Park Features & Trails

    The park covers 360 acres on the site of a former cement plant and quarry, offering a rugged, industrial-meets-nature aesthetic.

    • Trail System: Over 14 miles of diverse trails:

      • Backbone Trail: A 1.2-mile, 11-foot wide gravel trail that connects all other paths.

      • Mountain Biking: 12.5 miles of singletrack trails ranging from beginner (Foundations Trail) to technical (Cave Trail North, Mountain Goats).

    • Lake Lehigh: A 138-acre, spring-fed quarry lake known for its crystal-clear water and scenic rocky bluffs.

      • Note: Swimming and fishing are not currently permitted in the quarry lake.

    • Elm Creek: Fishing is permitted along the banks of Elm Creek, which runs through the park.

    Nearby Highlights

    • Trail Connectivity: The park features a connector trail to the Southwind Rail Trail (6.5 miles to Humboldt) and the Prairie Spirit Trail State Park (52 miles north to Ottawa).

    • Lansing Creeper Trail Park: Accessible nearby for further hiking and biking.

    • Birding: One of the top spots in Southeast Kansas, with over 180 recorded species.

    Southern Winds RV Park is a peaceful and spacious campground located in South Haven, Kansas. This family-friendly park offers well-maintained RV sites with full hookups, including water, electricity, and sewer connections. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing stay while exploring the surrounding countryside.

    Accommodations & Amenities:

    • RV Sites:
      Full-hookup sites with water, sewer, and electric (30/50 amp service) connections.

    • Facilities:
      Restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities available on-site for your convenience.

    • Rates:
      Please contact the park directly at (620) 505-2267 for pricing information and availability.

    Riverside East Campground is situated on the east bank of the Neosho River in the hills of Kansas, within the John Redmond Reservoir area. This 168-acre park offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and hiking.

    Accommodations:

    • Campsites: The campground features 42 reservable sites, each equipped with water and electric hookups. Three camping units are allowed per campsite; only one may be an RV or camper unit, or up to three tents. Only one camping unit may be plugged into the electric service

    Amenities:

    • Restrooms and Showers: Modern facilities with hot showers are available for guests.
    • Picnic Shelters: Two large shelters are ideal for group gatherings and family functions.
    • Boat Ramp: Access to the John Redmond Reservoir for boating and fishing activities.
    • Trails: Several trails wind through the hills and along the shore, suitable for hiking and wildlife viewing.

    Recreation:

    • Fishing: The reservoir is home to various fish species, including white crappie, white bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, and various sunfish.
    • ATV Trails: The Otter Creek ATV area, located at the west end of the dam, provides 140 acres of trails for dirt bikes and ATVs. The area is open from sunrise to sunset.

    Nearby Attractions:
    The nearby town of Burlington, Kansas, provides gas, grocery, and hospital services.

    Riverside East Campground is situated on the east bank of the Neosho River in the hills of Kansas, within the John Redmond Reservoir area. This 168-acre park offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and hiking.

    Accommodations:

    • Campsites: The campground features 42 reservable sites, each equipped with water and electric hookups. Three camping units are allowed per campsite; only one may be an RV or camper unit, or up to three tents. Only one camping unit may be plugged into the electric service

    Amenities:

    • Restrooms and Showers: Modern facilities with hot showers are available for guests.
    • Picnic Shelters: Two large shelters are ideal for group gatherings and family functions.
    • Boat Ramp: Access to the John Redmond Reservoir for boating and fishing activities.
    • Trails: Several trails wind through the hills and along the shore, suitable for hiking and wildlife viewing.

    Recreation:

    • Fishing: The reservoir is home to various fish species, including white crappie, white bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, and various sunfish.
    • ATV Trails: The Otter Creek ATV area, located at the west end of the dam, provides 140 acres of trails for dirt bikes and ATVs. The area is open from sunrise to sunset.

    Nearby Attractions:
    The nearby town of Burlington, Kansas, provides gas, grocery, and hospital services.

    El Dorado State Park is a scenic and expansive park located in southeastern Kansas, offering a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park’s picturesque setting, with its large lake and rolling hills, provides ample opportunities for camping, fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife watching, making it a popular getaway for families and nature lovers.

    Accommodations:

    • Campsites: El Dorado State Park offers a variety of campsites, including both electric and non-electric sites. Most campsites come with picnic tables, fire rings, and convenient access to restrooms and showers.
    • Cabins: For those looking for a more comfortable stay, the park offers several cabins with amenities such as full kitchens, bathrooms, heating/air conditioning, and living spaces.
    • Group Camps: The park also provides group camping areas ideal for family reunions, youth groups, or other large gatherings.

    Amenities:

    • Restrooms & Showers: Clean and well-maintained restroom and shower facilities are available throughout the park.
    • Picnic Areas: There are several scenic picnic areas located near the lake, with tables and grills perfect for outdoor dining.
    • Boat Ramps: The park provides multiple boat ramps offering access to El Dorado Lake for boating, fishing, and water sports.
    • Visitor Center: The park’s visitor center offers educational exhibits, park maps, and other information for visitors.

    Activities:

    • Fishing & Boating: El Dorado Lake is a popular spot for fishing, with species such as bass, catfish, and crappie. The lake is also great for recreational boating, water skiing, and kayaking.
    • Hiking & Biking: The park offers a number of scenic trails for hiking and biking, providing beautiful views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
    • Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species, making it a fantastic destination for wildlife watching and photography.
    • Swimming: El Dorado Lake has designated swimming areas where visitors can cool off and enjoy the water during the summer months.
    • Picnicking & Outdoor Games: Guests can enjoy family picnics and outdoor games, with plenty of open space available throughout the park.

    Fall River State Park, located in southeastern Greenwood County, Kansas, encompasses 1,107 acres of diverse ecosystems, including forested floodplains, blackjack savannahs, and tallgrass prairies.

    Quarry Bay Campground:

    Quarry Bay Campground is one of the park’s designated camping areas, offering:

    • Primitive Campsites: 17 sites available for reservation.
    • Amenities:
      • Amphitheater for campfire programs.
      • Volleyball court and horseshoe pits for recreational activities.
      • ADA-accessible shower house (operational from May 1 to September 30).
      • Boat ramp and dock providing access to Fall River Reservoir.
      • Swimming area for water-based recreation.
      • Playground equipped with climbers and swings.

    Recreational Activities:

    • Hiking: The park features six trails of varying lengths, all open to foot and bicycle traffic. Four of these trails are located in the Quarry Bay Area, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the park’s unique landscapes.
    • Wildlife Observation: The park’s diverse habitats support a variety of plant and animal life, making it a prime location for bird watching and nature photography.

    Reservations and Fees:

    • Camping Reservations: Campsites can be reserved through the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks reservation system.
    • Vehicle Pass: In addition to campsite reservations, a vehicle pass is required for park entry.

    Additional Information:

    • Seasonal Closures: Facilities such as water supply and shower buildings in Quarry Bay may be closed during the winter season. It’s advisable to check the current status before planning your visit.

    Fall River State Park, located in Greenwood County, Kansas, spans 1,107 acres and offers a diverse blend of forested floodplains, blackjack savannas, and tallgrass prairies. Situated near the Flint Hills, the park provides a serene environment for various outdoor activities.

    Recreational Activities:

    • Hiking: The park features six hiking trails—Casner Creek, Turkey Run, Post Oak, Overlook, Bluestem, and Catclaw—allowing visitors to explore its unique landscapes.
    • Water Activities: The 2,450-acre Fall River Reservoir is ideal for boating, water skiing, and fishing. Anglers can expect to catch species such as channel catfish, white bass, crappie, flathead catfish, largemouth bass, and walleye.
    • Wildlife Observation: Adjacent to the park is an 8,000-acre public wildlife area managed for both game and nongame species, offering opportunities to observe diverse flora and fauna.

      Camping and Accommodations:
    • Campsites: The park provides 45 sites with electric and water hookups, along with over 100 primitive campsites. Modern restroom and shower facilities are available to enhance the camping experience.
    • Cabins: For a more comfortable stay, the park offers rustic cabins, including Cedar Crest and Willow Bend, which are reservable year-round.

    Cross Timbers State Park, located near Toronto, Kansas, encompasses 1,075 acres within the Verdigris River Valley. The park offers diverse recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation.

     

    Mann’s Cove Campground:

    • Location: Situated within Cross Timbers State Park, Mann’s Cove provides a serene camping environment with easy access to Toronto Lake.
    • Campsites: The campground offers a selection of campsites suitable for both tent and RV camping. While specific details about the number of sites and amenities at Mann’s Cove are limited, the park as a whole provides shaded campsites with access to modern bathroom and shower facilities. However, it’s noted that Mann’s Cove Loop has a vault toilet.
    • Reservations: Camping permits are required for overnight stays. Reservations can be made through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks’ reservation system.

    Park Amenities and Activities:

    • Hiking and Biking Trails: Cross Timbers State Park features several trails open to hiking and mountain biking, such as the Chautauqua Hills Trails Loop, which spans approximately 7.1 miles.
    • Fishing and Boating: Toronto Lake offers opportunities for fishing species like white crappie, white bass, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. Boating is also a popular activity, with access points available within the park.
    • Wildlife Observation: The park’s diverse habitats support a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, quail, and numerous songbirds, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts.

    El Dorado State Park, located near El Dorado, Kansas, is the state’s largest state park, encompassing approximately 4,000 acres. The park is divided into four primary areas: Bluestem Point, Boulder Bluff, Shady Creek, and Walnut River. Within the Bluestem Point area, two notable campgrounds are Satchel Creek Cove (Area 1) and Box Turtle Point (Area 2), both offering primitive camping experiences.

    Satchel Creek Cove (Area 1):

    • Campsites: Offers 80 primitive campsites, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance.
    • Facilities:
      • Playground: Equipped with swings and slides, located at N37 52.410 W96 45.469.
      • Vault Toilet: An ADA-accessible vault toilet is available for campers’ convenience.

    Box Turtle Point (Area 2):

    • Campsites: Provides 106 primitive campsites, also available on a first-come, first-served basis without prior reservations.
    • Facilities:
      • Vault Toilet: An ADA-accessible wooden vault toilet is situated at N37 52.301 W96 45.585.
      • Shower House: Features an open-roof shower house, located at N37 52.137 W96 45.773.

    Additional Information:

    • Activities: Both campgrounds provide easy access to El Dorado Lake, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. The Bluestem Point area also includes amenities such as boat ramps and courtesy docks.

    El Dorado State Park is renowned for its expansive natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities, making it a favored destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

    The Holiday Hill Area within Cross Timbers State Park in Kansas offers a variety of camping options and amenities for visitors seeking a natural retreat.

    Camping Facilities:

    • Holiday Hill Campground: Situated along the lakeshore, this campground features 12 primitive campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring.
    • Blackjack Campground: Located within the Holiday Hill Area, Blackjack Campground offers 16 campsites with a mix of utilities:
      • 7 sites with electric hookups
      • 7 sites with both water and electric hookups
      • 1 site with water, sewer, and electric hookups
      • 1 primitive site

      These utility sites can be reserved individually or as a group, accommodating various camping preferences.

    Amenities:

    • Shower Houses: Modern shower facilities are available seasonally from May 1 to October 1, providing hot showers and flush toilets for campers.
    • Boat Ramps: Multiple boat ramps are accessible year-round, offering convenient entry points to Toronto Lake for boating and fishing activities.
    • Vault Toilets: Available throughout the year, these facilities ensure basic sanitation needs are met for visitors.

    Recreational Activities:

    • Hiking and Biking: The park features over 12 miles of trails suitable for hiking and mountain biking, allowing exploration of the diverse landscapes, including forests, prairies, and oak savannas.
    • Fishing and Boating: Toronto Lake provides opportunities for fishing species such as white crappie, white bass, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. The available boat ramps facilitate easy access to the water.

    Cross Timbers State Park near Toronto Kansas offers full hookup RV and primitive tent camping in a wooded setting with abundant outdoor activities. Hiking, biking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. 3 campgrounds include Osage Plains, Cross Timbers, and Sandstone.

    Lake Scott State Park, located in Scott County, Kansas, is a 1,020-acre oasis featuring a 100-acre spring-fed lake, natural springs, wooded canyons, and craggy bluffs.

    The park offers a variety of camping areas, each providing unique amenities and access to the park’s natural attractions.

    Camping Areas:

    The park includes several campgrounds, such as Circle Drive, Lake View, and Bull Canyon South, each offering different facilities to accommodate various camping preferences.

    Recreational Opportunities:

    • Hiking and Biking: The Bridle Trail is an 8-mile path that encircles the lake, traversing canyon walls and providing access points from all campsites.
    • Fishing and Boating: The spring-fed Scott State Fishing Lake is ideal for fishing and boating activities.
    • Historical Sites: The park is home to the El Cuartelejo ruins, the northernmost known Native American pueblo, offering visitors a glimpse into early American history.

    Additional Information:

    • Reservations: Campsite reservations can be made through the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism’s reservation system.
    • Amenities: The park provides modern restrooms, showers, and a swimming beach, enhancing the camping experience.

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