Big Hill Lake Beach Area, Mound Valley Park

For us Kansans, there's nothing quite like escaping to the outdoors, where the vast sky meets serene waters and the rustle of leaves replaces city sounds. If you're searching for a premier camping spot that truly embodies the natural beauty and recreational opportunities our state offers, look no further than the Big Hill Lake Beach Area, specifically within Mound Valley Park. Praised by locals as "by far my favorite Kansas camping spot," this destination promises an authentic and unforgettable outdoor experience. As professional content writers specializing in local business SEO, we are excited to provide a comprehensive, engaging, and factual overview of this incredible local gem, helping you discover your next great Kansas adventure.

Big Hill Lake is often referred to as Kansas' "Little Ozarks," a testament to its unique beauty, including a deep, clear lake and tall trees that provide a true camping atmosphere. This multi-faceted recreation area, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, offers far more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a vibrant hub for swimming, fishing, boating, and simply enjoying the tranquility of nature.

The Big Hill Lake Beach Area, within Mound Valley Park, is conveniently located near Cherryvale, KS 67335, USA. Specifically, Big Hill Lake is situated approximately 5 miles east of Cherryvale in Labette County, in the southeastern part of Kansas. This region is a treasure trove of outdoor activities, known for its picturesque landscapes, excellent fishing, and abundant wildlife.

Access to Big Hill Lake and its various parks, including Mound Valley Park, is straightforward, typically involving well-maintained state and county roads leading directly to the recreation areas. For Kansans, this means a manageable drive from many parts of the state, making it an ideal destination for weekend getaways or longer family vacations. The ease of access, combined with the comprehensive facilities, ensures that your journey to this natural haven is as smooth and enjoyable as your stay. Once there, you'll find ample parking and clearly designated areas to begin your outdoor adventure.

Big Hill Lake Beach Area, particularly within Mound Valley Park, offers a wide array of services designed to enhance your camping and recreational experience, catering to diverse needs. As a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) managed property, visitors can expect well-maintained facilities and a focus on outdoor enjoyment:

• Diverse Campsite Types: Mound Valley Park, as part of the Big Hill Lake recreational complex, offers a wide variety of campsite types. These include designated RV campsites with electrical hookups (some even with full hookups – electric, water, and sewer), as well as primitive tent camping areas. Group camping sites are also available.
• Clean Restroom Facilities: Customer reviews consistently highlight the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers, indicating well-maintained sanitary facilities for all campers. While soap may occasionally be out, the overall cleanliness is a notable positive.
• Warm Showers: Access to warm and clean showers is a highly appreciated amenity, especially after a day of swimming, hiking, or fishing.
• Potable Water: Potable water is available throughout the park areas, ensuring easy access to clean drinking water.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Pits: Campsites are equipped with clean and accessible fire pits and picnic tables, perfect for outdoor cooking and enjoying evenings by the campfire.
• Boat Launch Ramps: While reviews mention "only the one launch" for boating, there are boat launching ramps available, providing access to the lake for various watercraft.
• Swimming Beach with Change House: The designated swimming beach is a major highlight, described as "completely sand" and "one of the only places here where you can swim with shoes off." A change house is typically available for convenience.
• Playground Area: For families with children, a playground is available, offering a fun and safe space for kids to play and expend energy.
• Pet-Friendly Environment: The campground is pet-friendly, as evidenced by "lots of dog walkers" in the reviews, allowing visitors to bring their furry companions to enjoy the outdoors.
• Reservable Sites: Camping reservations can typically be made via Recreation.gov, particularly for peak season dates, providing convenience for planning your trip.
• Day Use Options: For those not camping, day-use fees provide access to the beach and boat ramps for a low cost, making it an attractive alternative to public pools.

Big Hill Lake Beach Area, Mound Valley Park, is celebrated for numerous features that truly make it a standout destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Kansas:

• "Favorite Kansas Camping Spot": This is a powerful endorsement from a local, indicating a consistently positive and high-quality experience.
• Deep, Clear Lake: The lake's depth contributes to its clarity, a rare and highly valued feature in Kansas. This clear water enhances swimming, fishing, and overall enjoyment of the lake.
• Exceptional Fishing Opportunities: Reviews confirm "Fishing was so fun and there are lots of variety in this lake." Big Hill Lake is well-known as a productive fishing spot, regularly stocked with species like largemouth bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye, and smallmouth bass. It even hosts fishing tournaments.
• Beautiful Sunsets & Tall Trees: The natural aesthetics of the area, with its stunning sunsets and mature trees, create a truly immersive and picturesque camping atmosphere. This provides a serene backdrop for relaxation and photography.
• True Camping Atmosphere: The combination of natural beauty, well-spaced sites, and essential amenities contributes to an authentic camping experience, allowing visitors to feel connected to nature.
• Spacious Campsites: The "wide variety of campsite types with plenty of space in between them" ensures privacy and comfort, even during busy periods.
• Fantastic Sand Beach & Swimming Area: The "completely sand" swim area is a unique highlight for Kansas, making it ideal for building sandcastles and enjoying a refreshing, shoes-off swim in the cool lake water. The water is described as "super refreshing on a hot day."
• Well-Maintained Grounds: Consistent praise for well-maintained grounds, clean fire pits, and clean bathrooms speaks to the dedication of the park's management.
• Diverse Activities Beyond Camping: Beyond traditional camping, the park explicitly welcomes swimming, boating, and is even marketed for weddings, showcasing its versatility as an outdoor venue. It's truly a place to "be outdoors and near water."
• Hiking & Horse Trails: Big Hill Lake features excellent trails, including the 1-mile Ruth Nixon Memorial Hiking Trail and the 17-mile Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, offering varied terrain and scenic views for hikers and equestrians.

For detailed information regarding reservations, camping fees, specific site availability, or any other inquiries about the Big Hill Lake Beach Area, Mound Valley Park, it is recommended to contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office directly or use their official reservation platform.

Address: Cherryvale, KS 67335, USA (Note: Specific park areas within Big Hill Lake share this general address, with individual park signage guiding visitors.)

Phone: (620) 336-2741

Mobile Phone: +1 620-336-2741

Reservations for camping sites can often be made through www.Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. For specific park information, calling the provided local numbers will connect you with the Big Hill Lake Project Office, which manages the area.

Big Hill Lake Beach Area, particularly Mound Valley Park, is an undeniable treasure for us Kansans seeking a comprehensive and high-quality outdoor experience. Its reputation as a "favorite Kansas camping spot" is well-deserved, offering a rare combination of a deep, clear lake, excellent fishing, comfortable camping amenities, and stunning natural beauty. For families, the sandy beach and playground provide endless entertainment, while anglers will appreciate the diverse fish populations and dedicated facilities.

The well-maintained facilities, from clean bathrooms to accessible fire pits, ensure a comfortable stay, while the spacious campsites offer a true sense of seclusion. Whether you're planning a weekend fishing trip, a family camping vacation, a day of swimming and sandcastle building, or even a unique outdoor event, Big Hill Lake provides a fantastic setting. At a low cost for entry, it offers far more than a public pool, immersing you in the "true camping atmosphere" of Kansas' "Little Ozarks." It's truly a destination where you can reconnect with nature and create cherished memories right here in our beautiful home state.

Big Hill Lake Beach Area, Mound Valley Park

Cherryvale, KS 67335, USA