Mound Valley
4.11160 reviews19065 Cherryvale Pkwy, Cherryvale, KS 67335-0426, USA
Mound Valley
$14.00 - $76.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$14.00
Hookup Site Fee$24.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$76.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $14 for standard non-electric sites up to $76 for group standard non-electric sites. Rates vary based on electric hookups and site amenities.
About this campground
Escape to Mound Valley campground, where the pristine waters of Big Hill Lake sparkle like diamonds in the heart of southeast Kansas. This hidden gem beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its crystal-clear waters perfect for diving into adventure. Choose from 85 thoughtfully placed campsites, including coveted waterfront spots where you can wake up to gentle lapping waves, or select a site just a short stroll from the shoreline. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring winding trails through ancient forests, gliding across the lake by boat, or cooling off with an afternoon swim, Mound Valley transforms every moment into a memory worth keeping.
Mound Valley supports a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and group camping areas. While cabins or glamping options are not mentioned, the campground accommodates diverse needs.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Kansas seasons at Mound Valley, where each visit paints a different picture. Spring arrives with wildflowers and perfect hiking weather, while summer brings warm, humid days ideal for lake activities and starlit evenings around the campfire. Fall showcases a spectacular display of changing leaves, and winter offers a peaceful, frost-kissed landscape for the hardy adventurer. The campground truly comes alive from March through November, when nature puts on its finest show and camping conditions are at their peak.
ElevationElevation data is not specified.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover your own slice of paradise in the enchanting Little Ozarks, where Mound Valley campground is cradled by dense oak-hickory forests that whisper stories of centuries past. This diverse ecosystem seamlessly blends woodland wonder with sweeping prairie vistas and pastoral farmland, creating a living tapestry that changes with every turn of the trail. Keep your camera ready for encounters with the abundant wildlife – from melodious songbirds filling the morning air to deer gracefully moving through the underbrush at dusk. Every sunrise and sunset here is a masterpiece painted across nature's canvas.
Geological RegionJourney into the captivating Little Ozarks, where rolling hills covered in majestic oak-hickory forests create a dramatic backdrop for your camping adventure. This unique geological wonderland showcases the best of Kansas's diverse landscapes, where ancient woodlands give way to golden prairies and peaceful farmland. The undulating terrain tells the story of millennia of natural forces at work, creating the perfect playground for outdoor exploration and the ideal setting for reconnecting with nature's timeless rhythms.
Campsite details
AccessibilityLimited accessibility information is provided, though one review mentions a user navigating the terrain on crutches.
Sites SizeVaried site sizes noted in reviews, ranging from spacious setups to narrow, cramped spaces not suitable for large campers.
Sites PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy, with several reviews praising the secluded nature and tree coverage. "Camping spots are very private; it feels like you have more privacy than you actually do," noted one user.
Total Campsites85 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor those with large campers, avoid Site 24 due to narrow pull-throughs. Site 33 is recommended for privacy and canopy of trees.
Best CampsitesSite 81 has been praised for its spaciousness and proximity to the lake. Users noted sites like 33 for their privacy and shade.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time is not specified.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limits are not specified.
Groups
Group camping is available with three group sites, one of which includes a picnic shelter.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutMany campsites are waterfront or within walking distance. Loops are labeled as MLOO, NLOO, SLOO, and MVA.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for reservations from March 26 to November 1 annually.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly stated, but lack of staffing may indicate limited walk-up availability.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies, and the first night's recreation use fee is forfeited for late cancellations. Specific holiday weekend rules require reservations for multiple nights.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Mound Valley Campground offers campers opportunities for various activities such as hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and hunting. Its proximity to the Big Hill Lake allows for direct access to water-based recreation and picturesque trails.
Hiking
Several trails are accessible from Mound Valley, including the Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, a 17-mile equestrian trail featuring varied terrain and scenic views. Reviews indicate enjoyment of the trails but also note poison ivy on some routes.Fishing
Fishing at Big Hill Lake is popular due to the presence of largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, walleye, and smallmouth bass. One user noted, "Good lake for fishing," while another highlighted poor bank fishing conditions.Swimming
The swim beach is an attraction at the campground, but seasonal closures due to blue-green algae issues were noted in reviews: "The beach was closed due to blue-green algae."Boating
The campground features a boat ramp for launching watercraft, but accessibility to parking near campsites for boats was noted as limited in reviews.Beach activities
The beach area is appreciated for swimming and relaxation, but seasonal closures due to algae were highlighted.Winter Activities
Information on winter activities is not available for this campground.Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, and similar water sports are popular at Big Hill Lake. "Our #18 spot on the Mound Valley side was quiet and peaceful. It also had a great spot for launching our kayaks," shared one user.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted but fire pits are reportedly not cleaned regularly.
- Quiet hours are not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews cited poison ivy and ticks as recurring concerns. Blue-green algae advisory has been noted during peak season.
Active alertsSwim beach closures due to blue-green algae during certain seasons.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 74%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.5 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are located in Cherryvale (approx. 5 miles away), including police, fire stations, and medical facilities.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 26 to November 1 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal facilities are centralized, requiring campers to drive to a dump station. Several reviews mentioned inconvenience due to the lack of nearby trash receptacles. "It is most inconvenient to have to drive your vehicle to the trash dump site," one user remarked.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Big Hill Lake with many sites being waterfront or a short walk away.
Common complaintsComplaints include dirty restrooms, lack of hot water in showers, poorly maintained sites, and limited utility hookups.
HostSome users mentioned friendly hosts, while others reported minimal host presence.
Campground Map
19065 Cherryvale Pkwy, Cherryvale, KS 67335-0426, USA
Driving directionsFrom Cherryvale, Kansas, take U.S. Highway 169 and turn east onto Main Street. Continue through the town and turn right 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 Mound Valley.
Accessible year-round via paved roads. No seasonal closures mentioned. Roads are described as paved and easily navigable, but roads and entry pads showing signs of wear were mentioned in user reviews.Nearby places
Cherryvale (approx. 5 miles), Parsons (approx. 15 miles), Independence (approx. 20 miles)
Nearby supplies
Cherryvale has nearby options for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel within 5 miles.
Camper Reviews
4.1
160 reviews
Mound Valley is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, reviews of Mound Valley Campground are mixed, with ratings ranging from 1 to 5 stars. Positive comments often highlight the campground's natural beauty, spacious sites, and the variety of activities available. Complaints generally center on outdated and poorly maintained facilities, privacy issues, and occasional uncleanliness.
Review Summaries
Based on 160 reviews
What Campers Love
Users often praise the campground's scenic location, shade-providing trees, spacious campsites, and opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and hiking. "Wonderful campground. Clean, well maintained and...
Based on 160 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues raised by users include unclean and outdated bathrooms and shower facilities, inadequate water hookups, lack of trash receptacles, and poor maintenance of fire pits. "The showers have...
Based on 160 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers advise arriving early for easier setup, avoiding specific sites for large campers, and being cautious of poison ivy. "For site 31, beware of tree when backing into; get as close to brick as...
Based on 160 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal closures of the swim beach due to blue-green algae and rainy conditions impacting camping experiences were noted in user reviews.
Based on 160 reviewsCamper Quotes
"We always enjoy going to Big Hill Lake," "The campsite was nice and shaded with access to the lake and a great view," "Shower houses and restrooms need updated/improvements," "The campground was...
Based on 160 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites received mixed feedback. For instance, Site 24 was criticized for being too narrow for large campers, while Site 89 was praised for its full hookups but noted for a significant bee...
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Accessibility Features
Limited information is available regarding accessibility experiences. A user mentioned navigating terrain using crutches.
Based on 160 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not explicitly stated, though one user noted, "Campers next to us did not tie their dogs up."
Based on 160 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025