Campground

Downstream Point

Big Hill Lake · CHERRYVALE · Kansas — managed by US Army Corps of Engineers

Sites open now — checked live on Recreation.gov
Downstream Point campground
Photo: Recreation.gov · USACE

Weekend availability at Downstream Point

Live from Recreation.gov · checked Sep 18, 2:13 PM PT
  • Fri, Sep 25
    Limited
    1/1 sites
  • Fri, Oct 2
    Limited
    1/1 sites
  • Fri, Oct 9
    Limited
    1/1 sites
  • Fri, Oct 16
    Limited
    1/1 sites
  • Fri, Oct 23
    Limited
    1/1 sites

Friday + Saturday nights, sites bookable both nights. Counts come from a rotating sweep and can lag a cancellation by up to a day — alerts watch your exact dates within minutes.

How booked is Downstream Point?

as of September 19

Sites are open right now — we found space out to Oct. That changes fast at a campground. We check Downstream Point around the clock, so the moment your dates fill up and a cancellation reopens them, you'll be first to know. Weekdays still have room — for now.

Weekends (Saturday night)

Sep 26Open
Oct 10Open
Oct 17Open
Oct 31Open

Weekdays (Wednesday night)

Sep 23Open
Oct 14Open
Oct 28Open

Availability checked directly against the reservation system, out to 3 months ahead.

Campsites & amenities

Site-level details from Recreation.gov's official catalog.

Campsites
1
Water hookups
1
Group Picnic Area

About this campground

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.

Getting there

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.

Elevation
868 ft
Contact
620-328-2050

Activities

  • SWIMMING SITE
  • HUNTING
  • FISHING
  • CAMPING

Nearby federal campgrounds

Never miss an opening at Downstream Point

Popular Kansas campgrounds book out months ahead — but cancellations happen every day. We watch Downstream Point around the clock and alert you the moment a sold-out site reopens for your dates, so you don't have to keep refreshing Recreation.gov.

Not ready to subscribe? Get a free weekend heads-up.

We'll email you if Downstream Point opens up for a weekend you pick. No account needed.

Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office or on Recreation.gov before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.