Here we will go over Oklahoma’s best state parks.
Oklahoma is known for many things, such as its rich Native American history, cowboy culture, and oil and gas production. The state is also known for the impressive scenery scattered throughout over 35 state parks.
If you are planning a visit to Oklahoma and love nature, keep reading to learn about the state’s best parks.
Beavers Bend State Park
Beavers Bend is located in the foothills of southeast Oklahoma’s Kiamichi Mountains. The park follows the shores of Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River.
Visitors can spend their day exploring various nature activities or lodge at the park’s resort.
Nearby activities include:
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
- Water skiing
- River float trips
- Horseback riding
- Camping
- Participating in nature center activities
Nearby, you will also find the popular ziplining tour that takes you on a scenic two-hour journey through the forest and over Broken Bow Lake.
Robbers Cave State Park
Robbers Cave State Park is located in the scenic San Bois Mountains of southeastern Oklahoma.
The park received its 1936 and it reflects its interesting history of being a hideout for infamous outlaws Jesse James and Belle Starr. While visiting the park, you can explore the caves where these outlaws evaded law enforcement and even hear stories of the area’s supposed hidden treasure.
The park’s official activities include:
- Hiking
- Rock climbing
- Fishing
- Boating
- Horseback Riding
- camping
Just a short drive from the park, you will find many restaurants, shopping centers, marijuana dispensaries, and hotels.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Chickasaw National Recreation Area is a 9,000-acre park located in central Oklahoma. The park is known for its mineral-rich natural springs, diverse wildlife, lakes, and recreational activities.
At the park, visitors can hike over 30 miles of hiking trails (novice and experienced trails), take scenic drives through the park, camp within the grounds, picnic, fish, boat, and swim.
Additionally, Chickasaw National Recreation Area has an impressive spread of educational activities at its Travertine Nature Center, which includes:
- Interactive learning opportunities
- Informational exhibits
- Ranger-led programs
- Guided hiking tours
- Educational tours on flora and fauna found within the park
Outside of the park in Chickasaw Country, you have access to various restaurants, cafes, casinos, resorts, shopping centers, wineries, and golf courses.
Roman Nose State Park
Roman Nose State Park is a 4,900 scenic landscape located near the city of Watonga. The park is home to rolling hills, a picturesque lake, and canyons.
Roman Nose was named after respected Cheyenne warrior chief Henry Roman Nose, who died in the canyon in 1917. The park remembers the warrior and the Cheyenne people with interpretive signs and exhibits.
Other activities at the park include:
- Wildlife and nature watching
- A golf course
- Exploring the canyons
- Viewing its signature red rock formations
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Lodging
The Inspiration Point Trail is one of the most famous park features because it leads to a lookout point that shows a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Nearby the park, you can find the Alabaster Caverns State Park, the Watonga Cheese Factory, Governor Seay Mansion, and the Chisholm Trail Museum.
Alabaster Caverns State Park
Alabaster Caverns State Park is small, totaling 200 acres but offers quite an experience to those who love nature and the incredible things it can do.
The park is known for its ¾ mile-long cave formed of alabaster (a rare form of gypsum), making it the largest natural gypsum cave in the world that can be viewed by the public.
Alabaster Caverns was first discovered in 1920 by two boys who were exploring a sinkhole located on their family’s farm.
Besides viewing the cave’s impressive stalagmites, stalactites, columns, and flowstones, visitors can also participate in the following activities.
- Camping
- Picnicking
- Hiking
- Nature center exhibits
Black Mesa State Park
Black Mesa State Park is located in the panhandle of Oklahoma and is known for its high elevation, which is the highest point in the state (4,973 feet).
Because of its high peak, there is little light pollution in the area, making it a prime location for stargazing. The Black Mesa hiking trail is moderately challenging and takes about 3 hours to reach the peak.
The park also offers RV and tent sites for camping, a boat launch for fishing, a playground, and nature center exhibits on the local wildlife.
The most popular wildlife seen by visitors include:
- Black bears
- Golden Eagles
- Bobcat
- Mountain Lion
- Mule Deer
- Scaled quail
- Bighorn Sheep
- Antelope
If you plan to visit Black Mesa State Park should come prepared with appropriate hiking gear and quite a bit of courage, in case you encounter a large predator.
Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park
Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park, formerly named Red Rock Canyon State Park, is located in Caddo County of western Oklahoma, and is known for its red cliff walls and for being a winter campsite for the Plains Indians before the state’s settlement.
At the park, you can camp, fish, go mountain biking, rock climbing, check out the nature center, watch wildlife, and hike one of its ten trails.
Trails range from easy to moderate, and the most popular are the Rough Horsetail Nature Trail, Canyon Ridge Trail, and the California Road Nature Trail.
Nearby, visitors can check out the Heartland of America Museum, the Sugar Creek Casino, and various family-friendly restaurants.
