Big Lake State Park offers glamping accommodations situated on an oxbow lake approximately 45 minutes northwest of Hiawatha, Kansas. The park includes both primitive and electric campsites, with tent areas directly adjacent to the lake. Missouri summers bring high humidity and temperatures frequently exceeding 85°F, making water recreation popular from May through September.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Big Lake provides fishing access for both shore and boat anglers. A reviewer noted, "Nice lake, campground was good, there are basic sites up against the lake and the rest are electric. You can kayak, canoe, jet ski, and boat. Its olny 30ft at the deepest point."
Biking on flat terrain: Several campgrounds feature level roads ideal for casual cycling. At Big Lake State Park Campground, "Kids enjoyed riding bikes around the flat roads" while another visitor mentioned, "Lots of flat roads for biking though!"
Hiking trail systems: Weston Bend State Park Campground features multiple trail options. A camper reported, "Weston Bend State Park has an amazing hiking trail system within the park! Even one paved trail!" Another mentioned the "trails were the best feature of this park."
What campers like
Private tent sites: Tent campers appreciate secluded options. At Duck Creek Recreation Area, "Site A was really tucked into the back and had lots of vegetation and privacy." Another camper noted this recreation area has "everything you would need in a campground!"
Reliable campground hosts: AOK Campground & RV Park receives positive reviews for staff service. "Owners were great and met us even after hours when we arrived to make sure we were in the spot correctly," and another camper mentioned, "Hosts present and helpful. Would stay again without hesitation."
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms. At AOK Campground, visitors found "Very, very clean bathrooms and laundry." Similarly, at Weston Bend, a camper noted, "Clean and nice showers" while another praised "the cleanest bathrooms and facilities that I have been to I think Mabye ever."
What you should know
Seasonal flooding concerns: Water levels can impact campground availability. A reviewer at Brownville Riverside Park observed, "Unfortunately, the river has flooded it out as of June 28, 2024 and it will likely be unusable for at least the remainder of this season."
Wind conditions: Lakeside sites may experience strong winds. At Big Lake, one camper warned, "Fair warning the wind blows off the lake and can be very chilly."
Site spacing variations: Campground layouts differ significantly. Perry State Park receives mixed reviews about spacing: "Utility camping is a little close together for my liking" while at AOK Campground, "The sites were a little close together."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature dedicated play areas for children. At Perry State Park Campground, a visitor noted it's a "Super easy to pull in and set up. Plenty of spots. Water on each site which is a luxury."
Swimming options: Families can cool off at designated swimming areas. Duck Creek "has everything you would need in a campground! Excellent playgrounds for kids, swimming and beach area, bathrooms, and depending where you park, a beautiful view of the lake."
Dog-friendly areas: For families traveling with pets, Sharp RV Park provides accommodations where "Campground clean and staff was super nice. Great for just an overnight stay." AOK Campground notes, "The dogs enjoyed all the extra room, grassy areas, and small trail to explore."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup variations: Sites offer different power configurations. At Weston Bend State Park, "All sites but #3 and 26" have electric hookups, while Perry State Park has "Water on each site which is a luxury."
Pull-through availability: Several campgrounds feature convenient pull-through sites. At AOK Campground, "We had a pull through and it was perfect for overnight. Full hook up and shade." Similarly, at Big Lake State Park, "Basic sites are large and some of the electric are also. The majority are pull through sites."
Overnight convenience: Many campgrounds near Hiawatha work well for brief stays. Sharp RV Park is "a nice place for an overnight stop. WiFi is good can stream! Good antenna reception owner is nice." Another RVer recommended AOK Campground as a "Nice overnight stop!" noting it was "very easy off the interstate but once there you felt like you were miles out in the country."
