🌤 Weather at Cross Timbers State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33–75 °F | 64–89 °F | 34–81 °F | 21–47 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Yates Ctr, 3 mi away, elevation 1,112 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Cross Timbers State Park is a public state park in Kansas near Toronto in Woodson County. Spanning 1,075 acres and established in 2022, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Kansas |
| Nearest City | Toronto |
| County | Woodson |
| Park Size | 1,075 acres |
| Established | 2022 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Cross Timbers State Park is located near Toronto, Kansas. The park’s coordinates are 37.9167, -95.7000.
Things to Do
Kansas state parks center largely around the state’s 24 federal reservoirs and lakes, offering outstanding water-based recreation in the heart of the Great Plains. Activities include boating, sailing, and water skiing on large prairie lakes, fishing for walleye, crappie, and striped bass, swimming at sandy reservoir beaches, camping under dramatic open skies, hiking through tallgrass prairie and limestone canyons, mountain biking developing trail networks, hunting (in season), and observing spectacular night skies with minimal light pollution.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) provide the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities. Summer (June–August) is peak season for lake recreation but brings intense Kansas heat (95°F+) and humidity. Fall is excellent for hiking and fishing as temperatures cool. Winter can be harsh with cold winds, but it offers solitude, eagle watching, and some of the lowest camping fees. Wildflower season on the Flint Hills prairies (April–May) is a must-see natural spectacle.
Visitor Tips
Kansas state parks require a vehicle permit ($5/day or $25/year for residents, $50 out-of-state). Camping reservations through the Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism website. Many Kansas parks are designed primarily around lake recreation — bring your own watercraft or rent from concession marinas. Shade can be limited at prairie parks, so bring sun protection. Wind is a constant factor — check forecasts before boating.
Explore More Kansas State Parks
Cross Timbers State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Kansas. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Kansas guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Fall River State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and Prairie Spirit Trail State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
⛺ Camping at Cross Timbers State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Areas data: Woodson Cove 5 primitive; Mann's Cove 15 primitive (reservable); Holiday Hill 28 primitive + 1 water/sewer/electric + 7 water/electric + 7 electric (reservable); Toronto Point 60 primitive + 18 water/sewer/electric + 45 water/electric (reservable, ADA camping available). All campgrounds have modern bathroom and shower facilities except Mann's Cove Loop, which has a vault toilet. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 4 cabins. Sandstone Bluff, Whispering Oaks and Eagle's Nest sleep 8, each with bathroom/shower, 2-burner range top, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, coffee pot, table and chairs, futon couch, campfire ring and grill. Timber Walker sleeps 6, is handicap accessible, and adds a dishwasher and apartment-sized stove. No smoking in the cabins. Eagle's Nest is the only pet-friendly cabin (pet fee required). No tents are allowed in the cabin area. |
| Pets | Statewide KDWP rule: pets must be restrained by leash, chain or kennel no longer than 10 feet and are not allowed on swimming beaches or in buildings. Eagle's Nest is the only pet-friendly cabin; pet fee required. |
| Reservations | Book via KSOutdoors.com/CampItKS.gov or ReserveAmerica.com, by phone, or at the park office, (620) 637-2213. Vehicle permits required. General KDWP cancellation policy applies. |
| Special sites | Back-country camping allowed by special permit on segments of the Chautauqua Hills Trail. All park trails open to hiking and mountain bikes except the Ancient Trees Trail, which is hiking-only. |
Camping questions about Cross Timbers State Park
Can you camp at Cross Timbers State Park?
Areas data: Woodson Cove 5 primitive; Mann's Cove 15 primitive (reservable); Holiday Hill 28 primitive + 1 water/sewer/electric + 7 water/electric + 7 electric (reservable); Toronto Point 60 primitive + 18 water/sewer/electric + 45 water/electric (reservable, ADA camping available). All campgrounds have modern bathroom and shower facilities except Mann's Cove Loop, which has a vault toilet.
How do you reserve a campsite at Cross Timbers State Park?
Book via KSOutdoors.com/CampItKS.gov or ReserveAmerica.com, by phone, or at the park office, (620) 637-2213. Vehicle permits required. General KDWP cancellation policy applies.
Are there cabins at Cross Timbers State Park?
4 cabins. Sandstone Bluff, Whispering Oaks and Eagle's Nest sleep 8, each with bathroom/shower, 2-burner range top, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, coffee pot, table and chairs, futon couch, campfire ring and grill. Timber Walker sleeps 6, is handicap accessible, and adds a dishwasher and apartment-sized stove. No smoking in the cabins. Eagle's Nest is the only pet-friendly cabin (pet fee required). No tents are allowed in the cabin area.
Are pets allowed at the Cross Timbers State Park campground?
Statewide KDWP rule: pets must be restrained by leash, chain or kennel no longer than 10 feet and are not allowed on swimming beaches or in buildings. Eagle's Nest is the only pet-friendly cabin; pet fee required.
Source: ksoutdoors.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Cross Timbers State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Kansas state parks, including trails and campgrounds, but must always be restrained by a camper, cage, hand-held leash, or tether no longer than 10 feet.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Hand-held leash or tethered chain no longer than 10 feet (or confined in camper/cage)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed on swimming beaches or in buoyed swimming areas, or in public buildings
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed inside cabins except in designated pet-friendly cabins (e.g. at Lovewell, Eisenhower, El Dorado, Clinton) with a $50 pet fee; at other cabins pets must stay outside
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $50 pet fee for designated pet-friendly cabins
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Dogs participating in authorized activities (such as hunting) or assisting the visually or hearing impaired are exempt
Are dogs allowed at Cross Timbers State Park?
Pets are allowed in Kansas state parks, including trails and campgrounds, but must always be restrained by a camper, cage, hand-held leash, or tether no longer than 10 feet. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via ksoutdoors.gov. More: Kansas state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Cross Timbers State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
