Big Hill Lake offers equestrian camping options with designated facilities for riders and their horses. The area spans approximately 1,240 acres of water surrounded by oak-hickory forests and prairie landscapes in southeastern Kansas. Camping areas remain open from April through October, with most basic facilities closing during the winter months.
What to do
Trophy fishing opportunities: Big Hill Lake is recognized as one of the clearest lakes in Kansas with excellent fishing conditions. Timber Hill provides easy access to fishing spots. "Big Hill Lake is one of the clearest lakes in Kansas and considered a trophy fishing lake. Sport fish include largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye and sunfish," notes a camper.
Beach recreation: The sandy swimming beaches offer refreshing water activities during summer months. "Families with kids will enjoy visiting the sand-covered beach nearby for cooling off from the summer heat and enjoying a picnic," according to visitors at Timber Hill.
Wildlife observation: The Ruth Nixon Memorial Trail provides wildlife viewing opportunities beyond the equestrian paths. "The trail enjoys blue bird houses that were set in honor of Ruth Nixon. It is about one mile and offers hikers the chance to observe local wildlife," reports one reviewer.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: The heavily forested camping areas provide ample shade and privacy. At Overlook Campground, campers appreciate the natural setting. "Lots of shade and space between sites. Has very clean bathhouse and hot showers a short walk away. We love this place," writes Ralph M.
Lake access: Many camping spots offer convenient water access. "I love camping here close to everything but yet secluded. Great Lake for water sports, plenty of privacy and always clean and well taken care of. Spot 33 is my favorite," shares Mike W. about Overlook Campground.
Varied recreational options: The diversity of activities keeps visitors engaged. "Camping, fishing, swimming, hiking. Great place for all of this," reports Diane Y. about her experiences at Big Hill Lake.
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Water facilities operate on a limited schedule. "Flush toilets and showers are closed outside of the reservation season, however vault toilets are available in the north loop," notes a visitor at Oak Point Campground.
Site maintenance varies: Some camping areas require more attention than others. "Almost every site had a lot of debris (just leaves and rotted wood) which I think led to there being a lot of ticks. No one was there so it was super quiet. I think it would be a great spot if it was cleaned up," reports Chris L. about Timber Hill.
Hunting regulations: Most land around the lake permits hunting except for designated areas. "Almost all of the land around the lake is open to public hunting, except for parks and areas around the dam and control structures. Principal species hunted are whitetail deer, turkey and squirrel."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: The playgrounds and beach areas provide entertainment for younger campers. "Great sites, great hiking, kids activities and pet friendly. Clean facilities. A+," says Melissa M. about her family experience at Overlook.
Avoid holiday crowds: The lake attracts more visitors during summer weekends and holidays, particularly at popular swimming areas. Weekday camping offers a quieter experience with better site selection.
Pack for weather changes: The open prairie landscape can experience significant wind, which affects camping comfort. "The wind blew the entire time which was kind of annoying, but if we were in the woods it didn't really bother us. Just need to pick a better campsite next time," advises Jason S. from his experience at Toronto Point.
Tips from RVers
Accessibility considerations: Most horse campgrounds near Big Hill Lake have limited RV hookups but accommodate smaller rigs. "Sites are small and heavily forested which will make for a very shady stay," notes a visitor at Timber Hill.
Dump station location: A sanitary dump station is available at the main camping area. "Dump station" is listed among available amenities, allowing RVers to plan for waste management during extended stays.
Site selection strategy: Equestrian campgrounds provide specialized parking for trailers. "The parking areas are equipped with limited facilities that can be used for overnight camping by the trail riders," explains a review, highlighting the practical layout for horse owners with RVs or trailers.
