Campgrounds
Hiking at Cross Timbers State Park. Photograph by Clara Sorenson of Yates Center
The park is located 12 miles west of Yates Center in Woodson County, south of Toronto, KS. This region was a favored hunting and camping ground of Native Americans of the Osage Nation. The forested flood plains, surrounded by terraces of prairie and hills of oak savanna, provide visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in some of the most diverse flora and fauna in Kansas.
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Shaded campsites within easy access of the lake are available for both full RV hookup and primitive camping. All park campgrounds are served by modern bathroom and shower facilities, with the exception of Mann's Cove Loop that has a vault toilet. All park trails are open to hiking and mountain bikes except the Ancient Trees Trail is only open hiking. Back country camping is allowed by special permit on segments of the Chautauqua Hills Trail.
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Kayaks are back! The park has NEW kayaks and a canoe now available through our loaner program. The Kayak Hosts are in Toronto Point Campsite #61, watercraft can be borrowed weekends only, reservations are NOT taken they are first come first serve, an adult MUST accompany those under 18, Lifejackets MUST be worn (provided), and a waiver must be signed. The Moon's Cove Blue Water Trail has an interpretive brochure available through the office.
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Fishing in the river and on the reservoir can be excellent. Both are noted for excellent white crappie, white bass, channel catfish, and flat-head catfish angling. Black bass, bluegill, and sunfish round out the diverse fishing opportunities available here. 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 turkey, quail, squirrel, rabbit, dove, and raccoon. A rich variety of songbirds appeals to wildlife observers and photographers. - KS Department of Wildlife & Parks
City of Yates Center RV Park
HWY 75 & 105th Rd, Yates Center, KS
Yates Center RV Park offers electric and water hookups as well as a dump station. $20 per night ($25 for first night if reserved). For additional information contact City Hall at (620) 625-2118. Self-pay station on-site.
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Neosho Falls riverside Park
N Hwy 54 on Willow Rd
Riverside Park is a community park located near Neosho Falls, Kansas, just east of the Neosho River, adjacent to the historic Neosho River Dam. Today's Riverside Park was once called Goss Park in honor of one of the founders of the city. It was the site of the Neosho Valley Fair for many years, and on September 25, 1879 President Rutherford B. Hayes visited, along with 30,000+ other people.
Neosho Falls was once the most important town in Woodson County & the first county seat of the County. With a population topping 1200 in its prime, today, just over 100 remain. It was once at the intersection of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe and the Missouri, Kansas & Texas (The M-K-T or "Katy") railroads, with a large depot. The railroads left in the 1930s and 1950s, respectively, That, along with 3 devastating floods that destroyed much of the town, the big in 1951, was one that Neosho Falls would not come back from.
There's not much left of the once thriving, beautiful incorporated city but memories, meaning it is a quiet place to make new memories in solitude or with your loved ones.
Riverside Park provides several acres of beautifully shaded campgrounds, suitable for both RVs and primitive sites for tent campers.
Amenities include restrooms, non-potable water, picnic tables, and grills.
• The cost is $12 per night for RVs and $6 per night for tents - pay via self-pay box
• Access is via gravel roads
• Park managers on site
South Owl Lake at Sunset. Photograph by Jason Shepard of Yates Center
South owl campground
S Owl Lake Loop, Yates Center, KS
South Owl Campground is located at South Owl Lake just south of Yates Center. Electric, water, and sewer hookups available. Dump station available nearby at Yates Center RV Park (HWY 75 & 105th Rd). $20 per night ($25 for first night if reserved). For additional information, contact City Hall at (620) 625-2118. Self-pay station on-site.
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South Owl Lake is located on the south edge of town. Take Highway 75 south to Reservoir Road. Turn west and follow the road to the lake.
South Owl Lake has approximately 276 acres of surface water. Nestled among the blackjack trees, the lake and its surroundings offer a beautiful setting for an exciting fishing experience or a wonderful family picnic.
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The lake has a turbidity problem due to erosion of the topsoil along the shore. A drawdown is sometimes implemented in the fall to help alleviate this problem. A feeding program increases the carrying capacity and growth rate of the channel catfish at this lake. A fish barrier screen on the spillway reduces the loss of fish downstream during wet periods. Do not let the "muddy" water fool you, the lake has excellent bass, crappie and wiper fishing.
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South Owl Lake and a boat ramp and fishing piers. Improvements recently finished or in process, include a RV campground and an additional fishing pier on the west side of the lake. Plans are also being considered for a shelter house at the lake. Lakeside Golf Course adjoins the lake.
Toronto Lake at Cross Timbers State Park. Photo by Split Rock Retreat.
Our Beautiful Campground has THREE fully loaded, climate controlled cabins and 2 RV Sites:
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Cabin 1: THE MONTANA CABIN ~ ADA ~ SLEEPS 4 AND PET FRIENDLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION: This fun cabin has an open design and is fully equipped and has a fun Montana Cabin theme.
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Cabin 9: THE SUNFLOWER CABIN ~ SLEEPS 6 AND PET FRIENDLY This cabin has one private Bedroom with Queen bed, a huge Loft and Sleeper Sofa.
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Cabin 10: THE DRIFTWOOD CABINS ~ SLEEPS 6 AND PET FRIENDLY This cabin has one private Bedroom with Queen bed, a huge Loft and Sleeper Sofa.
CLEANING FEE INCLUDES REQUIRED ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE COVERAGE TO COVER YOU AND ME!
MORE PICTURES AND FULL DETAILS OF EACH CABIN FOUND ON RESERVATION PAGE
TWO RV Pad with all the Amenities: These are add on sites and require a separate reservation. They are offered elsewhere as well so their availability is not guaranteed. Please contact host to add these on $30 per site per night.
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RV/Camper Site 3: Fully equipped with Water, Electricity and Sewer Hook up. Includes a dedicated Firepit and Picnic table. This is a pull in site.
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RV/Camper Site 4: Fully equipped with Water, Electricity and Sewer Hook up. Includes a dedicated Firepit and Picnic Table. This is a Back in site.
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Toronto Shops & Dining
Sandstone Market & Deli 7mi. ~ 105 W. Main in Toronto
https://www.thesandstonemarket.com/
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Cross-Eyed Catfish Trading Co 7mi. ~ 120 W. Main in Toronto
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057354973745 -
Getty's Bar 7mi. ~ 101 E. Main in Toronto
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Toronto Lumber 7mi. ~ 102 E. Main in Toronto
https://www.facebook.com/torontolumber/ -
Lizard Lips/Country Junction Shop, Eat, Fuel & Bait 10mi. ~ 153 US-54, Toronto
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063618370948
POINTS OF INTEREST -
Cross Timbers State Park
Cross Timbers State Park (Toronto Lake) is located a few miles south of US 54 highway on K-105. -
Woodson Cove
At the far eastern side of the lake, near the end of highway 105. This cove is popular for boating, water skiing, sun bathing, fishing and great views. -
Dam Site Timbers State Park
Known for Great fishing with a rod/reel or bow/arrow you will find this spot a treasure trove. Large catfish - Channel, Flathead, Blue and White. Large Carp, Buffalo and Wipers. Be there when the flood gates open you won’t be disappointed!
NEARBY TOWNS TO DISCOVER
Nearby Town also have Gas/Groceries/Shopping/Food -
Yates Center Ks. - 17.9 Miles - East at 105 Junction
https://cityofyatescenter.com/ https://www.revitalizeyc.com/yates-center-square -
Eureka Ks. - 27.0 Miles - West at 105 Junction
https://www.eurekaks.org/ https://eurekakansas.com/things-to-do/
We are a family that loves the outdoors and grew up camping and traveling to fabulous scenery all over the United States. When we found this little slice of wonderful we were thrilled it was so close to home and just had to make it ours. The cabins come from another adventurous family in the mountains of Arkansas. While we tried to buy just one the other didn't want to leave its twin behind, so we ended up with 2 gorgeous cabins. We are in the process of adding our 3rd cabin in spot one for our family members in wheelchairs. We are excited that it will be a place everyone can enjoy. Watch for the details on that one coming soon. We hare so excited to share our little lake home with you and hope that you love it just as much as we do. - Split Rock Retreat
Still Waters Edge Retreat aerial view. Photo by Still Waters Edge Retreat.
Hello! We are Todd & Melissa Stiffler. God blessed us with 77 acres in Woodson County, KS in October, 2016. We opened Still Waters Edge Retreat Memorial Day weekend of 2021.
We weren't exactly sure what we wanted to do with this little piece of heaven on earth, but as we began to dream and create, we started to see our vision coming together. In the summer of 2018 we completed our pond, and it is affectionally called the "Play Pond" by Melissa. Since Kansas is right smack in the middle of the USA and no beach areas are to be found, we brought the beach to us! We love to share our little pond and all the fun times we have in it.
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In 2019 we added a teahouse and a dock and storage shed and a whole lot of catfish, bluegill, bass, and crappie. In 2020 we added a Grain Bin Kitchen/Bar, a playground, and an outdoor bathroom. We ran water and electricity to the pond, as well. In 2021, we have added a 5 acre "mini" lake, a zip line over the pond, a water trampoline, and several new kayaks, a pedal boat, two canoes, and another storage shed. We also added 8 RV hookups. We believe God has a desire for His children to share His love with others and be His hands and feet on this earth. That is doing CHURCH! Most of all, we want to love on others and watch families and friends gather together to enjoy each other and enjoy life. Jesus came that we might have LIFE and life more abundantly. We long for your soul to prosper at Still Waters Edge Retreat, LLC. - Todd & Melissa Stiffler of Still Waters Edge Retreat
Aerial view of Woodson State Fishing Lake. Photo by Taylor Hunt.
Woodson State Fishing Lake
Fegan Road, Yates Center, KS
The oak covered Chautauqua Hills which lie along the east and south side of the lake, along with the native grass covered rolling terrain to the west and north, provide a beautiful setting for Woodson State Fishing Lake. The lake itself is 180 surface acres and is located on a tributary of Big Sandy Creek, which eventually dumps into the Verdigris River. About 75% of public use on the area centers around the lake. Primary use is by anglers, however, the beautiful setting of the lake draws many campers and day users. Primitive campsites only.