About Cross Bar Management Area
A hidden gem lies just north of Amarillo – nearly twelve thousand acres of BLM-managed public land known as the Cross Bar Management Area (CBMA). Approximately fifteen miles northwest of Amarillo, Texas, the BLM administers 11,883 acres of surface estate on the Cross Bar. The Cross Bar is the only BLM-managed surface estate in Texas. Since 1996, the BLM has been diligently investing and improving public recreation opportunities on these lands. Additional work will need to be accomplished prior to the BLM Oklahoma Field Office (OFO) fulfilling its land management duties. The Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas Final Joint Environmental Impact Statement, BLM Resource Management Plan (OKT RMP) was approved March 11, 2020- officially designating 9,900-acres of the CBMA as a BLM Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA).
How to Get There
From downtown Amarillo, head north on Fillmore Street/Dumas Hwy/87. Drive for approximately 18 miles to the intersection of the Canadian River and HWY 87. Walk or drive west through the River for 1.5 miles to the railroad trestle. The Cross Bar property boundary is begins at the fence line south of the river bottom and immediately west of the railroad trestle.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Cross Bar Management Area
Heading to Cross Bar Management Area? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Cross Bar Management Area?
No central reservation system listed for Cross Bar Management Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/14570) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Cross Bar Management Area?
From downtown Amarillo, head north on Fillmore Street/Dumas Hwy/87. Drive for approximately 18 miles to the intersection of the Canadian River and HWY 87. Walk or drive west through the River for 1.5 miles to the railroad trestle. The Cross Bar property boundary is begins at the fence line south of the river bottom and immediately west of the railroad trestle.
How do I contact Cross Bar Management Area?
You can reach the park at phone: 806-356-1008 or email: aescobar@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
