Montgomery State Fishing Lake offers free dispersed camping with minimal infrastructure, ideal for campers seeking a primitive experience. Located within the gently rolling prairie terrain of southeastern Kansas, the fishing lake provides no-frills tent and RV camping without designated sites. Water elevations fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline access and fishing conditions.
What to do
Trophy fishing: Big Hill Lake maintains a reputation for clear water and substantial catches. "Big Hill Lake is known as a trophy lake for fishing. Principal species of sport fish include largemouth bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye and smallmouth bass," notes a reviewer at Cherryvale Park.
Horseback riding: Access 17-mile trail with multiple staging areas and overnight options. "The parking areas are equipped with limited facilities that can be used for overnight camping by the trail riders. Riders will have the opportunity for wildlife viewing," explains a camper at Timber Hill.
Disc golf: Play near water at recreation areas around the lake. "Wonderful, great to have a nice camping area with hook ups right out of town for those quick trips and to assist with that 'get away feeling'. Nice little lake to fish in and good disc golf course," reports a visitor to Louie P. Gartner RA.
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: The area sees distinct usage patterns with busier weekends. "This place is pretty busy with locals on the weekends between June and August. Completely clears out Sunday evening and it is mostly dead empty until around Thursday," reports a long-term camper at Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area.
Free dispersed camping: Montgomery State Fishing Lake provides cost-free options. "I loved it! It's so quiet and peaceful. Very close to town so you never have to miss anything you may have forgotten. And heck its free!" mentions a reviewer at Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed.
Shade coverage: Many campsites offer tree cover. "There are trees at every campsite. Most campsites are nestled into the trees from the road making a beautiful Escape!" notes a camper at Cherryvale Park.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Facilities operate on scheduled seasons. "Peak Season March 26, 2021- November 01, 2021. Out of Season (No Booking Available) November 01, 2021- March 26, 2022," indicates a reviewer at Mound Valley Recreation Area.
Limited cell service: Some areas have poor connectivity. "My AT&T signal didn't work here at all until I set up my WeBoost," reports a camper staying at Big Hill Lake.
Wind exposure: Open sites can experience significant wind. "Clean campground but it was way too well maintained as far as it being very out in the open, there were no woods around us for our campsite so the wind almost knocked our tent over," warns a tent camper at Mound Valley.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Swimming areas provide relief during summer months. "The little trails from the campsites to the lake are amazing! There are little sand bars along the way to get into the water," shares a family who stays at Overlook.
Pet-friendly hiking: Trails accommodate family dogs with proper management. "We stopped here on our way to Kentucky from Colorado. The mornings we're very peaceful here and a walk around the lake was a great way to wake up...Dogs were welcomed and the fishing was great," notes a traveler at Mound Valley Recreation Area.
Playground facilities: Multiple recreation areas include play structures. "Located on the east side of town by football stadium and baseball diamonds. Dog park on site. Electric hookups. Shelter area with picnic benches," describes a visitor at Marvel Park.
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Services vary between campgrounds. "The dump station was easy to access, clean and well maintained," reports an RVer at Mound Valley Recreation Area.
Site leveling: Many sites require minimal adjustment. "Sites are paved with water and electric hook ups. Most are pretty level," notes a camper at Timber Hill.
Hookup availability: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of services. "We are new to RV'ing, so my experience is somewhat limited, but this was a very nice campground and I couldn't imagine how it could get much better. Compared to the few other lakes we've stayed at, this campground it very nicely developed with electric and water hook ups in just the right spots," explains a visitor at Mound Valley Recreation Area.
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