Toronto Lake in Woodson County, Kansas.
Cross Timbers State Park at Toronto Lake is located in the gently rolling hills of the Verdigris River Valley in southeast Kansas. It comprises 1,075 acres in the northern region known to early pioneers as the Cross Timbers. The park is adjacent to the 4,600-acre Toronto Wildlife Area and has numerous access points to the 2,800-acre Toronto Lake.
Osage indians by George Catlin.
This region was a favored hunting and camping ground for the Native Americans of the Osage Nation. The forested floodplains, surrounded by prairie terraces and oak savanna hills, offer visitors the chance to immerse themselves in some of the most diverse flora and fauna in Kansas.
Toronto Lake is a reservoir located on the Verdigris River, offering boating, camping, and other recreational opportunities. It is a flood control lake authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1941. Construction on the lake started in November 1954 and was completed in February 1960. In addition to flood control, the lake serves for recreational purposes, to improve water quality, and potentially to supply water. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains the lake.
Cross Timbers State Park offers shaded campsites within easy access to the lake, available for both full RV hookups and primitive camping. All park campgrounds are served by modern bathroom and shower facilities, except for Mann’s Cove Loop, which has a vault toilet. Backcountry camping is allowed by special permit on segments of the Chautauqua Hills Trail.
A kayak and canoe loaner program is offered on weekends from May to September. The Kayak Hosts are at Toronto Point Campsite #61. Reservations are not taken; they are first come, first served. An adult must accompany those under 18. Lifejackets are provided and must be worn; a waiver must also be signed. The Moon’s Cove Blue Water Trail has an interpretive brochure available through the office and from kayak hosts.
Ancient Tree Trail at Cross Timbers State Park.
Fishing in the reservoir, Walnut Creek, and the Verdigris River can be excellent for white bass, crappie, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. The numerous brush piles are also excellent places to pursue black bass, bluegill, and sunfish.
Boat ramps have been constructed around the reservoir, on Walnut Creek, and on the Verdigris River to provide access for boats.
The park also provides a Special Handicap Hunt Area and campgrounds in Cross Timbers State Park. Shaded campsites are available within easy access of the lake for both full RV hookups and primitive camping. All park campgrounds are served by modern bathroom and shower facilities, except for Mann’s Cove Loop, which has a vault toilet. Cross Timbers State Park also provides four fully equipped cabins that can be rented.
Cross Timbers State Park offers miles of trails for walking, hiking, running, mountain biking, and backpacking. However, the Ancient Trees Trail, an interpretive trail featuring trees dating back to the 1720s, is only open for hiking.
Toronto Lake, Kansas.
The adjacent 4,600-acre Toronto Wildlife Area is a diverse collection of habitats, including forests, grasslands, farmlands, and marshes. Species common to the area included white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, quail, squirrels, rabbits, doves, and raccoons. A rich variety of songbirds appeals to wildlife observers and photographers. This area, which is a mix of land and water, is open to public hunting, where a wide variety of game and non-game animals can be found.
Cross Timbers State Park
144 Highway 105
Toronto, KS 66777-9749
620-637-2213
Cross Timbers State Park Cabin.
The park and lake are located on the Verdigris River about four miles southeast of Toronto, Kansas, in Woodson County. It is 12 miles west of Yates Center.
©Kathy Alexander/Legends of Kansas, updated April 2025.
Also See:
Sources:
Kansas Geological Survey – Cross Timbers-Toronto Lake
Kansas Department of Wildlife and State Parks
Wikipedia