Sandstone Campground

Introduction / Overview: Sandstone Campground—The Peaceful Heart of Cross Timbers

For Kansas outdoor lovers, Sandstone Campground, located within the Toronto Point area of Cross Timbers State Park, represents the ideal marriage of wild nature and modern convenience. This destination, overseen by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), is highly regarded by local users for its quiet, peaceful setting nestled on the shores of the 2,800-acre Toronto Lake. It takes its name from the thick sandstone layers of the Chautauqua Hills region, a geological feature that gives the area its unique rugged beauty.

Sandstone Campground, along with the other camping areas in the park, provides visitors with an immersive experience in the Cross Timbers ecoregion—a unique habitat of dense hardwood trees, oak savannas, and prairie. Visitors consistently rate the campground as “Awesome” and "very nice and quiet," highlighting its appeal as a true escape from the hustle of city life. Whether you’re pulling in a boat, setting up an RV, or pitching a tent in a primitive site, Sandstone offers a welcoming atmosphere, well-maintained facilities, and breathtaking "killer views" that make it a favorite repeat destination for Kansas families. The park’s dedicated maintenance, visible in the "spotless" bathrooms and well-kept sites, underscores KDWP's commitment to quality recreation for the local community.

Location and Accessibility

Sandstone Campground is located in Southeast Kansas, situated on the western shore of Toronto Lake, near the small town of Toronto. It is part of the larger Cross Timbers State Park complex.

The general park address is Toronto, KS 66777, USA. More specifically, the park office is located at 144 Highway 105, Toronto, KS 66777. The campground is strategically placed in the Toronto Point section of the park, near the dam site area. Access to the park is generally via well-maintained state and county roads, making the drive relatively straightforward for RVs and trailers.

While the closest town of Toronto is noted by local users as offering "not much there," the slightly larger community of Yates Center is approximately 12 miles away and serves as the practical destination for groceries, gas, and essential supplies. Accessibility within Sandstone Campground is excellent; many sites are designed with convenience in mind, featuring level parking pads, and the campground boasts access to the lake. Notably, specific sites, such as "Prime 58" mentioned by one customer, offer "true shore access for the boat," indicating valuable proximity to the water for easy launching of small watercraft.

Services Offered

As a key area within a KDWP State Park, Sandstone Campground provides a mix of high-quality modern and primitive services to meet a diverse range of camping preferences.

• Campsite Varieties: The Sandstone Campground loop offers a mix of sites, including Water and Electric (WE) hookups and approximately 60 primitive campsites ideal for tent camping.
• Reservations: Unlike some first-come, first-served areas, campsites within the Sandstone Campground are generally reservable, providing certainty for planning weekend and holiday trips. Reservations can be made through the KDWP office, ReserveAmerica, or the CampIt KS mobile app.
• Modern Facilities: The area is served by modern shower houses and restrooms (often referred to as "spotless" in reviews), ensuring comfort for all campers, even those in primitive sites.
• Picnic and Fire Amenities: Each developed campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a dedicated fire ring or grill for traditional campfire cooking.
• Water Access: Potable water is available via hookups at WE sites and likely through shared spigots in the primitive areas.
• ADA Compliant Facilities: The Toronto Point area, which encompasses Sandstone Campground, includes ADA-compliant facilities, such as the North Showerhouse and an ADA-accessible fishing pier.

Features / Highlights

Sandstone Campground and its surroundings within Cross Timbers State Park boast numerous features that make it a top-tier destination for Kansas recreation.

• Exceptional Views and Tranquility: The primary highlight is the campground's quiet, peaceful setting with "killer views" of Toronto Lake, providing a perfect backdrop for relaxation and wildlife observation.
• Boating and Water Access: The lake supports both motorized and non-motorized boating, with specific sites offering direct shore access for small boats. The nearby Toronto Point area offers additional boat ramps and docks.
• Outstanding Fishing: The lake and the Verdigris River are renowned for excellent fishing, particularly for Crappie, as well as White Bass, Channel Catfish, and Black Bass, making it a highly desirable spot for anglers.
• Extensive Trail System: Sandstone Campground provides easy access to the park’s over 15 miles of trails for hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking. The Chautauqua Hills Trail is a major draw, offering up to 11 miles of scenic loops.
• Ancient Trees Trail: Nearby is the unique, interpretive, hiking-only Ancient Trees Trail, which features old-growth post oaks studied by scientists, offering a fascinating look into the region's history and ecology.
• Wildlife Observation: The park is adjacent to the 4,600-acre Toronto Wildlife Area, meaning wildlife like white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species are common sights, appealing greatly to photographers and nature lovers.
• Year-Round Recreation: While "hopping in Summer," the area is also highly enjoyable in the off-season, offering solitude and beautiful weather, as noted by an April visitor.

Contact Information

Sandstone Campground is managed by the Cross Timbers State Park office.

Address: 144 Highway 105, Toronto, KS 66777-9749 (Cross Timbers State Park Office)

Park Office Phone: (620) 637-2213

Reservation Platforms: ReserveAmerica, CampIt KS App

What is Worth Choosing the Sandstone Campground

Sandstone Campground is the premier choice for Kansas residents who seek a high-quality, quiet, and amenity-rich lakeside retreat in the unique Cross Timbers region.

You should choose this campground if you are looking for:

• A Peaceful, Quiet Escape: If your main goal is to "get away from the city" and enjoy the sounds of nature, like the owls and coyotes, Sandstone’s slightly removed location is ideal.
• Exceptional Facilities: Campers who demand clean, modern restrooms and showers will be extremely satisfied with the "spotless" facilities provided by KDWP.
• Boating and Trail Integration: It’s a perfect base for combining water sports with dry-land activities, offering direct lake access and immediate trailheads for hiking and mountain biking.
• Reliable Reservations: The ability to reserve sites (unlike some areas in the park) provides security and ease of planning, ensuring your spot is waiting, especially during busy seasons.
• A Central Southeast Kansas Base: It serves as a great launchpad for exploring the wider area, including the historic town square of Yates Center and other attractions in the Chautauqua Hills region.

Sandstone Campground offers an outstanding balance of serene nature, active recreation, and modern comfort, making it a cherished annual destination for many Kansas families.