Lake Afton
Swimming hole in Goddard, Kansas · Lake
Lake Afton in Goddard, Kansas, is the closest developed swimming beach to Wichita — about 20 minutes southwest at 24600 W 39th St S. Sedgwick County charges a $5 daily recreational vehicle permit. Swim only in the three designated areas from sunrise to sunset. As of September 4, 2026, KDHE listed Lake Afton at Warning for harmful algae; call 316-660-1780 before you go.
Typical season: Mid-June through early August, and only when KDHE has no Warning or Hazard advisory
About Lake Afton
Lake Afton is a lake swimming beach in Goddard, the closest developed swim to Wichita. Sedgwick County owns the 720-acre park; the lake itself covers about 258 acres and was built by the WPA between 1939 and 1942. This is a family county-park beach, not a hidden gorge hole. Three marked swimming areas, restrooms, and a park store make it the default answer to “closest beach to Wichita KS.” Water is typical southern-plains reservoir: warm in July, sometimes green, and periodically under harmful algal bloom advisories. As of September 4, 2026, KDHE listed Lake Afton at Warning. A Warning means a bloom is expected or present. avoid contact, keep dogs out, and pivot to Cheney or El Dorado after you re-check the KDHE HAB table.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- 24600 W 39th St S, Goddard, KS 67052
- Water type
- Lake
- Water body
- Lake Afton
- Fee
- Sedgwick County recreational permit $5/day or $30/year (as of Sept 2026)
- Nearest town
- Goddard
- State
- Kansas
- Coordinates
- 37.61640, -97.62780
- Best season
- Mid-June through early August, and only when KDHE has no Warning or Hazard advisory.
- Access difficulty
- Easy. Designated beaches with restrooms and a park store.
- Restrooms
- Limited — see facilities notes
- Lifeguard
- None — assume unguarded
- Camping
- RV and tent sites; permits at the park office or kiosk.
- Activities
- Swimming, boating, fishing, camping
- Facilities
- Three swim areas, restrooms/showers, picnic shelters, playgrounds, boat ramp, bait shop in the park office.
- Listing last updated
- September 6, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitMid-June through early August, and only when KDHE has no Warning or Hazard advisory.
- AccessEasy. Designated beaches with restrooms and a park store.
- FacilitiesThree swim areas, restrooms/showers, picnic shelters, playgrounds, boat ramp, bait shop in the park office.
- Camping nearbyRV and tent sites; permits at the park office or kiosk.
Highlights & features
- Closest designated swim beach to Wichita (~20 minutes)
- Three marked swimming areas
- County park store, restrooms, and camping on site
- Same-day algae line: 316-660-1780
- 258-acre WPA-era lake on a 720-acre Sedgwick County park
- Public observatory on the property (Wichita State)
How to get there
From downtown Wichita, drive west on Kellogg (US-54) toward Goddard (about 12 miles). Turn south toward 39th Street South / MacArthur Road. The park office and store sit near 39th Street S and West Shore Drive. Published park address: 24600 W 39th St S, Goddard, KS 67052.
Allow about 20 minutes outside rush hour. Buy the recreational permit at the office or designated kiosk before you park for swimming. Cell service is generally good this close to Wichita.
Plan your visit
If KDHE is clear, Lake Afton is the easy Wichita weeknight or Saturday-morning swim. Bring shade. prairie sun on open water is harsh. If Afton is under Warning, use Cheney Reservoir or El Dorado Lake instead. Browse the Wichita nearby list for drive times to every mapped beach.
Access & fees
Sedgwick County recreational vehicle permit required for swimming and most recreation ($5/day, $30/year as of September 2026). Fishing is exempt from the recreational permit but still needs a Kansas fishing license. Swim sunrise to sunset in designated areas only.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Afton the closest beach to Wichita?
Yes. Lake Afton Park in Goddard is about 20 minutes southwest of downtown Wichita and is the nearest designated swim beach. Cheney and El Dorado are the next closest reservoir beaches, 30–45 minutes out.
Can you swim at Lake Afton right now?
Only if KDHE has lifted the advisory and the water is free of scum. As of September 4, 2026, Lake Afton was at Warning — KDHE says avoid contact. Call the park at 316-660-1780 for same-day conditions.
How much does Lake Afton cost?
A Sedgwick County recreational vehicle permit is $5 per day or $30 per year as of September 2026. Fishing does not require that permit; swimming and other recreation do. Camping is extra.
Can you swim at Lake Afton?
Yes, in the three designated swim areas from sunrise to sunset when no HAB Warning is in effect. As of September 4, 2026, KDHE listed Lake Afton at Warning — do not swim until that advisory is lifted. Call 316-660-1780 for same-day conditions.
How do you get to Lake Afton from Wichita?
About 20 minutes southwest of downtown. Take Kellogg (US-54) west toward Goddard, then south to 39th Street S / MacArthur. Park office is near 39th Street S and West Shore Drive, Goddard, KS 67052.
Explore more nearby swimming guides
Nearby swimming holes
Map & location
Conservation
Nutrient runoff feeds summer algae blooms. Pack out trash, keep vehicles on pavement, and report suspected blooms to KDHE (855-HAB-LAKE).
Sources & updates
Reference sources
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.