Ninnescah River Recreational Property

Property Description

Located in the coveted Cheney Lake Watershed near Castleton is 160 +/- acres of premium recreational land for sale. The North Fork of the Ninnescah River flows through the property, bringing abundant hunting and fishing opportunities to the next owner.

The land is comprised of timber, brush, cropland, and pasture. There is an expired CRP grass contract for 84 acres. This native grass is tall and provides excellent bedding cover. In recent years, the CRP grass has grown thick with plum thickets and volunteer trees. This is excellent habitat and keeps getting better with time. There are approximately 20 acres of dense timber along the river with scattered species such as Willow, Cottonwood, Walnut, Catalpa, and Cedar. This canopy provides the seclusion mature bucks crave. On the west side of the farm is about 20 +/- acres of fenced pasture, which is also full of trees and thickets and carries a wet-weather stream to the River. The last 10-year CRP contract expired in 2022 for $40 per acre over 84 acres for an annual income of $3,360. With some brush removal, this could likely be re-enrolled or put into crop production. There are 112 tillable acres with 66 wheat base acres. The soils are mostly Class II Sandy Loams with 0-3 percent slopes. Plant a wheat or soybean food plot along the river for extra income and wildlife attraction.

The hunting opportunities for whitetail deer are undeniable. You never know what type of buck will come cruising down that river on any given November morning. There are several stands and a custom-constructed box blind overlooking the river bottom. Deer trails and rub lines intersect at this bend in the river and present excellent ambush locations. The river is an epicenter for all wildlife activity in Reno County. The appeal of the habitat along this corridor keeps wildlife coming back. The river provides year-round clean water, safety, and food sources that make population levels always steady or increasing. This is a high-volume area for deer and turkey that are drawn to the bottoms from miles around. The region is known for trophy-class deer and lots of them. Mature bucks use this farm year-round, but especially during the fall in winter months. The expired CRP grass also provides ideal nesting habitat for wild turkeys, pheasants, and quail. The spring turkey numbers in this area are impressive, and with tall roost trees along the river, you have the recipe for a memorable hunt. The river also provides fishing and waterfowl hunting opportunities. Just 7 miles upstream from the main body of Cheney Reservoir, this location is very rare. Mallards fly from the lake and travel this stretch of the river daily. A well-situated duck blind on the riverbank would be fruitful. In the springtime, white bass and catfish run the river and can be caught by the bucketful. The wildlife security and opportunity of this location cannot be understated for its long-term recreational value.

In addition to the wildlife, there are some unique features that make this the perfect recreational property or build site. Located just a half mile off paved Whiteside Road, access is easy. There is a gated entrance, a gravel driveway with a solid base that takes you back to an improved target shooting range and campsite. The campsite is special. Carved out of the trees along a channel of the river. There is a permanent cast iron cookstove with a chimney, a slab stone tabletop, and bench seating. This is really nice for preparing meals and enjoying time in the great outdoors. There is also a 5-foot ring made with concrete and stone for fireside storytelling. The elevation of the land is gently sloping toward the river, but there is a hilltop near the road that is about 40 feet higher than the river. There is a great view from this spot, and it would make a great build site. Electricity and cable internet are available on Castleton Road for hook up to your hunting cabin or forever home. The property had a staked survey in 2025, is unencumbered by leases, and is ready for immediate possession. Opportunities like this don’t come along often, to view disclosures and schedule a showing, contact the Listing Agent Sean Thomas at (620) 712-2775.