Big Hill Wildlife Area
Rate this placeNearby: Mound Valley Timber Hill Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Big Hill Wildlife Area is a 6,400-acre park located in eastern Kansas, known for its diverse wildlife and natural beauty.
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Summary
There are several reasons to visit this area, including hiking, hunting, birdwatching, and fishing. The park is home to over 200 bird species, including bald eagles, and is a popular spot for birdwatchers. Additionally, the park offers several trails for hiking and biking, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.
One of the main points of interest in Big Hill Wildlife Area is the Big Hill Lake, which covers over 1,200 acres. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, with a variety of fish species including largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. There are also several campgrounds located around the lake, making it a great spot for camping and outdoor recreation.
Interesting facts about the area include its history as a former military base, with several bunkers and other structures still visible throughout the park. The park was also used as a filming location for the movie "Paper Moon" in 1973.
The best time of year to visit Big Hill Wildlife Area depends on your interests. Spring and fall are popular times for birdwatching, as many migratory species pass through the area during these seasons. Summer is a great time for fishing and other water activities, while winter offers opportunities for hunting and hiking in cooler temperatures.
Overall, Big Hill Wildlife Area is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the beauty and diverse wildlife of eastern Kansas.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Mound Valley - Big Hill Lake
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CherryVale Park
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Cherryvale - Big Hill Lake
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Timber Hill - Big Hill Lake
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Idle Hour Lake
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Louie P. Gartner RA
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