Cross Timbers State Park

Cross Timbers State Park is a nature preserve in the Verdigris River valley featuring forested floodplains and oak savanna hills spread across the landscape. The land transitions from wetland areas near the river to drier elevated terrain, creating varied plant and wildlife habitats throughout the grounds.

The land was a traditional hunting and camping ground for the Osage Nation before becoming a designated state park in Kansas. The transition from indigenous use to public conservation reflects how the site's purpose changed over time.

This place preserves a section of the Cross Timbers region that early settlers viewed as a natural boundary marking the frontier. The mixed landscape of forest and open hills continues to shape how people experience and move through the land today.

The park offers camping areas and basic accommodations for visitors wanting to explore nature and water activities in the region. The best time to visit is during warmer months when all facilities are fully accessible and outdoor activities are in full swing.

On certain weekends, visitors can borrow kayaks and canoes at Toronto Point Campsite and must wear life jackets for safety. This loaner program lets people without their own boats explore the waterways of the Verdigris River.