two areas, Hell Creek and Otoe, that offer both utility and primitive non-utility camping. Provided in these two areas are 99 water and electrical hookups as well as 36 electrical only sites. There are acres of undesignated and designated non-utility sites.
Water hookups and Shower buildings are available from April through September, and frost-free hydrants and several vault toilets are open in the winter months. The park and surrounding wildlife area offer the opportunity to view and photograph deer, pheasant, waterfowl, songbirds, and furbearers. Hunting is allowed on the wildlife area during season. Wilson Reservoir is also one of the state's best fishing lakes and is especially known for excellent white bass and striped bass angling.

Hiking on the Dakota Trail offers an excellent view of the lake and native Kansas Prairie. The Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail provides a great opportunity for bicyclists. Sand volleyball, Basketball, and horseshoes are favorite outdoor sports. Each summer, the park also hosts various special events and interpretive programs by appointment: a new mountain bike trail provides a great opportunity for bicyclists.