US Army Corps of Engineers

For families and outdoor enthusiasts across Kansas, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) manages some of the most cherished and well-maintained recreational areas in the state. Among these, the campground near Cherryvale, Kansas, offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy lake activities, and create lasting memories. This particular site, often associated with Big Hill Lake, provides a blend of natural beauty and amenities designed for a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. It’s a true local favorite for those seeking an escape to the great outdoors right here in the Sunflower State.

Our aim with this article is to provide our Kansas readers with a comprehensive and engaging overview of what makes this USACE campground a prime destination. We’ll delve into its convenient location, the impressive array of services and features available, and why so many families choose it for their camping adventures. We’ll also incorporate insights from real customer reviews, giving you a factual and enthusiastic perspective on what to expect. Whether you're planning a weekend fishing trip, a family vacation filled with outdoor play, or simply a peaceful retreat, the US Army Corps of Engineers campground near Cherryvale is ready to welcome you.

What truly sets this campground apart, as echoed by numerous visitors, is the thoughtful layout and family-friendly amenities. One delighted customer shared, "Great place to take the family. Camping spots aren’t right on top of each other, which I love. Some have water access. There’s a couple great playgrounds for the kids. Shower house and bathrooms are usually really clean. There’s a sand volleyball area, horseshoe and frisbee course. Lots of picnic areas, some are covered." This testament highlights the commitment to providing a spacious and engaging environment for all ages. While one review noted a slight dip in cleaning standards for sites and bathrooms compared to a previous year, it still affirmed, "Still a great place to camp," indicating that the overall quality and enjoyment of the park remain high. This consistent positive feedback underscores the enduring appeal and suitability of this USACE campground for Kansas families.

The US Army Corps of Engineers campground is located at 19065 Cherryvale Pkwy, Cherryvale, KS 67335, USA. This address places it directly in the vicinity of Big Hill Lake, one of southeastern Kansas's most popular recreational reservoirs. The park’s location ensures excellent accessibility for visitors from across the state and beyond, making it a convenient destination for a variety of outdoor activities.

Cherryvale is a friendly community in Montgomery County, and the campground's proximity to it means campers have easy access to necessary supplies, gas, and local services if needed during their stay. The area is well-connected by state highways, ensuring a relatively straightforward drive from major Kansas cities like Wichita, Topeka, and Kansas City. This ease of access is a significant benefit for families planning weekend getaways or longer vacations, as it minimizes travel time and maximizes time spent enjoying the outdoors. The natural setting around Big Hill Lake provides a serene backdrop, making the journey itself part of the enjoyable experience. Whether you’re pulling an RV or arriving with a tent, navigating to this USACE campground is designed to be hassle-free, getting you to your campsite quickly to start your adventure.

The US Army Corps of Engineers campground near Cherryvale is known for offering a robust set of services and facilities, designed to enhance the camping experience for all visitors. These amenities often exceed what you might find at more primitive campgrounds, focusing on comfort and convenience.

• Spacious Camping Sites:

  The campground provides numerous camping spots that are notably "not right on top of each other," offering a good degree of privacy and space for campers. This allows for a more relaxed and open environment.

• Water and Electric Hookups:

  Many sites come equipped with water and electric hookups, providing essential utilities for RVs and even tent campers who desire power. Some sites specifically offer "water access," which can be a direct tap at the site or a nearby communal spigot.

• Clean Shower House and Bathrooms:

  Visitors frequently praise the cleanliness of the shower houses and bathrooms. While one review mentioned a slight dip in recent cleanliness, the general consensus is that these facilities are well-maintained, providing a comfortable and hygienic experience.

• Dump Station:

  For RVers, a convenient dump station is typically available within USACE campgrounds, allowing for proper waste disposal before departure.

• Picnic Areas:

  The campground features "lots of picnic areas," with some being covered. These are perfect for day-use visitors, family gatherings, or campers looking for a shaded spot to enjoy a meal outdoors.

• Playgrounds:

• Recreational Courts/Areas:

• Lake Access and Water Activities:

• Pet-Friendly Environment:

The US Army Corps of Engineers campground near Cherryvale truly shines with its family-friendly features and the natural beauty of its surroundings. These highlights contribute to the park's popularity among Kansas campers.

• Spacious and Private Sites:

  A top highlight for many campers is the generous spacing between sites, ensuring privacy and a sense of solitude not always found in other campgrounds. This "not right on top of each other" layout allows for a more relaxed and enjoyable stay.

• Kid-Friendly Amenities:

  With "a couple great playgrounds for the kids," the campground is exceptionally well-suited for families. These dedicated play areas provide entertainment for younger campers, allowing parents to relax.

• Diverse Recreational Opportunities:

• Beautiful Lake Access (Big Hill Lake):

• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities:

• Abundant Picnic Areas (Some Covered):

• Natural Setting with Minimal Noise:

As a campground operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, pricing and any potential special offers are typically standardized and publicly available through their recreation.gov booking portal or directly through the park office.

Common discounts and rate structures at USACE campgrounds include:

• Standard Daily Rates:

  For individual campsites, varying based on the type of site (e.g., primitive, electric-only, full hookup).

• America the Beautiful Pass Discounts:

  Holders of the "America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass" (specifically the Senior Pass or Access Pass) often receive a 50% discount on standard amenity fees, which includes camping. This can be a significant saving for eligible individuals.

• No Long-Term Stay Discounts:

  Unlike some private RV parks, USACE campgrounds generally do not offer weekly or monthly discounts, as their focus is on providing public access for recreational purposes, often with stay limits.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, availability, and specific pass discounts, it is best to visit recreation.gov (the official federal recreation reservation service) and search for Big Hill Lake campgrounds, or to contact the US Army Corps of Engineers office directly at (620) 336-2741.

To plan your visit, make reservations, or inquire further about the US Army Corps of Engineers campground near Cherryvale, here’s how you can get in touch:

Address: 19065 Cherryvale Pkwy, Cherryvale, KS 67335, USA

Phone: (620) 336-2741

Mobile Phone: +1 620-336-2741

For reservations, it is highly recommended to use the official federal booking website, recreation.gov, where you can search for "Big Hill Lake" to find the specific campgrounds managed by the USACE. For direct inquiries regarding park conditions, specific site information, or any questions not covered by the online booking system, calling the provided phone number is the best option.

For families and outdoor enthusiasts living in Kansas, the US Army Corps of Engineers campground near Cherryvale, associated with Big Hill Lake, offers an ideal and highly suitable destination for numerous reasons. Its proximity to Cherryvale and easy access via well-maintained highways means that a refreshing getaway is never too far from home. This makes it perfect for weekend trips, allowing Kansans to maximize their time enjoying nature rather than enduring long drives.

The campground truly shines in its family-friendly design. The spacious camping spots, which are refreshingly "not right on top of each other," provide a sense of privacy and room to breathe that is highly valued. The presence of "a couple great playgrounds for the kids" ensures that younger campers have ample opportunities for fun, making it easier for parents to relax. This focus on providing amenities for all ages caters directly to the needs of Kansas families looking for an inclusive outdoor experience.

Furthermore, the general cleanliness of the shower houses and bathrooms, coupled with the variety of recreational facilities like sand volleyball, horseshoe pits, and a frisbee course, elevates the camping experience beyond just a place to sleep. Being on the "beautiful lake" of Big Hill Lake opens up a world of water-based activities, from fishing and boating to swimming, providing diverse options for recreation. This comprehensive offering of amenities and activities within a natural setting makes it a perfect all-around destination for locals. It's a place where you can create cherished family memories, enjoy the natural beauty of Kansas, and return feeling refreshed and reconnected with the outdoors, all within a convenient distance from your home.