Best Tent Camping near Elk City, KS

Recent Tent Reviews near Elk City, Kansas

133 Reviews of 10 Elk City Campgrounds

• 

  Chad B.

  Scout

  

  Jan. 27, 2021

  Osage Hills State Park Campground

  Great for family/easy in & out

  Great summer time RV and year around tent camping. Several miles of trails for hiking and smooth enough for decent mountain biking. Also a great spot do go down and see waterfalls and throw the kayaks in the water.

  RV facilities are clean for black water dump. Also has cabins and small event center, swimming pool, several play grounds. Con- no water in RV spots during winter months and upper tent camping closes during winter.

• J

  Joyce R.

  Guide

  

  Feb. 28, 2021

  Beaumont Hotel & RV Park

  Hotel & Campground with plenty of room to pitch a tent. Even an air strip!

  Located in the Heart of the Flint Hills in Kansas. Right off highway 400 about 26 miles east of Augusta, Kansas. Fly in with your own plane, drive your car/RV  or ride your bicycle.  Beaumont with their own airport, hotel, campground, and cafe with a lot of Frisco Railroad History.

  I camped in a tent in September 2020.  The cafe is open Fri 8 am-8 pm; Sat 7am-9pm; Sun 7 am-2pm (closed in winter).  One of the motel rooms behind the cafe is available for showers and restrooms for campers.  I enjoyed supper and breakfast at the cafe.--friendly people and great food.  Quiet evening and fantastic stargazing.

• A

  Amanda I.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 26, 2021

  Cross Timbers State Park Campground

  Tent Camp every yr.

  We have tent camped here for the last 13 years. Always clean camps, shower house, hot water. Some of the most amazing views and awesome hiking trails.

• C

  Cindy B.

  Traveler

  

  May. 23, 2021

  Osage Hills State Park Campground

  Lovely!

  Great tent campground. Beautiful nature trails for hiking. Fabulous water falls!

• 

  Carter W.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 30, 2016

  Wilson State Fishing Lake

  Primitive?

  We stayed at little bluestem campground in the Hell Creek area, where we camped in a tent. The lake was beautiful and the weather was nice. we went on a short hike on the dakota trail, which was very well kept. we do not own a boat or mountain bikes so there was not a ton of stuff for us to do. the mountain biking looked really fun. and I bet having a boat would have made it even more fun. The only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is because it was mainly for RV's. which me and my other half are not all about. There are about 20 different campsites and Little Bluestem is the ONLY primitive one. we arrived and there were two RV's in the two best spots at the PRIMITIVE campground.

• 

  Daniel S.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 14, 2017

  Osage Hills State Park Campground

  They let us in for free!

  We arrived here later in the day. We were here and it was chilly in November. Apparently the person working didn't anticipate any body showing up so late in the season. They were surprised and let us in for free. Its a pretty sweet camp right on the lake. 20-30 tent sites. As well as full RV hook ups.

  Theres hiking, biking, and fishing in the area. We weren't really sure what to think about camping in Oklahoma and the camp site and people blew our expectations.

  Cheers!

• P

  Pamela B.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 20, 2021

  Osage Hills State Park Campground

  A Gem in Beautiful Osage Hills State Park in Oklahoma

  Nestled in the beautiful hills of the Osage Hills Nation, located between Bartlesville, Oklahoma and Pawhuska, Oklahoma is Osage Hills State Park. I brought three of my grands who all had a blast! This 1,100 acre park offers swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, & even has a tennis court. The clean restrooms were a plus! Cabins, RV & Tent camping available. There is a small private lake with kayaks (Lookout Lake), many hiking trails, a swimming pool, and playground. We saw white tail deer, armadillo, & wild Turkey. There is a lot to do in the area. Woolaroc, Frank Phillips Mansion, The Pioneer Woman, The Dewey Hotel Museum, Tom Mix Museum, Kiddie Park.

• 

  Donna H.

  Ranger

  

  May. 27, 2022

  Osage Hills State Park Campground

  Sleeping in Northeastern Oklahoma Woods

  Beautiful old, but refurbished campground in Northeast Oklahoma, built by the CCC! Our last night of a 16-day trip is quietly coming to a close. We made reservations on-line (that's another story!), and when we got there around 8 p.m., the RV campground was about 1/3 full. There are only electric hookups and community water is scattered through the campground. There are tent cabins to rent, and separate tent camping area, also where the overlook is, although it was overgrown and not easy to see the view! There are newish shower and toilet buildings scattered around and my hubs said they were nice and clean... shower water warm only. There is a swimming pool opening early June and nice walking trails. Lots of history if you go that route!

• 

  Richard

  Ranger

  

  May. 1, 2021

  Osage Hills State Park Campground

  Osage Hill

  We tent camped here at Tent Hill site C. Had a grassy site which was nice. It was kind of close to D but we had good neighbors. Also, one of the benches at the picnic table was gone. Maybe it was an ADA site. Had a fire ring and lantern pole. Just across the road from the bathroom.

  There are some good trails here. But they are in the process of making some changes and the maps are only partially accurate for the time being. We hiked to the old CCC camp and saw some old buildings and stuff.

  There is a playground at the bottom of the hill. It’s a bit of a trek back up.

  I suggest hiking down to the “waterfalls” on the river and spending some time.

• 

  Wil B.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 22, 2016

  Osage Hills State Park Campground

  Osage Hills State Park Camping Review

  Osage Hills State Park is tucked away in the rolling hills and tall grass prairies of NE Oklahoma, and home to over 1100 acres of forest, lakes, creeks, trails, and fun. The park offers 20 fully-outfitted RV campsites, 8 rustic cabins, and over a dozen designated tent-camping sites. Advance reservations are recommended, but not required (if the designated camping areas are not full). The park also has a swimming pool, ball field, tennis courts, and an abundance of heavy concrete picnic tables available.

  For the more adventurous, the park has easily-accessible lakes and creeks, hiking trails (easy-to-moderate in difficulty for the average, able adult), mountain biking trails, and scenic overlooks.

  Wildlife is abundant throughout the park, but in my many experiences, have never been invasive of the camping areas. Depending on the season, ducks, geese, wild turkey, deer, squirrels, and many other forms of wildlife can be seen in proximity, with relative ease. Fishermen will enjoy the park's waterfronts, at Lookout Lake & Sand Creek, where plentiful bass, perch, crappie, and catfish can be had.

  My family and I have made many great memories at Osage Hills over the years, it's a great place to get away for a weekend & enjoy nature. My favorite time of year to go would be early-mid fall, as the foliage can be truly brilliant & breathtaking. Highly recommended!

• 

  Annie C.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 25, 2017

  Osage Hills State Park Campground

  CCC Camping

  What a neat little park in Northeastern Oklahoma! What I really liked was that most of the park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Depression and New Deal eras. Many of the buildings were still in use including shelters and cabins. What I didn't like were the terribly short hours of the office- open 8:00-4:30, although no one was around as late as 8:30 in the morning. Back to the positives, the tent sites were separate from the RV sites by a good 1/4 mile so no worries about generators. I camped in site Q which was on the interior of the tent loop, but the prime spots were on the outside of the loop. If you can get site R you will be in heaven!. Each site had a picnic table and fire pit and there were nice level places for tents on all sites. There is a nice overlook in the tent loop to watch the sun rise over the valley. The bathhouse was clean and had electric. There were two shower stalls, but no doors or curtains, so best not be modest. The RV sites seemed well spaced and well maintained. There were several nice trails in the park, with one that left from the tent loop, but they weren't really well marked and it was difficult to find any trail maps. There is a pretty little lake near the entrance that you can rent canoes to take a spin around the lake, but again, it depends on whether someone shows up to man the office. Apparently I wasn't the only one struggling to deal with the office hours as someone just dumped their boat paddles and PDF's in front of the office door since there was no one to turn them in to.

• D

  Denise D.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 18, 2020

  Timber Road Campground — Elk City State Park

  Great spot

  When we moved from Oregon to Kansas, we wanted to find a good place to camp! The first place we camped was Elk City and we’ve camped there three times now - it’s a great spot. The first time we had a spot in lower Comfort Cove - it was a lovely shaded spot with lots of space for our boys to explore. Anywhere down close to the lake is fairly busy and can be loud, though. So the last two times we’ve stayed up in the Timber Road area which we just love. It’s quiet, shaded and just beautiful. You can walk to the Table Mound Trail quite easily if you’re in this area. Timber Road area only has pit toilets but they tend to be pretty clean.

• 

  Angie S.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 21, 2020

  Timber Road Campground — Elk City State Park

  Park is Great. Camping, well...

  Elk City State Park is great. It's full but not crowded, hiking is about as good as it gets in Kansas, dedicated Mountain Biking trails which I rarely see and it's rather pretty. Swimnarea is muddy but the kids didn't mind. Comfort Cove camping is adequate. Shower house is clean (by KS State Park standards), quiet hours respected and my kids enjoyed the playground. Our site is miniature. No place for a clothes line, no fire pit to speak of even though everyone else has one. We are boxed in tighter than a KOA and we feel it. There are sections more spread out with more room per site but not Site 243. Also, very little shade and very few shades sites which is weird in an area abundant in big giant shade trees.

• J

  Jordan L.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 26, 2018

  Timber Road Campground — Elk City State Park

  Abundance of campsites and lake access

  My family and I camped at Elk City state park over memorial weekend. There were primitive and RV sites everywhere and lake access in many places. As expected it was crowded and busy. We found a decent primitive spot, however there wasn't anywhere to park. It wasn't that the spots were taken, the sit was just off the road but there was a deep ditch. We ended up manuevering our van through the trees to get to the site.

• 

  Doug W.

  Ranger

  

  Nov. 7, 2021

  Card Creek

  Very clean and quiet

  A typical COE campground. Very clean and well kept. The site are good with plenty of space. Most any size rig will find a spot here.

  The primary attraction to this camp is fishing. There is a boat ramp with access to Elk City Lake. Most of the campers when we were their were either hunters or fishermen.

  The site so have power, 30 amp, and there is a dump station. There is also a hiking trail right from camp but we didn't have time to take it as this was just a one night stop for us.

  Cell phone for Verizon was 3 bar 4g LTE with

• j

  jeremiah K.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 18, 2020

  Outlet Channel

  Love this small, quiet, beautiful campground

  This campground offers a quiet out of the way experience. There are only 15 sites, about half of which are electric and water. There are no modern restrooms or showers but there are several vaulted toilets that are cleaned quite frequently. Nestled below the dam this is a hidden gem. I camped here on Labor Day and the park was full. Prior recons of this park were only half full or less. This park sits on the Elk City Lake. It has modern (brand new) playgrounds, basketball courts, and even a sand volleyball court. The sites are spaced well apart from each other and I never heard much of my neighbors. You can only book this campground through recreation.gov. you wont be disappointed!

• 

  Marty D.

  Traveler

  

  May. 31, 2018

  Sunset Point Campground — Elk City State Park

  Worth the drive

  This is a beautiful lake near Independence, Kansas that has plenty to do. There is a very challenging hiking trail that is 11 miles one way so take plenty of fluids & snacks.

• 

  Jason S.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 8, 2018

  Casner Creek — Fall River State Park

  Fun Area

  Went Labor Day Weekend. I had called ahead since there were no reservations remaining. Come to find out they reserve a good number of campsites just for walk ups. Good to know when camping at Kansas State Parks

• 

  Brittany G.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 4, 2020

  Wah-Sha-She Park

  Best camp hosts & beautiful, peaceful nights

  My husband, 2 dogs, and I stayed here in our tent multiple weekends in a row this past summer. We went jugging in our canoe and caught some really good size blue cats. The camp hosts are the absolute best! And never ending gorgeous evenings spent by the campfire watching the sunset.

• 

  Marty D.

  Traveler

  

  May. 31, 2018

  Fredonia Bay — Fall River State Park

  Hidden gem!

  This is one of our favorite lakes in Kansas we go to! We like setting up camp at both the state park & Corps of Engineers! Lots of shady spots & room. The people at Three Corners Restaurant, Bait Shop, & Store are very nice & sociable. The bait side of the store can give a current fishing report & carry necessary supplies along with a good selection of bait/tackle.

• F

  Falon B.

  Traveler

  

  May. 12, 2022

  Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area

  Clean campground

  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. But it was a very pleasant one night stay! Loved being so close to a little pond and lake. My toddler loved watching the fish

• J

  Jeff H.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 1, 2018

  Timber Road Campground — Elk City State Park

  Very Nice State Park with great water views

  This is a great State Park. Sites are paved with water and electric hook ups. Most are pretty level. Very clean park with nice restrooms and shower facilities. Great water views. The best hiking trails in the State of Kansas are in and around this lake and state park. From this camp ground you can hop on an awesome trail that leads up to the dam over look area. The trail has the lake on one side and rock wall formations on the other. Simply a great hiking area.

• K

  Katherine M.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 25, 2019

  Sunset Point Campground — Elk City State Park

  Peaceful, beautiful, WET!

  I visited this campground in October of 2018. The campground itself is beautiful, but recently part of it had been submerged in water which was problematic for us tent campers. Sunset Point is beautiful, but I'd recommend it only in the summer and on weekends when there is no chance of rain. We were soaked all weekend. I'd definitely return because the park has nice trails, great views, and a serene lake setting, but I'd make sure I'm in a different campground than Sunset Point.

• N

  N I.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 25, 2021

  Cherryvale Park

  Disc Golf for Everyone

  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

• N

  N I.

  Legend

  

  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

• N

  N I.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 25, 2021

  Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area

  Take a Walk on the Quiet Side

  .• 74 Sites Electric(50 amp service avail) 

  • 8 Non electric

  • Full hookups

  •$14-$76

  • Pull thrus

  • Reservations accepted 877-444-6777

  • Beach

  • Boat ramp

  • Drinking water

  • Dump station

  • Restrooms/showers

  • Pit toilets

  • Swimming Beach

  • Water sites 

  Peak Season March 26, 2021- November 01, 2021 

  Out of Season(No Booking Available) November 01, 2021- March 26, 2022

  FEES$14-$74

  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 Big 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. Mound Valley 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° 16' 9.9998" N Longitude 95° 27' 29.9999" W From Cherryvale, Kansas, take U.S. Highway 169 and turn east onto Main Street. Continue through the town and turn right onto Olive Street. Go 1/2 a block and turn left onto County Route 5000. Proceed 4.5 miles to Big Hill Lake and follow signs to Mound Valley. 

  Contact Information Mailing Address 19065 CHERRYVALE PKWY CHERRYVALE, KS 67335-0426 Phone Number For campground inquiries, please call: 620-328-2050 

  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. 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

• 

  Gerald J.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 25, 2018

  Wilson State Fishing Lake

  Clear water and breath taking scenery

  Aways enjoyable super clear water this place is a premier fishing destination especially for predator fish but great fishing no matter what your looking to hook into the camping is just as enjoyable with nice and open campgrounds that are close to the water the more simple your camping method the more enjoyable this place is for the tent spots are the best spots this place could use a few more trees but it's not a deal breaker because the beauty of this place is out of this world