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Downstream Point
USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers — CHERRYVALE · Kansas · Big Hill Lake
| Agency | USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Area | Big Hill Lake |
| Location | CHERRYVALE · Kansas · Big Hill Lake · 37.26944, -95.45833 · Map |
| Sites | 1 public sites counted from the federal listing — 1 group picnic area |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 1 sites Water hookups at 1 of 1 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 1 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 1 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 6:00 AM · Out 11:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 1 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 1 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 620-328-2050 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview Downstream Point is located on the crystal clear Big Hill Lake in southeast Kansas.
The lake boasts three campgrounds, three equestrian trails and four day-use areas for the public to enjoy.
Picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, fishing and other outdoor activities abound. Recreation Downstream Point is mostly used as a group picnic area. The facility has basketball courts and is located by the outlet channel.
After picnicking, visitors can venture onto several hiking and equestrian trails nearby including Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, a 17-mile trail with a variety of terrain for all ages to explore, and the Ruth Nixon Trail, named after an early supporter of the lake, which is @ 1 mile long and winds along the western side of the lake.
Big Hill Lake is known for being 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 can cool off during summer heat at a sand-covered beach at nearby Mound Valley Park. Facilities This facility provides a reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 100 people. The shelter is within walking distance of the lake and provides shade in an otherwise sunny area. Natural Features The park is nestled in the rolling, wooded countryside that is referred to as the Little Ozarks.
With thick oak-hickory forests surrounded by prairie and farmland, the lake shore supplies a variety of habitats for birds and mammals. Contact Info This location has limited staffing. Please call (620) 336-2741 for general information.
Directions, from the listing
Take U.S. Highway 169 to Cherryvale, Kansas, and turn east onto Main Street. Continue through the town and turn right at the end of Main Street onto Olive Street. Go 1/2 a block and turn left onto County Route 5000. Proceed 4.5 miles to Big Hill Lake and follow signs to the park.
Nearest federal campgrounds
0 mi straight-line · CHERRYVALE KansasUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersMound Valley
0 mi straight-line · CHERRYVALE KansasUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersOverlook (Ks)
0 mi straight-line · CHERRYVALE KansasUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersDamsite - Fall River Lake
42 mi straight-line · FALL RIVER KansasUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersWhitehall Bay
43 mi straight-line · FALL RIVER Kansas
Trip Card — Downstream Point
CHERRYVALE · Kansas · Big Hill Lake
| Agency | USACE · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Location | CHERRYVALE · Kansas · Big Hill Lake |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | No electric reported |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 1 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233491 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.