Best State Parks in Oklahoma
Posted by Wet Sounds on 9th Feb 2022
With 13 different eco-regions and more shoreline than America's east and west coasts combined, Oklahoma encourages residents and guests to leave the hustle and bustle behind and reconnect with nature. The Sooner State is home to more than 30 state parks boasting superb recreational features and natural beauty. Whether you love being active or simply kicking back in the great outdoors, these are the best state parks in Oklahoma.
Greenleaf State Park, Braggs
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Greenleaf State Park is one of Oklahoma's original state parks, but there's still plenty of life left in this original nature retreat. Its cabins, built during the ‘30s and ‘40s, have a retro charm and there are two campsites for visitors who want to get back to basics. Get your bearings by exploring the 18-mile mountain trail on foot or two wheels. If you're a keen angler, make sure you bring your rod and reel. Greenleaf Lake is famous for its sunfish and largemouth bass. For more fun on the water, hit the park's swimming beach.
Alabaster Caverns State Park, Freedom
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Image via Flickr by mhowry
Alabaster Caverns State Park is home to the world's largest accessible natural gypsum cave, so it's one of Oklahoma's most fascinating state parks. The park conducts daily guided tours of the famous Alabaster Caverns. If you've got a sense of adventure, try spelunking between March and September. While the cave is the draw, Alabaster Caverns State Parks also has a volleyball court, hiking trails, and picnic areas. If you want to stay awhile, reserve an RV or campsite. Bring along an outdoor speaker to enjoy your favorite tunes while you're away from home.
Roman Nose State Park, Watonga
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The gypsum rock cliffs of Roman Nose State Park make this one of Oklahoma's most breathtaking state parks. Admire them as you hike or bike the interconnected trail network, which takes you to the top of Inspiration Point and around Lake Watonga. You can camp on the lake's shores or enjoy a little more luxury at the recently revamped Roman Nose Lodge. Teepee rentals are also available from April to October. These warm weather months are perfect for enjoying a round of golf at the 18-hole onsite course, canoeing, or swimming in the lake.
Black Mesa State Park and Nature Preserve, Kenton
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Black Mesa State Park and Nature Preserve is another real beauty, located nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. The summit is the state's highest point, rewarding anyone who hikes to the top with some of the most incredible views in northwest Oklahoma. The point where Oklahoma, Colorado, and New Mexico border one another provides a great photo opportunity. As a nature preserve, Black Mesa State Park is vital to the survival of the threatened species who live there including golden eagles, pinyon jays, and bighorn sheep. Black Mesa State Park and Nature Preserve has a campground for overnight guests.
Salt Plains State Park, Jet
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Around 11,000 acres of white salt flats make Salt Plains State Park one of Oklahoma's most unique state parks. From April 1 to October 15, grab a shovel and dig for the selenite crystals that form in the salt. Watching migrating birds, including the whooping crane and American white pelicans, is another popular seasonal pastime. Given its location, the water in Great Salt Plain Lake is very salty, but you can still fish for saugeye and bass. Salt Plains State Park is a great choice for a day trip or an extended stay in the park's campground or cabins.
Lake Murray State Park, Ardmore
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Image via Flickr by Tony Webster
If you love the finer things in life, head to Lake Murray State Park. There are primitive and powered campsites, but for a more indulgent stay book into one of the cabins or guest rooms. The park also has high-end recreational facilities including an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and beaches for swimming. If you want to go exploring, head to the ATV area or hit the equestrian trails. For the best views of the eponymous lake, head to Tucker Tower. Make sure you stop by the connected Nature Center to learn more about the lake's history and environmental significance.
Little Sahara State Park, Waynoka
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If the ATV area at Lake Murray State Park has you craving more off-road adventures, hit up Little Sahara State Park. The park gets its name for its 1,600 acres of sand dunes. With some dunes standing 75 feet tall, it's the perfect place for putting your motorcycle, ATV, dune buggy, or Jeep through its paces. You can't bring alcohol into the dune area, but you can unwind with a beverage in the picnic area or RV park and campground. Take a SHIVR cooler with speakers to keep your drinks cold and soundtrack your Little Sahara State Park experience.
Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow
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Beavers Bend State Park treats families to top recreational facilities and superb accommodation options. This is one of southeast Oklahoma's prettiest parks, with majestic pine trees and sparkling waterways. Traditional tent and RV sites complement riverfront cabins and opulent suites with lake views. Hike the David Boren Trail and refine your game at the 18-hole Cedar Creek Golf Course. You can also go fly-fishing for trout here, or get up close and personal with the local marine life scuba diving in Broken Bow Lake. The park's miniature train, which runs during summer, is great fun for kids.
Tenkiller State Park, Vian
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While you can scuba at Beavers Bend, if you're serious about this pastime head to Tenkiller State Park. Don't let its name intimidate you; it's actually one of Oklahoma's best state parks. Swim around aircraft fuselage, boats, and a sunken bus in the dedicated scuba park. For more watery fun, fish for bass, crappie, or catfish in Lake Tenkiller or hit the swimming beaches. For fun on dry land, keep your eyes peeled for birds, rabbits, and squirrels on the 1.5-mile paved nature trail. With 130 miles of shoreline, finding a waterfront spot for your tent or RV is easy.
Now you know the best state parks in Oklahoma, all that's left is to start making plans. Pack a picnic lunch or your tent and enjoy the best of Oklahoma in these great outdoor spaces.