Big Hill Lake recreation areas offer several camping options within 25 miles of the lake. The area features predominantly flat terrain with occasional rolling hills and hardwood forests. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though winter temperatures can drop below freezing between December and February.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Big Hill Lake itself spans approximately 1,240 acres with multiple fishing access points. Nearby Hillside RV Park provides convenient access to regional fishing spots. "Fishing is popular here, at the Neosho River and in the nearby mined pits," notes one camper.
Visit historical attractions: The Norman No.1 Museum near the RV park showcases local petroleum history. Many campers use the area as a base for day trips. "Big Brutus, the largest electric shovel in the world" is accessible from several campgrounds according to a reviewer at Hillside RV.
Walking trails: The paved walking trail near Riverside RV Park offers recreation options beyond the lake itself. "There's a paved walking trail right next to the campground that is well maintained and leads to the campgrounds dog park," writes a recent visitor.
What campers like
Quiet surroundings: Most campgrounds in the area provide peaceful settings despite proximity to highways. "This place was very quiet. We arrived and the owner was extremely helpful and nice," reports a visitor at Hillside RV Park.
Reasonable pricing: The rv parks near Big Hill Lake maintain competitive rates compared to other regions. At Downstream RV Park, "Passport America stop, 17.50 per night. Highway noise but didn't bother us at all," mentions one reviewer.
Cleanliness: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept facilities. "The pool was pristine, laundry room and bathrooms very clean. We had full hook ups," notes a Riverside RV Park visitor, while another mentions "The park has a pool. We found Riverside RV Park to be quiet, comfortable & affordable."
What you should know
Water pressure variations: Some campgrounds have exceptionally high water pressure. At Riverside RV Park, a camper advises: "NOTE: BRING A WATER PRESSURE REGULATOR. Their pressure is about 90 psi."
Campground surfaces: Surface conditions vary significantly between rv parks at Big Hill Lake. "The campground is all rock/dirt so it is very dusty, however the staff do a great job of keeping up with the area," reports a reviewer who stayed at Riverside for a month.
Site spacing: Many campgrounds position RVs relatively close together. At Four Oaks RV Park, "It is a very small place to park close to 69 highway and a public golf course," according to one visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Pet-friendly areas: Most campgrounds accommodate pets with varying facilities. Riverside RV Park offers "a dog park. Dog park is clean and spacious," according to a recent review.
Pool access: During summer months, some facilities offer swimming options. "The pool was pristine," notes a Riverside visitor who stayed for a week in June.
Location advantages: Several campgrounds provide central access to family attractions. Riverside RV Park is "centrally located, quick drives to Osage Hills State Park, Woolaroc, Tulsa, Pioneer Woman Mercantile," according to a family who visited.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: RV site quality varies across the area. At Norman No.1 Museum RV Park, "Full hookup sights for $25. Have 37 foot 5th wheel and fit fine. Pads are gravel but level," reports a recent visitor.
Connectivity options: Cellular and internet availability differs between locations. At Riverside RV Park, "Verizon gave me full bars at 5G. WiFi is OK if you are close to one of several repeaters," according to a visitor.
Laundry facilities: For extended stays, on-site laundry can be important. "Laundry room on site is nice, inexpensive, and includes plenty of washer and dryers," notes a monthly visitor at Riverside RV Park.