Cross Timbers State Park wilderness guide
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
DesignationState Park
Total Wilderness Area3200
Elevation / TerrainDiverse 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 60 miles.

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, Oklahoma
⌖ 6.93 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Stigler, Oklahoma

Stigler offers a peaceful outdoor escape with nearby hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Surrounded by forests and lakes, it’s ideal for travelers seeking quiet natural adventures off the usual routes.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Gore, Oklahoma
⌖ 25.56 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gore, Oklahoma

Gore, Oklahoma offers peaceful river paddling, fishing, and hiking near the Ozark foothills. Surrounded by state parks and clear rivers, it's a quiet spot for outdoor lovers wanting mild adventure and nature escapes.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Vian, Oklahoma
⌖ 25.78 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Vian, Oklahoma

Vian, Oklahoma offers a peaceful outdoor escape with access to hiking, paddling, and fishing along the Illinois and Arkansas Rivers. Visitors enjoy quiet nature, camping, and wildlife viewing in a small town setting perfect for outdoor lovers seeking low-key adventures.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Eufaula, Oklahoma
⌖ 25.92 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Eufaula, Oklahoma

Eufaula, Oklahoma, is a lakefront town known for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping around Oklahoma’s largest lake. With great trails and calm paddling spots, it’s an inviting destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for lakeside adventure.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Wister, Oklahoma
⌖ 27.53 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Wister, Oklahoma

Wister, Oklahoma, is a quiet lakeside town offering excellent paddling, fishing, hiking, and off-road trails in the scenic Ouachita National Forest region. Ideal for outdoor lovers seeking a relaxed and less crowded adventure basecamp.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Talihina, Oklahoma
⌖ 28.52 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Talihina, Oklahoma

Talihina, Oklahoma, is an adventurer's gateway to the stunning Kiamichi Mountains. It's best known for the Talimena Scenic Drive, which offers breathtaking vistas of the Ouachita National Forest.

Spring and Fall
Explore 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.

Custom Private Tour
ADVEXPEDITION
Hilo, Hawaii
Guided TourADV Bookable

Custom Private Tour

Spend a personalized day exploring waterfalls, volcanoes, black sand beaches, and local food with a born-and-raised Big Island guide. This private tour for up to six people lets you set the pace and pick the places that matter most.

Guided TourYour Own Private Tour of the Big Island • $249 per Person • Up to 6 PeopleCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Father's Day BBQ & Banjo ( Van Buren to Winslow)
ADVEXPEDITION
Van Buren, Arkansas
TrainADV Bookable

Father's Day BBQ & Banjo ( Van Buren to Winslow)

Treat Dad to smoky barbecue, live banjo, and vintage railcars on a scenic three-hour ride through the Ozarks. This family-friendly Father’s Day excursion between Springdale/Van Buren and Winslow pairs food and music with historic railcraft.

TrainJune 15th at 1:00pm • Van Buren to WinslowCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Family Campground – Primitive
ADVEXPEDITION
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
LodgingADV Bookable

Family Campground – Primitive

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.

Lodging• Quiet Hours 11pm - 8:30amCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Half Day Float Trip
ADVEXPEDITION
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Guided TourADV Bookable

Half Day Float Trip

Spend 2-3 hours drifting along a scenic stretch of river with Eagle Bluff Resort’s Half Day Float Trip. Perfect for families and beginners looking for a low-key water adventure.

Guided TourAges 2 & Up • 2-3 HoursCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Two Bedroom Log A-Frame Cabin Rentals
ADVEXPEDITION
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
LodgingADV Bookable

Two Bedroom Log A-Frame Cabin Rentals

Set along the inviting Illinois River in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Illinois River Outfitters’ Two Bedroom Log A-Frame Cabins offer a practical, cozy lodging option for river lovers and outdoor adventurers. Enjoy home-style comforts steps away from world-class paddling and hiking.

Lodging1 to 7 Night Options • Up to 4 PeopleCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
All American Floats 4-Mile Route
ADVEXPEDITION
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
AttractionADV Bookable

All American Floats 4-Mile Route

Discover a laid-back float down the Illinois River, featuring swimming holes, sandy beaches, and stunning river scenery. Perfect for relaxation and casual fun, this trip offers a peaceful escape into nature.

AttractionAges 5+ • Perfect 2-3 hour float. Great for Tubing!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Riverside RV Sites in Tahlequah: Plug In, Launch Out
ADVEXPEDITION
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
LodgingADV Bookable

Riverside RV Sites in Tahlequah: Plug In, Launch Out

New riverside RV sites and cabin rentals near Tahlequah offering 30- and 50-amp hookups, water and septic service, and 1–7 night options for quick access to float trips.

LodgingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip