Natural swimming hole
Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Swim Beach
Lake · Kansas
About this swimming hole
Big Hill Lake is a 1,240-acre U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir in southeast Kansas's 'Little Ozarks,' noted as one of the clearest lakes in Kansas. The Mound Valley Recreation Area has a sand-covered, alcohol-free swimming beach with a change house that the Corps calls a popular spot for cooling off. Camping, boating, and trophy fishing for bass and crappie round out the lake's draws.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Best season | June-August |
| Fees | Corps day-use fee collected for the beach and boat ramps (per USACE) |
| Reservations required | No |
| Parking | Mound Valley Recreation Area lots, about 5 miles east of Cherryvale via County Route 5000 |
| Amenities | swim beach, change house, campground, showers, boat ramp, playground |
| County | Labette County |
| Nearest town | Cherryvale |
| Safety notes | No lifeguard; alcoholic beverages are prohibited within the Mound Valley Swimming Beach Area |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Swim Beach?
Yes — Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Swim Beach is listed as a natural swimming spot in Kansas. Heads-up: No lifeguard; alcoholic beverages are prohibited within the Mound Valley Swimming Beach Area. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Swim Beach require reservations?
No reservations are required at Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Swim Beach based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Swim Beach?
Reported fee info: Corps day-use fee collected for the beach and boat ramps (per USACE). Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Swim Beach?
The best season is typically June-August.