Osage Plains Campground

For Kansans seeking a comfortable and spacious outdoor experience, Osage Plains Campground in Toronto, Kansas, stands out as an excellent choice. Nestled within the beautiful Cross Timbers State Park, this campground is a favorite among those who appreciate generous site sizes and a well-maintained environment for their camping adventures. With its prime location offering access to Toronto Lake and the diverse landscapes of the Cross Timbers region, Osage Plains Campground provides an inviting setting for relaxation, recreation, and reconnecting with nature in the heart of the Sunflower State.

Toronto, Kansas, is a small city within Woodson County, surrounded by the picturesque scenery of the Verdigris River Valley. This area is historically known as the Cross Timbers, a unique ecological zone characterized by its distinctive blend of dense oak woodlands, open prairies, and rich floodplains. Cross Timbers State Park, home to Osage Plains Campground, capitalizes on this natural diversity, offering a vibrant backdrop for outdoor activities. The park is renowned for its network of scenic trails, ancient oak trees, and abundant wildlife, making it a haven for hikers, anglers, and nature observers alike.

What truly sets Osage Plains Campground apart is its commitment to providing ample space and a consistently well-kept environment. As one real customer review highlights, "Large, spacious sites. Beautiful campground but with limited full service sites though many water and electric sites." Another visitor enthusiastically stated, "We love it here. We stay at the Osage loop. Well-maintained. Nice picnic table, fire pit and grill." This feedback underscores the campground's dedication to ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for its guests, making it a popular choice for repeated visits. While it’s noted that a Kansas State Park Pass is required in addition to the campsite fee, this is a standard practice for enjoying the state's incredible outdoor resources.

Osage Plains Campground is conveniently located in Toronto, KS 66777, USA. It is an integral part of Cross Timbers State Park, specifically situated within the Toronto Point area, which is on the north side of Toronto Lake. This prime location offers campers direct and easy access to the lake and many of the park's key amenities.

Access to Osage Plains Campground is straightforward for most Kansans. The park is approximately 12 miles west of Yates Center. Visitors typically reach the park by heading south from US-54 onto K-105 highway, which leads directly to the state park and its various camping areas. The well-maintained roads within the park ensure a smooth journey to your chosen campsite, whether you are arriving in an RV or with a tent. Its location provides a perfect balance of being "away from the city life" while still offering reasonable proximity to essential supplies in nearby towns like Yates Center if needed.

• Spacious Campsites: Osage Plains Campground is noted for its large, spacious sites, providing ample room for campers to spread out and enjoy their surroundings.
• Water and Electric Hookups: Many sites offer water and electric hookups, providing essential conveniences for RV and tent campers. While full service (sewer) sites may be limited, the availability of water and electricity greatly enhances comfort.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: The campground provides access to modern bathroom facilities, including flush toilets and showers, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors.
• Picnic Tables, Fire Pits, and Grills: Each campsite is equipped with a nice picnic table, a fire pit, and a grill, perfect for outdoor cooking and enjoying campfires under the stars.
• Potable Water Access: Drinking water facilities are available within the campground area.
• Dump Station: A dump station is available within Cross Timbers State Park for RV campers to utilize.
• Pet-Friendly: Osage Plains Campground is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for the adventure, making it ideal for the whole family.
• Playground: A smaller playground is located within the Osage Plains Campground, featuring a climber and swings, which received new surfacing in the spring of 2023, making it great for families with children.

• Large, Spacious Sites: A consistent highlight from visitors is the generous size of the campsites, offering more privacy and room than many other campgrounds.
• Beautiful and Well-Maintained Campground: Reviewers praise the overall beauty and excellent upkeep of the campground, contributing to a pleasant stay.
• Proximity to Toronto Lake: Situated on the north side of Toronto Lake, the campground offers direct access for various water activities, including boating, swimming, and fishing.
• Excellent Fishing: Toronto Lake is well-known for its superb fishing, particularly for white crappie, white bass, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. Campers can enjoy the thrill of catching these species.
• Chautauqua Hills Trail Access: Osage Plains Campground provides access to the Chautauqua Hills trailhead, offering up to 11 miles of interconnected loop trails for hiking and mountain biking, perfect for exploring woodlands and plains.
• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding Cross Timbers State Park and the adjacent Toronto Wildlife Area offer diverse habitats for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, various bird species, and other wildlife, providing excellent opportunities for observation.
• Quiet Environment: Despite being a popular campground, it maintains a peaceful atmosphere, allowing campers to truly relax and enjoy nature's sounds.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: With the playground readily available, it's a great spot for families with children to enjoy outdoor fun.

While Osage Plains Campground does not typically offer individual promotions separate from the broader Kansas State Park system, visitors from Kansas can certainly take advantage of state-wide programs and discounts. It is a requirement to purchase a Kansas State Park Vehicle Permit in addition to the campsite fee. These permits can be acquired annually for $25.00, or a discounted rate of $13.75 for senior/disabled Kansas residents. A more cost-effective option for Kansas residents is the Kansas State Park Passport, available for $15.50 when renewing vehicle registration, which covers unlimited vehicle entry to all Kansas State Parks until the vehicle registration expires. Daily permits are also available for $5.00, or $3.25 for senior/disabled Kansas residents. Additionally, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website often lists seasonal promotions, or special events that might coincide with your visit. It is always recommended to check the official KDWPT website or call the park office directly for the most current information on fees, availability, and any potential special offers.

To learn more or to make a reservation for Osage Plains Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: Toronto, KS 66777, USA

Phone: (620) 637-2213

Mobile Phone: +1 620-637-2213

It is highly recommended to contact the park office prior to your visit, especially during peak seasons, to confirm site availability (as popular sites, particularly full-service ones, can book quickly) and any specific requirements for your stay.

For residents of Kansas, Osage Plains Campground offers an exceptional and highly suitable destination for a local outdoor getaway. Its defining features—large, spacious, and well-maintained sites—create an inviting atmosphere that encourages relaxation and enjoyment of the natural surroundings. Being a pet-friendly campground also means the entire family, including furry members, can partake in the adventure.

The campground's location within Cross Timbers State Park provides unparalleled access to Toronto Lake for a wide array of water-based activities and to the extensive Chautauqua Hills Trail for hiking and biking enthusiasts. The presence of a playground makes it particularly appealing for families with children, ensuring entertainment for all ages. While the state park pass is an additional cost, it represents a valuable investment in accessing and maintaining these beautiful natural resources. Osage Plains Campground truly embodies the best of Kansas's outdoor offerings, making it a beloved spot for locals looking to unwind, enjoy nature, and create cherished memories close to home. As visitors attest, "We love it here," and it's easy to see why.