Manns Cove Campground

🌲 Introduction / Overview: Kansas's Hidden Gem on Toronto Lake

For Kansans who believe the best camping is the kind that gets you closest to nature, Manns Cove Campground at Cross Timbers State Park is a cherished local secret. Situated on the beautiful shores of Toronto Lake, this campground offers a distinctly rustic and peaceful experience, moving away from the crowded RV resorts to embrace the quiet solitude of the Kansas outdoors. Unlike some of the larger, amenity-packed sections of Cross Timbers State Park, Manns Cove is dedicated to primitive camping, making it a haven for tent campers, kayakers, and those traveling light who prioritize peace and direct access to the water and trails.

The area is maintained by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWP) and is characterized by the unique topography of the Cross Timbers region—rolling hills, dense woodlands, and open prairies surrounding the Toronto Reservoir. It is an ideal spot to "just to think and enjoy nature," as one local reviewer noted, offering a chance to truly unplug. The commitment to a primitive environment means fewer distractions and a greater appreciation for the natural flora and fauna of the Verdigris River Valley. Visitors frequently praise its cleanliness, space, and the abundance of local wildlife, from birding opportunities to observing deer and other native species.

Manns Cove provides a refreshing contrast to the modern utility sites found elsewhere in the park. It is a vital access point for exploring the lake and the extensive trail system, serving as a perfect base camp for a weekend of fishing, hiking, and simple relaxation. If your idea of a perfect Kansas getaway involves a campfire, starlit skies, and the gentle lapping of lake water, Manns Cove is worth serious consideration.

📍 Location and Accessibility: Gateway to Cross Timbers Wilderness

Manns Cove Campground is strategically located on the eastern side of the Toronto Reservoir, within the greater Cross Timbers State Park boundaries near the small town of Toronto, Kansas.

The general address and contact area for the park is:

Toronto, KS 66777, USA

The campground is accessed via local roads, easily reachable from the main park entrance. It is situated off Highway 105, which leads travelers into the heart of the Cross Timbers ecosystem. While the location feels wonderfully remote, it is conveniently located in Southeast Kansas, making it an accessible driving distance for residents across the state, including those coming from Wichita, Emporia, or Pittsburg.

Accessibility at Manns Cove is geared towards smaller camping setups. The area offers approximately 15 designated sites designed primarily for tent campers or small camping vehicles that do not require electrical or water hookups. Its location on a cove, sometimes full of trees standing in water—a natural phenomenon that gives the region its name—makes it a prime spot for easy launch and retrieval of kayaks and canoes. Because it is a more rustic section of the State Park, travelers should be prepared for gravel access roads and grass/dirt campsites. This area is highly popular, and since all campsites at Manns Cove are first-come, first-served (not reservable), accessibility is best for those who can arrive earlier in the week or outside of peak holiday periods.

🧺 Services Offered

Manns Cove is defined by its commitment to primitive camping, meaning the services are basic, yet essential, focusing on low-impact outdoor living. The fees for primitive camping are notably low (around $5 for a day pass or similar low rates for camping), making it an extremely budget-friendly option for Kansas residents.

• Camping Sites: Approximately 15 primitive campsites available, catering to tents and basic camping units. All sites are first-come, first-served only.
• Water Access: The campground features two water spigots for drinking water (non-potable water is not typically available directly at the sites).
• Restroom Facilities: Manns Cove is served by a pit toilet or vault toilet only. Unlike other areas of the State Park, it does not offer modern shower houses or flush toilets, reinforcing its primitive status.
• Day Use Amenities: Every campsite includes basic features such as a picnic table and a fire ring/grill, perfect for outdoor cooking and gathering.
• Boating/Paddling Access: A dedicated boat ramp is located at Manns Cove, specifically valued by kayakers and canoers for its sheltered water access.
• Park Maintenance: Although primitive, the campground is part of the State Park system and is noted by visitors for being clean and well-maintained by KDWP staff.
• Dump Station: Visitors must utilize the dump station located in the main Toronto Point section of Cross Timbers State Park for grey water disposal, as DUMPING OF GREY WATER IS PROHIBITED at the primitive site.

🌟 Features / Highlights

Manns Cove Campground offers distinct features that appeal strongly to a specific type of Kansas outdoor enthusiast looking for a genuine natural retreat.

• Excellent Value: With minimal daily fees for access and camping, Manns Cove is one of the most cost-effective lakeside camping options in Southeast Kansas.
• The Blue Water Trail Access: Manns Cove is a primary access point for the unique Blue Water Trail, a designated kayak and canoe route on Toronto Lake that features interpretive signs describing the surrounding rock formations and ecosystem. Loaner kayaks and canoes may sometimes be available through the park office (check with KDWP for current availability).
• Superior Fishing: The cove is renowned by local anglers, often flocked to for crappie fishing due to the natural phenomenon of trees standing in the water, which creates excellent fish habitat.
• Unspoiled Nature: The campground is known for its peace and quiet, its ample shade from the cross timbers oaks, and the opportunity for birding & wildlife observation, creating a truly restorative environment.
• Trail Network Proximity: Campers have convenient access to the extensive 15-mile hiking/biking trail system of Cross Timbers State Park, including the Overlook Trail and Chautauqua Hills Trail loops.
• Spacious, Wooded Sites: Unlike some tightly packed State Park loops, reviews suggest that the Manns Cove sites are generally more spread out, offering better privacy and a more secluded feel.

📞 Contact Information

Manns Cove is an operational area of Cross Timbers State Park. All official inquiries, emergency contacts, and questions regarding permits, regulations, and current conditions should be directed to the main Park Office.

• Address (General Park Area): Toronto, KS 66777, USA
• Park Office Phone (Best for Current Info): (620) 637-2213
• Park Regulations & Information: Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWP) website.

Potential campers are advised to call the park office ahead of time to confirm the status of the primitive sites and lake conditions, especially since the sites are first-come, first-served and are subject to weather-related closures.

💯 What is Worth Choosing Manns Cove Campground

For Kansas residents, choosing Manns Cove Campground is a commitment to a true, affordable wilderness experience without having to travel hundreds of miles. It is the perfect choice for the camper who is equipped and ready for self-sufficiency and values the ambiance of nature over the convenience of a sewer hookup.

The primary reason to choose Manns Cove is its unique combination of low cost, quiet solitude, and exceptional water access. Where other nearby campgrounds are filled with large RVs and generators (which are prohibited during quiet hours), Manns Cove promises a peaceful retreat. The first-come, first-served structure ensures a dynamic and less commercial feel. This campground offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the Cross Timbers ecosystem, explore the Blue Water Trail by canoe, and spend days fishing for crappie in one of Toronto Lake’s most productive areas. It’s an authentic Kansas outdoor experience—clean, simple, and beautifully located. If your camping checklist includes a tent, a fire ring, a quiet night, and proximity to excellent fishing and trails, then Manns Cove offers everything you need to recharge and connect with the natural heritage of the Sunflower State.