Oklahoma State Parks

Location:

Broken Bow, OK

Highlights:

If you’re craving fresh air, forest trails, and sparkling lake views, let us point you to Beavers Bend State Park. It’s a local favorite for good reason—1,300 acres of outdoor bliss in southeast Oklahoma.

We Recommend It For:

Outdoor lovers, families, hikers, campers, horseback riders, anglers, and anyone wanting a nature-focused getaway.

What I Love: ♥

Wooded trails through hardwood forests, scenic shoreline, crystal-clear water for swimming and boating, and cozy lakeside lodgings.

• Explore 1,300 acres of parkland featuring rugged terrain ideal for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
• Relax along 180 acres of shoreline with access to the Mountain Fork River and Broken Bow Lake.
• Stay overnight at riverside campsites or unwind in a rustic lakeshore lodge with beautiful views.
• Play in the water with options like boating, swimming, and even scuba diving in the lake's clear depths.
• Fish year-round in well-stocked trout streams—perfect for both beginner and seasoned anglers.

Cost:

$10 per vehicle for a 1-day pass; annual and multi-day passes available

Distance from Broken Bow:

Only 10 minutes by car from downtown Broken Bow—it’s practically in the backyard!

How to Get to Beavers Bend State Park:

From downtown Broken Bow, take US-259 North. Turn right onto OK-259A East and follow the signs into the park. It’s well marked and easy to reach.

Address:

Beavers Bend State Park, 4350 S, OK-259A, Broken Bow, OK 74728
Phone: 580-494-6300

Location:

Cheyenne, OK

Highlights:

Looking for wide open skies and hidden gems? Black Kettle National Grassland offers peaceful, uncrowded spots to fish, camp, hike, and reflect—plus a powerful historical connection to the Plains.

We Recommend It For:

Nature lovers, campers, history buffs, quiet explorers, and anyone who wants to experience Oklahoma’s lesser-known beauty.

What I Love: ♥

The unique patchwork layout of the grassland, the mix of nature and history, and year-round access to lakes and trails.

• Discover over 100 tracts of land stretching across Oklahoma and Texas—some open for recreation, others used for cattle grazing or energy production.
• Visit the Oklahoma recreation areas: Spring Creek Lake, Black Kettle Recreation Area, and Skipout Lake.
• Enjoy fishing, hiking, picnicking, and camping—all available year-round with a serene, uncrowded vibe.
• Learn local history along the Black Kettle Interpretive Trail or at the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site.

Cost:

Free to enter; some campgrounds may charge a small fee

Distance from Cheyenne:

About 10 minutes by car from downtown Cheyenne—quick and easy to reach!

How to Get to Black Kettle National Grassland:

From Cheyenne, head west on OK-47 for about 6 miles. Turn onto US-87A South and follow signs to the recreation areas or Washita Battlefield site.

Address:

18555 U.S. 87A, Cheyenne, OK 73628
Phone: 580-497-2143

Location:

Sulphur, OK

Highlights:

Need a refreshing getaway with waterfalls and swimming holes? Chickasaw National Recreation Area is like Oklahoma’s natural spa—lakes, streams, and mineral springs all tucked into the scenic Arbuckle Mountains.

We Recommend It For:

Families, swimmers, hikers, RV campers, fishing fans, and anyone looking to cool off in natural waters.

What I Love: ♥

The variety of water features—everything from waterfalls to hot springs—plus year-round access to lakefront camping and hiking trails.

• Explore lush foothills packed with lakes, waterfalls, mineral springs, and forest-lined swimming holes.
• Swim and Fish in the clear waters of the 2,350-acre Lake of the Arbuckles or many other accessible park lakes and streams.
• Camp right along the lakeshore with tent and RV options available year-round.
• Hike miles of scenic trails that loop around the lake and through the Arbuckle terrain.

Cost:

No admission fee to enter the park; camping may include a separate fee

Distance from Sulphur:

Just 5 minutes from downtown Sulphur—you’re basically already there!

How to Get to Chickasaw National Recreation Area:

Head west from Sulphur on W 1st Street and follow signs into the park. Main entrances are well marked and easy to find from the city center.

Address:

901 W 1st St, Sulphur, OK 73086
Phone: 580-622-7234

Romantic Oklahoma State Parks

Location:

Henryetta, OK

Highlights:

Want to spot eagles, paddle down a quiet river, or just breathe in fresh forest air? Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge is a peaceful, year-round escape for birdwatchers, paddlers, and nature lovers alike.

We Recommend It For:

Wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, paddlers, hikers, anglers, and anyone seeking a quiet nature experience in Oklahoma.

What I Love: ♥

The mix of wetlands and forested trails, boardwalk walks for all levels, and the chance to paddle or spot rare birds just minutes from town.

• Wander through 17 miles of trails, including a scenic 1,200-foot elevated boardwalk trail and a network of nature paths.
• Watch for wildlife all year long—this is prime birding territory and a hotspot for nature photography.
• Paddle the peaceful Deep Fork River in a canoe or kayak to get a unique view of the refuge’s terrain.
• Fish and Hunt where permitted—fishing is open to the public and hunting is allowed during designated seasons.
• Access multiple visitor parking areas across the refuge, making exploration convenient no matter where you start.

Cost:

Free to enter

Distance from Henryetta:

Just 10 minutes by car from downtown Henryetta—super easy access for a quick nature fix.

How to Get to Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge:

From Henryetta, head east on Main Street/US-266 for about 5 miles. Turn south onto S 250 Rd and follow signs to the refuge entrance.

Address:

21844 S 250 Rd, Henryetta, OK 74437
Phone: 918-652-3427

Location:

Fort Cobb, OK

Highlights:

If your ideal getaway includes a lake, a golf course, and 600 spots to camp under the stars, Fort Cobb State Park is a must-visit. It’s a full-on recreation hub nestled next to a 4,000-acre lake in southwest Oklahoma.

We Recommend It For:

Boaters, campers, golfers, families, RV travelers, and water sports fans looking for a weekend full of activities.

What I Love: ♥

The massive lake, full-service marina, scenic golf course, and an abundance of camping options with hookups for comfort.

• Play in or on the water with swimming, boating, water sports, and fishing at Fort Cobb Lake.
• Fuel up at the on-site marina with a convenience store, boat rentals, boat slips, fuel station, and even a restaurant.
• Hit the greens at the 18-hole golf course, complete with a driving range and putting green for warm-ups or casual play.
• Camp at one of 600 available sites for tents or RVs—many offer electric and water hookups.

Cost:

$10 per vehicle for a 1-day pass; camping and facility fees vary

Distance from Fort Cobb:

Just 5 minutes by car from downtown Fort Cobb—quick enough for a spontaneous trip!

How to Get to Fort Cobb State Park:

From Fort Cobb, take OK-9 west and follow signs to Copperhead Road. The park entrance is clearly marked and easy to reach.

Address:

27022 Copperhead Road, Fort Cobb, OK 73038
Phone: 405-643-2249

Oklahoma State Parks for Families

Location:

Fairview, OK

Highlights:

Ever seen mountains that sparkle in the sun? Gloss Mountain State Park offers dazzling views, thanks to its selenite-rich peaks that shimmer like glass—plus one of the most rewarding short hikes in Oklahoma.

We Recommend It For:

Hikers, photographers, geology enthusiasts, day-trippers, and anyone craving panoramic views and unique landscapes.

What I Love: ♥

The surreal glassy cliffs, the quick yet scenic Cathedral Mountain hike, and peaceful picnic areas with all the basics.

• Hike the Cathedral Mountain Trail right from the parking lot—steep, but short, and totally worth the view.
• Marvel at the Selenite-rich “glass” mountains and their shimmering, otherworldly surfaces.
• Relax at one of the shaded picnic spots with tables, BBQ grills, drinking water, and public restrooms available on-site.
• Note: The park is open only during daylight hours—no camping or overnight stays allowed.

Cost:

Free to enter

Distance from Fairview:

Roughly 15 minutes northwest of Fairview by car—an easy drive for a scenic day out!

How to Get to Gloss Mountain State Park:

Head northwest from Fairview on US-412 for about 8 miles. The park entrance is well marked and located just off the highway with a small parking area.

Address:

Fairview, OK 73737
Phone: 580-227-2512

Location:

Ardmore, OK

Highlights:

If you're up for a classic lake escape with hiking trails, a golf course, and even fossil displays, Lake Murray State Park checks all the boxes. As Oklahoma’s first and largest state park, it's packed with activities and natural beauty for all ages.

We Recommend It For:

Families, outdoor adventurers, RV travelers, golfers, horseback riders, and anyone looking for a well-rounded weekend in nature.

What I Love: ♥

The huge lake, miles of trails for all types of movement (even off-roading!), the fossil-filled nature center, and the iconic tower views.

• Play on the 5,700-acre Lake Murray with boating, fishing, and water sports available all year long.
• Explore 1,000 acres of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and motorized vehicles—it’s outdoor freedom at its best.
• Hit the links on the park’s 18-hole golf course, great for beginners and seasoned players alike.
• Visit the nature center to see fossils and animal skulls, then climb the 65-foot tower for panoramic views of the park and lake.

Cost:

$10 per vehicle for a 1-day pass; additional fees for camping and activities

Distance from Ardmore:

About 15 minutes southeast of downtown Ardmore—quick and easy to get to!

How to Get to Lake Murray State Park:

From Ardmore, take US-70 E toward Lake Murray. Follow signs for the park entrance on Lodge Rd; it’s well marked and leads straight to the lake and lodge area.

Address:

3323 Lodge Rd, Ardmore, OK 73401
Phone: 580-223-4044