Cimarron Grassland - Bridge Pond - 798.C

Cimarron National Grasslands is USFS land surrounding 25 miles of the Cimarron river and a portion of the historic Santa Fe Trail, located in the southwest corner of Kansas. The terrain is rolling hills with tall prairie grass and a sandy river bottom full of cottonwood trees. Hiking and 4x4 trails crisscross the area in an extensive network. The closest town for fuel and supplies is Elkhart, KS. Bridge Pond Road (FR 798.C) starts at the Cottonwood Picnic Area, which includes picnic tables and vault toilets, then it follows along the river toward the highway bridge. It is an easy dirt road that should pose no trouble for even a 2wd vehicle. This is one of the few trails with good spots to set up a tent for dispersed camping. This area is used for active cattle grazing and oil and natural gas production. Always leave gates as you find them. Dispersed camping is allowed on the USFS land unless otherwise posted. However, there are very few clearings in the brush to set up a tent. There is an improved pay campground accessible from South River Road (FR 700.2)