Timber Ridge Campground

🏞️ Introduction / Overview: Modern Comfort Meets Kansas Wilderness

For Kansans seeking the perfect blend of modern camping convenience and immersion in natural beauty, Timber Ridge Campground at Cross Timbers State Park is an exceptional choice. Located on the scenic shores of Toronto Lake in Woodson County, Timber Ridge is one of the premier camping areas within the larger park system, specifically designed to accommodate RVs and trailers with a range of utility hookups, including highly sought-after full hookup sites. This campground is situated in the heart of the picturesque Cross Timbers region—a unique ecological area of ancient oak savannas, forested floodplains, and rolling prairie hills. It offers a higher level of development and accessibility compared to the park's more primitive areas, making it ideal for families, extended stays, and those who rely on full utility services.

As part of the Toronto Point area of Cross Timbers State Park, Timber Ridge provides easy access to the 2,800-acre Toronto Reservoir, known for excellent fishing and boating. The campsite is well-managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and has benefited from recent upgrades, including the installation of concrete pads and 50-amp electrical service at many sites, which greatly enhances the camping experience. Whether you plan to spend your days hiking the extensive trail network, fishing for white bass and crappie, or simply relaxing by the campfire with a view, Timber Ridge serves as a comfortable, reliable, and scenic base of operations in Southeast Kansas. Its combination of reservable sites and key amenities means less stress and more time enjoying the great outdoors.

📍 Location and Accessibility: Right on Toronto Lake

Timber Ridge Campground is perfectly positioned on the western side of Toronto Lake, forming part of the Toronto Point section of Cross Timbers State Park. The location is easily accessed from nearby towns and major Kansas highways. The general geographical marker for the area is Toronto, KS 66777, USA (with a specific location code of Q3G6+QP), placing it directly within the park's most developed areas. To reach the campground, travelers typically drive to the main park entrance via K-105 Highway, south of US-54, and follow the clear signage directing them to the Toronto Point campgrounds.

Accessibility is one of Timber Ridge’s key strengths. It features paved and maintained gravel roads leading directly to the camping loops. Many of the sites themselves have been upgraded to include concrete pads, ensuring easy leveling and setup for RVs of all sizes, with a maximum length limit of up to 75 feet. Furthermore, the campground has been specifically designed with ADA-compliant features, including accessible campsites and modern bathhouses, ensuring a welcoming environment for all visitors. While the lake access is easy and direct, the sites retain a measure of shade and privacy, thanks to the surrounding Cross Timbers forest. Its location on the reservoir is central to all water-based activities and provides quick access to the entire 16-mile network of trails crisscrossing the park.

🏕️ Services Offered: Full Utilities and Modern Comforts

Timber Ridge Campground distinguishes itself by offering a robust list of modern services, making it a true home away from home. These amenities are typically what attract RVers and campers who desire comfort and convenience while exploring the State Park.

• Campsite Availability: Offers a mix of reservable sites (highly recommended during peak season).
• RV Hookups: Features a number of sites with Full Utility Hookups (Water, Sewer, and Electric), as well as numerous Water & Electric hookup sites.
• Electrical Service: Many sites feature upgraded 50-amp electrical service to handle modern RV power demands.
• Water Service: Frost-free water hydrants are available at utility sites.
• Restrooms and Showers: Access to modern, flush toilet restrooms and shower facilities within the campground area.
• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is provided for RV waste disposal.
• Camp Host: On-site Camp Host available to assist visitors with questions and general needs.
• Day Use Facilities: Nearby access to picnic shelters and boat ramps within the Toronto Point area.
• ADA Accessibility: Several campsites and comfort stations are ADA compliant.

While one customer review noted a distance to flush toilets/showers, it is important to understand that Timber Ridge is a large area, and modern facilities are indeed centrally located within the main camping loops, providing a necessary convenience often lacking in other area campgrounds.

🌟 Features and Highlights: The Best of Cross Timbers

Timber Ridge Campground capitalizes on its location and its infrastructure to offer a premium State Park camping experience. Its highlights appeal directly to those who want a reliable, enjoyable, and activity-filled Kansas getaway.

• Reservable Utility Sites: The ability to reserve a site, including those with full sewer hookups, allows for stress-free planning, a major benefit for weekend trips or longer vacations.
• High-Quality Infrastructure: Features like concrete pads and 50-amp service demonstrate an investment in visitor comfort, making setup quick and extending the usability of the campground into different seasons.
• Trail Access Hub: Proximity to the extensive 16-mile Cross Timbers Trail System, including access to the Chautauqua Hills Trail, makes it a haven for hikers, runners, and mountain bikers.
• Prime Lake Activities: Being on Toronto Lake offers excellent opportunities for fishing (renowned for crappie and white bass), swimming at the designated beach, and all forms of motorized and non-motorized boating.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The presence of amenities like playgrounds and designated swimming areas makes Timber Ridge an excellent destination for families traveling with children.
• Scenic Waterfront Camping: Many sites are lightly shaded and offer beautiful views of the reservoir and the surrounding Cross Timbers forest, providing a picturesque backdrop for sunsets and campfires.

The focus on full services and reservation capabilities positions Timber Ridge as the most comfortable and reliable choice for utility camping at Toronto Lake, ensuring that a Kansas outdoor escape is both beautiful and hassle-free.

📞 Contact Information

Timber Ridge Campground is an administrative unit of Cross Timbers State Park. For site reservations (highly recommended), general park information, or to inquire about current conditions, please contact the park office directly.

• Address (General Area): Q3G6+QP, Toronto, KS 66777, USA
• Park Office Phone: (620) 637-2213
• Mobile Phone: +1 620-637-2213
• Reservations: Booking is typically done through the official Kansas State Parks reservation system.

Always confirm reservation availability and check for any potential park advisories or temporary closures before finalizing your travel plans.

✅ What is Worth Choosing Timber Ridge Campground

For Kansas campers, Timber Ridge Campground is unequivocally worth choosing if your priorities are convenience, modern infrastructure, and guaranteed amenities. Unlike primitive sites, Timber Ridge offers the peace of mind that comes with a reservable full hookup site—a critical factor for longer RV trips, especially during the busy summer season. The fact that the park has invested in concrete pads and 50-amp electrical service elevates the camping experience, accommodating the largest and most modern recreational vehicles and ensuring a comfortable setup, rain or shine.

This is the ideal base for the active traveler. Its location is a launchpad for the best lake activities Toronto Lake has to offer, from launching a boat at a nearby ramp for a day of fishing to enjoying a swim at the designated beach. Moreover, the direct access to the Cross Timbers trail system means you can leave your vehicle and immediately begin an adventure, whether it’s a challenging mountain bike ride or a scenic hike through ancient oak forests. The trail system, which includes the Chautauqua Hills Trail, is a major regional highlight that Timber Ridge makes incredibly accessible.

Finally, the presence of modern, accessible facilities, including clean shower houses and ADA-compliant sites, makes Timber Ridge the most inclusive and comfortable option in the area. While a small amount of walking may be required to reach the central facilities, the trade-off is a spacious, scenic, and fully-serviced campsite in one of Southeast Kansas's most beautiful State Parks. If you want a comfortable, reliable, and amenity-rich outdoor experience on the water in Kansas, Timber Ridge Campground is the standout choice.

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