Army Corps of Engineers · Big Hill Lake · Kansas

160 Horse Camp

160 Horse Camp is located on the crystal clear Big Hill Lake in southeast Kansas. The lake boasts 3 campgrounds, three equestrian trails, two of which offer camping, and four day-use areas for the public to enjoy. Camping, picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, fishing and other outdoor activities abound.

More like this: reservable in Kansas · pets allowed in Kansas · group sites in Kansas

Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
160 Horse Camp
Photo courtesy of Big Hill Lake Riders · Recreation.gov

Site mix

Equestrian51
group shelter nonelectric1
Most sites here open on Recreation.gov six months ahead, at 10 a.m. Eastern. Sold out is not final: cancellations come back into the pool, most of them two to three days out. How to catch one

Amenities & rules

HookupsNone
EquipmentRVs & trailers, Tents
PetsAllowed

160 Horse Camp offers vault toilets and horse corrals.

Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.

Weather by month

NOAA climate normals →
Weather by month near 160 Horse Camp30°40°50°60°70°80°January: 1.51 inches of precipitationFebruary: 1.44 inches of precipitationMarch: 2.84 inches of precipitationApril: 4.15 inches of precipitationMay: 6.72 inches of precipitationJune: 4.84 inches of precipitationJuly: 3.96 inches of precipitationAugust: 4.13 inches of precipitationSeptember: 3.52 inches of precipitationOctober: 3.93 inches of precipitationNovember: 2.42 inches of precipitationDecember: 1.61 inches of precipitationJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJanuary: 33.0°F averageFebruary: 37.4°F averageMarch: 47.1°F averageApril: 56.9°F averageMay: 66.0°F averageJune: 74.7°F averageJuly: 79.5°F averageAugust: 78.8°F averageSeptember: 70.8°F averageOctober: 58.9°F averageNovember: 46.3°F averageDecember: 36.7°F average0 in2 in4 in6 in8 inTemp °FInches
The line is the average temperature and the bars are average precipitation at Big Hill Lake, less than a mile from the recreation area point at 907 feet, station USC00140810 in the NOAA monthly climate normals for 1991 to 2020. Precipitation totals about 41 inches a year.

Getting there

AreaRecreation.gov lists no exact point for this campground. The recreation area is at 37.27° N, 95.47° W. Call the office before you drive.

Explore

Video

Palisades Horse Campground Review

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. 160 Horse Camp offers a relaxing atmosphere with plenty of trees for shade, and the lake is only a short walk away from the campsites.

Recreation

Campers can venture onto several hiking and equestrian trails including Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, a 17-mile trail with a variety of terrain for all ages to explore. The trail winds along a scenic hardwood ridge that offers gorgeous views all along the way. Big Hill Lake is known as 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 will enjoy visiting the sand-covered beach nearby for cooling off from the summer heat and enjoying a picnic.

Guidebooks for Kansas and camping across the country

We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.

  • Kansas Trail Guide
    Jonathan M. Conard and Kristin M. Conard, 2015
    Find at Bookshop.org
  • Frommer's Exploring America by RV
    Harry Basch and Shirley Slater, 2012
    Find at Bookshop.org

Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.

Reference

Questions people ask

Do I need a reservation at 160 Horse Camp?

Sites at 160 Horse Camp are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.

Source: Recreation.gov

What time is check-in at 160 Horse Camp?

Check-in 03:00 PM, checkout 03:00 PM.

Source: Recreation.gov

How many sites does 160 Horse Camp have?

52 sites, including 51 equestrian sites and 1 group shelter nonelectric.

Source: Recreation.gov

Can I bring an RV to 160 Horse Camp?

160 Horse Camp is listed for tents only.

Source: Recreation.gov

Are pets allowed at 160 Horse Camp?

Yes, pets are allowed at 160 Horse Camp. Leash rules apply.

Source: Recreation.gov

What is there to do at 160 Horse Camp?

Campers can venture onto several hiking and equestrian trails including Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, a 17-mile trail with a variety of terrain for all ages to explore. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.

Source: Recreation