20 Oklahoma State Parks

The Sooner State of Oklahoma is home to 40 state parks. The state is known for its cowboys and Native American history but also has its fair share of beautiful natural landscapes. Of course, when visiting Oklahoma, you’ve got to check out places like the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma City and Tulsa but be sure to add at least a few of these state parks in Oklahoma to your itinerary as well.

Oklahoma State Parks

20 State Parks In Oklahoma

1- Gloss Mountain State Park

Gloss Mountain State Park is in northern Oklahoma around two hours’ drive northwest of Oklahoma City.

The park is home to unique mountains that are described as having a glass like quality because of the high levels of selenite in the rock.

For this reason, the park is sometimes referred to as Glass Mountain.

The Cathedral Mountain hiking trail is one of the most popular things to do in the park.

Starting from the parking lot as you head up the mountain you will enjoy splendid views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

Gloss Mountain State Park is at US-412, Fairview, OK 73737.

2- Beavers Bend State Park

Beavers Bend State Park is on the Mountain Fork River close to Broken Bow Lake in southeast Oklahoma.

You can stay at one of the park’s 47 cabins (some of which have river views), or the RV or tent campsite.

There are plenty of recreational opportunities at Beavers Bend State Park.

Keen golfers will enjoy the 18-hole Cedar Creek Golf Course and there’s also miniature golf.

There are also plenty of hiking, biking and nature trails.

There are tennis courts, volleyball courts and you can head to the lake for trout fishing, water skiing, paddle boats, canoeing and bumper boating.

Beavers Bend State Park is at 4350 OK-259A, Broken Bow, OK 74728.

3- Clayton Lake State Park

Just a few miles from Clayton in eastern Oklahoma, Clayton Lake State Park is a peaceful place to enjoy nature.

Individuals and families heading to the park can take part in a number of lake activities from fishing to boating.

The 80-acre lake is the heart of the park and features a fishing dock and a swimming beach.

There are also hiking trails, picnic areas and a children’s playground.

If you want to stay for longer than just a day you can make use of the rustic cabins and RV and tented campsites.

Clayton Lake State Park is at US-271, Clayton, OK 74536.

4- Fort Cobb State Park

The 4,000-acre (1618 ha) Fort Cobb State Park is around 1 hour 20 minutes’ drive west of Oklahoma.

Of course, the lake provides visitors with many fun things to do.

It’s a wonderful place to swim, go boating, try new water sports and fish.

There is also a marina with a convenience store.

You can rent boats and stock up on fuel at the marina as well.

Golfers can practice their skill at the 18-hole golf course or at the driving range and putting green.

If you are looking to stay overnight then there’s a 600 pitch campsite which welcomes RV’s as well as tent campers.

Fort Cobb State Park is at 27022 Copperhead Rd, Fort Cobb, OK 73038.

5- Keystone State Park

The lake-centred Keystone State Park can be found in northeastern Oklahoma, around 20 minutes’ drive west of Tulsa.

When you next visit Tulsa why not add a trip to Keystone State Park.

This park is excellent for water lovers.

Anglers can try their luck at catching bass, catfish and walleye, whilst surrounding themselves with beautiful nature.

Other water sports include swimming and boating.

You can stay overnight at the park.

There are lakeview cabins that are complete with fireplaces and are the perfect group spot.

Two of the cabins even have Jacuzzi’s to add a splash of luxury to your trip.

There’s also an RV and tent campsite with showers and boat ramps to the lake.

Keystone State Park is at 1926 OK-151, Sand Springs, OK 74063.

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6- Lake Murray State Park

Lake Murray has 108 km of shoreline and is the jewel of Lake Murray State Park on the western shores of the lake.

This state park is in southern Oklahoma around 1 hour 40 minutes’ drive south of Oklahoma City.

This was Oklahoma’s first state park and it’s also the largest.

Fishing, boating, swimming and water sports are some of the activities you can enjoy on the lake.

But if you prefer to keep your feet on dry land then you can head to the 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, softball fields, baseball diamond badminton and volleyball courts, and the horseshoe pits.

There’s also an ATV area for motorcycles, three-quarter wheelers and dirt bikes.

There are also a series of hiking trails around the park which cover around 1,000 acres of the park.

Lake Murray State Park is at 3323 Lodge Rd, Ardmore, OK 73401.

7- Lake Wister State Park

Another of Oklahoma’s lake state parks is Lake Wister in eastern Oklahoma.

The park is a gateway to the Ouachita National Forest which is around 1.8 million acres spread across Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Lake Wister is 7,300 acres (2954 ha) and there are several boat ramps in the park to launch your boats.

From water skiing to boating, canoeing and kayaking there’s plenty of fun to be had on the water.

For those who want a little bit of relaxation and a splash around, head to the swimming beach.

There are five separate campgrounds at the park for both tents and RVs.

The park is also home to a nature center, a water park and a mini golf course.

Lake Wister State Park is at 25679 US-270, Wister, OK 74966.

8- Little Sahara State Park

Of course, this state park is named after the mighty Sahara Desert.

It’s hard to imagine such a place can exist in Oklahoma, but it makes for one of the most unique state parks in the state.

The Little Sahara State Park is just outside of Waynoka in northwestern Oklahoma.

The 1,600-acre (647 ha) park is filled with fun golden sand dunes that vary in height ranging from 25 feet to 75 feet.

The dunes were formed from the Cimarron River that left deposits.

One of the park’s main attractions is dune buggy and ATV riding.

You can either bring your own rides or rent them from a nearby off-site private vendor.

You will have a blast exploring this unique sandy landscape and checking out the views from the top of the dunes.

Little Sahara State Park is at 101 Main St, Waynoka, OK 73860.

9- McGee Creek State Park

McGee Creek State Park is on the McGee Creek Reservoir in southern Oklahoma in Choctaw Nation on the edge of the Ouachita Mountain Range.

Calling all fishing enthusiasts: McGee Creek is one of the best fishing lakes in the entire state.

Anglers flock to the water to try their luck at catching smallmouth bass, perch, crappie, sunfish and channel catfish.

Other water-based activities include water skiing and boating.

Watch as water skiers impress or fall spectacularly.

The park is also home to 25 miles of trails which welcome hikers, bikers and horse riders.

McGee Creek State Park is at 5798 S McGee Creek Lake Rd, Atoka, OK 74525.

10- Natural Falls State Park

Natural Falls State Park is in northeastern Oklahoma close to the Arkansas border and around 1 hour 10 minutes from Tulsa.

At the heart of the park is the 77-foot waterfall.

You can walk to the observation platform where you can look out over the falls.

Natural Falls is actually the second highest waterfall in Oklahoma.

To make the most of your visit to the park you can camp overnight in the RV and tent sites there are also yurts that sleep four.

Natural Falls State Park is at 19225 E 578 Rd, Colcord, OK 74338.

11- Osage Hills State Park

Osage Hills State Park is one of Oklahoma’s original state parks.

You will find this park in the northern part of the state around an hour’s drive north of Tulsa.

The park’s 1,100 acres (445 ha) are filled with trails for hiking and mountain biking.

This is a place where you can really get back to nature and enjoy the tranquillity of the forested woodland.

The park has a swimming pool, ball field and tennis courts if you are looking for some sports to do with friends and family.

For fishing you can head to Lookout Lake or Sand Creek where you can expect to catch bass, crappie, catfish and perch.

Osage Hills State Park is at 2131 Osage Hills, Park Rd, Pawhuska, OK 74056.

12- Robbers Cave State Park

Robbers Cave State Park is in eastern Oklahoma around 2 hours 40 minutes from Oklahoma City.

The park has three lakes and is surrounded by sandstone cliffs.

You may be wondering why the park is called Robbers Cave? Well, Jesse James and Belle Starr who were notorious outlaws actually hid in the park, hence the name.

The caves and cliffs make the park an excellent spot for hikers, explorers, rock climbers and scramblers.

The park also has a 250 acre designated area for ATVs.

Robbers Cave State Park is at 2084 NW 146th Rd, Wilburton, OK 74578.

13- Sequoyah Bay State Park

If you love water then you must go to the Sequoyah Bay State Park.

You will find this park around 20 minutes outside of Muskogee in eastern Oklahoma.

Fort Gibson Lake has 19,000 surface areas of water, so there’s plenty of space to enjoy your preferred water activity.

From boating to enjoying swimming at the beach front area, heading to Sequoyah Bay State Park on a sunny day is always a good idea.

In the park there’s also a nature center, plenty of trails and golf and camping.

Sequoyah Bay State Park is at 6237 E 100th St N, Wagoner, OK 74467.

14- Lake Thunderbird State Park

Lake Thunderbird State Park is just 35 minute’s drive from Oklahoma City, making it a fun spot for escaping the city.

This is another park that is all about the lake.

The park has two marinas and nine boat ramps.

There are also two swimming beaches which are ideal for a summertime splash around.

There’s a playground for kids and also an archery range to test your accuracy skills.

For accommodation there are 200 RV sites as well as 30 full hook-up sites with restrooms.

So, why not pack your overnight things and head to Lake Thunderbird State Park for a long weekend.

Lake Thunderbird State Park is at 13101 Alameda Dr, Norman, OK 73026.

15- Roman Nose State Park

Roman Nose State Park is 1 hour 20 minutes’ drive northwest of Oklahoma City.

Formerly the campground of the Cheyenne tribe this is now a scenic state park to enjoy and appreciate nature.

The park is set on a picturesque canyon bluff.

The surroundings are defined by buffalo grass, tall cedar and wild blue sage.

Aside from immersing yourself in nature there are many activities in the park including an 18 hole golf course, volleyball courts, tennis courts, swimming pool, canoeing, paddle boating, and horse riding and hayrides.

There are also a variety of camping options including spots with picturesque views.

For something more luxurious you can stay at the Fairway Cottage.

There are also fun tepee rentals in summer.

Roman Nose State Park is at Watonga, OK 73772.

16- Boiling Springs State Park

With many state parks being in eastern Oklahoma this is a great park if you want something in the eastern part of the state.

The park is of course centred around the natural springs that you can walk around.

There is also Lake Shaul where you can go fishing and a nearby playground and picnic area.

If you fancy a spot of golf whilst you are there, head to the 18-hole Boiling Springs Golf Course which is next to the park.

If you are traveling around the state going from campsite-to-campsite then you can stop at Boiling Springs State Park.

There are 10 RV sites and 29 back in sites as well as tented pitches.

Boiling Springs State Park is at 207745 Boiling, The Springs Rd, Woodward, OK 73801.

17- Talimena State Park

Another eastern Oklahoma state park is Talimena State Park, which is around three hours from Oklahoma City.

This state park is small at only 20 acres but it acts as the starting point for many hiking trails in the Ouachita National Forest.

So, you can start off in the Talimena State Park and see where your adventure takes you as you head through the national forest.

Despite its size, there are still tented sites and RV sites, perfect if you are looking to start a long hike early in the morning.

Talimena State Park is at 50884 US-271, Talihina, OK 74571.

18- Arrowhead State Park

The 2,200-acre (890 ha) Arrowhead State Park is in eastern Oklahoma on Lake Eufaula’s peninsula.

The park is around two hours’ drive east of Oklahoma City.

There’s plenty of camping choices at Arrowhead State Park, including 100 tent sites, 91 RV sites and 40 full hook-up sites.

Amenities at the park include a marina at Lake Eufaula, a playground, miniature golf course, a swimming area, an equestrian campground and 25 miles of equestrian and hiking trails.

The Arrowhead Golf Course is an 18-hole course that also has a driving range and putting green.

There’s plenty of fun to be had at the Arrowhead State Park.

Arrowhead State Park is at 3995 Main Park Road, Canadian, OK 74425.

19- Tenkiller State Park

Tenkiller State Park is on the southern shores of the Tenkiller Ferry Lake in eastern Oklahoma.

The park is around 2 hours 20 minutes east of Oklahoma City and 1 hour 30 minutes southeast of Tulsa, so ideal if you fancy a quick getaway from the city.

You might think of the ocean when thinking of scuba diving, but Lake Tenkiller is one of the best places in Oklahoma to go deep-water diving.

The waters at this lake are clear from eight to 28 feet.

The Tenkiller Scuba Park is an excellent place to learn or dive if you are already licensed.

There’s even an underwater sunken airplane fuselage, a school bus and a helicopter.

If scuba diving isn’t your thing, how about the Fisherman’s Point Area.

Here there is a swimming beach and boat ramp and you can of course fish.

Tenkiller State Park is at 448159 E 979 Dr, Vian, OK 74962.

20- Twin Bridges Area at Grand Lake State Park

Grand Lake is a beautiful lake in northeast Oklahoma.

The Twin Bridges Area at Grand Lake State Park is an excellent state park in northeastern Oklahoma.

This part of the lake is excellent for fishing.

There are a ton of trophy-sized fish to try and catch making for a fun day on the water.

If you forgot bait or tackle then you can head to the fishing center to pick up supplies.

The Twin Bridges Area also has a picnic area and boat ramps for launching your favourite water rides.

When you are not on the lake why not play a game of volleyball or horseshoe at the pits or let the kids play at the playground.

Twin Bridges Area at Grand Lake State Park is at 14820 OK-137, Miami, OK 74354.