Big Hill Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
Surrounded by rolling hills and tree-dotted valleys, Big Hill Lake, with its clear lake and beautiful scenery, offers RV campers and vacationers the perfect holiday haven. This Army COE park in Kansas, nestled within the Little Ozarks, has to be your next RV holiday destination for its beautiful views, modern facilities, recreational opportunities, and more.
On your trip, be prepared to enjoy hiking on scenic trails, horseback riding along varied terrain, angling for different species of fish, and nature observation. Home to lots of native and migratory birds, this park is popular among bird watchers equipped with their binoculars and guide books. Many wildlife species live in the forested area of the park and offer amazing views. Picnicking and swimming are popular activities on the lake too.
At this park, there are designated RV campsites with and without utilities, primitive and group camping areas, sanitary facilities, and playgrounds. Potable water, boat launching ramps, a swimming beach, and change house are also found on site. Full and partial hookups are available.
At other nearby parks, such as Elk City State Park and Fall River State Park, much more fun opportunities are available.
RV Rentals in Big Hill Lake
Transportation
Driving
Located northeast of Independence, Kansas, off US Highway 160 and Kansas Highway 169, Big Hill Lake can be easily located and accessed by RVs, trailers, and other motorized vehicles. Within the park itself, there are also local roads that lead to the campgrounds and areas of interest. Vacationers who wish to rent RVs can find such services at Elk City State Park, Eldorado State Park, and Tall Grass Prairie National Reserve, all within driving distance of this Army COE park in Kansas.
Parking
Parking areas are provided for RVs, trailers, and cars at Big Hill Lake for vacationers and visitors. Moreover, the various campgrounds and day-use areas within the park also have parking pads and spaces for motorhomes. Overnight parking is also available.
Public Transportation
There are no direct public transportation services to Big Hill Lake.
Campgrounds and parking in Big Hill Lake
Campsites in Big Hill Lake
Reservations camping
Mound Valley
Open between March and October, Mound Valley is a US Army COE campground that consists of 85 campsites that are available by reservation. Group sites, a picnic shelter, and RV campsites are present within the campground. In addition, a boat trailer parking and boat ramp, swim beach, restrooms, and showers are on hand.
Two campsites in the campground offer full hookups (electric, water, and sewer hookups) for RVs. 44 campsites are equipped with electric and water hookups, while 26 campsites have electric hookups only. RVs and trailers up to 90 feet can be accommodated.
Activities to enjoy at this campground include picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and many more. Pets are allowed within the campground.
Cherryvale Park
Cherryvale Park, a COE campground, is open year-round, but available by reservation only between March and October, is a pet-friendly campground that features 24 RV campsites, a group camping area, and picnic shelter. Amenities include showers, restrooms, drinking water, dump station, and a playground. When the campsites are available on first-come, first-served basis, the flush toilet, and shower facilities are closed.
All the campsites in this campground are equipped with full hookups for RVs and trailers. Vehicles longer than 98 feet cannot fit within the campground.
Seasonal activities in Big Hill Lake
In-Season
Trails
Big Hill Lake features excellent trails that are worth exploring by all campers who enjoy fun and exercise at the same time. At the park, hiking trails as well as equestrian trails are available, so you can make your choice of what you’d like to do on the trails. The Ruth Nixon Memorial Hiking Trail, which is 1 mile long, offers the chance to view spectacular scenery and various wildlife along a path that meanders along the western shoreline of the lake. The Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, on the other hand, is 17 miles long and offers the chance to ride on a variety of terrains with gorgeous views.
Boating
Every visitor who wishes to enjoy boating at Big Hill Lake has the chance to do so, owing to the fact that there are plenty of opportunities to partake in the recreational pursuit. For such campers, they must operate the boat in a safe and controlled manner at all times. Besides, it is essential to note that boating within the park is guided by US Army Corps of Engineers regulations and Kansas State Boating Laws. Both motorboats and sailboats are allowed within the park.
Fishing
Big Hill Lake is a popular fishing location within the Labette County area, owing to the fact that the lake is regularly stocked, features facilities like fish shelters, and consists of vegetative cover and large areas of timber trees that provide shade. A wide variety of fish are available for anglers to catch, ranging from largemouth bass to channel and flathead catfish, crappie, and walleye. Bluegill and smallmouth are other popular catches in the park. This COE park is the site of popular fishing tournaments too.
Off-Season
Hunting
Almost all the parts of Big Hill Lake are open to public hunting. Hunting is only prohibited around the dam, campgrounds, and control structures. As long as you possess the appropriate licenses and abide by State laws and regulations, you’re free to hunt turkey and white-tailed deer in the park. These game species, which are abundant within Big Hill Lake, also include rabbit, mourning dove, fox, and gray squirrels, along with bobwhite quail. A large portion of the public hunting area in the park is owned and managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
Swimming
As this US Army COE park features one of the clearest lakes in the State, the sand-covered beach has come to be a very popular spot for enjoying refreshing swims. There are only a few locations that provide the kind of solace campers and visitors enjoy at this lake during the summer heat. A dip in the waters will definitely relax your muscles. What’s more, the beach also features a lovely spot to enjoy a family picnic. Alcohol is not allowed in the beach area, and neither are glass containers.
Flora and Fauna
Big Hill Lake sits within a landscape of rolling prairies and tree-dotted valleys, enhancing the beauty of the Army COE park. Besides, the vegetation and wildlife in the park make the park a premier destination for nature lovers.
If you’re a bird watcher, then you’ll enjoy the sight of bird species in the area, particularly the Eastern Bluebird. Migratory and native birds are common in the park. Flora viewing enthusiasts will find wildflowers, dogwood, persimmon, and other plants in the park.
