Your Ultimate Guide To State Parks In Oklahoma
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Tori Jane
Author
Oklahoma is one of the most amazing places in the United States, hands down. What all too many folks dismiss as “flyover country” is actually a wonderful mess of beautiful places, natural wonders, epic views, sparkling lakes, rushing rivers, and so, SO much more. At the time of this writing, there are 38 amazing state parks in Oklahoma, all of which are worthy of an adventure ASAP. No matter what time of year you show up, you’re sure fall in love with Oklahoma’s stunning countryside, friendly culture and beautiful scenery. Here are the 15 best state parks in Oklahoma to explore as soon as you get the chance.
Most Popular State Parks In Oklahoma
With 38 parks to pick from, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Let us help! The three most popular state parks in Oklahoma are an excellent place to start. From jaw-dropping lakes to epic camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and more, you can never go wrong with the top three most popular state parks in Oklahoma. But don’t let this fool you: ALL of our state parks are worth checking out. These ones just so happen to be the most popular among locals and visitors alike:
1. Beavers Bend State Park
Beavers Bend State Park and Nature Center, 4350 OK-259A, Broken Bow, OK 74728, USA
This stunningly beautiful state park in Oklahoma is without a doubt the single most popular state park in the Sooner State. Things to do at Beavers Bend State Park are plenty and wondrous; popular pastimes include boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, camping, hiking, and so much more. This is the ultimate getaway for anyone in Oklahoma who loves the great outdoors, and no trip to Beavers Bend State Park will ever be easily forgotten. With 393 campsites, 50+ dispersed tent sites, and RV sites, you can’t go wrong.
2. Lake Thunderbird State Park
Lake Thunderbird State Park, 13101 Alameda Dr, Norman, OK 73026, USA
The list of things to do at Lake Thunderbird State Park is in no way short or boring; this beautiful respite from the real world not even terribly far from the town of Norman is the perfect place to run off to for an afternoon or longer. With options for paddleboat, tube or canoe rentals, you can cruise across the water and see this side of Norman’s natural beauty like never before. Camping is a can-do here as well, with RV and tent sites to pick from. Campers will enjoy amenities like picnic tables, grills, and more. Horseback riding is permitted on Equestrian trails. Be sure to also check out Lake Thunderbird State Park Discovery Cove Nature Center while you’re here – it's a must-do!
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3. Robbers Cave State Park
Robbers Cave State Park, 2084 NW 146th Rd, Wilburton, OK 74578, USA
Established as a state park in 1935, this area was once infamous for being the hideout spot of choice for notable outlaws looking to escape the long arm of the law. Today, it’s an absolutely beautiful place that celebrates Oklahoma’s amazing natural beauty, and the things to do at Robbers Cave State Park are plentiful. With tent camping, glamping (yurts and cabins available!), and day-use sites up for grabs, this Oklahoma state park is an experience to be had. Popular pastimes include hiking, biking, ATV trails, and more. You’ll never get bored, that’s for sure.
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Best State Parks In Oklahoma To Camp
Few things soothe the spirit and put us in touch with our rooms as much as a good old-fashioned (or perhaps new school) camping trip. Our numerous state parks offer up truly excellent camping opportunities no matter how you prefer it; with primitive campgrounds, campsites with water and/or electric, RV campgrounds, etc – you’ll find it at Oklahoma’s beautiful state parks. Three of the best state parks in Oklahoma to camp include parks such as:
4. Greenleaf State Park
Greenleaf State Park, 12022 Greenleaf Rd, Braggs, OK 74423, USA
Believe it or not, this is one of the best state parks in Oklahoma in winter thanks to the lack of crowds. Honestly, though, even summer brings with it fewer crowds than the more well-known parks on this list. Things to do at Greenleaf State Park include mountain biking, hiking, fishing, swimming, wildlife watching, and sports courts; it’s a fun place to call your own for at least a couple of nights, and if roughing it outside isn’t your thing, be sure to check out the old-school cabin rentals onsite.
5. Sequoyah State Park
Sequoyah State Park, 17131 Park 10, Hulbert, OK 74441, USA
This incredible state park has a camping experience that’s resort-style, meaning that it’s got some truly awesome amenities you won’t find at just any campground. The things to do at Sequoyah State Park include riding stables, a nature center, truly amazing wildlife watching opportunities, hiking trails, biking trails, a splash pad, sports courts and centers, a pool, a restaurant, and a lodge... to name just a few. Rent a canoe. Rent a kayak. Rent some golf equipment. No matter what, you’re in for an amazing time while you’re here. Take your pick from three stunning campgrounds: Cherokee Campground, Choctaw Campground, and Seminole Campground, and prepare for the best camping experience ever.
6. Boiling Springs State Park
Boiling Springs State Park, 207745 Boiling, The Springs Rd, Woodward, OK 73801, USA
Hidden up and away in northwestern Oklahoma are the fabled Sandstone Hills, Gypsum Hills and High Plains – all of which make for amazing camping! However, Boiling Springs State Park is particularly special; with a stunning spring-fed lake, many of the things to do at Boiling Spring State Park center around the water, but there’s a lot more to see than the lake alone. Swimming and fishing are great, but don’t forget to hike and stargaze, too.
Best State Parks In Oklahoma To RV
We got the more traditional campgrounds out of the way, but that doesn’t cover the seemingly endless options there are when it comes to RVing. Of course, Oklahoma’s state parks are a wonderful place for RVers, and most (if not all) of the parks have RV camping and hookup sites. Of course, like with anything else, some of these parks are way more epic than others – and that’s where we come in. We went ahead and compiled the three best state parks in Oklahoma to RV – and you’re sure to love ‘em! Some of the greatest RV-friendly Oklahoma state parks are:
7. Black Mesa State Park
Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve, OK-325, Kenton, OK 73946, USA
With more RV sites than tent sites available to reserve at Black Mesa State Park, it’s clear to see that this park is one of Oklahoma’s favorites when it comes to RVing and RV camping. Better still, this particular park has some of the darkest skies in Oklahoma, and the endless list of things to do at Black Mesa State Park definitely includes things like stargazing and astrophotography (especially during Milky Way season – making this one of the best state parks in Oklahoma in spring) on it, as well as hiking, a nature preserve, trout fishing, and more. Of course, you don’t need an RV to enjoy this place... but it helps! Honestly, this park is one of several that make us wonder why Oklahoma doesn’t have more National Parks. This ought to be a top contender!
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8. Foss State Park
Foss State Park, 10252 Oklahoma, OK-44, Foss, OK 73647, USA
Of the impressive 110 RV campsites present onsite, ten offer full hookups and six are handicap accessible sites. Things to do at Foss State Park include water-based activities like canoeing, rafting, and kayaking. Waterskiing, fishing, and swimming are also quite popular, particularly during the warmer months. Overall, this mighty little state park is quite an idyllic recreation area for any Okies looking to fall in love with the great outdoors. Like many of the campgrounds mentioned in this list, there are clean bathrooms and shower stations available alongside some other amenities; camping in Oklahoma, RV or none, has never been so wonderful.
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9. Fort Cobb State Park
Fort Cobb State Park, 27022 Copperhead Rd, Fort Cobb, OK 73038, USA
Bordering Fort Cobb Lake is Fort Cobb State Park, a gorgeous respite from the real world where the water is sparkling and clear and the nights are short. With 4,000 acres of swimming, boating, fishing, and more to enjoy, Fort Cobb State Park is one of the most popular camping zones among RVers. Things to do at Fort Cobb State Park include water-based shenanigans, plus the usual hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing to boot. Just over an hour south of Oklahoma City, this beautiful state park is truly something special (and it’s even better when it’s experienced with an RV).
Best State Parks In Oklahoma For Hiking
Hikers, rejoice! Despite its obvious lack of mountains or even overly enormous hills, Oklahoma is still a wonderful place for hiking. There are literally THOUSANDS (seriously) of amazing trails weaving all over the Sooner State; 300 of these are family-friendly and very easy, and 77 of them are even wheelchair accessible. Oklahoma is a place where just about everyone can get out and enjoy the outdoors, and our jaw-dropping hiking trails are more than perfect for doing exactly that. Come check out some of the greatest Oklahoma state parks for hikers and hiking trips.
10. Natural Falls State Park
Natural Falls State Park, 19225 E 578 Rd, Colcord, OK 74338, USA
Hidden up near the state border shared with Arkansas in the Ozark Highlands is the ridiculously photogenic Natural Falls State Park, complete with waterfall and all. With four and a half awesome miles of gorgeous hiking trails and two stellar views of the 77-foot-tall waterfall (from the top and from the bottom!), there’s no such thing as boredom in a place like this. Other things to do at Natural Falls State Park include sports like catch-and-release fishing, volleyball, horseshoes, a basketball court, a disc golf course, and so much more. Boredom is simply, as we said, NOT an option with this one. Make your way through the dense moss, ferns and liverwort to discover a world unlike anything you thought possible in the Sooner State!
11. Roman Nose State Park
Roman Nose State Park, Lodge, 3236 OK-8A, Watonga, OK 73772, USA
Named after a Cheyenne Chief back at its inception, this gorgeous Sooner State park is nothing short of a perfect escape. There are plenty of fun things to do at Roman Nose State Park, including some of the best hiking in the state and some of the most gorgeous campsites, too. Fishing is popular, as is no-wake boating (which is the only type of boating allowed for this one). If you’d like to go swimming, indulge in one of the two large swimming pools present at the park. The park Lodge is awesome, and we can’t recommend it enough. If you’re not quite feeling up to camping, just reserve a stay at the Lodge or in one of the various cabins available. This is one adventure you’ll never forget.
12. Gloss Mountain State Park
Gloss Mountain State Park, US-412, Fairview, OK 73737, USA
Who says there’s no such thing as awesome geology in Oklahoma? Definitely not us. The never-ending list of things to do at Gloss Mountain State Park includes gawking at its unique geography, photographing its alien-looking landscapes, hiking through strange and beautiful rock and mountain formations, and more. Pets are allowed, and this park serves as something of a wildlife refuge for the critters who call it home – many of which you’ll love watching.
Little-Known State Parks In Oklahoma
With nearly 40 state parks on the books, it’s no surprise that some parks are much more popular than others, and others tend to fall off the map. Well, not today! We’ve discussed some of the most popular, much-beloved state parks in Oklahoma, so now it’s time to celebrate a couple of our awesome lesser-known state parks in Oklahoma. Don’t be fooled: less visitors does not mean less fun. If anything, it means MORE fun, because you might even get the whole place to yourself. Come out and explore the Sooner State’s hidden gem state parks! You’re sure to find a new favorite place.
13. Salt Plains State Park
Salt Plains State Park, 23280 S Spillway Dr, Jet, OK 73749, USA
As with most of our lovely Oklahoma state parks, the number of things to do at Salt Plains State Park is plentiful. Fishing is popular, and despite the salty, shallow water that lurks around here, fishing is good and easy (making it perfect for families). As mentioned, you can hit the crystal dig area from April until mid-October and make a whole thing out of it. Reserve one of the gorgeous cabins and relax – there will be more to do tomorrow. Oh, and bring your camera – the Salt Plains are astonishing to behold, especially at sunset and sunrise.
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14. Lake Wister State Park
Lake Wister State Park, 25679 US-270, Wister, OK 74966, USA
This awesome, resort-style campground goes unnoticed by visitors all too often. Popular among the locals but little-known by everyone else, Lake Wister State Park is awesome for a weekend stay or longer, and we strongly recommend staying! Things to do at Lake Wister State Park are many, from watersports and hiking to hunting, fishing, a playground with splash pad, and lots more. Oh, and did we mention mini golf? Because there’s mini golf, and it’s wonderful. In the winter, keep your eyes peeled: you can usually spot bald eagles (as well as golden eagles) wintering overhead.
15. Little Sahara State Park
Little Sahara State Park, 101 Main St, Waynoka, OK 73860, USA
The things to do at Little Sahara State Park are a bit narrow, but they’re epic, so it more than makes up for it. As mentioned, there’s ATVing and dune-based sports galore, and camping is welcome. The dune riding area is a strictly no-alcohol zone for obvious reasons, but the campsites are not. You’ll find everything from full RV hookups to primitive sites available. There are also showers, restrooms, and water hookups. Oklahoma is an outrageously diverse place despite the vastness of the plains, and Little Sahara State Park illustrates this beautifully.
There they are: 15 amazingly jaw-dropping state parks in Oklahoma ready for you to fall in love with them. Honestly, you could create the road trip of the century if you went to see them all in one go! As if it weren’t already obvious, this state is absolutely wonderful for anyone with even a mild, passing interest in the outdoors. Oklahoma’s beauty is too extraordinary to ignore, and it more than makes up for the lack of things like, say, mountain ranges. As it turns out, we don’t need mountains to be exciting – we manage to be exciting and then some all on our own. What parks would you add to this list? Which Oklahoma state parks belong on this list that we might have missed? Let us know!
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