• What is Oklahoma known for?
    • Oklahoma is known for its rich pioneer history.
    • The state is also famous for its deep-rooted cowboy culture.
  • Why should visitors explore Oklahoma’s parks?
    • No visit to the state is complete without stopping at least one of its excellent parks.
  • What types of landscapes can be found in Oklahoma?
    • The landscape varies across the state, featuring:
      • The impressive Great Plains
      • Forests in eastern Oklahoma
      • Glistening lakes nestled in the foothills of the Ozarks

Best Time to Visit Oklahoma State Parks

  • March to May – Wildflower season with mild temps, perfect for hiking, fishing, and scenic drives.
  • June to August – Hot and sunny with busy lakes—great for swimming, boating, and camping fun.
  • September to October – Crisp air and colorful foliage make this ideal for hiking and wildlife watching.
  • November to February – Quiet and cool with fewer crowds—best for cozy cabin stays and stargazing.
  • Late April – A sweet spot for wildflowers, waterfalls, and trails before summer heat kicks in.

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1. Beavers Bend State Park


Hike forested trails and fish clear streams on a relaxing family trip.

Beavers Bend State Park

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  • What is Beavers Bend State Park?
    • Encompassing 1,300 acres in southeast Oklahoma, Beavers Bend State Park is one of the most popular parks in the state, and for good reason.
  • What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy?
    • The hardwood forests and mountainous terrain are perfectly suited for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
  • How much shoreline does the park have?
    • The park boasts 180 acres of shoreline along the Mountain Fork River and Broken Bow Lake.
  • What lodging and camping options are available?
    • Campsites line the shore of the river, while the lakeshore is home to a rustic lodge.
  • What water activities are offered?
    • The clear lake water is perfect for boating, swimming, and even scuba diving.
  • Is fishing available at Beavers Bend State Park?
    • The park offers several well-stocked trout fishing streams, which are open for fishing year-round.
  • What is the address and contact information?
    • 4350 S, OK-259A, Broken Bow, OK 74728, Phone: 580-494-6300

2. Black Kettle National Grassland


Walk along prairie paths and see native wildlife on an easy spring outing.

Black Kettle National Grassland

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  • What is Black Kettle National Grassland?
  • How is the land used?
    • Some areas are used for cattle grazing and energy production, while others are open for public recreation.
  • Which areas in Oklahoma are open to the public?
    • Three sites in Oklahoma are open for recreation: Spring Creek Lake, Black Kettle Recreation Area, and Skipout Lake.
  • What recreational activities are available?
    • These sites offer excellent opportunities for picnicking, camping, fishing, and hiking. All are open year-round.
  • Where can visitors learn about the area's history?
    • Visitors interested in history can stroll along the Black Kettle Interpretive Trail or visit the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site.
  • What is the address and contact information?
    • 18555 U.S. 87A, Cheyenne, OK 73628, Phone: 580-497-2143

3. Chickasaw National Recreation Area


Explore mineral springs and swim in cool waters on an affordable summer trip.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area

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  • What is Chickasaw National Recreation Area?
    • Tucked away in the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area is home to a large assortment of lakes, streams, swimming holes, waterfalls, and mineral springs.
  • What is the largest body of water in the park?
    • Much of the park is taken up by the 2,350-acre Lake of the Arbuckles, which offers year-round fishing, excellent swimming, and tent and RV camping along the shore.
  • Can visitors fish and swim in other areas?
    • Visitors are also welcome to swim and fish in many of the park's other bodies of water.
  • Are there hiking trails in Chickasaw National Recreation Area?
    • The park features a variety of hiking trails that run through the park and around Lake of the Arbuckles.
  • Is there an admission fee to enter the park?
    • No admission fee is charged to enter the park.
  • What is the address and contact information?
    • 901 W 1st St, Sulphur, OK 73086, Phone: 580-622-7234

4. Clayton Lake State Park


Fish peaceful lakes and hike wooded trails on a quiet retirement getaway.

Clayton Lake State Park

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  • What is Clayton Lake State Park?
    • Conveniently located only a few miles away from the town of Clayton, Clayton Lake State Park is a 510-acre park that encompasses a beautiful 80-acre lake with a fishing dock and a swimming beach.
  • What water activities are allowed?
    • Visitors are welcome to use the lake for swimming, boating, and fishing, but water sports are not permitted.
  • What overnight accommodations are available?
    • The park offers plenty of overnight accommodations, including rustic cabins, family-friendly two-bedroom cabins, and RV and tent campsites.
  • Can campsites be reserved?
    • The RV campsites can be reserved, but the tent sites are first-come, first-served.
  • What other amenities does the park offer?
    • Other park amenities include a children's playground, hiking trails, picnic tables, and covered picnic areas perfect for groups.
  • What is the address and contact information?
    • 141 Clayton Lake Rd, Clayton, NM 88415, Phone: 505-374-8808

5. Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge


Look at migrating birds and explore wetlands during an unusual nature trip.

Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge

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  • What is Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge?
    • Established in 1993, the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge was created to protect the forests along the Deep Fork River and the many different types of wildlife that call this area home.
  • What wildlife activities can visitors enjoy?
    • The park is excellent for wildlife viewing and bird watching, with approximately 17 miles of trails for visitors to explore.
  • What trails are available in the refuge?
    • The refuge features a 1,200-foot trail with an elevated boardwalk, along with additional nature trails.
  • What water activities can visitors participate in?
    • Popular activities in the refuge include canoeing and kayaking along the Deep Fork River.
  • Is fishing and hunting allowed?
    • Fishing is permitted, and hunting is allowed when in season.
  • When is the refuge open?
    • The refuge is open to visitors year-round.
  • Where can visitors park?
    • There are several visitor parking areas scattered throughout the property.
  • What is the address and contact information?
    • 21844 S 250 Rd, Henryetta, OK 74437, Phone: 918-652-3427

6. Fort Cobb State Park


Go boating and play a round of golf on a weekend escape.

Fort Cobb State Park

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  • What is Fort Cobb State Park?
    • Sitting on the edge of the 4,000-acre Fort Cobb Lake, Fort Cobb State Park boasts plenty of opportunities for recreation both on and off the water.
  • What water activities are available at Fort Cobb Lake?
    • The lake is excellent for swimming, boating, water sports, and fishing. A marina offers a convenience store, boat and boat slip rentals, a restaurant, and fuel.
  • Does the park have a golf course?
    • Visitors can enjoy the park’s 18-hole golf course, which includes a driving range and a putting green.
  • What camping accommodations are available?
    • The park offers approximately 600 campsites for both tents and RVs, some of which are equipped with electrical and water hookups.
  • What is the address and contact information?
    • 27022 Copperhead Road, Fort Cobb, OK 73038, Phone: 405-643-2249

7. Fort Smith National Historic Site


Discover frontier history and walk past old jails on a quick, cheap visit.

Fort Smith National Historic Site

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  • What is Fort Smith National Historic Site?
  • What can visitors see and do at the historic site?
    • There are plenty of things to see and do at the site, but a major highlight is touring the Visitor’s Center, which is located inside the fort’s old Courthouse building and features informative exhibits about key historical events.
  • What historical topics are covered in the exhibits?
    • Exhibits cover important pieces of history, including the fort’s use as a military base and its role in the Trail of Tears.
  • Are tours available at the site?
    • Self-guided audio tours of both the buildings and the grounds are available, and ranger-led tours are sometimes offered as well.
  • What is the address and contact information?
    • 301 Parker Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901, Phone: 479-783-3961

8. Gloss Mountain State Park


Climb scenic mesas and admire red rock views on an exciting fall hike.

Gloss Mountain State Park

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  • What is Gloss Mountain State Park?
    • Sometimes referred to as Glass Mountains State Park, Gloss Mountain State Park is home to unique mountains with a high Selenite content that gives them a glass-like appearance.
  • What is the main attraction of the park?
    • The park’s biggest attraction is the Cathedral Mountain hiking trail, which starts right from the parking lot and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the valley below.
  • What amenities are available at the park?
    • Park amenities include picnic tables, public restrooms, drinking water, and barbecue grills.
  • Is overnight accommodation available?
    • There is no overnight accommodation available in the park, but it is open between sunrise and sunset every day of the year.
  • Is there an admission fee?
    • No admission fee is charged to enter the park.
  • What is the address and contact information?
    • Fairview, OK 73737, Phone: 580-227-2512

9. Keystone State Park


Camp lakeside and explore wooded trails on a fun family summer trip.

Keystone State Park

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  • What is Keystone State Park?
    • Keystone State Park is situated on the beautiful Keystone Lake, which is perfect for swimming, fishing, boating, and water sports.
  • What boating facilities are available?
    • There are several boat ramps within the park for visitor use, and a marina offers rental boats, a restaurant, fuel, and a convenience store with groceries and other boating necessities.
  • What activities are available on the shore?
    • The lake is the biggest attraction, but visitors can also enjoy hiking trails, covered picnic areas with grills, and RV and tent campsites.
  • Are there lodging options in the park?
    • Visitors can stay in one of the park’s furnished one- and two-bedroom cabins.
  • What is the address and contact information?
    • 1150 Keystone Park Rd, Derry, PA 15627-3679, Phone: 724-668-2939

10. Lake Murray State Park


Swim in turquoise waters and bike scenic loops at this popular couples destination.

Lake Murray State Park

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  • What is Lake Murray State Park?
    • The first state park established in Oklahoma, Lake Murray State Park encompasses approximately 12,500 acres of wilderness, including the 5,700-acre Lake Murray.
  • What water activities are available at Lake Murray?
    • The lake is excellent for boating, fishing, and water sports.
  • What outdoor activities are available on land?
    • Visitors who prefer to stay on the shore can use the park’s 1,000 acres of trails, which welcome hikers, horseback riders, and motorized vehicles.
  • Does the park have a golf course?
    • The park boasts an 18-hole golf course suitable for players of all abilities.
  • What other attractions can visitors explore?
    • The park features a nature center that houses a fascinating collection of fossils and animal skulls, as well as a 65-foot tower that offers stunning panoramic views of the park.
  • What is the address and contact information?
    • 3323 Lodge Rd, Ardmore, OK 73401, Phone: 580-223-4044

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