Best Equestrian Camping near Cherryvale, KS

Big Hill Lake offers equestrian camping with a 17-mile horse trail surrounding three-quarters of the lake. The trail provides diverse terrain suitable for riders of all experience levels with scenic views along a hardwood ridge. Three designated parking areas along the trail are equipped with limited facilities for overnight trail camping. Hitching racks are available at multiple locations, and the trailhead includes a horse staging area. Timber Hill and Overlook campgrounds near Cherryvale provide access points to this trail system. Campground facilities include drinking water, vault toilets, and trash collection. The sites accommodate tent and RV camping with ample space for horse trailers. Campground data and reviews near Cherryvale, Kansas is regularly updated on The Dyrt.

Trail riders access a network of paths through thick oak-hickory forests surrounded by prairie and farmland. The Big Hill Lake Horse Trail features tethering areas strategically positioned throughout the route, allowing riders to rest while keeping horses secure. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound along the trails where riders frequently spot white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and various bird species. The lake's shoreline provides diverse habitats and drinking access for horses at designated points. Camping season runs primarily from April 1 to October 31, with fees around $10 for non-electric sites. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations required. The campgrounds provide a shady, wooded environment that offers natural protection from summer heat. The paths connect to additional recreational amenities including fishing areas, beaches, and hiking trails.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Cherryvale, Kansas (4)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Cherryvale, KS

14 Reviews of 4 Cherryvale Campgrounds


  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2021

    Timber Hill

    A Walk on the Hill Side

    .• 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

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2021

    Overlook

    Day Use Area

    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

  • S
    Jun. 9, 2018

    Oak Point Campground — Crawford State Park

    A former private lake

    What a gem! Amazing swimming beach, modern bath house and great restaurant.

    A handful of small campgrounds surround the lake. Almost every spot is on the water.

    Only drawback is restrooms are sometimes a short walk away.

  • C
    May. 3, 2021

    Timber Hill

    Fishing hole

    According to a guy I talked to, the whole loop was closed last year and it shows. 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. Sites are decently spread out, some are unique and hidden and some have paths down to the lake for fishing which is cool. Close to the boat ramp.

  • M
    Oct. 26, 2020

    Overlook

    Wonderful lake escape

    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 it’s hard to get so obviously it’s others as well.

  • Rhonda D.
    Sep. 1, 2023

    Oak Point Campground — Crawford State Park

    Huge Sites

    This place was easy, pretty and well appointed. Great site next to river, across from bath, laundry and showers. Quiet and easy access. Highly recommend.

  • Ralph M.
    Oct. 19, 2021

    Overlook

    Big Hill Mound Valley

    Beautiful place to camp. Lots of shade and space between sites. Has very clean bathhouse and hot showers a short walk away. We love this place.

  • Scott G.
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Oak Point Campground — Crawford State Park

    Wonderful place to visit

    We have stayed here twice now, both times it was amazing. The on-site restaurant is a nice perk when you simply don’t want to cook. Small lake, but everything is clean and well maintained. Highly recommend.


Guide to Cherryvale

Big Hill Lake is located in southeastern Kansas, approximately 19 miles from Independence and 13 miles from Parsons. The lake covers 1,240 acres with thick oak-hickory forests creating a landscape known locally as "Kansas' Little Ozarks." Seasonal camping runs primarily from April through October with overnight fees typically $10 for non-electric sites in the horse campgrounds near Cherryvale, Kansas.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Big Hill Lake offers exceptional fishing with multiple species available. Visitors at Oak Point Campground report "fishing is decent" while others note the lake's clarity makes it ideal for spotting fish. According to Jim S., "the food at the Marina is great" for when you don't feel like cooking your catch.

Trail riding: The 17-mile horse trail provides varied terrain for all skill levels. One visitor at Timber Hill mentioned "sites are decently spread out, some are unique and hidden and some have paths down to the lake for fishing which is cool." The trail includes three parking areas equipped for overnight horse camping.

Hiking options: For non-equestrian visitors, the Ruth Nixon Memorial Trail spans approximately one mile between recreation areas. This trail features bluebird houses installed in honor of Ruth Nixon and includes multiple rest areas with lake views. Wildlife observation points are positioned throughout the trail system.

What campers like

Spacious sites: The equestrian campgrounds provide ample room for trailers and equipment. As Rhonda D. notes about her experience at Crawford State Park, "This place was easy, pretty and well appointed. Great site next to river, across from bath, laundry and showers. Quiet and easy access."

Wildlife viewing: The diverse habitats around the lake attract numerous species. Chris L. from Timber Hill mentioned that "no one was there so it was super quiet," making it ideal for wildlife spotting, though he cautioned about ticks in untended areas. Deer, turkey, and various bird species are commonly sighted from horseback or while hiking.

Water access: The shoreline offers designated points for horses to drink and rest. Scott G. described his experience: "We have stayed here twice now, both times it was amazing. The on-site restaurant is a nice perk when you simply don't want to cook. Small lake, but everything is clean and well maintained."

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Facilities availability varies by season with some amenities closed in winter. Jason S. from Toronto Point shared that he "Spent an October weekend here and had a great time with the kids fishing, hiking, and roasting marshmallows. The wind blew the entire time...kind of annoying, but if we were in the woods it didn't really bother us."

Maintenance varies: Some campground loops may experience periodic closures or reduced maintenance. According to Chris L., "the whole loop was closed last year and it shows. Almost every site had a lot of debris (just leaves and rotted wood) which I think led to there being a lot of ticks."

Reservation systems: While many sites are first-come, first-served, others require advance booking. Mike W. from Overlook Campground notes that "Spot 33 is my favorite it's hard to get so obviously it's others as well," suggesting popular sites fill quickly during peak season.

Tips for camping with families

Beach activities: The sandy beach areas provide safe swimming zones for children. Stephanie D. described one park as having an "Amazing swimming beach, modern bath house and great restaurant. A handful of small campgrounds surround the lake. Almost every spot is on the water."

Protected campsites: The wooded environment offers natural shade and wind protection. Jason S. recommends: "Just need to pick a better campsite next time. Everything was clean and well maintained. Some of the trails were a little overgrown at times."

Kid-friendly amenities: Several recreation areas include playgrounds and open spaces. Diane Y. from Overlook summarized the experience as "Camping, fishing, swimming, hiking. Great place for all of this," highlighting the variety of activities available for children of different ages.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Choose sites based on rig size and seasonal conditions. Tarah W. cautions that at Overlook, "I do not enjoy being right on top of my neighbors, and Overlook is too close for comfort. Again it is great if you need a pull out spot while on the road!"

Equestrian facilities: Horse trailer parking requires advance planning during busy periods. The equestrian campgrounds include hitching racks, water access, and staging areas specifically designed for horses and their trailers.

Utility hookups: Electric sites are limited so arrive early or reserve when possible. Ralph M. notes that Overlook has a "very clean bathhouse and hot showers a short walk away. We love this place."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cherryvale, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cherryvale, KS is Overlook with a 4-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cherryvale, KS?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Cherryvale, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.