Big Hill Lake features a 1,240-acre reservoir with approximately 367 acres available for public use. The camping areas around the lake sit at roughly 900 feet elevation in a transition zone between eastern hardwood forests and tallgrass prairie. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F with occasional strong winds across exposed campsites, while spring and fall offer milder weather with average temperatures between 55-75°F.
What to do
Trophy fishing opportunities: Anglers can catch multiple species at Big Hill Lake. "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," notes a visitor to Timber Hill.
Disc golf course: The recreation areas around the lake include a disc golf course. One camper at Louie P. Gartner RA mentioned, "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."
Equestrian trails: Horse riders can access the 17-mile trail system with designated overnight parking. "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," according to a review at Cherryvale Park.
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Many campsites offer privacy and separation from neighboring sites. "The little trails from the campsites to the lake are amazing! There are little sand bars along the way to get into the water. There are trees at every campsite. Most campsites are nestled into the trees from the road making a beautiful Escape!" writes a camper who stayed at Cherryvale Park.
Wildlife viewing: The lake environment supports diverse wildlife populations. At Montgomery State Fishing Lake, one visitor observed, "Saw several deer across the lake at dusk, eating grass. Beautiful spot not far off Highway 75."
Midweek tranquility: Weekdays offer a much quieter camping experience compared to weekends. A long-term visitor at Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area noted, "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."
What you should know
Campground maintenance varies: Some camping areas receive more consistent upkeep than others. "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," observed a camper at Timber Hill.
Wind exposure in open sites: Some camping areas lack adequate tree cover. One camper mentioned, "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."
Free dispersed camping options: Budget-conscious campers can find no-cost sites. "This place is free to camp if you aren't using utilities, even then it's only $10. The lake is not very large, but we found a great spot by the water," notes a visitor to Idle Hour Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for swimming: Multiple sandy areas provide water recreation. "Families with kids will enjoy visiting the sand-covered beach nearby for cooling off from the summer heat and enjoying a picnic," reports a camper from Cherryvale Park.
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds include play areas for children. A visitor to Lake Parsons mentioned, "Beach, shelter areas, boat ramp, camping areas, RV hookups, showers. Not well maintained, but free."
Family-friendly loop selection: Certain camping loops offer better environments for children. "Comfort Cove camping is adequate. Shower house is clean (by KS State Park standards), quiet hours respected and my kids enjoyed the playground," notes a camper from Elk City State Park.
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Several campgrounds provide sewage disposal facilities. "The dump station was easy to access, clean and well maintained. Camp hosts were friendly and kept the sites clean," according to an RVer staying at Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area.
Hookup placement: Electric and water connections are optimally positioned at some sites. One RV camper commented, "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."
Cell signal considerations: Mobile reception varies throughout the camping areas. "My AT&T signal didn't work here at all until I set up my WeBoost," reported a long-term RV camper who stayed for 22 days.
