Big Hill Lake Horse Trail in Kansas offers equestrian camping opportunities near Miami, Oklahoma. The 17-mile trail surrounds approximately three-quarters of Big Hill Lake and provides varied terrain suitable for riders of all experience levels. Timber Hill campground provides access to this trail with designated areas for overnight horse camping. Riders can use one of three parking areas equipped with hitching racks and limited camping facilities. The campground maintains vault toilets, picnic tables, and water access points for horses. Sites remain small and heavily forested, providing shade during summer months.
Trail riders access spectacular views along the scenic hardwood ridge trail system. The trail includes tethering areas for breaks and wildlife viewing opportunities. Overnight equestrian campers pay $10 for non-electric sites, which operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The parking areas specifically designed for trail riders feature hitching racks and basic overnight camping facilities. Horse trail users often report the varied terrain provides excellent riding conditions throughout most of the year. The surrounding landscape includes thick oak-hickory forests bordered by prairie and farmland, creating diverse habitats for wildlife observation. Trail connections link multiple recreation areas around the lake, including the Overlook Day Use Area and Cherryvale Recreation Area, allowing for extended riding opportunities.
$40 / night
"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."
"Has very clean bathhouse and hot showers a short walk away. We love this place."
$16 - $50 / night
"We camped in a spot near the water. The lake was beautiful at sunset. The bathroom was clean, our spot had a covered picnic table, grill and fire ring."
"General: Blue Creek is one of four campgrounds operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers on Oologah Lake (the others are Spencer Creek, Red Bud, and Hawthorn Bluff)."
TravelerWe camped in a spot near the water. The lake was beautiful at sunset. The bathroom was clean, our spot had a covered picnic table, grill and fire ring. And hiking/equestrian trails can be accessed from the group camp or park entrance.
Legend.• 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
LegendThis 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
LegendGeneral: Blue Creek is one of four campgrounds operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers on Oologah Lake (the others are Spencer Creek, Red Bud, and Hawthorn Bluff). It is divided into three sections: one with electric hookups (Sites 14-35) and two without (Sites 1-11 and 36-61, with Sites 54-61 that can be used as a group area). On a weekday in early May, the section with electric was full but we had the section with sites 36-61 entirely to ourselves. Sites 1-11 are good for boaters as they are near the boat ramp, however, the sites are not as well delineated (the picnic tables have the site numbers on them and cars park wherever). Since COVID, reservations are required but as with all other CoE campgrounds, the fees are extremely reasonable ($20 for electric,$16 for non-electric and half-price for seniors).
Site Quality/Facilities: It is often impossible to determine the best site when reserving but after arriving, we discovered that Site 55 was not going to work for us. It had a very short sloping half-circle drive and after 10 minutes of maneuvering, it was obvious there was no way we were going to be level. It was also rocky so it would be challenging for tents. This site is the furthest away but near the spot where many fish so it will not be as quiet as you might expect. Fortunately, we were able to switch sites (no one else was there!) and Site 42 was much better and like many others, had a large semi-circular drive. Many sites had a covered concrete pad with a large concrete picnic table, utility table, and lantern hook. There was a dump station, but it was coned off when we were there; we did not need it so I did not ask when/if it would be available.
Bathhouse: The sections without electricity have vault toilets, which were clean, but the flush toilets/showers are within a reasonable walking distance. These were very clean. Soap but bring your towel.
Activities/Amenities: Aside from fishing and boating, there are many activities you can enjoy here including volleyball, horseshoes, bean bag toss, and basketball. When the gate attendant is there, you can check out supplies for these activities. There is also a hiking trail. We saw a few people kayaking. Horses are allowed in the group camping section (Sites 54-61).
Perhaps it is because we had an entire section to ourselves, but we had a relaxing and peaceful stay here and would definitely return.
ScoutAccording 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.
TravelerI 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.
ScoutBeautiful 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.
GuideWe love this place. It’s close to our home. It’s quiet. It doesn’t have the best amenities but the views are good.its super quiet and sometimes you have a lot of the camp ground to yourself.
TravelerStayed here in mid October-- RV side of campground was full but I was the only person on the tent side. Spot was nice, altho folks before me had left some trash around-- fire pit was still hot so not sure if the park caretakers had gotten a chance to run by before I got there to clean. Bathrooms were well kept and stocked, view of the lake was gorgeous. Will definitely be back! Had good signal with verizon.
Big Hill Lake provides equestrian camping options near Miami, Oklahoma with access to 17 miles of trails. The surrounding landscape combines oak-hickory forests and prairie farmland, creating diverse terrain for riders. Horseback riders can access trails from three designated parking areas that permit overnight camping for $10 at non-electric sites. These trail access points feature basic facilities including vault toilets and water access points for horses.
Fishing opportunities: At Overlook campground, anglers can target multiple species. "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," notes reviewer N I.
Shoreline hiking: The Ruth Nixon Memorial Trail connects recreation areas around the lake. This one-mile path features bluebird houses and connects the Overlook Day Use Area with Cherryvale Recreation Area. "The scenery along the way is spectacular. This trail links the Overlook Day Use Area and Cherryvale Recreation Area," according to N I.
Water activities: The lake offers swimming at a designated beach area. "Families with kids will enjoy visiting the sand-covered beach nearby for cooling off from the summer heat and enjoying a picnic," mentions N I. Note that alcohol and glass containers are prohibited in beach areas.
Spacious, shaded sites: Blue Creek campground provides well-spaced sites with natural cover. "We camped in a spot near the water. The lake was beautiful at sunset. The bathroom was clean, our spot had a covered picnic table, grill and fire ring," reports Elizabeth L.
Wildlife viewing: The diverse habitats surrounding the lake support numerous wildlife species. "Hunters will find bob white quail, rabbit, grey and fox squirrels, mourning dove, migratory waterfowl, wild turkey and white tailed deer," according to campground information at Timber Hill.
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful setting at these horse campgrounds near Miami, Oklahoma. "It's super quiet and sometimes you have a lot of the campground to yourself," notes Matt B. about his experience at Blue Creek.
Seasonal considerations: Water and some facilities operate seasonally. "Flush toilets and showers are closed outside of the reservation season, however vault toilets are available in the north loop," according to information about Timber Hill.
Site conditions: Some areas require maintenance after seasonal closures. "Almost every site had a lot of debris (just leaves and rotted wood) which I think led to there being a lot of ticks," reports Chris L. about Timber Hill after its reopening.
Reservation requirements: Campgrounds have varying reservation systems. "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," notes N I. about Timber Hill campground.
Activity options: Beyond horseback riding, families can enjoy multiple recreation options. "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," explains N I.
Bathroom accessibility: Campgrounds offer varying levels of facilities. "The bathroom was clean, our spot had a covered picnic table, grill and fire ring. And hiking/equestrian trails can be accessed from the group camp or park entrance," notes Elizabeth L. at Blue Creek.
Recreation equipment: Some campgrounds provide activity equipment. "Aside from fishing and boating, there are many activities you can enjoy here including volleyball, horseshoes, bean bag toss, and basketball. When the gate attendant is there, you can check out supplies for these activities," explains Lee D.
Site selection: Choose sites carefully based on your specific needs. "Many sites had a covered concrete pad with a large semi-circular drive. There was a dump station, but it was coned off when we were there," reports Lee D. about Blue Creek.
Limited big rig access: Not all equestrian campgrounds near Miami accommodate larger RVs. Timber Hill is noted as not being big-rig friendly, while Blue Creek does accommodate larger vehicles according to amenity listings.
Hookup availability: Electric sites fill quickly during peak season. "On a weekday in early May, the section with electric was full but we had the section with sites 36-61 entirely to ourselves," notes Lee D. about Blue Creek campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Miami, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Miami, OK is Overlook with a 4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Miami, OK?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Miami, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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