5 Things to Do At Big Hill Lake

Big Hill Lake gives you a taste of the Ozarks without having to leave Kansas. It’s a recreation park in southeast Kansas that offers camping, boating, fishing, hiking, and many other outdoor activities.

Big Hill Lake is operated and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It’s located about 15 miles west of Parsons; five miles east of Cherryvale; and about five miles south of Highway 400 at Dennis.

The area is known as “The Little Ozarks” because of its resemblance to the Missouri/Arkansas Ozarks.

It’s a beautiful area no matter what time of year you visit.

5 Things To Do at Big Hill Lake

Big Hill Lake has plenty to do for everyone from the lone wolf outdoor enthusiast to a family of four, to a large group who wants to gather for the weekend. Below are five things to do at Big Hill Lake.

Camping: Camping is one of the main reasons people come to Big Hill Lake. The campgrounds are beautiful and well-kept. The trees covering the campgrounds make it feel like you’re truly camping in the woods.
Hiking: The Big Hill Lake Horse Trail offers 17 miles of trails that go around the lake. The Ruth Nixon Trail is a bonus 1-mile trail that’s named after one of the park’s early advocates.
Click here to learn more about the Big Hill Horse Trail.
Boating: Big Hill Lake is large enough to drag the kids on a tube, and small enough for kayakers to enjoy. Whatever size of watercraft you prefer, Big Hill Lake will keep you entertained for the day.
Fishing: Whether you like to fish from a boat, or the shoreline, or from a bridge, Big Hill Lake has opportunities for any angler. The lake has a fishing berm and a few docks for shoreline fishermen to fish from.
Horseback Riding: Horse owners love the Big Hill Lake Horse Trail. It’s the same trail shared by hikers that goes around the lake. There are a few campgrounds available for horses and trailers that have direct access to the trail.

The Campgrounds at Big Hill Lake

Big Hill Lake has five main park areas for camping, picnicking, day use, and other recreation interests.

There are two campgrounds that accommodate campers and RVs. Most of the camp sites have a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill. Tents are allowed at all campsites.

The campsites are covered with trees which keep you shaded during the hot weather. The trees also give you excellent fall foliage during the autumn months.

Campgrounds at Big Hill Lake include: