THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
State Park · Oklahoma

Cross Timbers State Park

Cross Timbers State Park offers a peaceful retreat with rugged landscapes, diverse forests, and access to the shores of Lake Eufaula, making it an appealing destination for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

State Park32004+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

3200

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Cross Timbers State Park

Cross Timbers State Park offers a peaceful retreat with rugged landscapes, diverse forests, and access to the shores of Lake Eufaula, making it an appealing destination for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in eastern Oklahoma along the northern banks of Lake Eufaula, Cross Timbers State Park covers a diverse landscape that includes forests, open grasslands, and rocky bluffs. The park derives its name from the Cross Timbers region, an area characterized by dense stands of blackjack oak, post oak, and hickory trees clustered with prairie grasslands. The park's geography features gently rolling hills and access to one of Oklahoma's largest reservoirs, Lake Eufaula, providing opportunities for water-based recreation such as fishing and boating. Established in 1935, Cross Timbers State Park has a rich history connected to the Civilian Conservation Corps who constructed many of the park's existing facilities and trails during the Depression era. Visitors can enjoy extensive hiking and mountain biking trails that wind through wooded areas and along lakeshore bluffs, offering scenic views and serene wildlife habitats. The park is well-regarded for diverse wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, numerous songbird species, and occasional sightings of bobcats. Cross Timbers also features picnic areas, campgrounds, and boat ramps that enhance the outdoor experience. With its blend of wooded trails, rolling terrain, and lake access, the park attracts anglers, hikers, campers, and nature lovers looking for a quieter park experience in eastern Oklahoma. The combination of forested lookout points and lakeside activities provides varied recreational appeal suitable for day trips or extended stays.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Cross Timbers State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Discover Talimena State Park★ 7.0⌖ 28 miHiking
Talimena State Park

Discover Talimena State Park

Explore Talimena State Park in Talihina, Oklahoma, a gateway to the Ouachita National Forest. With its scenic trails and drives, it's a spot for hiking and enjoying stunning vistas. Best visited in spring and fall.

Discover Devil's Den State Park★ 7.8⌖ 67 miHiking
Devil's Den State Park

Discover Devil's Den State Park

Explore Devil's Den State Park, located in the Ozark Mountains near Fayetteville, AR. This moderate difficulty park features stunning views, diverse trails, and cave exploration opportunities. Best visited in spring and fall for hiking and mountain biking adventures.

Exploring Devil's Den State Park Trails in West Fork, Arkansas★ 8.2⌖ 67 miHiking
120812-120620 AR-74

Exploring Devil's Den State Park Trails in West Fork, Arkansas

Explore the trails of Devil's Den State Park near West Fork, Arkansas, with routes ranging from 1.5 to 15 miles. Experience stunning limestone formations and serene forest settings. Ideal for families, the park offers breathtaking views and diverse hiking options, especially in spring and fall.

Backpacking the Ozark Highlands Trail ★ 8.2⌖ 69 miBackpacking
Lake Fort Smith Visitor Center

Backpacking the Ozark Highlands Trail

Explore the 165-mile Ozark Highlands Trail from the Western Trailhead near Mountainburg, AR. Perfect for seasoned backpackers, this trail offers rugged beauty with challenging terrain, steep inclines, and diverse ecosystems. Best in fall for cooler weather and stunning foliage.

BackpackingView Details→
Natural Falls: Oasis in Oklahoma★ 7.8⌖ 75 miHiking
Natural Falls State Park

Natural Falls: Oasis in Oklahoma

Explore the scenic landscapes of Natural Falls State Park featuring a stunning 77-foot waterfall. Located near Colcord, OK, the park offers easy hiking trails, wildlife watching, and picnic areas. Perfect for a family-friendly day trip, best enjoyed in spring or fall.

Discover the Natural Beauty of Beavers Bend★ 8.0⌖ 76 miHiking
Beavers Bend State Park and Nature Center

Discover the Natural Beauty of Beavers Bend

Located in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, Beavers Bend State Park offers diverse outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and canoeing. With accessible clear waters and lush forests, this park provides a tranquil escape for adventure seekers. Best visited in spring and fall.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Lake Eufaula shoreline and fishing access✦ Cross Timbers forest ecosystem with blackjack and post oaks✦ Civilian Conservation Corps-built historic shelters and trails✦ Panoramic views from rocky bluffs overlooking the lake
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Cross Timbers State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Cross Timbers State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Cross Timbers State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Cross Timbers State Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Cross Timbers State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Cross Timbers State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Cross Timbers State Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Cross Timbers State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Cross Timbers State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Cross Timbers State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

State park entrance fee required, daily parking fee applies; boat launch fees may also apply.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Cross Timbers State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Cross Timbers Campground

Equipped with electric and water hookups, restroom facilities, and access to hiking trails and lake shore.

Primitive Camp Area

Remote campsites without hookups located near the forested interior for a quieter camping experience.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Cross Timbers State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Stigler
⌖ 6.93 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Stigler, Oklahoma

A quiet gateway to natural outdoor adventures rich with forest trails, paddling opportunities, and charming rural landscapes.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Gore
⌖ 25.56 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gore, Oklahoma

A gateway to river adventures and scenic forest escapes near the Ozark foothills with a peaceful small-town feel.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Vian
⌖ 25.78 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Vian, Oklahoma

A quiet small town gateway into Eastern Oklahoma's natural landscapes, offering accessible river paddling, scenic hiking, and outdoor relaxation near the Ozark foothills.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Eufaula
⌖ 25.92 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Eufaula, Oklahoma

A lively lakeside town known for its water adventures, scenic trails, and relaxed outdoor lifestyle centered on Eufaula Lake and nearby natural parks.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Wister
⌖ 27.53 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Wister, Oklahoma

A relaxed outdoor gateway known for lake-based recreation and forested hiking trails within the Ouachita National Forest region.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Talihina
⌖ 28.52 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Talihina, Oklahoma

A small, rustic town offering direct access to Oklahoma's most scenic trails and natural beauty in the Kiamichi Mountains.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Cross Timbers State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Primitive Family Camping at Eagle Bluff Resort in TahlequahTahlequah, Oklahoma · 53.19 mi away
Trails & Outdoor Adventures· Eagle Bluff Resort

Primitive Family Camping at Eagle Bluff Resort in Tahlequah

Eagle Bluff Resort’s Family Campground – Primitive offers a tent-only camping experience free of electricity and water, perfect for families seeking quiet nights and simple comforts under the stars. Discover why this rustic escape near Tahlequah is a standout choice for authentic outdoor adventure.

overnight to multiple nights

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.