Best RV Parks & Resorts near Big Hill Lake

This park is in our hometown. It's where we stay when we are not traveling. We have stayed in a number of the sites. They are somewhat close but it's never been an issue. Full hookups. Grocery store is literally minutes away. The RV Park is located at the south end of town on Highway 59. The owner is very accommodating. Good Verizon signal. Park has wi-fi. Oswego has a beautiful city park. Fishing is popular here, at the Neosho River and in the nearby mined pits. Also nearby is Big Brutus, the largest electric shovel in the world.

We had high hopes for Whitehall Bay. But our trip was about as bumpy as the road was coming into the campground.

Our site was a group of three that were tightly grouped together in a full hook up area. This was our first time with full hook ups so that could have been the issue but we felt like we were right on top of our neighbors.

There is not a lot to do for kids which is unfortunate, the beach looked extremely steep, however we did not use it.

The area itself is very beautiful and the lake had a great rocky shoreline worth exploring. But that is about as much of the good things I can speak of when it comes to Whitehall Bay.

We stayed here for a week in June. Centrally located, quick drives to Osage Hills State Park, Woolaroc, Tulsa, Pioneer Woman Mercantile. Close to Oklahoma Wesleyan University. In Bartlesville, OK but on the Caney River and 100% felt like a hideaway. We stayed right on the river and watched the deer come down and drink every day. It was amazing.

The pool was pristine, laundry room and bathrooms very clean. We had full hook ups.

The staff was also great. Overall it was a wonderful experience.

BIG HILL LAKE CHERRYVALE Located on Bill Hill Lake outside of Cherryvale, Kansas and set in the gently rolling prairie with a large scattering of trees. The area considers itself as Kansas “Little Ozarks.” It is a beautifully serene setting dotted with campgrounds and day use areas. The Bill Hill Lake is a reservoir and holds 1,240 acres of water with 367 acres available for use by the public.  

January 01, 2021- December 31, 2021 

FEES$200.00 Group site electric$18.00– 24.00 electric 

• • Standard Electric• 
• Group Standard Electric 
• Swimming Beach
• • Hiking
• • Showers
• • Sewer hookup
• • Electric hookups
• • Full hookups
• • Water hookups

In addition to 22 individual campsites, the campground has one group camping area with a picnic shelter and seven campsites. Other amenities include drinking water, restrooms, showers, a playground and a dump station. The park is nestled in the rolling, wooded countryside with thick oak-hickory forests surrounded by prairie and farmland, the lake shore supplies a variety of habitats for birds and mammals. Cherryvale Park offers a relaxing atmosphere with plenty of trees for shade, and the lake is only a short walk away from the campsites. Campers can venture onto several hiking and equestrian trails including Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, a 17-mile trail with a variety of terrain for all ages to explore. The trail winds along a scenic hardwood ridge that offers gorgeous views all along the way.

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. The lake is also popular for fishing tournaments. 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. Families with kids will enjoy visiting the sand-covered beach nearby for cooling off from the summer heat and enjoying a picnic.

Directions Latitude 37° 16' 9.9998" N Longitude 95° 27' 29.9999" W  From Highway 169 in Cherryvale, Kansas, turn east onto Main Street. Continue through the town and turn right onto Olive Street. After half a block turn left onto County Route 5000. Continue 4.5 miles to the lake and follow signs to the park.

Need to Know• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited within the Mound Valley Swimming Beach Area• Flush toilets and showers are closed outside of the reservation season, however vault toilets are available in the north loop•

Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site.

Contact Information Mailing Address 19065 CHERRYVALE PKWY CHERRYVALE, KS 67335-0426

Phone Number For campground inquiries, please call: 620-328-2050

Upon arrival at Big Hill Lake a visitor may choose from a plethora of fun activities. Camping with and without electricity, boat launches, ball field, swimming beach and so much more. For trails you will find the Big Hill Lake Horse Trail which surrounds¾ of the lake and is 17 miles long. It provides a variety of terrain for all ages. The trail provides amazing views and riders will enjoy tethering areas and three parking areas along the trail. 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. For those that wish to hike you will find the Ruth Nixon Memorial Trail. The trail enjoys blue bird houses that were set in honor or Ruth Nixon. It is about one mile and offers the hikers the chance to observe local wildlife. The scenery along the way is spectacular. This trail links the Overlook Day Use Area and Cherryvale Recreation Area. There are rest areas along the way so take advantage of those inviting stops to enjoy the lake views and just take in the scenery. 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. Hunters will find about 800 acres of project land that is managed for wildlife. Game species are lardge and varied around Big Hill Lake. Hunters will find bob white quail, rabbit, grey and fox squirrels, mourning dove, migratory waterfowl, wild turkey and white tailed deer. Hunters may also utilize another 1350 acres of land located about½ mile from the project. Wildflowers are in abundance in the spring and fall along with the beautiful trees such as persimmon, osage orange, redbud and dogwood. Swimming on the sandy beaches along the lake is a joy. Alcohol is not allowed on the beach area. Glass containers are also not allowed on the beach or in the water. Boats that are propelled by a motor of any kind or a sailboat must be numbered and registered with the state of Kansas or legally registered with another state. The Cherryvale area present day is a farming/ranching rural area with Friday night football the big excitement. In the 19th century Kansas was a bloody place. Before the “Civil War” you would have different groups battling for control. After the civil war the pioneers began their westward journey through the many trails that crossed the plains. In 1870 a group of five families settled in western Labette County. Cherryvale had not been established. This group stands out because of one particular family. The Bender family, a normal– mother– father– son– daughter from Germany. John Bender, Sr., his wife Ma Bender, son John, Jr. and daughter Kate. Now I am not going to get involved in their story but I will touch on some of the highlights and let you know the story includes an inn, a store, a hammer, a trap door, lonely single male travelers, haunted property and the only place where a mass murder is celebrated by a state historical marker. Google the Bender family in Kansas and enjoy a bit of the old west.

LNT

Better than when you found it

Stay safe– Happy Travels

.• 20 Non electric

• No hookups

• FCFS•$10.00

• Boat ramp

• Drinking water

• Dump station

• Pit toilets

• Boat Trailer Parking

• Campfire Rings

• Dock

• Drinking Water(peak season)

• Grills

• Hitching Racks

• Horseback Riding Trails

• Lake Access

• Non-Potable Water

• Parking Area

• Paved Roads

• Paved Sites

• Picnic Tables

• Table& Benches

• Trailhead Parking

• Trailheads

• Trash Collection

• Vault Toilets

• Water(Seasonal)

• Accessible Drinking Water

• Accessible Parking

• Dump Station

• Paved Parking

• Pets Allowed

• Horse Staging Area

Part of this drive will be on a gravel road but it is well maintained. This is a small and very quiet campground and had very few campers. Sites are small and heavily forested which will make for a very shady stay.

Located on Bill Hill Lake outside of Cherryvale, Kansas and set in the gently rolling prairie with a large scattering of trees. The area considers itself as Kansas “Little Ozarks.” It is a beautifully serene setting dotted with campgrounds and day use areas. The Bill Hill Lake is a reservoir and holds 1,240 acres of water with 367 acres available for use by the public. The park is nestled in the rolling, wooded countryside with thick oak-hickory forests surrounded by prairie and farmland, the lake shore supplies a variety of habitats for birds and mammals. Cherryvale Park offers a relaxing atmosphere with plenty of trees for shade, and the lake is only a short walk away from the campsites. Campers can venture onto several hiking and equestrian trails including Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, a 17-mile trail with a variety of terrain for all ages to explore. The trail winds along a scenic hardwood ridge that offers gorgeous views all along the way. 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. The lake is also popular for fishing tournaments. 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. Families with kids will enjoy visiting the sand-covered beach nearby for cooling off from the summer heat and enjoying a picnic Campers can venture onto several hiking and equestrian trails including Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, a 17-mile trail with a variety of terrain for all ages to explore. The trail winds along a scenic hardwood ridge that offers gorgeous views all along the way. 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. The lake is also popular for fishing tournaments. 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. Families with kids will enjoy visiting the sand-covered beach nearby for cooling off from the summer heat and enjoying a picnic. 

Getting Here Latitude 37° 17' 43.8324" N Longitude 95° 26' 51.8352" W From Dennis, KS go south on Gray Rd to 21000 Rd and turn right. Follow signs to park. 

Need to Know• Check in and out is 3pm. Campsites are reservable online or by phone at recreation.gov or 877-444-6777. No pay station at park. 

Contact Information Mailing Address 19065 Cherryvale Parkway, Cherryvale, KS 67335 Physical Address 20013 Timberhill Parkway, Cherryvale, KS 67335 Phone Number For campground inquiries, please call: 6203362741 

Need to Know• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited within the Mound Valley Swimming Beach Area

Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information. 

Upon arrival at Big Hill Lake a visitor may choose from a plethora of fun activities. Camping with and without electricity, boat launches, ball field, swimming beach and so much more. For trails you will find the Big Hill Lake Horse Trail which surrounds¾ of the lake and is 17 miles long. It provides a variety of terrain for all ages. The trail provides amazing views and riders will enjoy tethering areas and three parking areas along the trail. 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. For those that wish to hike you will find the Ruth Nixon Memorial Trail. The trail enjoys blue bird houses that were set in honor or Ruth Nixon. It is about one mile and offers the hikers the chance to observe local wildlife. The scenery along the way is spectacular. This trail links the Overlook Day Use Area and Cherryvale Recreation Area. There are rest areas along the way so take advantage of those inviting stops to enjoy the lake views and just take in the scenery. 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. Hunters will find about 800 acres of project land that is managed for wildlife. Game species are lardge and varied around Big Hill Lake. Hunters will find bob white quail, rabbit, grey and fox squirrels, mourning dove, migratory waterfowl, wild turkey and white tailed deer. Hunters may also utilize another 1350 acres of land located about½ mile from the project. Wildflowers are in abundance in the spring and fall along with the beautiful trees such as persimmon, osage orange, redbud and dogwood. Swimming on the sandy beaches along the lake is a joy. Alcohol is not allowed on the beach area. Glass containers are also not allowed on the beach or in the water. 

Boats that are propelled by a motor of any kind or a sailboat must be numbered and registered with the state of Kansas or legally registered with another state. 

The Cherryvale area present day is a farming/ranching rural area with Friday night football the big excitement. In the 19th century Kansas was a bloody place. Before the “Civil War” you would have different groups battling for control. After the civil war the pioneers began their westward journey through the many trails that crossed the plains. In 1870 a group of five families settled in western Labette County. Cherryvale had not been established. This group stands out because of one particular family. The Bender family, a normal– mother– father– son– daughter from Germany. John Bender, Sr., his wife Ma Bender, son John, Jr. and daughter Kate. Now I am not going to get involved in their story but I will touch on some of the highlights and let you know the story includes an inn, a store, a hammer, a trap door, lonely single male travelers, haunted property and the only place where a mass murder is celebrated by a state historical marker. Google the Bender family in Kansas and enjoy a bit of the old west

LNT 

Better than when you found it

Stay safe– Happy Travels

This place was very quiet. We arrived and the owner was extremely helpful and nice. We were passing through town and found this place. Full hookups and level spots. Would recommend.

This is a Day Use Area located on the Big Hill Lake outside of Cherryvale, Kansas and set in the Gently rolling prairie with a large scattering of trees. The area considers itself as Kansas “Little Ozarks.” It is a beautifully serene setting dotted with campgrounds and day use areas. The Big Hill Lake is a reservoir and holds 1,240 acres of water with 367 acres available for use by the public. FEES  $40.00  Group site electric  There are three reservable shelters set along the water.  Each can accommodate 100 people at a time.  The area has drinking water and flush toilets.

DATES April 1 - October 31  Other amenities include drinking water, restrooms, a playground. The park is nestled in the rolling, wooded countryside with thick oak-hickory forests surrounded by prairie and farmland, the lake shore supplies a variety of habitats for birds and mammals. Cherryvale Park offers a relaxing atmosphere with plenty of trees for shade, and the lake is only a short walk.  Visitors can venture onto several hiking and equestrian trails including Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, a 17-mile trail with a variety of terrain for all ages to explore. The trail winds along a scenic hardwood ridge that offers gorgeous views all along the way. 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. The lake is also popular for fishing tournaments. 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. Families with kids will enjoy visiting the sand-covered beach nearby for cooling off from the summer heat and enjoying a picnic. Directions Latitude 37° 16' 9.9998" N Longitude 95° 27' 29.9999" W  From Highway 169 in Cherryvale, Kansas, turn east onto Main Street. Continue through the town and turn right onto Olive Street. After half a block turn left onto County Route 5000. Continue 4.5 miles to the lake and follow signs to the park. Need to Know• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited within the Mound Valley Swimming Beach Area• Flush toilets and showers are closed outside of the reservation season, however vault toilets are available in the north loop• Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information. Contact Information Mailing Address 19065 CHERRYVALE PKWY CHERRYVALE, KS 67335-0426  Upon arrival at Big Hill Lake a visitor may choose from a plethora of fun activities. Camping with and without electricity, boat launches, ball field, swimming beach and so much more. For trails you will find the Big Hill Lake Horse Trail which surrounds¾ of the lake and is 17 miles long. It provides a variety of terrain for all ages. The trail provides amazing views and riders will enjoy tethering areas and three parking areas along the trail. 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. For those that wish to hike you will find the Ruth Nixon Memorial Trail. The trail enjoys blue bird houses that were set in honor or Ruth Nixon. It is about one mile and offers the hikers the chance to observe local wildlife. The scenery along the way is spectacular. This trail links the Overlook Day Use Area and Cherryvale Recreation Area. There are rest areas along the way so take advantage of those inviting stops to enjoy the lake views and just take in the scenery. 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. Hunters will find about 800 acres of project land that is managed for wildlife. Game species are large and varied around Big Hill Lake. Hunters will find bob white quail, rabbit, grey and fox squirrels, mourning dove, migratory waterfowl, wild turkey and white tailed deer. Hunters may also utilize another 1350 acres of land located about½ mile from the project. Wildflowers are in abundance in the spring and fall along with the beautiful trees such as persimmon, osage orange, redbud and dogwood. Swimming on the sandy beaches along the lake is a joy. Alcohol is not allowed on the beach area. Glass containers are also not allowed on the beach or in the water. Boats that are propelled by a motor of any kind or a sailboat must be numbered and registered with the state of Kansas or legally registered with another state. The Cherryvale area present day is a farming/ranching rural area with Friday night football the big excitement. In the 19th century Kansas was a bloody place. Before the “Civil War” you would have different groups battling for control. After the civil war the pioneers began their westward journey through the many trails that crossed the plains. In 1870 a group of five families settled in western Labette County. Cherryvale had not been established. This group stands out because of one particular family. The Bender family, a normal– mother– father– son– daughter from Germany. John Bender, Sr., his wife Ma Bender, son John, Jr. and daughter Kate. Now I am not going to get involved in their story but I will touch on some of the highlights and let you know the story includes an inn, a store, a hammer, a trap door, lonely single male travelers, haunted property and the only place where a mass murder is celebrated by a state historical marker. Google the Bender family in Kansas and enjoy a bit of the old west.

LNT

Better than when you found it

Stay safe– Happy Travels

Overnight stop on way from Texas to Nebraska. Full hookup sights for $25. Have 37 foot 5th wheel and fit fine. Pads are gravel but level. Nice quiet stay with minimal traffic noise, etc. there are trash cans with water and sewer.

All the amenities one could ask for in a RV park. It sits in a strip of forest along Caney River (creek) with a walking/biking trail right adjacent to the park. On the other side of the street though is an Emergency Center where all the EMS calls originate. Ergo sirens at all hours. Can't be helped by the proprietors. We especially liked  "Mimi" who led us to our site and complimented me on my backing abilities. She made our arrival special. The place is efficiently run but the overall look is a bit run-down. There were about 32 of the 70 sites occupied year-round. The rest of us were stacked too close to the next rv. Still, our trash was picked up at our doorstep every morning, and propane could have been delivered as well if we had need. Verizon gave me full bars at 5G. WiFi is OK if you are close to one of several repeaters. NOTE: BRING A WATER PRESSURE REGULATOR. Their pressure is about 90 psi.

October 1-5, 2019. Love this park. Site 8 had electric, water and sewer. Park had dump station, OK showers and flush toilets, Verizon 4G 2 bars. Elevation 906 ft. Most sewer sites were to high to use. Paid $11 with Sr. Lifetime pass. See RV Camping Journal for details.

Nice and clean. Full hookups. Lacking some amenities but it’s definitely a nice stay when passing through.

This is a small municipal campground just outside of town on the banks of Spring River. It is a no frills campground- porta potties that need to be emptied and a big open field with no set campsites. There are a few scattered picnic tables and grills and even few fire rings. But, it’s $5 a night for tents and $10 for RVs, which are separated from each other. There is a boat ramp and some nice fishing spots, but it looks like getting in the water is the preferred method. Across the river there is a local rodeo arena.

Located on the east side of town by football stadium and baseball diamonds. Dog park on site. Electric hookups. Shelter area with picnic benches

The electricity worked. We had to bail out green water from our water hookup and the drinking water had a green tinge. We couldn't dump because the sewer was full.