2014 Oklahoma Outdoor Guide- Sample-

OKLAHOMA OUTDOOR S TAT E PA R K S A N D

R E C R E AT I O N G U I D E

23% OF

760 WILDLIFE SPECIES

OKLAHOMA IS COVERED

BY FOREST

700,000 TOTAL SURFACE ACRES OF WATER 78,500 MILES OF RIVERS AND STREAMS

1.6 MILLION+

ACRES DEVOTED TO HUNTERS AND ANGLERS

C A B I N S / C A M P F I R E S / S TA R S / F O R E S T S / M O U N TA I N S / L A K E S / R I V E R S / W I L D L I F E / B I G F O O T

THE MOUNTAIN FORK RIVER winds its way through Beavers Bend.

This clear, cold river that flows through Broken Bow Lake is stocked with trout and just enough white water to keep it interesting. But the best part of the Mountain Fork? Finding out what else is just around the Beavers Bend in McCurtain County, Oklahoma. You might be surprised.

V I S I T M C C U R T A I N C O U N T Y. C O M • 8 0 0 - 5 2 8 - 7 3 3 7

YOUR GUIDE TO OKLAHOMA TIPS, RESOURCES, AND REGIONS ................6 OKLAHOMA OUTDOORS:

BY THE NUMBERS ..........................................8 STATE PARKS................................................10 STATE PARKS DIRECTORY ...........................61 OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES..................................64 Golf ...............................................................66 Disc Golf .......................................................72 Fishing ..........................................................74 Hunting ........................................................80 Watchable Wildlife .......................................84 Equestrian ....................................................88 Camping ......................................................90 Paddling .......................................................92 Hiking ...........................................................94 Mountain Biking ..........................................96 Off-Roading .................................................98 Rock Climbing & Rappelling .....................100 Adventure ..................................................102 Seasonal Getaways ..................................104 ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY ............................ 109 CAMPING DIRECTORY .............................. 157 CABINS & LODGING DIRECTORY.............. 193 INDEX PARKS, RV PARKS, LAKES, AND CAMPGROUNDS...................... 215 INDEX CITY ................................................. 222

Natural Falls, Siloam Springs

TRAVELOK.COM l 3

need

USING THIS GUIDE THIS GUIDE IS DESIGNED TO MAKE EXPERIENCING THE OKLAHOMA OUTDOORS AS EASY AS POSSIBLE.

In the first section you’ll find a complete listing of our state’s 35 state parks complete with photos, activities and amenities information, contact information, and directions.

The activities section following the state parks section is divided by interest: golf, fishing, paddling, hunting, watchable wildlife, equestrian, camping, hiking, mountain biking, off-roading, rock climbing, adventure, and seasonal getaways. While we couldn’t include every fantastic option for each category, we did our best to suggest a handful of destinations that will take you all over the state.

A full listing of activities, campgrounds (including RV parks), and cabins & lodging begins on page 109. An index of parks, RV parks, lakes, and campgrounds begins on page 215 and a city index begins on page 222.

Beavers Bend Nature Center, Broken Bow

TRAVELOK.COM l 5

TIPS, RESOURCES, AND REGIONS Twelve Tourism Information Centers around the state offer state maps, brochures, coffee, and knowledgeable staff.

Kenton Boise City

Beaver

Guymon 412

Oklahoma is in the Central Time Zone, except for the Kenton area in the Panhandle; it is in the Mountain Time Zone.

Oklahoma is crisscrossed by three major interstates: I-35, I-40 and I-44. Turnpikes are located along I-44 and other regional areas of the state.

For turnpike information, visit

Throughout the guide, you’ll notice references to different “countries” in Oklahoma. These are the names of the six regions of the state:

pikepass.com or call 800-745-3727

Seat belt use is mandatory for everyone in the car. Child restraints are required for children under four years of age weighing 60 pounds or less. For information, visit www.dps.state.ok.us

For road and weather conditions: www.dps.state.ok.us or 405-425-2385

Northwest

RED CARPET COUNTRY redcarpetcountry.com

Southwest

GREAT PLAINS COUNTRY greatplainscountry.com

South Central

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management: ok.gov/OEM or

CHICKASAW COUNTRY chickasawcountry.com

405-521-2481

Southeast

Fishing and hunting information: wildlifedepartment.com or 405-521-3851

Office of Disability Concerns: ok.gov/odc or 800-522-8224

Oklahoma Route 66 Association: oklahomaroute66.com or 405-258-0008

To contact the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, visit TravelOK.com or call 405-230-8300

6 l TRAVELOK.COM

KIAMICHI COUNTRY kiamichicountry.com

Central

FRONTIER COUNTRY oktourism.com

Northeast

GREEN COUNTRY greencountryok.com

INFORMATION CENTERS TravelOK.com/visitor_information

Newkirk Buffalo

r

Alva

Freedom

Blackwell Ponca City Tonkawa

Cherokee Jet

Waynoka Woodward

412

Gage Shattuck Arnett

66

Edmond Yukon

66

Weatherford El Reno

Elk City

44

Chandler

Oklahoma City Midwest City

Tuttle

Moore Norman Noble Chickasha Purcell

Erick Anadarko Lone Wolf Medicine Park

Hollis

Stillwater Sand Springs 35 Langston Sapulpa Cushing Guthrie Stroud 66 Bristow

Kingfisher

Clinton 40

Mangum

412

Hennessey

Cheyenne 66

Perry

Fairview

Watonga

Sayre

Enid

44

Lindsay

Lawton

Altus Frederick

Commerce Miami Bartlesville Delaware 44 Nowata Pawhuska Vinita 66 Grove Collinsville 44 Pryor Jay Pawnee Tulsa Claremore 412

Duncan Walters Waurika

Prague

Shawnee Seminole Wewoka Holdenville

Okmulgee Henryetta 40 Sallisaw Checotah Eufaula Stigler Poteau McAlester Wilburton

Pauls Valley Ada Wynnewood

Davis

West Siloam Broken Arrow Springs Jenks Wagoner Tahlequah Bixby Stilwell Muskogee

Sulphur

Hartshorne

Talihina

Tuskahoma Coalgate

35 Atoka Healdton Gene Autry Tishomingo Lone Ardmore Grove Durant Marietta Kingston Thackerville Colbert

Antlers Hugo

Broken Bow Idabel

AVAILABLE AT ABOUT HALF THE COST OF GASOLINE and producing up to 90 percent fewer carbon monoxide emissions, drivers are increasingly opting for Compressed Natural Gas, or CNG, vehicles. If you’re one of them, you’ll find approximately 75 CNG refueling stations here in Oklahoma, more than any other state except California. To locate one near you, download the CNG Fuel Finder App for your mobile device, or visit CNGNow.com/stations.

PIKEPASS Oklahoma has more than 600 miles of turnpike crossing the state. Having a PIKEPASS in your car makes traveling the roads easier as it allows you to bypass the toll both and keep on driving to your destination. Order a PIKEPASS online at pikepass.com, by phone at 800-745-3727 (800 PIKEPASS), or at one of three store locations in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

The pass is also available at select tag agencies; search the store locator at pikepass.com to find one near you.

TRAVELOK.COM l 7

Clayton Lake, Clayton

8 l TRAVELOK.COM

OKLAHOMA OUTDOORS: BY THE NUMBERS 12 ECO-REGIONS 13 BIG GAME SPECIES 23% OF OKLAHOMA IS COVERED BY FOREST

78,500 MILES OF RIVERS AND STREAMS

760+ WILDLIFE SPECIES 1,800 AVERAGE WEIGHT IN POUNDS OF THE AMERICAN BUFFALO—OKLAHOMA’S STATE ANIMAL

4,973 HEIGHT, IN FEET, OF

WELCOME TO THE GREAT STATE OF OKLAHOMA! Perhaps you’ve arrived from

very far away or as close as a neighboring state. Wherever you’re from, we’re glad to have you and appreciate the effort you’ve made to get here.

Outdoor enthusiasts of all sorts enjoy Oklahoma for its scenery that teems with lakes and rivers, mesas, prairies, forests, wild animals, and everything else in between. As we say in our state song: “We know we belong to the land, and the land we belong to is grand!”

We certainly think Oklahoma is a perfect ten and hope you find it that way, too.

All the best,

BLACK MESA—THE HIGHEST POINT IN OKLAHOMA

700,000+ TOTAL SURFACE ACRES OF WATER

Mary Fallin Governor

1.6 MILLION+ ACRES DEVOTED TO HUNTERS AND ANGLERS

39,000 ACRES - THE LARGEST PROTECTED AREA OF TALLGRASS PRAIRIE IN THE WORLD

TRAVELOK.COM l 9

OKLAHOMA

STATE PARKS PET FRIENDLY PARKS ALL OKLAHOMA STATE PARKS ARE FRIENDLY TO CATS AND DOGS. Please note pets need to be on a leash no longer than 10 feet, supervised at all times, and cleaned up after.

Additionally, many state park cabins are also pet-friendly.

Look for this icon in the Activities Directory.

pets welcomed

10 l TRAVELOK.COM

STATE PARKS

I have deep roots in this Oklahoma soil. It makes me proud.

–N. SCOTT MOMADAY

Rodgers and Hammerstein only partially got it right when they wrote “Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweeping down the plain.” With twelve eco-regions inside Oklahoma’s borders, wind also sweeps over mountain and mesa, prairie floor and pine forest, cypress swamp and river rock.

Nowhere is this natural beauty and diversity better showcased and preserved than in our thirty-five state parks.

Offering activities from rock climbing and hiking to dune buggy-driving and horseback riding, Oklahoma’s state parks are a natural choice for outdoor adventure. However, if your aim is more relaxation than recreation, you’ll find

plenty of that here, too. Many of our parks boast forests nestled in mountain foothills or lakes and rivers far from city life, creating the perfect, peaceful retreat.

Camp, climb, hike, go horseback riding, scuba diving, spelunk, or spend the night in a lodge—whatever your interest, your Oklahoma outdoor adventure awaits.

Get started on your Oklahoma State Park getaway now.

You can browse the parks in this guide, where you’ll find information on getting there, contacting the parks, lodging, pet accommodations, on-site activities, amenities, and nearby attractions. Or visit TravelOK.com/State_Parks to see more photos and book a lodge room, cabin, or golf course tee time at selected parks.

Lake Murray, Ardmore

TRAVELOK.COM l 11

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

Caving, Watchable Wildlife AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, Dump Station, Gift Shop, Grills, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Pull-Thru Sites, Restrooms, Showers CAMPING

11 W/E Sites, 1 W/E Handicap; 82 Tent Sites.

The Camping Cave accommodates 3-15 and is available from April 1-September 30, reservations required NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

REGION: NORTHWEST (Red Carpet Country)

ALABASTER CAVERNS #1 of 35 REMNANTS OF EONS OF EROSION, THE RUGGED RED DIRT MESAS AND CANYONS SURROUNDING ALABASTER CAVERNS STATE PARK REMIND VISITORS THAT NATURE IS ALWAYS AT WORK.

However, the park’s most famous and impressive landforms lie below the surface.

The tunneled wonderland of varicolored alabaster and selenite caverns is the result of nature’s work begun over 200 million years ago.

Presently, Alabaster Caverns is the largest natural gypsum public touring cave in the world.

Above ground or below, this 12 l TRAVELOK.COM

distinct Oklahoma destination provides a picture-perfect retreat for guests.

NOTE: Guided

tours begin daily on the hour from 9am-4pm. Each tour has a maximum of 40 visitors and a fee is charged. Group discounts are available; reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

Alabaster Caverns offers a Watchable Wildlife Weekend in May and the Selman Bat Watch every Friday and Saturday in July. Please call the park for more detailed information or see page 86.

Boiling Springs State Park, Cimarron Bluff Wildlife Management Area, Gloss Mountain State Park, Little Sahara State Park GETTING THERE

217036 SH 50A Freedom, OK 73842

(6 mi S of Freedom on Hwy 50, 1/2 mi E on Hwy 50A, or 20 mi N of Mooreland on Hwy 50) PARK INFORMATION 580-621-3381 TravelOK.com/Alabaster

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

18 hole Golf, Biking, Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Swimming, Watchable Wildlife, Water Sports AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, Dump Station, Grills, Marina, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Pull-Thru Sites, Restaurant, Showers, Swim Beach CAMPING

20 W/E/S Sites, 71 W/E Sites, 5 W/E Handicap; 91 Tent Sites GROUP CAMP

REGION: SOUTHEAST (Kiamichi Country)

6 bunkhouses accommodate 144 NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Lake Eufaula State Park

ARROWHEAD #2 of 35 SURROUNDED BY WOODED FOOTHILLS AND WATERFRONT VIEWS — ARROWHEAD STATE PARK IS AN IDEAL SETTING FOR A RELAXED, LOW-KEY TRIP. The park, located

within the Choctaw Indian Nation, sits on a prominent peninsula of Lake Eufaula.

Golfers will enjoy Arrowhead’s challenging 18 hole course with spectacular views of the lake and campers will enjoy the peacefulness of the park.

Arrowhead Stables, also located in the park, offers horses for rental and 25 miles of trails through oakhickory forests and rolling hill terrain. Hiking and biking

GETTING THERE

trails also are scattered throughout—a great way to take a break from your busy life and re-energize your body and soul. On the trails, visitors might catch a glimpse of the park’s native inhabitants: deer, wild turkeys, and rabbits.

For more information on the golf course, see page 70.

3395 Main Park Rd Canadian, OK 74425

(18 mi N of McAlester on Hwy 69, 4 mi E of Canadian off Hwy 69) PARK INFORMATION 918-339-2204 GOLF COURSE 918-339-2769 TravelOK.com/Arrowhead

FUN FACT

Belle Starr, known as “Queen of the

Oklahoma Outlaws,”

had a hideout, Younger’s Bend, for her gang— rustlers, horse thieves, and bootleggers—near the north end of Lake Eufaula’s dam.

TRAVELOK.COM l 13

14 l TRAVELOK.COM

STATE PARKS

REGION: SOUTHEAST (Kiamichi Country)

BEAVERS BEND #3 of 35 WINDING ROADS LINED WITH TALL PINES AND BLACKJACK OAKS GUIDE VISITORS INTO BEAVERS BEND STATE PARK. The park

sits at the verdant, densely wooded base of the Kiamichi Mountains and offers a plethora of activities from fly fishing to float trips and eagle watches to golfing. (For more information on the course, see page 70).

The park is comprised of two areas—the lake area and the river area. The lake area, which lies along Broken Bow Lake, treats campers and guests of Lakeview Lodge to spectacular sunrises over the lake and peaks of the Kiamichi Mountains. In the river area, the Lower Mountain Fork River flows through the campgrounds and past log cabins, where the overall sense of peace and seclusion is enhanced by the sound of flowing water and the ability to hike along the river.

Begun in 1937 as a recreational area for the public as part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal, the pristine wilderness and well-kept facilities have made Beavers Bend State Park one of Oklahoma’s most popular.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

Beavers Bend State Park offers programming including nature walks and creek habitat walks along the Mountain Fork River. Visitors also will find unique dioramas at the Forest Heritage Center Museum that tell the story of prehistoric forests, Caddo Indians, paper-making in the South, 1940s lumbering, and forest appreciation.

The center partners with the park to host several festivals throughout the year. Programs include movies under the stars, craft-making, campfire programs, night hikes, and winter bald eagle watches. Please call the park office for more detailed information.

ACTIVITIES

18 hole Golf, Biking, Boating, Float Trips, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Miniature Golf, Nature Center/Trails, Tennis, Softball, Swimming, Trout Fishing, Volleyball, Water Sports AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, Amphitheater, Bus/ Motorcoach Parking, Camp Store, Dump Station, Gift Shop, Lake/River View, Marina, Meeting Space Available, Naturalist, Outdoor Grills, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Pull-Thru Sites, Restaurant, Restrooms, Seasonal Concessions, Showers LODGING

40 Lodge Rooms, 48 Cabins (10 petfriendly cabins, Pet Fee: $10 per night) CAMPING

Beavers Bend: 111 W/E Sites, 4 Handicap; 54 Tent Sites. Hochatown: 23 W/E/S Sites, 2 Handicap; 28 W/E Sites, 149 Tent Sites GROUP CAMP

Group Camp One: 12 duplex cabins accommodating 144 guests; Group Camp Two: 10 A-frame cabins accommodating 160 visitors NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Talimena National Scenic Byway, Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area, Museum of the Red River-Idabel, Lake Wister State Park GETTING THERE

Hwy 259A, Broken Bow, OK 74728

(8 mi N of Broken Bow on Hwy 259, then 4 mi E on Hwy 259A) PARK INFORMATION 580-494-6300 LAKEVIEW LODGE 580-494-6179 GOLF COURSE 580-494-6456 TravelOK.com/BeaversBend

TRAVELOK.COM l 15

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

Hiking, Nature Preserve, Trout Fishing (in season), Watchable Wildlife AMENITIES

Grills, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Restrooms, Showers CAMPING

36 W/E Sites, 1 Handicap; 23 Tent Sites GROUP CAMP

12 bunkhouses sleep 12 per bunkhouse. Heating and air-conditioning not provided GETTING THERE

REGION: NORTHWEST (Red Carpet Country)

BLACK MESA #4 of 35 ENTERING THE GRAND EXPANSE OF BLACK MESA STATE PARK IS LIKE ENTERING AN ANCIENT, YET TIMELESS WORLD. Located in the

Oklahoma panhandle, twenty-three rare plant and eight rare animal species inhabit this area where sky stretches into eternity.

Panoramic vistas of the park and its surroundings are best viewed from the state’s highest elevation point, 4,973 feet above sea level, which is reached by hiking a 4.2 mile trail to the top. The nature preserve, operated in conjunction with the park, consists of approximately 1,600 acres. Visitors can

16 l TRAVELOK.COM

County Rd 325 Kenton, OK 73946

(28 mi NW of Boise City on Hwy 325) PARK INFORMATION 580-426-2222

hike and explore lands once claimed for Spain by explorer Coronado and where the Rocky Mountains meet shortgrass prairie.

FUN FACT

Black Mesa is named for the layer of black lava rock from a now-extinct volcano, which coated the mesa more than 30 million years ago. This region also

contains the fossilized remains of dinosaurs from the Jurassic and Triassic periods, which date back as far as 250 million years.

TravelOK.com/ BlackMesa

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

Biking, Fishing, Hiking, Swimming, Volleyball, Watchable Wildlife AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, Dump Station, Gift Shop, Grills, Lake/River View, Meeting Space Available, Outdoor Pool, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Pull-Thru Sites, Restrooms, Showers LODGING

4 cabins (all are pet-friendly, $10 fee/night) CAMPING

10 W/E/S Sites, 30 W/E Sites, 12 Tent Sites GROUP CAMP

REGION: NORTHWEST (Red Carpet Country)

BOILING SPRINGS #5 of 35 OFTEN REFERRED TO AS AN OASIS ON THE PLAINS,

Boiling Springs State Park captures one of the finest elements of Oklahoma nature: a haven of quiet in the midst of windswept plains. The park is one of seven original state parks built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and was named after a natural spring that still flows.

The park’s namesake attraction is showcased in a natural wooden shelter and interpretive center near the park office.

This is a popular spot for deer and turkey watching and is a convenient weekend escape for those staying or living in nearby Woodward. With plenty of open space to throw a Frisbee and several different hiking trails leading through the woods and to the river, Boiling Springs is a natural attraction in the northwest part of the state.

First camp: 5 bunkhouses accommodate 95-100 guests. Second camp: 12 bunkhouses accommodate 100-125. Camps open from March–December; community building and kitchen available year-round NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Alabaster Caverns State Park, Little Sahara State Park, Boiling Springs Golf Course GETTING THERE

207745 Boiling Springs Rd Woodward, OK 73801

(1 mi N on Hwy 34, 4 mi E on Hwy 34C from Woodward)

PARK INFORMATION 580-256-7664 TravelOK.com/ BoilingSprings

TRAVELOK.COM l 17

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

Boating, Fishing, Horseshoes, Swimming, Volleyball, Watchable Wildlife, Water Sports AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, Covered Shelters, Dump Station, Grills, Handicap Accessible Fishing Dock and Parking, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Pull-Thru Sites, Restrooms, Showers, Water Hookup, Waterfront Sites CAMPING

92 W/E Sites, 1 Handicap; 45 Tent Sites GROUP CAMP

REGION: NORTHEAST (Green Country)

6 bunkhouses accommodate 144 NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

CHEROKEE LANDING #6 of 35 SITTING IN THE DENSELY-WOODED COOKSON HILLS SOUTH OF TAHLEQUAH ON LAKE TENKILLER, this

pocket of paradise is a choice destination for boaters, anglers, and campers. Tenkiller boasts 13,000 acres of water and more than 130 miles of shoreline with hidden coves, rocky bluffs, and lush surrounding forest. Every RV and tent site at the park is either a lakeside or lakeview site. The park also offers several covered shelters—ideal for large parties, reunions, and gatherings.

FUN FACT

Tumbling rivers, expansive lakes, tallgrass prairie, and rolling green hills are the trademark landscape features of the northeast region of the state.

18 l TRAVELOK.COM

Cherokee Heritage Center, Cherokee National Prison Museum, Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum, Cherry Springs Golf Course, John Ross Museum, Tenkiller State Park GETTING THERE

28610 Park 20 Park Hill, OK 74451

(From I-40, exit at Vian. Take Hwy 82 north, approx 20 mi to entrance of park) PARK INFORMATION 918-457-5716 TravelOK.com/ CherokeeLanding

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

Fishing, Hiking, ORV Riding nearby, Swimming, Kayaking AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, Lake/River View, Pets Allowed On Leash LODGING

4 Cabins

CAMPING

30 W/E Sites, 60 Tent Sites NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Choctaw Nation Museum, Ed Hurliman ORV Park, Green Acres ORV Park, Honobia Creek Wildlife Management Area, Mr. Frieling’s ORV Park, Oklahoma Paragliding, Ouachita National Forest REGION: SOUTHEAST (Kiamichi Country)

GETTING THERE

Hwy 271 Clayton, OK 74536

CLAYTON LAKE #7 of 35

(5 mi S of Clayton on Hwy 271)

WINDING YOUR WAY THROUGH SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA’S KIAMICHI MOUNTAINS TO CLAYTON LAKE STATE PARK REVEALS A GENUINE R&R RESPITE.

PARK INFORMATION 918-569-7981

The 66-acre spring-fed lake is a protected no-wake area that offers anglers an ideal location for fishing. Visitors may want to take a stroll along the trails, wade through the waterfalls, or bring a kayak to cross the still water. With a lining of trees up to the water’s edge, the foliage on hiking trails offers cool shade in the summer and spring and stunning autumnal colors in the fall, giving outdoor enthusiasts a chance to reconnect with nature. For the more adventurous at heart, public and private motorized off-road trails are available near the park in the Clayton area.

TravelOK.com/ ClaytonLakeSP

TRAVELOK.COM l 19

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

18 hole Golf, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hunting nearby, Swimming, Water Sports AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, Dump Station, Equestrian Camp, Gift Shop, Grills, Handicapped Parking, Marina, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Pull-Thru Sites, Restrooms, Showers, Swim Beach CAMPING

10 W/E/S Sites, 3 Handicap; 284 W/E Sites, 8 Handicap; 285 Tent Sites, 9 Handicap REGION: SOUTHWEST (Great Plains Country)

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

FORT COBB #8 of 35

GETTING THERE

BORDERING FORT COBB RESERVOIR, FORT COBB STATE PARK OFFERS RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART. Visitors to the park enjoy

(2 mi N of Ft Cobb on Hwy 9, turn N on CS 2550 and go 4 mi)

swimming, fishing, boating, and water sports as well as an 18 hole golf course with lake views. The course (see page 70) has two distinct play areas where golfers of all talent levels can test their skills. Sunset Cove Marina offers boating, equipment rentals, boat slip rentals, a convenience store, fuel, and a restaurant. There are multiple boat ramps in the park, and a bait and tackle shop makes fishing convenient.

Crappie, catfish, walleye, saugeye, largemouth bass, and white bass are some of the fish species found here.

20 l TRAVELOK.COM

Caddo Heritage Museum, Kiowa Tribal Museum, Red Rock Canyon State Park 27022 Copperhead Rd Fort Cobb, OK 73038

PARK INFORMATION 405-643-2249 GOLF COURSE 405- 643-2398 TravelOK.com/FortCobb

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

Biking, Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding (no rentals), Swimming, Water Sports, Disc Golf (9 Holes) AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, Dump Station, Equestrian Camp, Gift Shop, Grills, Handicapped Parking, Marina, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Pull-Thru Sites, Restrooms, Showers, Swim Beach CAMPING

10 W/E/S Sites, 100 W/E Sites, 6 Handicap; 103 Tent Sites REGION: SOUTHWEST (Great Plains Country)

FOSS LAKE #9 of 35 WESTERN OKLAHOMA IS FAMOUS FOR ITS VARIED, WINDSWEPT LANDSCAPE OF MESAS, CANYONS, AND GRASSLANDS. Foss State Park, located between the cities

of Foss and Butler, is a refreshing getaway in the heart of this vast ancient area. Foss Lake, the largest body of water in western Oklahoma, attracts water sports enthusiasts, fishermen, and those looking to cool off during the dog days of summer. The north-side swim beach is one of Foss’ biggest attractions. With plenty of parking for visitors, this exclusive day-use only area offers sandy beaches with a gradual slope into the rejuvenating lake water. Additionally, land lovers can explore 19 miles of equestrian trails that weave throughout the park or view the resident herd of bison.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

National Route 66 & Transportation Museum, Washita National Wildlife Refuge GETTING THERE

10252 Hwy 44 Foss, OK 73647

(From I-40 Exit 53, go 7 mi N on Hwy 44 to Hwy 73.

Go W 1/4 mile) PARK INFORMATION 580-592-4433 TravelOK.com/Foss

TRAVELOK.COM l 21

22 l TRAVELOK.COM

STATE PARKS

REGION: NORTHWEST (Red Carpet Country)

GLOSS MOUNTAIN #10 of 35 RISING STARKLY OUT OF RELATIVELY FLAT SURROUNDINGS, THE MULTI-HUED GLOSS MOUNTAINS IN WESTERN OKLAHOMA MAKE THIS STATE PARK ONE OF OKLAHOMA’S MOST TREASURED. The Gloss Mountains, sometimes called

the Glass Mountains, have a high selenite content that mimics a shiny glass exterior. The layers are the result of a gigantic inland sea that once covered western Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle. As this sea dried up, large beds of selenite gypsum were laid across the area. Bright flashes of the buttes, which can still be seen today, inspired the area’s name. One legend has it that part of the first exploring party was British and upon glancing at the mountains in the early morning light, the visitor noted they looked just like “glaws.”

Though there is no lodging or camping in Gloss Mountain State Park, there are plenty of hiking trails and picnic areas to enjoy from sunrise to sunset. The spectacular scenery makes this a truly unique Oklahoma state park. One of the mountain’s popular trails runs from the parking lot to the top of Cathedral Mountain and across the mesa, offering an unbeatable view of the valley floor and Lone Peak Mountain. Miles of prairie floor stretch out as far as the eye can see, broken up only by the native red dirt and sparse green shrubbery.

Buzzards and eagles loom overhead, while lizards and insects scurry underfoot and over the rocky terrain.

ACTIVITIES

Hiking, Picnic, Self-guided Tours, Watchable Wildlife AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, Grills, Handicap Accessible Parking, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Restrooms CAMPING

None

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Sand Creek Heritage Center & Museum, Sod House Museum GETTING THERE

Hwy 412, Fairview, OK 73737

(From I-35, go W on Hwy 412 about 50+ mi to Orienta, then begin a scenic 24-mi drive. The park is 5 mi W of Orienta on Hwy 412) PARK INFORMATION 580-227-2512 TravelOK.com/Gloss

FUN FACT

Selenite was used for windows in early sod houses.

TRAVELOK.COM l 23

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

Fishing, Nature Center, Paved Walking/Jogging Path (handicap accessible), Swimming, Watchable Wildlife AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, Boat Ramps, Dump Station, Elec.

30 Amp, Grills, Handicapped Parking, Naturalist on Site, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Restrooms, Showers, Water Hookup NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Darryl Starbird’s National Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame Museum GETTING THERE

REGION: NORTHEAST (Green Country)

54101 E Hwy 85 A Bernice, OK 74331

(1/2 mi E of Bernice on Hwy 85A)

GRAND LAKE #11 of 35 GRAND LAKE O’ THE CHEROKEES RANKS AMONG THE LARGEST AND MOST POPULAR OF THE STATE’S LAKES. Famous for its size and beauty, this massive

serpentine body of water was formed by the merging of the Neosho and Spring Rivers and is well-known for great fishing. Fish species include largemouth bass, sand bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill. Along the 1,300 miles of shoreline, Grand Lake State Park offers eight separate state park areas, each with individual charm. The park also boasts a nine-hole golf course, which is described in more detail on page 68.

Grand Lake State Park’s eight separate park areas are described on the following pages.

24 l TRAVELOK.COM

PARK INFORMATION 918-786-2289 TravelOK.com

STATE PARKS

GRAND LAKE CONTINUED

1

BERNICE

KNOWN TO MANY AS OKLAHOMA’S “CRAPPIE CAPITAL,” BERNICE IS AN OUTDOOR LOVER’S DREAM with swim

beaches, a nature center, and a boat ramp to launch your successful fishing expedition.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

The Bernice State Park Nature Center offers hands-on exhibits, live animals, mounted wildlife exhibits, an indoor active beehive, and a 750-gallon fish tank with species native to Grand Lake. The on-site park naturalist is available for guided nature hikes, hands-on activities, and presentations.

Educational programs and services are provided to the general public, groups, schools, and organizations at no charge.

Please call the nature center at 918-257-8330 for more detailed information.

ACTIVITIES

Camping, Fishing, Picnicking AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, Boat Ramp, Dump Station, Grills, Handicapped Parking, Naturalist on Site, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed On Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Restrooms, Showers CAMPING

33 W/E Sites, 1 Handicap; 150 Tent Sites GETTING THERE

54101 E Hwy 85A, Bernice, OK 74331

2

CHEROKEE

FOUR DISTINCT CAMPGROUNDS OFFER DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES: Enjoy a picnic at

Cherokee Grand View; swim the beaches of Cherokee Lakeside; relax by the river at Cherokee Riverside; or play a round of golf below the Pensacola dam at Grand Cherokee Golf Course, located in this area. For more information on the golf course, see page 68.

ACTIVITIES

ADA Compliant, 9 hole Golf, Fishing, Swimming, Water Sports AMENITIES

Open Seasonally, Group Picnic Shelter, Lighted Boat Ramp, Pets Allowed on Leash CAMPING

13 W/E/S Sites, 1 Handicap; 30 W/E Sites, 2 Handicap; 40 Tent Sites; 3 RV Campgrounds with Reserved/Assigned Sites NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Grand River Dam Authority Ecosystems and Education Center, GRDA Off Road Rock Crawling Area and Trails, Hogan’s Off Road Park, Pensacola Dam Tours GETTING THERE

N 4475 Rd Langley, OK 74350

(From the intersection of Hwy 82/28 go S approx 1 mi to Hwy 28. Turn east, go approx 1 mile, turn S on Hwy 82A. Take first left to stop sign, turn E onto river road, follow until you cross the river)

(1/2 mi E of Bernice on Hwy 85A) PARK INFORMATION 918-786-9447 TravelOK.com/Bernice

PARK INFORMATION 918-435-8066 GOLF COURSE 918-435-8727 TravelOK.com/CherokeeArea

TRAVELOK.COM l 25

STATE PARKS

GRAND LAKE CONTINUED

3

DISNEY

4

LITTLE BLUE

The Disney area is popular for fishing and water sports. The wide boat ramp and large parking area offer accommodation for fishing rigs.

This area is for primitive camping only. A clear small creek runs adjacent to the camping area—a popular spot for families to play in shallow water.

NOTE: This

area is closed during the winter season.

NOTE: This

ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITIES

Fishing, Water Sports AMENITIES

Picnic Shelter, Lighted Boat Ramp, Pets Allowed on Leash CAMPING

20 Tent Sites NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Grand River Dam Authority Ecosystems and Education Center, GRDA Off Road Rock Crawling Area and Trails, Hogan’s Off Road Park, Pensacola Dam Tours GETTING THERE

Hwy 28 E Disney, OK 74340

(2 blocks E of Disney Post Office on Hwy 28) PARK INFORMATION 918-435-8066

area is closed during the winter season.

Camping

AMENITIES

Pets Allowed On Leash CAMPING

30 Tent Sites NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Grand River Dam Authority Ecosystems and Education Center, GRDA Off Road Rock Crawling Area and Trails, Hogan’s Off Road Park, Pensacola Dam Tours GETTING THERE

(From the intersection of Hwy 82 and Hwy 28, follow Hwy 28 across the Pensacola Dam, through the town of Disney and across spillway #1, approximately 3 mi. Turn right on CR 492, which is adjacent to the Tijuana Fire Dept. building. Follow the road approx 1/4 mi to the gates)

5

HONEY CREEK

On the outskirts of Grove, this park is close enough to enjoy the city, but far enough away that you can hear soothing water rippling against the shoreline as you relax. Park guests can enjoy a two-mile walking path through the park, which is especially beautiful in the spring when the dogwood and redbud trees are in full bloom.

ACTIVITIES

Fishing, Biking, Boating AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, Dump Station, Fishing Dock, Grills, Group Shelter, Lighted Boat Ramp, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic, Playground, Pull-Thru Sites, Restrooms, Showers CAMPING

49 W/E Sites, 2 Handicap; 100 Tent Sites NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Cherokee Queen Riverboat Rides, Har-Ber Village, Lendonwood Gardens, Satsuki Garden GETTING THERE

901 ST Park Rd Grove, OK 74344

(S of Grove off Hwy 59)

TravelOK.com/Disney

26 l TRAVELOK.COM

PARK INFORMATION 918-435-8066

PARK INFORMATION 918-786-9447

TravelOK.com/Disney

TravelOK.com/HoneyCreek

STATE PARKS

GRAND LAKE CONTINUED

6

SNOWDALE

On the shores of Lake Hudson, the Snowdale area is a popular destination for bass, crappie, catfish, and perch fishing. A wide variety of water sports also are allowed on the lake.

NOTE: This

area is closed during the winter season.

ACTIVITIES

Fishing, Hiking, Swimming, Volleyball, Water Sports AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, Open Seasonally, Group Picnic Shelter, Lighted Boat Ramp, Pets Allowed on Leash, Showers CAMPING

17 W/E Sites, 1 Handicap; 20 Tent Sites NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

7

SPAVINAW

Below the spillway on Spavinaw Lake, this area offers a quiet, beautiful setting for carefree camping. A rippling turquoise creek flows through the park and in spring, blooming dogwood trees line the banks.

NOTE: This

area is closed during the winter season.

ACTIVITIES

Fishing, Swimming (with shallow areas good for small children), Hunting and Hiking Nearby AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, Pets Allowed on Leash, Showers CAMPING

26 W/E Sites, 1 Handicap; 20 Tent Sites

Grand River Dam Authority Ecosystems and Education Center, GRDA Off Road Rock Crawling Area and Trails, Hogan’s Off Road Park, Pensacola Dam Tours

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

GETTING THERE

(3/4 mi S of Spavinaw on Hwy 82/20)

501 S 439 Salina, OK 74361

Spavinaw Hills State Game Refuge GETTING THERE

555 S Main Spavinaw, OK 74366

(1 mi W of Salina on Hwy 20) PARK INFORMATION 918-435-8066 TravelOK.com/Snowdale

PARK INFORMATION 918-435-8066 TravelOK.com/Spavinaw

8

TWIN BRIDGES

The Neosho and Spring Rivers merge in this area and form Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees. Twin Bridges, set on a peninsula, is known for its quiet atmosphere and trophy bass, catfish, bluegill, and spoonbill fishing. The on-site group shelter is perfect for family functions.

ACTIVITIES

Fishing, Biking, Boating, Hiking AMENITIES

Dump Station, Enclosed Fishing Dock, Grills, Handicapped Parking, Individual & Group Shelters, Lighted Boat Ramps, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Pull-Thru Sites, Restrooms, Showers CAMPING

63 W/E Sites, 2 Handicap; 100 Tent Sites; Lake Huts NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Paddlefish Research & Processing Center, Peoria Ridge Golf Course, Sycamore Valley Recreation Area GETTING THERE

14801 S Hwy 137 Fairland, OK 74343

(6 mi E of Fairland at junction of Hwy 137/60) PARK INFORMATION 918-542-6969 TravelOK.com/TwinBridges

TRAVELOK.COM l 27

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

Boating, Canoeing, Cycling, Hiking, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Swimming, Water Sports AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, Camp Store, Dump Station, Handicapped Parking, Lake/River View, Outdoor Grills, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Pull-Thru Sites, Restrooms, Showers, Swim Beach CAMPING

14 W/E/S Sites, 44 W/E Sites, 4 Handicap; 30 Tent Sites, 2 Handicap NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

REGION: SOUTHWEST (Great Plains Country)

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge GETTING THERE

GREAT PLAINS #12 of 35 IN THE MIDST OF A LANDSCAPE OVER HALF A BILLION YEARS IN THE MAKING, GREAT PLAINS STATE PARK IS LOCATED

in an area characterized by ancient granite mountains, rolling plains, and shortgrass prairie. The tall rocks, cliffs, and rugged land give this park a unique appeal and provide a panoramic view of southwestern Oklahoma. Visitors to Great Plains can camp and relax in the shadow of the Wichita Mountains, hike

28 l TRAVELOK.COM

the nature trails, enjoy Tom Steed Lake, or explore the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge nearby, home to approximately 650 bison.

FUN FACT

A town in this area was once called “Wildman.”

Famous for saloons and gambling houses, it was a tough place made up of miners and gamblers with a seasoning of bandits.

It’s said that the first diggings developed in Wildman were graves.

22487 E 1566 Rd Mountain Park, OK 73559

(At intersection of Hwy 183 & County Rd 1570. From Mountain Park, go 2 mi N on Hwy 183, then 2 mi W on Access Rd Hwy 183 S of Hobart to park entrance) PARK INFORMATION 580-569-2032 TravelOK.com/ GreatPlains

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

Bird Watching and Crystal Digging at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Equestrian Trails, Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Swimming AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, Campsites, Dump Station, Handicapped Parking, Lake/River View, Meeting Space Available, Non-smoking, Outdoor Grills, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Pull-Thru Sites, Restrooms, Showers, Swim Beach LODGING

6 Cabins (all are pet-friendly, $10 fee/night) REGION: NORTHWEST (Red Carpet Country)

GREAT SALT PLAINS #13 of 35 GREAT SALT PLAINS BOASTS THE ONLY SPOT IN THE WORLD WHERE PEOPLE CAN DIG FOR HOURGLASS-SHAPED SELENITE CRYSTALS.

Adjacent to the park is one of Oklahoma’s most unusual geological phenomena— salt flats, which are literally a sea of salt left over from an ocean that covered Oklahoma in prehistoric times. While searching for crystals, visitors can look for over 300 species of protected birds that live in the refuge. Golden and bald eagles, as well as thousands

of waterfowl, are among the refuge’s yearly residents.

And while there’s plenty more to do at Great Salt Plains State Park, visitors also should wade in the shallow waters of Great Salt Plains Lake, which is about half as salty as the ocean.

NOTE: The

crystals are quite fragile and require a shovel or hand spade for their retrieval. Digging is seasonal, from April 1 through October 15.

Please call the park for more detailed information.

CAMPING

1 W/E/S Sites, 4 Handicap; 63 W/E Sites, 95 Tent Sites, 2 Handicap NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge GETTING THERE

Rt. 1 Box 28 Jet, OK 73749

(8 mi N of Jet on Hwy 38, approximately 45 minutes NW of Enid) PARK INFORMATION 580-626-4731 TravelOK.com/ SaltPlains

TRAVELOK.COM l 29

30 l TRAVELOK.COM

STATE PARKS

REGION: NORTHEAST (Green Country)

GREENLEAF #14 of 35 TUCKED AWAY IN THE HILLS OF EASTERN OKLAHOMA, GREENLEAF STATE PARK OFFERS SPECTACULAR SCENERY AND A PEACEFUL GETAWAY. Greenleaf Creek, which was dammed to form

the lake, was for many years noted for the best fishing in Green Country. The park offers cabins, campgrounds, family recreation facilities, and nature trails.

ACTIVITIES

Basketball, Boating, Canoeing/ Kayaking, Fishing, Hiking, Miniature Golf, Horseshoes, Swimming, Volleyball, Watchable Wildlife AMENITIES

The park was established to provide recreation for troops stationed at nearby Camp Gruber.

Amphitheater, Dump Station, Handicapped Accessible Cabin, Heated Fishing Dock, Lake/River View, Laundry, Mail Service, Marina, Meeting Space Available, Nature Center, Naturalist, Non-Smoking, Office WiFi, Outdoor Grills, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Outdoor Pool, Pull-Thru Sites

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

LODGING

FUN FACT

The lake, cabins, and other structures, were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Works Progress Administration, and German prisoners of war.

The Greenleaf State Park Nature Center offers various educational programs and animal exhibits. Topics include astronomy, plants & animals of eastern Oklahoma, living history, and eagle watches. Please call the park for more detailed information or to schedule a free program for your organization.

15 Cabins (14 pet-friendly cabins, $10 fee/night) CAMPING

23 W/E/S Sites, 1 Handicap; 77 W/E Sites, 1 Handicap; 98 Tent Sites, 1 Handicap NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Camp Gruber Recreation & ORV Area, Fort Gibson National Cemetery & Historic Site, Five Civilized Tribes Museum, Honor Heights Park, Cherokee Heritage Center, Tenkiller State Park GETTING THERE

3 mi S of Braggs on Hwy 10 S Braggs, OK 74423

(From I-40, Exit 287 (Gore/Webbers Falls), travel 12 mi following Hwy 100 to Hwy 10, then Hwy 10 N to park) PARK INFORMATION 918-487-5622 TravelOK.com/Greenleaf

TRAVELOK.COM l 31

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

Biking, Fishing, Hiking AMENITIES

Full Service Marina, Lake/ River View, Meeting Space Available, Nature trails, Pets Allowed on Leash, Pontoon Boat Rentals LODGING

16 Cabins (all are pet-friendly, no pet fee) CAMPING

10 Tent Sites NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

REGION: SOUTHEAST (Kiamichi Country)

Fort Towson Historic Site, Hugo Frisco Depot Museum, Raymond Gary State Park, Rock Creek Golf Course, Wildlife Heritage Center Museum, Showmen’s Rest Cemetery GETTING THERE

HUGO #15 of 35 POPULAR WITH ANGLERS, HUGO LAKE HAS GAINED A REPUTATION FOR SOME OF THE BEST FISHING IN THE STATE. The spring months are prime-time for crappie

fishing; spawning bass can be found in April and May in the shallow water flats and brush areas of the lake. Though Hugo Lake is known as a fishing hot spot, there’s something for everyone: visitors can relax in a rustic cabin, enjoy a nature walk, or cruise the lake. Whatever you choose, you’re bound to enjoy the natural beauty of southeastern Oklahoma showcased at Hugo Lake State Park.

32 l TRAVELOK.COM

Hwy 70 E Hugo, OK 74743

(From the US-70 & SH-93 junction E of Hugo, take US-70 approx 3.5 mi, then turn left (north) and drive to the lake) PARK INFORMATION 580-326-0303 TravelOK.com/ HugoLake

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

ATV/ORV Riding Nearby, Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Swimming, Water Sports AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, Dump Station, Full Service Marina, Gift Shop, Lake/ River View, Meeting Space Available, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Grills, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Restaurant, Restrooms, Showers LODGING

22 Cabins (2 pet-friendly cabins, $10 fee/night) CAMPING

REGION: NORTHEAST (Green Country)

KEYSTONE #16 of 35 KEYSTONE STATE PARK OFFERS A QUICK GETAWAY FROM THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF TULSA CITY LIFE.

Campers can choose from three campgrounds for RV and tent camping near sandy beaches, wooded shorelines, high bluffs, and low, rolling hills. Children delight in fishing in the stocked pond and everyone can enjoy the 1.25-mile nature trail, the 1.25-mile physical fitness trail with 20 fitness stations, or the 2-mile Boy Scout trail. If you’d prefer a home away from home in the woods, the park also has twentytwo comfortable cabins,

40 W/E/S Sites, 32 W/E Sites, 2 Handicap; 210 Tent Sites, 1 RV Campground with Reserved/Assigned Sites NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

each complete with central heat, air-conditioning, a fireplace, and a kitchen that includes a refrigerator, stove, microwave, utensils, and linens. The Two Rivers of the Four Winds community building provides a panoramic view of the lake and is a perfect fit for large groups, reunions, and business gatherings, accommodating up to 150 guests.

FUN FACT

The Battle of Round Mountain, the first Civil

War battle fought in Indian Territory, occurred

Gilcrease Museum, Oklahoma Aquarium, Philbrook Museum of Art, Sand Springs Golf Course, Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium, Tulsa Zoo GETTING THERE

1926 Hwy 151 Sand Springs, OK 74063

(From Sand Springs: go 7 mi W on Hwy 51, then 1/2 mi N on Hwy 151. From Mannford: go 6 mi E on Hwy 51, then 1/2 mi N on Hwy 151. From Hwy 412: exit onto Hwy 151 S and go across Keystone Dam to state park) PARK INFORMATION 918-865-4991 TravelOK.com/ Keystone

near Keystone State Park.

TRAVELOK.COM l 33

34 l TRAVELOK.COM

STATE PARKS

REGION: NORTHEAST (Green Country)

LAKE EUFAULA #17 of 35 THOSE SEEKING AN ESCAPE FROM CITY LIFE WILL FIND NO BETTER LOCATION THAN LAKE EUFAULA STATE PARK. Ideally located for interstate travelers

or weekend visitors, the park sits along the shores of Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma’s largest man-made lake. Park visitors can choose from a plethora of activities including water sports, fishing, hiking, and biking. There are miles of trails and a nature center to explore. Fishing at Lake Eufaula is a year-round sport—several fishing docks are heated and enclosed. For family fun, Hummingbird Beach has a colorful play area for little ones and disc golf lovers can tee off nearby at the disc golf course.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

The Deep Fork Nature Center houses an insect collection, several native Oklahoma amphibians, and an observation honeybee hive. Programs include nature crafts, animal videos, windowsill science, bird watching, and nature hikes. Please call the park for detailed information.

ACTIVITIES

Biking, Boating, Disc Golf, Fishing, Hiking, Nature Center/Naturalist Activities & Programs, Swimming, Volleyball, Watchable Wildlife, Water Sports AMENITIES

Dump Station, Gift Shop, Indoor/ Outdoor Fishing Dock, Children’s Fishing Pond, Marina, Naturalist on Site, Office WiFi, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Playground, Restrooms, Swim Beach CAMPING

34 W/E/S Sites, 3 Handicap; 65 W/E Sites, 93 Tent Sites; 2 RV Campgrounds with Reserved/ Assigned Sites GROUP CAMP

4 air-conditioned bunkhouses accommodate 96. Fully equipped kitchen/dining hall is heated and air-conditioned. The group camp stocked pond is open year-round.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Arrowhead State Park, Fountainhead Creek Golf Course, Honey Springs Battlefield, Lake Eufaula Damsite ATV Trail, Outlaw Motor Speedway GETTING THERE

Hwy 69 & Hwy 150 Checotah, OK 74426

(From I-40, go 4 mi SW on Hwy 150)

PARK INFORMATION 918-689-5311 TravelOK.com/ EufaulaSP

TRAVELOK.COM l 35

36 l TRAVELOK.COM

STATE PARKS

REGION: SOUTH CENTRAL (Chickasaw Country)

LAKE MURRAY #18 of 35 OFTEN DESCRIBED AS “OKLAHOMA’S YELLOWSTONE,” LAKE MURRAY STATE PARK WELCOMES VISITORS WITH A FOREST OF SHADE TREES AND A LIMESTONE-LINED ROADWAY. As the

lake comes into view, sand beds at the shoreline fade gently into pristine aqua waters and visitors become acutely aware that this is one of Oklahoma’s most treasured places.

The park’s beauty is more than skin deep. Established in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Lake Murray was Oklahoma’s first state park and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take time to explore the park’s more than 12,500 acres, where the Corps’ historic handiwork is still visible in the remaining structures. Not to be missed is Tucker Tower, which was originally planned as a summer getaway for thengovernor William H. “Alfalfa Bill” Murray. Today, the tower serves as a museum dedicated to the history of the park and the CCC. The new nature center at Lake Murray, located at the base of Tucker Tower, offers visitors a hands-on selfguided opportunity to learn more about the park and environment. Educational stations and displays are prominently located throughout the building. A large classroom is available for groups of all ages, with instruction from the on-site naturalist and staff.

The sheer immensity of the park makes it an ideal locale for outdoor activities of all sorts, including boating, swimming, scuba diving, fishing, golfing, camping, horseback riding, hiking, and biking. Off-road vehicles are also permitted in a designated area of the park.

ACTIVITIES

18 hole Golf, ATV area, Biking, Boating, Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting, Disc Golf, Equestrian Trails, Fishing, Game Room, Hiking, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball, Watchable Wildlife, Water Sports AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, ADA Rooms, Airport Shuttle, Camp Store, Concessions, Dump Station, Handicapped Parking, Lake/River View, Laundry, Marina, Meeting Space Available, Naturalist, Outdoor Grills, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Pull-Thru Sites, Restaurant, Restrooms, Showers, Shuttle to Ardmore’s Amtrak Depot, Swim Beach LODGING

52 Rooms, 56 Cabins (12 pet-friendly cabins, $10 fee/night) CAMPING

124 W/E/S Sites, 12 Handicap; 177 W/E Sites, 1 Handicap; 302 Tent Sites GROUP CAMP

Group Camps One and Two each accommodate 175 in 31 cabins.

Group Camp Three accommodates 125 in 15 cabins NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Greater Southwest Historical Museum, Military Memorial Museum, Pennington Creek Hunting Club, Lake Texoma State Park GETTING THERE

13528 Scenic SH-77 Ardmore, OK 73401

(Lake Murray State Park entrance: 3 mi E of I-35 at Exit 24 or Exit 29.

Lodge entrance: Exit 24, located at 3323 Lodge Rd)

FUN FACT

PARK INFORMATION 580-223-4044

beneath Tucker Tower.

LODGE 800-257-0322 580-223-6600

Legend has it that an underwater cave, once home to early inhabitants of this area, can be found

GOLF COURSE 580-223-6613 TravelOK.com/MurraySP

TRAVELOK.COM l 37

38 l TRAVELOK.COM

STATE PARKS

REGION: SOUTH CENTRAL (Chickasaw Country)

LAKE TEXOMA #19 of 35 JUST AS THE NAME IMPLIES, LAKE TEXOMA STRADDLES THE BORDER BETWEEN OKLAHOMA AND TEXAS, BUT IT IS KNOWN COAST TO COAST AS THE “STRIPER CAPITAL OF THE WORLD.” Sand

and white bass, largemouth bass, flathead, channel, and blue catfish, spotted and smallmouth bass, and white and black crappie are also plentiful.

Located 121 miles south of Oklahoma City and 75 miles north of Dallas, Texas, Lake Texoma is home to the Hagerman and Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuges where deer, bobcats, and wild turkeys live in their natural habitat. Depending on the time of the year birdwatchers can spot multiple species of migrating waterfowl, including Canadian geese, ducks, and bald eagles.

One of the nation’s largest reservoirs, Lake Texoma is visited by more than 6 million people each year—and not just during the summer months. The moderate climate (with an average high of 65 degrees in November) makes this an ideal location for fall and winter getaways when fish are fewer but fatter and bald eagles glide overhead.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

The Two Rivers Nature Center features displays on various wildlife as well as local geology and fossils.

Please call the park for more detailed information.

ACTIVITIES

Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Swimming, Watchable Wildlife, Water Sports AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, Concessions, Dump Station, Gift Shop, Grills, Marina, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Pull-Thru Sites, Restrooms, Showers, Swim Beach, Waterfront Sites CAMPING

88 W/E/S Sites, 1 Handicap; 41 W/E Sites, 200 Tent Sites NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Chickasaw Pointe Golf Course, Fort Washita Historic Site and Museum, Lake Murray State Park, Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge GETTING THERE

1988 State Park Rd Kingston, OK 73439

(40 mi E of I-35 and 13 mi W of Hwy 75 off Hwy 70) PARK INFORMATION 580-564-2566 TravelOK.com/TexomaSP

TRAVELOK.COM l 39

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

Archery, Biking, Boating, Canoeing/Rafting/ Kayaking, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Nature Center, Swimming, Watchable Wildlife, Water Sports AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, Dump Station, Handicapped Parking, Lake/River View, Marina, Naturalist, Office WiFi, Outdoor Grills, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, PullThru Sites, Restaurant, Restrooms, Showers, Swim Beach CAMPING

REGION: CENTRAL (Frontier Country)

LAKE THUNDERBIRD #20 of 35 LAKE THUNDERBIRD IS A YEAR-ROUND PLAYGROUND FOR MORE THAN 1 MILLION URBAN DWELLERS IN THE OKLAHOMA CITY METRO AREA. After a stressful

week at the office, driving two or three hours to get to a lake for R&R seems counterintuitive when Lake Thunderbird is so close!

Blackjack, juniper, and fir populate the woods and in the spring, blooming dogwood adds a lacy fringe to the leafy canopy. Here, visitors can enjoy hiking or biking along the 18.5 miles of trails, setting sail from the boathouse, fishing,

40 l TRAVELOK.COM

horseback riding, or simply enjoying a book and picnic lunch on the grass.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

The Discovery Cove Nature Center houses live animals including native reptiles and amphibians, a large collection of mounted mammals and birds, and an extensive insect collection. The center offers seasonal activities ranging from nature and recreational programs including watchable wildlife, hikes, and nature crafts. Please call the nature center at 405-321-4633 or the park for more detailed information.

30 W/E/S Sites, 10 Handicap; 207 W/E Sites; 152 Tent Sites, 20 Handicap NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Crosstimbers Motorized ORV Park, National Weather Center, The University of Oklahoma, Sam Noble Museum of Natural History GETTING THERE

13101 Alameda Dr Norman, OK 73026

(13 mi E of Norman on Alameda Dr, 11 mi S of I-40 on Choctaw Rd Exit 166, or 15 mi E of I-35 on Hwy 9) PARK INFORMATION 405-360-3572 TravelOK.com/ ThunderbirdSP

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

Biking, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Swimming, Water Spray Park AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, Lake/ River View, Meeting Space Available, Pets Allowed on Leash LODGING

15 Cabins (10 pet-friendly cabins, $10 fee/night) CAMPING

23 W/E/S Sites, 3 Handicap; 95 W/E Sites, 20 Tent Sites GROUP CAMP

REGION: SOUTHEAST (Kiamichi Country)

6 cabins accommodate 100 guests. Fully equipped community building with kitchen is heated and airconditioned. Closed from December–February NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

LAKE WISTER #21 of 35 LAKE WISTER STATE PARK IS KNOWN AS THE GATEWAY TO THE OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST AND THE WINDING STAIR MOUNTAINS —a ridge of

mountains with gorgeous, dense trees and some of the most stunning peaks in the Ouachitas. Amid a dramatic congregation of dogwood, wild cherry, southern red oak, northern spruce, and white oak trees, this sprawling park occupies large areas on the north and east sides of the lake.

In the midst of the summer heat, the spray park is a popular hangout for guests of all ages. During the fall season, the tall, dense trees showcase vibrant foliage.

Park cabins with fireplaces are especially inviting during the fall and winter seasons.

FUN FACT

The Poteau River, which flows into Lake Wister, is the

only river in Oklahoma that flows in a northerly direction.

Beavers Bend State Park, Cedar Lake National Recreation Area, Mountain Gateway Scenic Byway, Ouachita National Recreation Trail System, Spiro Mounds Archeological Park, Talimena National Scenic Byway GETTING THERE

25567 US Hwy 270 Wister, OK 74966

(8 mi S of Poteau and 2 mi S of Wister on Hwy 270) PARK INFORMATION 918-655-7212 TravelOK.com/ WisterSP

TRAVELOK.COM l 41

42 l TRAVELOK.COM

STATE PARKS

REGION: NORTHWEST (Red Carpet Country)

LITTLE SAHARA #22 of 35

ACTIVITIES

WITH MORE THAN 1,600 ACRES OF DUNES, LITTLE SAHARA STATE PARK IS THE GRANDFATHER OF ALL OKLAHOMA OFF-ROADING PLAYGROUNDS.

AMENITIES

This unique state park is the go-to spot for off-roading lovers. Have a dune buggy, jeep, four-wheeler, or dirtbike? Here, you’re home. Sand dune heights range from 25 to 75 feet—not including the extra height achieved when you’re airborne.

PARK SAFETY RULES AND REGULATIONS

All vehicles must have a whip attached to the ORV that extends 10 feet from the ground to the top of the whip.

All vehicles must have a 6" x 12" bright, solid orange (no writing) flag attached within 10" of the whip’s tip.

All vehicles must have bright white front and red rear lights powered by the vehicle for night use.

Dune buggies and 4x4 vehicles must have seatbelts for each passenger and a roll bar sufficient to support the weight of the vehicle.

Full coverage helmets are strongly suggested. Riding is at your own risk. Please stay within the posted park boundaries.

All operators under the age of 18 must wear a helmet.

Double riding is not allowed on ATVs unless the vehicle is specifically manufactured for a passenger.

Off-Roading

ADA Compliant, Dump Station, Grills, Handicapped Parking, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Pull-Thru Sites, Restrooms, Showers, WiFi CAMPING

86 W/E Sites, 4 Handicap; 143 Tent Sites, All RV Campgrounds with Reserved/Assigned Sites (198 Sites) NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Alabaster Caverns State Park, Boiling Springs State Park, Cherokee Strip Museum, Gloss Mountain State Park GETTING THERE

101 Main St Waynoka, OK 73860

(4 mi S on Hwy 281)

PARK INFORMATION 580-824-1471 TravelOK.com/LittleSahara

FUN FACT

The park’s vast dunes were left by the Cimarron River, which once flowed over the entire area.

TRAVELOK.COM l 43

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

Biking, Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting (nearby), Swimming, Watchable Wildlife, Water Sports AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, Dump Station, Grills, Handicapped Parking, Office WiFi, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Pull-Thru Sites, Restrooms, Showers, Swim Beach CAMPING

40 W/E Sites, 3 Handicap; 45 Tent Sites, 12 Handicap GETTING THERE

REGION: SOUTHEAST (Kiamichi Country)

576-A S McGee Creek Lake Rd Atoka, OK 74525

(16 mi E of Atoka, 3 mi N of Hwy 3)

MCGEE CREEK #23 of 35 NEARLY 10,000 ACRES OF PARK, WILDERNESS, AND A NATURAL SCENIC RECREATION AREA LIE ALONG THE SHORES OF MCGEE CREEK RESERVOIR,

which is known for several bass records and yields an abundance of other fish species including crappie, sunfish, catfish, and bluegill. Occupying the southwest edge of the Ouachita Mountain Range, McGee Creek State Park has earned its reputation as a sportsman’s paradise.

Hunting bounty at the

44 l TRAVELOK.COM

nearby wildlife management area includes crow, deer, dove, quail, rabbit, squirrel, turkey, waterfowl, and more.

Northeast of the park, the McGee Creek Natural Scenic Recreation Area features 25 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

FUN FACT

The word Ouachita, composed of the Choctaw words ouac, meaning

buffalo, and chito, meaning large, means the country of large buffaloes.

PARK INFORMATION 580-889-5822 TravelOK.com/ McGeeCreek

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

Archery, Basketball, Biking, Disc Golf, Fishing, Hiking, Swimming, Volleyball, Watchable Wildlife AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, Concessions, Dump Station, Gift Shop, Grills, Handicapped Parking, Meeting Space Available, Naturalist, Office WiFi, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Pull-Thru Sites, Restrooms, Showers, Swim Beach, Tours CAMPING

REGION: NORTHEAST (Green Country)

7 W/E/S Sites, 2 Handicap; 34 W/E Sites, 17 Tent Sites, All RV Campgrounds with Reserved/Assigned Sites (44 Sites) NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

NATURAL FALLS #24 of 35 NATURAL FALLS STATE PARK FEATURES A 77-FOOT WATERFALL CASCADING THROUGH ROCK FORMATIONS.

At the bottom of the narrow V-shaped valley, the cool forest floor is blanketed by ferns, mosses, liverworts, and surrounded by a dense mass of gorgeous, native trees. Natural Falls is an excellent example of the geology of the Ozark Highlands. The caves of this region are extremely important for the survival of species of bats and salamanders.

Grand Lake State Park, Illinois River GETTING THERE

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

Natural Falls offers yearly seasonal programming such as kid’s fishing clinics, archery, an Easter Egg Hunt and a Halloween “Camp or Treat.” The park also offers as-requested night hikes, nature hikes, hiking, and water safety programs.

Please call the park for more detailed information.

Hwy 412 W West Siloam Springs, OK 74338

(6 mi W of Siloam Springs, AR on Hwy 412 and 1/8 mi S of Hwy 412) PARK INFORMATION 918 422-5802 TravelOK.com/ NaturalFalls

FUN FACT

Once privately owned and operated as a tourist attraction, this park was

used in the production of the 1974 film, “Where the Red Fern Grows.”

TRAVELOK.COM l 45

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

Boating, Fishing, Swimming, Watchable Wildlife AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, ADA Comfort Station, Dump Station, Handicap Accessible Fishing Dock, Grills, Light Boat Ramp, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Playground, Pull-Thru Sites, Restrooms, Showers CAMPING Okmulgee: 1 W/E/S Sites,

REGION: NORTHEAST (Green Country)

47 W/E Sites, 1 Handicap; 103 Tent Sites, 1 RV Campground with Reserved/Assigned Sites Dripping Springs: 76 W/E Sites, 3 Handicap; 69 Tent Sites NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

OKMULGEE & DRIPPING SPRINGS #25 of 35 NESTLED IN THE MIGHTY OAK TREES JUST WEST OF OKMULGEE LIE OKMULGEE AND DRIPPING SPRINGS STATE PARKS. These

parks are situated on land that was once an important part of the communal farm and hunting ground of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. The Creeks named it Okmulgee, which means “bubbling water.”

Both parks boast gorgeous lakes. A shady overhang leads visitors through Okmulgee State Park to its sparkling lake. Three miles

46 l TRAVELOK.COM

to the south, Dripping Springs Lake has many stands of timber in the water, creating an ideal habitat for trophy bass.

FUN FACT

Okmulgee State Park is

one of the few places in the world where the fossil Gymnophyllum Wardi, a rare coral formation known as button coral can be found. These small creatures lived here over 30 million years before dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge, Creek Council House Museum, Okmulgee County Courthouse, The Orpheum Theater GETTING THERE

16830 Dripping Springs Rd Okmulgee, OK 74447

(From I-40, take Exit 240 (Hwy 75) N to Okmulgee.

Located 5 mi W of Okmulgee on Hwy 56) PARK INFORMATION 918-756-5971 TravelOK.com/ OkmulgeeSP TravelOK.com/ DrippingSprings

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

Baseball, Biking, Fishing, Hiking, Rowboats, Swimming, Tennis AMENITIES

Pets Allowed on Leash, Outdoor Pool LODGING

8 Cabins (all are pet-friendly, $10 fee/night) CAMPING

20 W/E Sites; 23 Tent Sites GROUP CAMP

10 bunkhouses accommodate 10 guests each. Fully equipped kitchen and dining hall with fireplace REGION: NORTHEAST (Green Country)

OSAGE HILLS #26 of 35 LOCATED JUST WEST OF BARTLESVILLE AMIDST ROLLING HILLS, OSAGE HILLS STATE PARK IS A PRIME EXAMPLE OF OKLAHOMA’S NATURAL BEAUTY. With dense

forests, rocky bluffs, and serene waters, the park boasts 1,100 acres of scenic beauty. Visitors can relax in one of eight cabins in the park, which were constructed of native stone by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, or take their pick from plenty of RV & tent sites. A visit to Osage Hills State Park in the fall offers extra beauty as the thick foliage transforms from green to vivid shades of yellow, orange and red.

Multiple trails on the rocky, hilly terrain provide a challenge to hikers and mountain bikers and may provide a glimpse of whitetailed deer or wild turkey.

Tennis courts and a ball field are available to visitors and the swimming pool provides a great way to cool off on a hot day.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Osage Tribal Museum, Price Tower, Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, Woolaroc Ranch, Museum, and Wildlife Preserve GETTING THERE

State Park Rd Pawhuska, OK 74056

(11 mi W of Bartlesville on Hwy 60 from Hwy 123) PARK INFORMATION 918-336-4141 TravelOK.com/OsageHills

Fishing also is a favorite activity in Osage Hills State Park. Anglers can test their skills and try their luck at Lookout Lake or at Sand Creek, which winds through the park. Bass, crappie, catfish and perch, among other fish, can be found.

Rowboats are available for rental at the lake.

TRAVELOK.COM l 47

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

Canoeing/Rafting/Kayaking, Fishing, Swimming AMENITIES

ADA Accessible Fishing Dock, ADA Compliant, Comfort Station with Showers, Pets Allowed On Leash, Outdoor Pool LODGING

6 Cabins (all are petfriendly, no pet fee) CAMPING

10 W/E/S Sites, 9 W/E Sites, 100 Tent Sites NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Fort Towson Historic Site REGION: SOUTHEAST (Kiamichi Country)

RAYMOND GARY #27 of 35 LOCATED ADJACENT TO BEAUTIFUL LAKE RAYMOND GARY, THIS CHARMING PARK OFFERS PADDLING ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS PRIME FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR CATFISH, BASS, AND SUNFISH.

Raymond Gary State Park is situated in an area rich in history. Fort Towson, built in 1824 to protect the Choctaw Indians, is nearby. Visitors will find primitive cabins, tent sites with outstanding lake views, and small boat rentals for paddling around the water.

FUN FACT

Sparkling lakes, mountains, and cypress-lined bayous are the hallmark landscape features of this area of the state, called Kiamichi Country. There are 12 state parks and close to one million acres of wildlife in Kiamichi Country alone.

48 l TRAVELOK.COM

GETTING THERE

Hwy 70 Fort Towson, OK 74735

(From Hugo, go E on Hwy 70 approx 18 mi to Fort Towson, then S on Hwy 209 for 1.5 mi) PARK INFORMATION 580-873-2307 TravelOK.com/ RaymondGary

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

Fishing, Hiking, Rappelling, Swimming AMENITIES

Gift Shop, Pets Allowed on Leash, Outdoor Pool CAMPING

3 W/E/S Sites, 1 Handicap; 44 W/E Sites, 26 Tent Sites, 2 RV Campgrounds with Reserved/Assigned Sites GROUP CAMP

9 cabins accomodate 144 NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Caddo Heritage Museum, Fort Cobb State Park and Golf Course REGION: SOUTHWEST (Great Plains Country)

GETTING THERE

Hwy 281 S Hinton, OK 73047

( I-40 Exit 101, 5 mi S on Hwy 281)

RED ROCK CANYON #28 of 35 RED ROCK CANYON, AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF NATURE’S LENGTHY WORK, dates back 270

million years to when an extensive, and relatively shallow sea covered the western part of the state.

Over millions of years, dunes were transformed from sand and mud into rock and then shaped by erosion to become the rugged sculpture you can see today.

Before the mid-1800s, Plains Indians used the canyon as a winter camp. Game was abundant, the water was pure and clean, and it was an escape from the cold prairie winds. Later, the

canyon became a landmark on the California Road and served as a haven for weary travelers heading to California in search of gold. Today, instead of bringing a covered wagon, visitors enjoy this western Oklahoma spot with climbing, hiking, biking, and fishing. And while the scenery is always lovely, the foliage in the park puts on a show from midOctober through the first part of November. The native Caddo maple tree is especially stunning— producing deep shades of red, orange and yellow.

PARK INFORMATION 405-542-6344 TravelOK.com/ RedRockCanyon

TRAVELOK.COM l 49

50 l TRAVELOK.COM

STATE PARKS

REGION: SOUTHEAST (Kiamichi Country)

ROBBERS CAVE #29 of 35 ROBBERS CAVE STATE PARK IS LOCATED IN THE SCENIC, HILLY WOODLANDS OF THE SAN BOIS MOUNTAINS OF SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA.

Robbers Cave was established in 1935 and is one of seven original Oklahoma state parks, built by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps. The cave itself lies in a formation of sandstone mountains that vary from 300 to 1,500 feet in height. Due to its secluded location and proximity to the Texas and California roads, legend has it that Robbers Cave was a hideout for outlaws such as Jesse James and Belle Starr, who fled law enforcement and were avoiding capture.

The park and adjoining wildlife management area are favorite stops for outdoor lovers of all kinds, offering in-season trout fishing, hunting, miles of hiking and equestrian trails, and rugged cliffs for climbing, rappelling, and viewing fall foliage.

ACTIVITIES

Biking, Canoeing/Kayaking, Fall Foliage Viewing, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting in the nearby wildlife management area, Rock Climbing/Rappelling, Swimming AMENITIES

ADA Rooms, Amphitheater, Camp Store, Dump Station, Equestrian Camp, Full Hookups, Gift Shop, Handicapped Parking, Meeting Space Available, Naturalist on Site, Non-smoking, Outdoor Grills, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Pool Outdoor, Pull-Thru Sites, Restrooms, Showers, Swim Beach LODGING

20 Rooms, 26 Cabins (8 pet-friendly cabins, $10 fee/night) CAMPING

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

The Robbers Cave Nature Center offers animal displays including lake and small stream habitat aquariums, native snakes of Eastern Oklahoma, an insect and frog display, and a touch-and-feel table with furs, animal skulls, and bird nests. The gift shop sells park memorabilia. Heritage Hall, also located in the nature center, details the history of the area with displays in an interpretive hallway. The center hosts educational activities for student groups grades K-6 as well as a “practice” archeological dig.

Please call the park for more information or to schedule events for individuals or groups.

22 W/E/S Sites, 2 Handicap; 67 W/E Sites, 86 Tent Sites, 3 RV Campgrounds with Reserved/ Assigned Sites GROUP CAMP

Group Camp One: 12 cabins accommodate 250. Group Camp Two: 7 bunkhouses accommodate 160. Both camps are open March 1–November 31 NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Hickory Creek Farm & Recreation Area, Lake Wister State Park, Talimena National Scenic Byway GETTING THERE

Hwy 2 N, Wilburton, OK 74578

(5 mi N of Wilburton on Hwy 2) PARK INFORMATION 918-465-2565

TravelOK.com/RobbersCave

TRAVELOK.COM l 51

52 l TRAVELOK.COM

STATE PARKS

REGION: NORTHWEST (Red Carpet Country)

ROMAN NOSE #30 of 35 SET IN THE MULTI-BANDED GYPSUM HILLS OF WESTERN OKLAHOMA, the diverse

landscape of Roman Nose State Park offers breathtaking views of canyons, mesas, and gypsum rock cliffs and is home to three natural springs. The largest of these water features is called the “Spring of Everlasting Waters” which flows at approximately 600 gallons per minute. Towering cedar trees, buffalo grass, and wild blue sage add to the park’s ambience.

Recreational activities include an 18 hole golf course, swimming pools, hiking trails, two lakes, trout fishing in season, canoeing, paddle boats, mountain biking, and equestrian trail rides by reservation.

For more information on the golf course, see page 71.

FUN FACT

Roman Nose State Park is named after

Cheyenne Indian Chief Henry Roman Nose and is also one of the seven original Oklahoma state parks built by the Civilian

Conservation Corps.

ACTIVITIES

18 hole Golf, Biking, Canoeing /Kayaking, Children’s Programs, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Swimming, Watchable Wildlife AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, ADA Rooms, Amphitheater, Camp Store, Concessions, Dump Station, Gift Shop, Grills, Lake/River View, Lodging on Site, Meeting Space Available, Outdoor Grills, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Outdoor Pool, Pull-Thru Sites, Restaurant on Site, Restrooms, Showers, Waterfront Sites LODGING

22 Rooms, 11 Cabins (2 pet-friendly cabins, $10 fee/night) CAMPING

12 W/E/S Sites, 1 Handicap; 35 W/E Sites, 1 Handicap, 33 Tent Sites GROUP CAMP

10 cabins accommodate 160 guests.

Fully–equipped dining hall with kitchen accommodates 165 guests. Group Camp is open April 1–October 31 NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Chisholm Trail Museum, T. B. Ferguson Home GETTING THERE

Hwy 8A Watonga, OK 73772

(Hwy 8A, 7 mi N of Watonga) PARK INFORMATION 580-623-4218 LODGE INFORMATION 580-623-7281 800-892-8690 GOLF COURSE 580-623-7989 TravelOK.com/RomanNose

TRAVELOK.COM l 53

54 l TRAVELOK.COM

STATE PARKS

REGION: NORTHEAST (Green Country)

SEQUOYAH #31 of 35 SURROUNDED BY THE TRANQUIL OAK AND HICKORY WOODLANDS OF EASTERN OKLAHOMA, Sequoyah State Park is located

deep in the heart of an area steeped in rich history. The park is named in honor of the most famous member of the Cherokee tribe, Sequoyah, who is best known for inventing the Cherokee alphabet. To the south of the park lies Fort Gibson Historic Site. Established by the U.S. Army in 1824, Fort Gibson was an important frontier fort until 1857 and was later used by both the Union and Confederate forces during the Civil War. When visiting the park, enjoy a quintessential Oklahoma sunset over Fort Gibson Lake, play a round of golf, take a trail ride on horseback, hike the trails, or learn about park wildlife in the Three Forks Nature Center. The park also is an ideal retreat for family fun, offering a recreation area with games and ping-pong for all ages.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

Three Forks Nature Center offers a variety of educational programs. Please call the park for more detailed information.

ACTIVITIES

18 hole Golf, Biking, Boating, Fishing, Game Room, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball, Watchable Wildlife, Water Sports, 18 hole Disc Golf AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, ADA Rooms, Dump Station, Handicapped Parking, Interior Corridors, Lake/River View, Marina, Meeting Space, Naturalist, Non-smoking, Office WiFi, Outdoor Grills, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Outdoor Pool, Pull-Thru Sites, Restaurant, Restrooms, Showers, Swim Beach LODGING

104 Lodge Rooms 44 Cabins (All are pet-friendly, $10/night minimum pet fee) CAMPING

46 W/E/S Sites, 6 Handicap; 78 W/E Sites, 3 Handicap; 150 Tent Sites GROUP CAMP

10 cabins accommodate 150. Dining hall/ kitchen is air conditioned, heated, and may be rented individually when the camp is not occupied. Open year-round NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Cherokee Heritage Center, Five Civilized Tribes Museum, Illinois River GETTING THERE

17131 Park 10, Hulbert, OK 74441

(On Hwy 51, 8 mi E of Wagoner) PARK INFORMATION 918-772-2046 LODGE INFORMATION 918-772-2545 800-368-1486 GOLF COURSE 918-772-2297 TravelOK.com/SequoyahSP

TRAVELOK.COM l 55

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

Biking, Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Swimming, Volleyball, Watchable Wildlife AMENITIES

Dump Station, Full-Service Marina, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Pull-Thru Sites, Restrooms, Showers, Swim Beach CAMPING

71 W/E Sites, 180 Tent Sites NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

The Canebrake Restaurant and Resort, Camp Gruber Recreation & ORV Area, Fort Gibson National Cemetery and Historic Site, Sequoyah State Park REGION: NORTHEAST (Green Country)

GETTING THERE

6237 E 100th St N Wagoner, OK 74467

SEQUOYAH BAY #32 of 35

(4.3 mi S of Wagoner on Hwy 16, then 4 mi E on 100th St N)

SEQUOYAH BAY STATE PARK LIES ALONG THE WESTERN SHORELINE OF FORT GIBSON LAKE, DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM SEQUOYAH STATE PARK. In the spring, timbered hills of this area provide

PARK INFORMATION 918-683-0878

multicolored beauty of redbud, sand plum, and dogwood blossoms. In the fall, the colorful foliage of hickory, oak, red maple, blackgum, and woodbine sets the hills aglow.

The park provides easy access for water sports, fishing, and camping. A full-service marina is on site and features gas, food, ice, bait, tackle, boat rentals, slips, a fishing dock, and cabin rentals. While quite a bit smaller than Sequoyah State Park, this charming area is perfect for quiet camping, fishing, and a retreat in the woods.

56 l TRAVELOK.COM

TravelOK.com/ SequoyahBay

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

ATV Trails, Dirt Bike Trails Nearby, Hiking/ Backpacking, Watchable Wildlife AMENITIES

Dump Station, Grills, Handicapped Parking, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Restrooms, Showers CAMPING

10 W/E Sites, 20 Tent Sites NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Lake Wister State Park, Oklahoma Paragliding, Talimena National Scenic Byway GETTING THERE

REGION: SOUTHEAST (Kiamichi Country)

(20 mi S of Wister and 6 mi N of Talihina on Hwy 271)

TALIMENA #33 of 35 TALIMENA STATE PARK MARKS THE OKLAHOMA ENTRANCE TO THE TALIMENA NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY—54 miles

of winding road through the Ouachita Mountains that is known for spectacular spring and fall foliage. The park is also an excellent base for outdoor adventure in the Ouachita National Forest. A Forest Service Visitor Center is located one mile north of Talimena State Park at the entrance to the scenic byway and is open during

50884 Hwy 271 Talihina, OK 74571

the summer months. The forest offers a wide range of recreational opportunities for hikers, equestrians, ATV and nature enthusiasts, as well as sportsmen during hunting season. Maps for both hiking and off-road trails are available at both Talimena State Park and the Forest Service Visitor Center. The beginning of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, stretching about 223 miles in length to Little Rock, Arkansas, is also here.

PARK INFORMATION 918-567-2052 TravelOK.com/ Talimena

TRAVELOK.COM l 57

STATE PARKS TOTAL GUIDE STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

Biking, Boating, Children’s Programs, Fishing, Hiking, Swimming, Volleyball, Watchable Wildlife, Water Sports, 9 hole Disc Golf AMENITIES

Lake/River View, Lodging on Site, Marina, Meeting Space Available, Naturalist, Amphitheater, Nonsmoking, Office WiFi, Outdoor Grills, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Picnic Area, Playground, Outdoor Pool, Restaurant, Restrooms, Showers, Swim Beach LODGING

REGION: NORTHEAST (Green Country)

49 Cabins, (34 Pets Allowed, $10/night minimum pet fee) CAMPING

35 W/E/S Sites, 2 Handicap; 50 W/E Sites, 144 Tent Sites

TENKILLER #34 of 35 SET IN THE ROCKY BLUFFS OF THE COOKSON HILLS, THE SPARKLING, CLEAR WATERS OF LAKE TENKILLER AND THE DENSE WOODS MAKE THIS STATE PARK A POPULAR DESTINATION.

Visitors can expect a wide array of scenery including stone cliffs, thick forests, gorgeous lake views and hard-to-beat sunsets.

Offering over 12,000 surface acres of crystal-clear water, the lake is well known for a variety of water sport activities, with scuba diving chief among them. One of the clearest lakes in the state, Tenkiller offers endless opportunities for below-thesurface exploration. The lake’s underwater terrain 58 l TRAVELOK.COM

ranges from mildly sloping hills to rock cliffs, reaching 165 feet deep in some places. In some areas of the lake, remains of homesteads and artifacts from before the lake was formed are scattered across the lake bottom.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

The Driftwood Nature Center offers arts and crafts and natural history programs.

Activities include fishing clinics, holiday events, and festivals. The center houses an Oklahoma reptile display, aquarium, furs and hides, nocturnal room, and a resident barn owl. Please call the park for more detailed information.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Camp Gruber Recreation & ORV Area, Cherokee Heritage Center, Fort Gibson National Cemetery & Historic Site, Greenleaf State Park, Cherokee Landing State Park GETTING THERE

8 mi N of Gore on Hwy 100 Vian, OK 74962

(Driving E on I-40: take Exit 287. Follow Hwy 100 N through Gore to park. From I-40 W: take Exit 297. Go 10 mi N on Hwy 82 to Hwy 100, then 3 mi S to park) PARK INFORMATION 918-489-5641 TravelOK.com/ Tenkiller

STATE PARKS

ACTIVITIES

Boating, Biking, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Water Sports AMENITIES

ADA Compliant, Dump Station, Equestrian Camping, Grills, Park Ranger, Pets Allowed on Leash, Restrooms, Showers, Swim Beach CAMPING

13 W/E/S Sites, 1 Handicap; 60 W/E Sites, 1 Handicap; 57 Tent Sites NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Keystone State Park, Keystone Golf Course, Sand Springs Golf Course REGION: NORTHEAST (Green Country)

GETTING THERE

WALNUT CREEK #35 of 35

(From Hwy 412, take 209th W Ave, travel N approx 14 mi. Look for the large sign on right side of road, turn left into park)

CLEAR WATERS, SANDY BEACHES, HIGH BLUFFS, AND ROLLING HILLS MAKE THIS PARK AN IDEAL RETREAT FOR BOTH RECREATION AND QUIET RELAXATION.

At the southernmost tip of Osage County, Walnut Creek State Park is situated on the north shores of Keystone Lake.

The park offers excellent equestrian camping with holding areas for horses and a day-use area with parking. Visitors are encouraged to explore the 17-mile Sand Plum Trail, whether they choose to hike, bike, or go on horseback.

The trail affords many vistas of Lake Keystone and crosses rolling terrain.

NOTE: This

209th W Ave Prue, OK 74060

PARK INFORMATION 918-865-4991 TravelOK.com/ WalnutCreek

park is closed during the winter season.

TRAVELOK.COM l 59

playing through...“ Tomorrow�

Deep canyons, panoramic vistas and forested fairways are just a few of the many reasons to tee up on the most diverse terrain in the nation. Sweeten the pot with 3 Stay & Play Deals at 4 of your favorite Oklahoma State Park golf courses, and you have fairway getaways too good to pass up. Stay & Play packages are available year-round. Seasonal rates begin at $50 per person. Visit TravelOK.com/SPDeals for more information or call 866.602.4653 to make reservations.

Lake Murray #18 of 35

Sequoyah #31 of 35

Roman Nose #30 of 35

Beavers Bend #3 of 35

STATE PARKS DIRECTORY

CHICKASAW CHICKASAW COUNTRY COUNTRY || FRONTIER FRONTIER COUNTRY COUNTRY || GREAT GREAT PLAINS PLAINS COUNTRY COUNTRY || GREEN GREEN COUNTRY COUNTRY || KIAMICHI KIAMICHI COUNTRY COUNTRY || RED RED CARPET CARPET COUNTRY COUNTRY

ALABASTER CAVERNS STATE PARK ........................................... FREEDOM

CHEROKEE LANDING STATE PARK..............................................PARK HILL

6 mi S of Freedom on Hwy 50, 1/2 mi E on Hwy 50A, or 20 mi N of Mooreland on Hwy 50

From I-40, exit at Vian. Take Hwy 82 north, approx 20 mi to entrance of park

580-621-3381 • travelok.com/Alabaster • 217036 SH 50A

918-457-5716 • travelok.com/CherokeeLanding • 28610 Park 20

ARROWHEAD STATE PARK ..........................................................CANADIAN 918-339-2204 • travelok.com/Arrowhead • 3995 Main Park Rd

18 mi N of McAlester on Hwy 69, 4 mi E of Canadian off Hwy 69

CLAYTON LAKE STATE PARK ........................................................CLAYTON 918-569-7981 • travelok.com/ClaytonLakeSP • Hwy 271 • 5 mi S of Clayton on Hwy 271

BEAVERS BEND STATE PARK .................................................BROKEN BOW

DISNEY/LITTLE BLUE AREA AT GRAND LAKE STATE PARK .......... DISNEY 918-435-8066 • travelok.com/Disney • Hwy 28 E • 2 blocks E of Disney Post Office on Hwy 28

580-494-6300 • travelok.com/BeaversBend • Hwy 259A

8 mi N of Broken Bow on Hwy 259, then 4 mi E on Hwy 259A

FORT COBB STATE PARK ........................................................... FORT COBB 405-643-2249 • travelok.com/FortCobb • 27022 Copperhead Rd

2 mi N of Ft Cobb on Hwy 9. Turn N on CS 2550 and go 4 mi BERNICE AREA AT GRAND LAKE STATE PARK .............................BERNICE 918-257-8330 • travelok.com/Bernice • 54101 E Hwy 85 A

Located 1/2 mi E of Bernice on Hwy 85A

FOSS STATE PARK ................................................................................FOSS 580-592-4433 • travelok.com/Foss • 10252 Hwy 44 • From I-40 Exit 53, go 7 mi N on Hwy 44 to Hwy 73. Go W 1/4 mi BLACK MESA STATE PARK & NATURE PRESERVE ........................KENTON 580-426-2222 • travelok.com/BlackMesa • County Rd 325

28 mi NW of Boise City on Hwy 325

WiFi

BOILING SPRINGS STATE PARK ...............................................WOODWARD 580-256-7664 • travelok.com/BoilingSprings • 207745 Boiling Springs Rd • 1 mi N on Hwy 34, then 4 mi E on Hwy 34C

GLOSS MOUNTAIN STATE PARK .................................................. FAIRVIEW 580-227-2512 • travelok.com/Gloss • Hwy 412 • From I-35, go W on Hwy 412 about 50+ mi to Orienta, then begin a scenic 24 mi drive.

Gloss Mountain State Park is 5 mi W of Orienta on Hwy 412

from Woodward

GREAT PLAINS STATE PARK ............................................MOUNTAIN PARK 580-569-2032 • travelok.com/GreatPlains • 22487 E 1566 Rd

CHEROKEE AREA AT GRAND LAKE STATE PARK .........................LANGLEY 918-435-8066 • travelok.com/CherokeeArea • N 4475 Rd

From intersection of Hwys 82/28, go S approx 1 mi to Hwy 28.

Turn east, go approx 1/2 mi, turn S on Hwy 82A. Take first left to stop sign. Turn E onto River Rd. Follow road until you cross over the river. Next right will be Grand Cherokee Golf course where park office is located

Located at the intersection of Hwy 183 & County Rd 1570. From Mountain Park, go 2 mi N on Hwy 183, then 2 mi W on Access Rd Hwy 183 S of Hobart to park entrance

GREAT SALT PLAINS STATE PARK..........................................................JET 580-626-4731 • travelok.com/SaltPlains • Rt 1 Box 28 • 8 mi N of Jet on Hwy 38, approximately 45 minutes NW of Enid

TRAVELOK.COM l 61

STATE PARKS DIRECTORY

CHICKASAW COUNTRY | FRONTIER COUNTRY | GREAT PLAINS COUNTRY

GREENLEAF STATE PARK ................................................................BRAGGS 918-487-5196 • travelok.com/Greenleaf • 3 mi S of Braggs on Hwy 10 S • From I-40, Exit 287 (Gore/Webbers Falls), travel 12 mi

following Hwy 100 to Hwy 10, then Hwy 10 N to park. From Tulsa area: Take Muskogee Turnpike S and exit on Hwy 62 East. Follow 3 mi and take Hwy 10 headed south. Park is 3 mi S of Braggs on left

HONEY CREEK AREA AT GRAND LAKE STATE PARK ....................... GROVE

LAKE WISTER STATE PARK ..............................................................WISTER 918-655-7212 • travelok.com/WisterSP • 25567 US Hwy 270

8 mi S of Poteau and 2 mi S of Wister on Hwy 270

LITTLE SAHARA STATE PARK ..................................................... WAYNOKA 580-824-1471 • travelok.com/LittleSahara • 101 Main St • 4 mi S on Hwy 281

918-786-9447 • travelok.com/HoneyCreek • 901 State Park Rd

S of Grove, off Hwy 59

MCGEE CREEK STATE PARK .............................................................. ATOKA 580-889-5822 • travelok.com/McGeeCreek • 576-A S McGee Creek Lake Rd • Located 16 mi E of Atoka, then 3 mi N of Hwy 3

KEYSTONE STATE PARK ......................................................SAND SPRINGS 918-865-4991 • travelok.com/Keystone • 1926 Hwy 151

From Sand Springs, go 7 mi W on Hwy 51, then 1/2 mi N on Hwy 151.

From Mannford, go 6 mi E on Hwy 51, then 1/2 mi N on Hwy 151.

From Hwy 412, exit onto Hwy 151 S and go across Keystone Dam to state park.

NATURAL FALLS STATE PARK ............................. WEST SILOAM SPRINGS 918-422-5802 • travelok.com/NaturalFalls • Hwy 412 W • 6 mi W of Siloam Springs, AR on Hwy 412 and 1/8 mi S of Hwy 412

WiFi

LAKE EUFAULA STATE PARK.......................................................CHECOTAH 918-689-5311 • travelok.com/EufaulaSP • Hwy 69 & Hwy 150

From I-40, go 4 mi SW on Hwy 150

LAKE MURRAY STATE PARK & LODGE ....................................... ARDMORE 580-223-4044 • travelok.com/MurraySP • Park Office: 13528 Scenic SH-77 • Lake Murray State Park entrance located 3 mi E of I-35 at Exit 24 or Exit 29

OKMULGEE AND DRIPPING SPRINGS STATE PARKS ................OKMULGEE 918-756-5971 • travelok.com/OkmulgeeSP travelok.com/DrippingSprings • 16830 Dripping Springs Rd

From I-40, take Exit 240 (Hwy 75). Located 5 mi W of Okmulgee on Hwy 56

OSAGE HILLS STATE PARK ........................................................ PAWHUSKA 918-336-4141 • travelok.com/OsageHills • 2131 Osage Hills State Park Rd • 9 mi W of Bartlesville on Hwy 60 from Hwy 123

RAYMOND GARY STATE PARK .............................................FORT TOWSON LAKE TEXOMA STATE PARK........................................................ KINGSTON 580-564-2566 • travelok.com/TexomaSP • 1988 State Park Rd

40 mi E of I-35 and 13 mi W of Hwy 75 off Hwy 70

LAKE THUNDERBIRD STATE PARK................................................ NORMAN 405-360-3572 • travelok.com/ThunderbirdSP • 13101 Alameda Dr

13 mi E of Norman on Alameda Dr, 11 mi S of I-40 on Choctaw Rd Exit 166, or 15 mi E of I-35 on Hwy 9

62 l TRAVELOK.COM

580-873-2307 • travelok.com/RaymondGary • Hwy 70

From Hugo, go E on Hwy 70 approx 18 mi to Fort Towson, then S on Hwy 209 for 1.5 mi

RED ROCK CANYON STATE PARK.....................................................HINTON 405-542-6344 • travelok.com/RedRockCanyon • Hwy 281 S

I-40 Exit 101, 5 mi S on Hwy 281

STATE PARKS DIRECTORY

GREEN COUNTRY | KIAMICHI COUNTRY | RED CARPET COUNTRY

ROBBERS CAVE STATE PARK ................................................... WILBURTON 918-465-2565 • travelok.com/RobbersCave • Hwy 2 N • 5 mi N of Wilburton on Hwy 2

ROMAN NOSE STATE PARK ..........................................................WATONGA 580-623-4218 • travelok.com/RomanNose • Hwy 8A • On Hwy 8A, 7 mi N of Watonga

TWIN BRIDGES AREA AT GRAND LAKE STATE PARK ....................................................................... FAIRLAND 918-542-6969 • travelok.com/TwinBridges 14801 S Hwy 137

6 mi E of Fairland at junction of Hwy 137/60

WALNUT CREEK STATE PARK...............................................................PRUE 918-865-4991 • travelok.com/WalnutCreek 209th W Ave

From Hwy 412, take 209th W Ave, travel N approx 14 mi.

Look for the large sign on R side of road, turn L into park

SEQUOYAH BAY STATE PARK .......................................................WAGONER 918-683-0878 • travelok.com/SequoyahBay • 6237 E 100th St N

4.3 mi S of Wagoner on Hwy 16, then 4 mi E on 100th St N

SEQUOYAH STATE PARK & LODGE ................................................HULBERT 918-772-2046 • travelok.com/SequoyahSP • 17131 Park 10

On Hwy 51, 8 mi E of Wagoner

WiFi

SNOWDALE AREA AT GRAND LAKE STATE PARK...........................SALINA 918-434-2651 • travelok.com/Snowdale • 501 S 439 • 1 mi W of Salina on Hwy 20

SPAVINAW AREA AT GRAND LAKE STATE PARK .......................SPAVINAW 918-435-8066 • travelok.com/Spavinaw • 555 S Main • 3/4 mi S of Spavinaw on Hwy 82/20

TALIMENA STATE PARK.................................................................TALIHINA 918-567-2052 • travelok.com/Talimena • 50884 Hwy 271 • 20 mi S of Wister and 6 mi N of Talihina on Hwy 271

OKLAHOMA GUN LAW

THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA HAS ENACTED “OPEN CARRY/CONCEALED CARRY GUN” LAWS. Legally licensed individuals may

carry their hand guns openly or concealed with proper documentation. However, the laws state that handguns may not be carried in a building where state business is conducted.

ADA/HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY Nearly all 35 of our state parks provide amenities with handicap accessibility, and many are ADA compliant. Call ahead, or search your park of choice on TravelOK.com, for detailed information on what’s available.

TENKILLER STATE PARK........................................................................VIAN 918-489-5641 • travelok.com/Tenkiller • 8 mi N of Gore on Hwy 100 • Driving E on I-40, take Exit 287. Follow Hwy 100 N through

Gore to park. From I-40 W, take Exit 297. Go 10 mi N on Hwy 82 to Hwy 100, then 3 mi S to park

TRAVELOK.COM l 63

OUTDOOR

ACTIVITIES The Oklahoma landscape abounds with shorelines and nature for exploring with no shortage of woods, swamps, lakes and rivers, granite mountains, prairies, and more.

This Eden of outdoor delight is no place to stand still but rather is waiting to unfold before you.

Whatever your leisure of choice, you will find it here, along with that essential feeling of rapture that isn’t felt anywhere else but in nature—not in buildings or barns, cars

64 l TRAVELOK.COM

or cathedrals. Whether you choose to sit and observe or be active while enjoying the outdoors, Oklahoma has an option for you.

In this section, you’ll find activities like golf, fishing, hunting, wildlife watching, horseback riding, camping, paddling, hiking, mountain biking, off-roading, rock climbing, and more. We welcome you to revel in our great outdoors—try something new, take a different path, invite someone along, and above all else, have fun!

Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.

–RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Tucker Tower, Lake Murray, Ardmore

TRAVELOK.COM l 65

ACTIVITIES

golf Look for this icon in the Activities Directory

GOLFING UNDER OKLAHOMA’S ABUNDANT SUNSHINE AND CLEAR BLUE SKIES MEANS SCENIC COURSES, TREE-LINED LINKS, AND HOPEFULLY, HOLES IN ONE.

Grab a friend, rent a golf cart, and enjoy an afternoon on the sloping fairways and rolling greens of Oklahoma’s courses.

Here, you’ll find detailed descriptions of the seven state park courses Oklahomans are proud to own, followed by listings of the other excellent public courses our state has to offer.

For state park course rates, more information, or to book a tee time online, visit travelok.com or call 1-866-602-GOLF (4653).

ARROWHEAD State Park Golf Course The rugged, rock-strewn hills surrounding the inlets and coves of Lake Eufaula make Arrowhead a scenic and challenging golf retreat. This 6,741-yard, par-72 course offers an assortment of play areas for golfers. All eighteen holes at Arrowhead have bunkers guarding the greens, seven have doglegs, and four are guarded by water.

The greens are small, with some degree of slope, while large mature trees dot the course and line the tight fairways.

The signature hole—number 16—offers a beautiful panoramic view of Lake Eufaula.

HC 67, Box 6, Canadian, OK 74425

(3 miles E of Canadian off Hwy 69 on State Park Rd) 918-339-2769

CEDAR CREEK Golf Course at Beavers Bend State Park Surrounded by tall pines and the deep blue waters of Broken Bow Lake, Cedar Creek Golf Course is nestled at the base of the Kiamichi Mountains. Crystal-clear Cedar Creek runs through this 6,582-yard, par-72 course, providing

66 l TRAVELOK.COM

ACTIVITIES

both natural beauty and hazards.

The course, named “Best Municipal Golf Course in Oklahoma” by Golf Digest magazine in 2009, offers elevated greens and water hazards on several holes. Hole 16, the 434yard, par-4 signature hole, is almost completely surrounded by Broken Bow Lake.

Hwy 259 N, Broken Bow, OK 74728

Arrowhead State Park Golf Course

(12 miles N of Broken Bow, then 3 miles E on Golf Course Rd) 580-494-6456

FORT COBB State Park Golf Course Fort Cobb Golf Course is both beauty and beast. The 6,620-yard, par-70 course features a slightly open tree-lined front nine, then moves into a tighter tree-lined back nine complete with a lake, sloping fairways and greens, bunkers, native grass, and doglegs. On the course’s signature hole—number 13—a perfect drive is a must. With the lake to the left, tall and thick rough on the right, and a bunker in front—if you don’t hit your ball in the fairway, you’ll probably lose it.

Cedar Creek Golf Course, Beavers Bend

27046 Marina Bay Ln Fort Cobb, OK 73005

(Approximately 5 miles N of Fort Cobb on Hwy 146) 405-643-2398

Fort Cobb State Park Golf Course TRAVELOK.COM l 67

ACTIVITIES

GRAND CHEROKEE Golf Course at Grand Lake State Park Grand Cherokee Golf Course

Grand Cherokee Golf Course is the only 9 hole course in the state park system.

Designed by Tripp Davis, this charming challenging course features tree-lined fairways, bent grass greens, well-placed bunkers, minimum water hazards, and a great view of the Pensacola Dam. Hole number 9, the course’s signature hole, packs an extra challenge into the quick course. On the first shot, you carry the water and on the second, you carry the creek.

N 4475 Rd, Langley, OK 74350

Lake Murray State Park Golf Course

(Go E of Langley to River Rd, then one mile S. The course is below the Pensacola Dam) 918-435-8727

LAKE MURRAY State Park Golf Course

Roman Nose State Park Golf Course

Surrounded by shimmering blue waters and wooded hills, the tight tree-lined fairways of Lake Murray State Park Golf Course make accuracy the name of the game. The signature hole number 7 is a western-facing, 150-yard, par-3 hole made all the more challenging by those infamous Oklahoma winds. If you miss the green you’re in trouble: the hole is guarded by a natural, twelve-foot waterfall in front. A state-of-the-art pro shop and practice range are located on-site and individual or group lessons are available.

2673 Lodge Rd, Ardmore, OK 73401

(Halfway between Oklahoma City and Dallas, 2 miles E of I-35 at Exit 24) 580-223-6613

Sequoyah State Park Golf Course 68 l TRAVELOK.COM

ACTIVITIES

ROMAN NOSE State Park Golf Course Not only are many of the holes difficult here, but the stunning setting of the course might prove a distraction as well. This Floyd Farley and Tripp Davisdesigned course is nestled near gypsum hills in red-rock canyon country. Twelve of eighteen holes are bordered by canyons. Signature hole number 17 is a par-3, downhill shot, over a creek, to a three-tiered green.

Hwy 8A, Watonga, OK 73772

(7 miles N of Watonga on Hwy 8A) 580-623-7989

SEQUOYAH State Park Golf Course On the shores of Fort Gibson Lake, this Floyd Farley-designed course sits in the densely wooded foothills of the Ozark Plateau. Majestic pecan and oak trees surround this short but tight course. At 5,890 yards and with a par of 70, the elevated tees and greens make the yardage play much longer than it actually is. Heed the pro’s advice and use more club. The par-3 signature hole, number 8, is a good example of the difficulty of the course. It’s a downhill, 170-yard tee shot to an elevated green with water to the left and behind the green.

Hwy 51, Hulbert, OK 74441

(8 miles E of Wagoner on Hwy 51) 918-772-2297

making your rounds Called “one of the best courses you can play” by GolfWeek magazine and rated 4.5 stars for Oklahoma courses by golfdigest.com, Broken Arrow’s Forest Ridge Golf Course

provides the member amenities of a private club such as premier service and a fastidiouslymaintained course, to the public. 918-357-2787 Rolling hills, water hazards, Bermuda fairways and roughs, and “lightning fast” bent-grass greens at Peoria Ridge Golf Course in Miami make this a tournament-caliber course, and a new clubhouse adds to its allure. 918-542-7676 Designed by renowned architect Perry Maxwell in 1924 and recently redesigned by Tripp Davis, Catoosa’s Cherokee Hills Golf Club combines four teeing areas, tree-lined fairways, dramatic elevation changes, demanding bent-grass greens, babbling brooks, and natural rock outcroppings for a superior experience. 800-760-6700 Edmond’s Rose Creek Golf Club presents a championship course featuring Arthur Hill’s linksstyle layout, fairways through rolling terrain, tree-lined creeks, and more than 50 strategically placed bunkers that enhance aesthetics and difficulty.

405-330-8220

Named one of 2013’s “best new courses” to play by golfdigest. com, Boiling Springs Golf Course in Woodward was redesigned

by Jeff Blume, who considers the sand dunes, mesquite, and cedar terrain the course was built on to be “one of the best for golf he’s ever seen.”

580-256-1206

TRAVELOK.COM l 69

ACTIVITIES

GOLF COURSES STATEWIDE COURSE Eccentric Duffer Golf Course & Range Lakewood Golf Course Peninsula Golf Courses & School Greens of Altus Alva Golf & Country Club Lake Murray State Park Golf Course Lakeview Golf Club Adams Golf Club Links Golf & Athletic Club Blackwell Municipal Golf Course Battle Creek Golf Club Emerald Falls Golf Club Forest Ridge Golf Club Cedar Creek Golf Course at Beavers Bend Doby Springs Municipal Golf Course Arrowhead State Park Golf Course Cherokee Hills Golf Club Chandler Golf Course Fountainhead Creek Golf Course River Bend Golf Club Choctaw Creek Golf Course Gordon Golf Course Heritage Hills Golf Course Keystone Golf Course Riverside Golf Course Rolling Meadows Golf Club Woods Golf Course Cushing Country Club Drumright Golf Course Duncan Golf & Tennis Club Twin Oaks Golf Club Coffee Creek Golf Club Fairfax Golf Club KickingBird Golf Club Crimson Creek Golf Club Elk City Golf & Country Club Golden Oaks Golf Course Meadowlake Golf Course Northern Hills Golf Course Pheasant Run Golf Club Kah-Wah-C Golf Course Fort Cobb State Park Golf Course Frederick Golf & Country Club Patricia Island Golf Club LLC Cedar Valley Golf Club Cimarron National Golf Course Sunset Hills Golf Course Henryetta Golf & Country Club Sugar Creek Canyon Golf Club Hobart Municipal Golf Course Hugo Golf Club Rock Creek Golf Course Sequoyah State Park Golf Course Idabel Country Club South Lakes Golf Course Kingfisher Golf Course Chickasaw Pointe Golf Club Grand Cherokee Golf Course Laverne Golf & Country Club Lindsay Municipal Golf Course Quartz Mountain Golf Course Generations Golf Course Medford Golf Course Peoria Ridge Golf Course John Conrad Regional Golf Course Midwest City Municipal Golf Course

70 l TRAVELOK.COM

CITY Ada Ada Afton Altus Alva Ardmore Ardmore Bartlesville Bixby Blackwell Broken Arrow Broken Arrow Broken Arrow Broken Bow Buffalo Canadian Catoosa Chandler Checotah Chickasha Choctaw Claremore Claremore Cleveland Clinton Covington Coweta Cushing Drumright Duncan Duncan Edmond Edmond Edmond El Reno Elk City Enid Enid Enid Enid Fairfax Fort Cobb Frederick Grove Guthrie Guthrie Guymon Henryetta Hinton Hobart Hugo Hugo Hulbert Idabel Jenks Kingfisher Kingston Langley Laverne Lindsay Lone Wolf Marlow Medford Miami Midwest City Midwest City

PHONE

HOLES

580-332-4950 580-332-5151 918-257-4204 580-480-0209 580-327-2296 580-223-6613 580-223-4260 918-331-3900 918-369-6035 580-363-1228 918-355-4850 918-266-2600 918-357-2443 580-494-6456 580-735-2654 918-339-2769 918-384-7600 405-258-3068 918-689-3209 405-222-1995 405-769-7166 918-283-3333 918-341-0055 918-358-2277 580-323-5958 580-863-2207 918-486-3117 918-225-0811 918-352-9424 580-255-7706 580-252-4714 405-340-4653 405-359-8333 405-341-5350 405-422-4653 580-225-5454 580-234-2148 580-234-3080 580-234-5131 580-233-2355 918-642-5351 405-643-2398 580-335-2911 918-786-3338 405-282-4800 405-282-7888 580-338-7404 918-652-8664 405-542-3974 580-726-3534 580-326-6549 580-326-6130 918-772-2297 580-286-7545 918-746-3760 405-375-3941 580-564-2581 918-435-8727 580-921-5228 405-756-3611 580-563-2520 580-658-3021 580-395-2823 918-542-7676 405-732-2209 405-732-9999

9 9 36 9 9 18 18 18 9 9 18 18 18 18 9 18 18 9 18 18, 9 18 9 18 9 18 9 18 18 9 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 9 18 9 18 9 18 9 18 36+ 36+ 18 9 18 9 9 9 18 18 18 18 18 9 9 9 18 18 9 18 18 9

ACTIVITIES

GOLF COURSES STATEWIDE COURSE Shangri-La Golf Club, Resort & Marina Broadmoore Golf Course Lakeside Golf Course Moore Golf & Athletic Club Cobblestone Creek Golf Course Eagle Crest Golf Course Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club Westwood Park Golf Course Nowata Golf Course Okeene Municipal Golf Course Okemah Golf Course Brookside Golf Course Earlywine Golf Course James E. Stewart Golf Course Lake Hefner Golf Club Lincoln Park Golf Course Links at Oklahoma City Silverhorn Golf Club Trosper Park Golf Course Bailey Ranch Golf Club Pauls Valley Municipal Golf Course Pawnee Municipal Golf Course Golf Club at Cimarron Trails Perry Golf & Country Club Lew Wentz Memorial Golf Course Hilltop Golf Course Choctaw Country Club Prague Municipal Golf Course Pryor Creek Golf Course Brent Bruehl Memorial Golf Course Shadow Creek Country Club Sand Springs Golf Course Clary Fields Golf Club Sapulpa Golf Course Sayre City Golf Course Jimmie Austin Municipal Golf Course Shattuck Golf Club Firelake Golf Course Lakeview Golf Course Cedar Crest Golf Course Brier Creek Golf Course Karsten Creek Golf Club Lakeside Golf Course Stroud Municipal Golf Course Sulphur-Davis Elks Golf & Country Club Cherokee Trails Golf Course Cherry Springs Golf Course Tahlequah City Golf Course WinStar Golf Course Tishomingo Golf Course LaFortune Golf Course Mohawk Park Golf Course O’Brien Golf Training Center Page Belcher Golf Course Lakeside Golf Course Roman Nose State Park Golf Course Watonga Golf Course Waurika Municipal Golf Course Prairie West Golf Course Dr. Gil Morgan Municipal Golf Course Sycamore Springs Golf & Country Club Buncombe Creek Golf Course Wolf Ridge Golf Club Boiling Springs Golf Course Crystal Beach Park Golf Course Golf Club at Surrey Hills Westbury Golf & Country Club

CITY Monkey Island Moore Moore Moore Muskogee Muskogee Norman Norman Nowata Okeene Okemah Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Owasso Pauls Valley Pawnee Perkins Perry Ponca City Porter Poteau Prague Pryor Purcell Sallisaw Sand Springs Sapulpa Sapulpa Sayre Seminole Shattuck Shawnee Shidler Skiatook Stigler Stillwater Stillwater Stroud Sulphur Tahlequah Tahlequah Tahlequah Thackerville Tishomingo Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Walters Watonga Watonga Waurika Weatherford Wewoka Wilburton Willis Wister Woodward Woodward Yukon Yukon

PHONE

HOLES

918-257-4204 405-794-1529 405-794-0252 405-790-0264 918-682-4845 918-682-0866 405-325-6716 405-292-9700 918-273-0928 580-822-3435 918-623-9516 405-632-9666 405-691-1727 405-424-4353 405-843-1565 405-424-1421 405-936-9214 405-752-1181 405-677-8874 918-274-4653 405-238-7462 918-762-2842 405-547-5701 580-336-2326 580-767-0433 918-483-9551 918-647-3488 405-567-2857 918-825-3056 405-527-5114 918-775-6997 918-246-2606 918-248-4080 918-224-0237 580-928-9046 405-382-3365 580-938-2445 405-275-4471 918-793-2721 918-396-0200 918-967-8225 405-743-1658 405-372-3399 918-968-2105 580-622-5057 918-458-4294 918-456-5100 918-456-3761 580-276-1240 580-371-2604 918-496-6200 918-425-6871 918-591-6047 918-446-1529 580-875-3829 580-623-7989 580-623-4674 580-228-2713 580-772-3832 405-257-3292 918-465-3161 580-564-1260 918-647-2582 580-256-1206 580-256-9028 405-373-2471 405-324-0707

18 18 9 18 18 18, 9 18 18 9 9 9 9 36+ 9 36+ 36+ 9 18 18 18 9 9 18 9 18 9 9 9 18 18 18 18 18 18 9 18 9 18 9 9 9 18 18 9 9 9 18 9 18, 9 9 36+ 36+ 18 36+ 18 18 9 18 18 9 9 18 18 18 9 18 18

TRAVELOK.COM l 71

ACTIVITIES

disc golf Look for this icon in the Activities Directory

COMBINING THE AGILITY OF A FLYING DISC WITH THE PRECISION OF GOLF, DISC GOLF IS A HAPPY HYBRID THAT APPEALS TO OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS OF ALL AGES. As in traditional golf, the object is to complete each

hole in the fewest throws. However, in disc golf, the “hole” is a basket on a pole, and strokes of the golf club are tosses of a disc. Seven of Oklahoma’s state parks offer the sport with an eco-friendly twist: Baskets, or “re-tires”, are made from recycled tires and manufactured here in Oklahoma.

Courses at the state parks are open year-round and have discs available for either rental, purchase, or both. Pictures, current conditions, basket details, ratings, and reviews for these and more than 60 other disc golf courses across the state can be found on discgolfcoursereview.com.

SEQUOYAH STATE PARK GOLF COURSE Hulbert Located adjacent to the 18 hole Sequoyah Golf Course, this disc golf course plays the same doglegs, winding fairways, and lakeside holes as the traditional golf course for moderate difficulty. Moreover, it benefits from the amenities of golf, like excellent landscaping, benches at every tee, shade boxes, and golf carts—which are recommended, as at more than 16,000 feet this is the longest disc golf course in Oklahoma, and possibly anywhere.

Terrain: Very hilly and lightly wooded Course length: 16,400 feet Longest basket: 1.495 feet Level: moderate 918-772-2297

NATURAL FALLS STATE PARK West Siloam Springs This 18-basket course is split into two difficulty levels.

The first nine holes are on a smooth, short-grass area and considered easy. The rear nine, located beyond the bridge overlooking the park’s 77-foot waterfall, wind through tall grasses and timber for a more challenging game.

Terrain: moderately hilly, moderately wooded Course length: 5,753 feet Longest basket: 502 feet Level: moderate 918-422-5802

72 l TRAVELOK.COM

ACTIVITIES

LAKE EUFAULA STATE PARK Near Checotah Thick trees, brush, and tight, doglegged fairways mean the nine baskets at Hummingbird Beach are best suited to experienced players.

Baskets placed among trees and out-of-bounds tall grass roughs demand an exacting skill set.

Terrain: Mostly flat, moderately wooded Course length: 2,666 feet Longest basket: 443 feet Level: challenging 918-689-5311

FOSS STATE PARK Foss Terrain: Mostly flat, mowed tallgrass, lightly wooded cedar trees Course length: 2,597 feet Longest basket: 381 feet Level: easy to moderate

Natural Falls, West Siloam Springs

580-592-4433

ROBBERS CAVE STATE PARK Near Wilburton Terrain: Mostly flat, lightly wooded Course length: 2,162 feet Longest basket: 320 feet Level: easy 918-465-2565

LAKE WISTER STATE PARK Wister Terrain: Moderately hilly, lightly wooded Course length: 2,635 feet Longest basket: 420 feet Level: easy 918-655-7212

TENKILLER STATE PARK Vian Terrain: Moderately hilly, lightly wooded Course length: 2,434 feet Longest basket: 448 feet Level: moderate 918-489-5641 Lake Tenkiller, Vian TRAVELOK.COM l 73

ACTIVITIES

fishing Look for this icon in the Activities Directory

WITH MORE THAN 9,000 LAKES AND RESERVOIRS, 1,500 RIVERS AND STREAMS, AND 180 DOCUMENTED SPECIES OF FISH, THE POSSIBILITIES ARE AS FAR-REACHING AS OUR STATE’S 701,000 SURFACE ACRES OF WATER.

Some anglers favor huge lakes such as Fort Gibson and Eufaula, while others prefer smaller waters like Cedar Lake or the Glover River. Whatever your choice, Oklahoma will leave you hooked on fishing, begging for one more cast.

INDIVIDUAL FISHING LICENSES REQUIRED HERE ARE THREE WAYS TO PURCHASE THEM: 1 ONLINE -

wildlifedepartment.com/license.htm

2 LICENSE DEALER –

There are more than 700 in the state, from large discount centers and sporting goods stores to smaller convenience stores and bait shops

3 CALL –

Non-residents may order a license through the Wildlife Department by calling (405) 521-3852

NOTE: Children

under the age of 16 are not required to have a fishing license.

Please visit wildlifedepartment.com for further information on licenses, where to fish, fishing clinics, and licensed fishing guides.

CANTON LAKE Canton Canton Lake is the go-to walleye spot in Oklahoma, supplying walleye stock for other state lakes. Oklahoma’s oldest and largest fishing tournament, the Walleye Rodeo, has been dishing out fishing prizes since 1968. This nearly 8,000-acre lake is also replete with a swim beach, camping, and a public hunting area.

GRAND LAKE O’ THE CHEROKEES Grove Go paddlefishing in the spring and have your catch cleaned for free at the Paddlefish Research & Processing Center in Fairland, near the Twin Bridges Area of Grand Lake State Park. Grand Lake is also great for bass. The lake serves as a venue for the Bassmaster Classic fishing tournament.

74 l TRAVELOK.COM

ACTIVITIES

LAKE TEXOMA Kingston Lake Texoma is one of the top freshwater striped bass fisheries in the nation. Although it supports excellent populations of other bass and catfish, the lake is legendary for its stripers and is also known for guided striper excursions. (Look for guide listings under the city of Kingston.) Lake Texoma State Park offers tent and RV camping, hiking trails, and a nature center.

Mountain Fork River , Broken Bow

MOUNTAIN FORK RIVER Broken Bow Above Broken Bow Lake is a first-rate smallmouth fishery that includes good numbers of spotted and largemouth bass. If you’d rather try for trout, the portion of the river below the dam is for you. The Lower Mountain Fork River holds both rainbow and brown trout and is a diverse fishery featuring everything from small-stream pocketwater to calm, quiet pools and deep, cypress-studded sections that more closely resemble a swamp.

Kayak Fishing, North Canadian

SPARKS NOODLING Walters This licensed guide service will teach you the ins and outs of handfishing for catfish in the creeks, lakes, and rivers of southwest Oklahoma. Tours are offered from May to August, which is prime time to find channel, blue, and flathead catfish. Sparks Noodling can take up to six people per tour; bystanders are welcome to witness the action for a fee.

Lake Keystone, Sand Springs TRAVELOK.COM l 75

ACTIVITIES

FISHING LOCATOR

Arrowhead Beavers Bend Bernice Clayton Lake Fort Cobb Lake Foss Great Plains Great Salt Plains Greenleaf Hochatown Lake Eufaula Keystone Lake Lake Murray Lake Tenkiller Lake Texoma Lake Thunderbird Lake Wister McGee Creek Okmulgee/Dripping Springs Robbers Cave Roman Nose Sequoyah Snowdale Spavinaw Walnut Creek

Boiling Springs, Cherokee, Cherokee Landing, Disney/Little Blue, Dripping Springs, Honey Creek, Osage Hills, and Twin Bridges also offer angling opportunities for the sport fisherman. Check with each park office for seasonal information.

76 l TRAVELOK.COM

Saugeye

Walleye

Brown Trout

Rainbow Trout

Blue Catfish

Channel Catfish

White Bass

Striped Bass Hybrid

Striped Bass

Sunfish

Crappie

Smallmouth Bass

STATE PARK

Largemouth Bass

SPECIES

there’s a reason they call it the “Great Outdoors.”

Border-to-border, Oklahoma is packed with rugged treasures. Starring mountains, sand dunes, caverns, lakes and forests, Oklahoma’s 35 Great State Parks offer unlimited open-air adventure and plenty of room to play. Plus, we’ve made getting away from it all even easier with year-round special offers on State Park cabins, lodges, and golf packages.

Visit TravelOK.com/SPDeals today to see all of our current promotions and start planning your next “Great Outdoors” getaway at an Oklahoma State Park.

Beavers Bend #3 of 35

Robbers Cave #29 of 35

Lake Murray #18 of 35

Great Salt Plains #13 of 35

ACTIVITIES

water safety BLUE-GREEN ALGAE What You Need To Know OKLAHOMA IS A WATER LOVERS’ PARADISE, BUT LAKES & RIVERS ARE COMPLICATED ECOSYSTEMS SUSCEPTIBLE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.

The nation’s bodies of water have experienced an increase in the growth of Blue-Green Algae. Below are safety information and tips on these microscopic organisms: Blue-Green Algae (BGA) are microscopic organisms naturally present in reservoirs, lakes, and streams. They are usually found in low numbers, but in very warm, shallow and undisturbed waters that receive a lot of sunlight, BGA can become abundant.

Within a span of just days, a clear lake or pond can become cloudy or deep green with algae growth. This is called a bloom.

In a bloom, BGA may look like thick pea soup or bluish, brownish, or reddish-green paint.

Do not swim, boat, ski, play in, or ingest water that looks like the above descriptions or that has a scum layer or puffy blobs floating on or near the surface.

BGA may cause a variety of reactions, usually upper respiratory problems, eye irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea.

A smaller quantity of toxins may trigger a more severe effect in children than in adults.

Other symptoms include a rash, hives or skin blisters, stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, fever, muscle weakness, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor or the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222 immediately.

Pets and livestock are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of BGA. If you think your pet may have been affected, call your veterinarian right away.

Whether or not you see BGA, take a shower after coming into contact with surface water to wash away any potentially harmful bacteria.

Remember these important words: IF IT’S GREEN ON TOP, STOP!

To find out more information and check lake conditions, please visit CheckMyOKLake.com.

78 l TRAVELOK.COM

ACTIVITIES

WATER SAFETY Tips To Remember WATER RECREATION CAN BE THE CORNERSTONE OF ANY OUTDOOR VACATION.

However, it also presents various hazards, especially for children. Read through our water safety tips below and keep everyone safe in the water.

Protect yourself by avoiding water that is foamy, scummy, or discolored.

Avoid swimming in polluted or algae-affected water.

Swim in safe or designated swimming areas only.

Always swim with a partner!

Know your limits and don’t push yourself beyond your natural swimming capability.

Always watch children when they are in or near the water.

When children are swimming in outdoor bodies of water, a life jacket is always recommended.

Avoid swallowing water while swimming.

Shower before and after swimming, and make sure to wash any cuts and scrapes with clean water and soap.

Check the local weather conditions and forecast before swimming or boating.

Drink plenty of fluids. It’s easy to get dehydrated when you’re in the sun all day. If you start feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous you’re probably dehydrated. Drink fluids and seek medical attention immediately.

Diving injuries can be severe, so check the water’s depth before you dive in and identify any hidden rocks or other hazards, even if you plan on leaping in feet-first.

If you are boating, everyone should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. In Oklahoma, all vessels must carry one wearable flotation device for each person onboard and all children under 13 years of age must wear their life jacket at all times.

Be aware that alcohol and boating do not mix.

One third of boating deaths are alcohol-related.

Only 3.2% alcohol is legal on Oklahoma lakes.

Lake Murray, Ardmore

TRAVELOK.COM l 79

ACTIVITIES

hunting Look for this icon in the Activities Directory

YOU’LL FIND SPECIES OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES WITHIN OUR STATE’S BORDERS AND SPORTSMEN THRILLED TO HUNT, APPRECIATE, AND PROTECT THEM.

Nearly all of Oklahoma’s Wildlife Department conservation efforts are funded by sportsmen through the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses and related sporting goods.

Every hunter should be familiar with the Oklahoma Hunting Guide, published by the Wildlife Department and available for free online at wildlifedepartment.com or at any location where hunting licenses are sold. The guide provides indispensable hunting information such as current hunting regulations for the state, information on licenses, age stipulations, requirements for education, species, seasons, and how, when, and where to hunt.

From the northwest to the southeast, Oklahoma game is calling your name. For more details on any of the information below, please consult the Oklahoma Wildlife Department at wildlifedepartment.com.

ANTELOPE ARCHERY Rita Blanca Wildlife Management Area Generally beginning around October 1, the antelope archery season on the high plains of northwest Oklahoma is not to be missed. With typically mild weather, this early fall hunting season provides a variety of fun challenges for hunters.

Sportsmen are advised to scout at key times (morning and evening) before the season starts to look for tracks and other signs indicating antelope presence. Glassing with binoculars from a high point is also recommended. The rugged open terrain allows hunters to see a long distance, but provides a challenge in terms of getting close.

80 l TRAVELOK.COM

ACTIVITIES

QUAIL HUNTING Black Kettle and Packsaddle Wildlife Management Areas From late fall and on into winter, quail hunting is very popular among Oklahoma sportsmen because it often combines the thrill of nature with crisp cold weather and the company of good friends and hunting dogs. With tens of thousands of acres of open rugged country at these wildlife management areas, it’s best to know your limitations and bring along lots of water for you and your dogs. Black Kettle stretches over thirty thousand-plus acres and Packsaddle covers nearly twenty thousand acres, each located in mixed grass prairies with rolling sand hills, red shale hills, wooded bottoms, and brush species.

DEER, TURKEY, AND SMALL GAME Cookson Wildlife Management Area While deer, turkey, and other small game can be found in areas all over the state, Cookson is unique in that the opportunities to access it are rare.

Cookson WMA, typically open only for controlled hunts and/or during limited periods throughout the year, consists of nearly fifteen thousand acres of rugged, mountainous area with some dense stands of oak-hickory timber as well as many fields and meadows. Because of the terrain, limited access, and rules stipulating that deer may only be hunted by archery, this is a favorite spot among Oklahoma archers.

TRAVELOK.COM l 81

ACTIVITIES EXPERIENCES

DOVE SEASON Hackberry Flat Wildlife Management Area Hackberry Flat is an excellent place to celebrate the unofficial kickoff of hunting season. This 3,700-acre WMA draws a crowd each early fall. The weather at this time of year in Oklahoma can be temperamental and sportsmen are advised to dress in layers for the option to be warm or cool. As this is a wetland development area, a good pair of waterproof boots is recommended. Look for areas near sunflowers, a waterhole, windmill, gravel road, or recently cut field for finding the birds.

BLACK BEAR HUNTING Pushmataha Wildlife Management Area Bear hunting represents a relatively new and unique big game hunting opportunity in Oklahoma. Because hunters cannot bait for bears on public lands, scouting for bear locations is key. Hunters have to work to find the bears, but hard scouting may pay off on the Pushmataha WMA. Bears are not likely to be close to the road because they like seclusion. They also love muscadines and acorns, so locating food plots is ideal.

Here, there are separate archery and muzzleloader seasons.

CONTROLLED HUNTS PROGRAM Statewide These highly sought after hunts work like a lottery system: hunters pay a nominal fee of $5 to enter their name for a chance to be chosen to hunt on lands where unrestricted hunting would pose safety concerns or where overharvesting might occur. Several of the controlled hunt choices are highly sought after and often have many times more applicants than available permits. Controlled hunts include elk, antelope, deer, and turkey, as well as deer and turkey hunts for younger hunters.

82 l TRAVELOK.COM

ACTIVITIES EXPERIENCES

DAVID ARBOUR, U.S. FOREST SERVICE

HUNTER EDUCATION Hunter education is typically mandatory for obtaining a hunting license unless hunters are interested in the apprentice license. Courses can be completed online at wildlifedepartment.com, where hunters will learn about a variety of topics from firearm safety to wildlife identification to survival skills. Mandatory hunter education has helped reduce hunting related accidents and fatalities. While there is no age requirement, the minimum recommended age is 10. Oklahoma’s hunter education program is recognized in all states as well as in Canada and Mexico. Oklahoma recognizes hunter education cards from other states.

Pushmataha Wildlife Management Area, near Clayton Lake State Park

DAVID ARBOUR, U.S. FOREST SERVICE

With more than 65 public hunting and fishing areas, Oklahoma is a beast of a game state. The Wildlife Department produces the Oklahoma Wildlife Management Area Atlas, a high-quality, detailed, spiral-bound atlas featuring the wildlife management areas that are open to the public. Each WMA is mapped to show open roads, food plots, lakes and rivers, parking, and other amenities, as well as driving directions to the areas.

The atlas is available for $25 online at wildlifedepartment.com or by phone at 405-521-3851. This purchase also includes a one-year subscription to Outdoor Oklahoma magazine.

MICHAEL BERGIN, ODWC

WMA ATLAS

Law Dawg Hunting Lodge, Caddo TRAVELOK.COM l 83

ACTIVITIES

watchable wildlife Look for this icon in the Activities Directory

YOU’LL NOTICE IN THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTIONS THAT OKLAHOMA IS A VERITABLE BIRDER’S PARADISE.

More than half of North America’s 800-plus bird species have been recorded in Oklahoma at one time or another. However, with over 760 species of animals, Oklahoma is a great destination for viewing wildlife of all shapes and sizes, both in the sky and on terra firma.

birds GREAT SALT PLAINS STATE PARK Jet Some 300 species of birds have been identified here, including the snowy plover and the American avocet.

According to the Tulsa Audubon Society about 50,000 geese and ducks find safe harbor and ample food on and around the Great Salt Plains Reservoir. Migrating sandhill cranes and whooping cranes sometimes pass by on their way to Aransas Refuge, and white pelicans can often be seen circling Sand Creek Bay.

RED SLOUGH WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA Ouachita National Forest, South of Idabel The Red Slough Wildlife Management Area has become one of the state’s most popular birding and wildlife-viewing sites due to its variety of mudflats, marshes, riparian zones, hardwoods, wet prairie, and shrub thickets. Species include the roseate spoonbill, black-necked stilt, and the rare golden eagle.

BYRON STATE FISH HATCHERY & WATCHABLE WILDLIFE AREA Cherokee This area has three habitats and a half-mile, self-guided trail through marsh, swamp, and mid-grass prairie habitats.

Visitors can expect to see such species as warblers, hooded mergansers, red-winged blackbirds, and marsh wrens, among others.

84 l TRAVELOK.COM

ACTIVITIES

Birders and naturalists have catalogued 72 species of songbirds, six species of jays and crows, six species of upland birds and game birds, 14 different raptor species, and three types of wading or shorebirds here. This area attracts species that are typical of the southern Rockies as well as woodland species. Many species are at the easternmost or westernmost portions of their range, making for a wide array of birds.

STEVE WEBBER, ODWC

BLACK MESA STATE PARK Kenton

Containing 3,700 acres of former cropland that have been restored to a wetland habitat, this basin is surrounded by mixedgrass prairie and croplands, making it one of the best locations in the state for viewing waterfowl and shorebirds. Bird watchers have identified more than 200 species here, including the black-necked stilt, stilt sandpiper, and snowy plover.

ODWC

HACKBERRY FLAT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA Frederick

Many waterfowl find refuge here, including mallard, blue-winged teal, shoveler, pintail, and wood ducks. Approximately 85 percent of the refuge is bottomland hardwood forest, which surrounds oxbow lakes and a river. Wildlife observation, birding, and photography are encouraged.

Fishing and deer, rabbit, squirrel, and duck hunting are also available.

DAVID ARBOUR, U.S. FOREST SERVICE

DEEP FORK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Okmulgee

TRAVELOK.COM l 85

ACTIVITIES EXPERIENCES

EAGLE VIEWING Statewide The winter months are the perfect time to head out on a crisp, clear day in search of the approximately 800-2,000 magnificent eagles that call the Sooner State home during the season’s peak.

10 Eagle Viewing Hot Spots: Greenleaf State Park, Braggs;

Washita National Wildlife Refuge, Butler; Arcadia Lake, Edmond; Sequoyah State Park, Hulbert; Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Jet; Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve, Kenton; Quartz Mountain Nature Park, Lone Wolf; Lake Thunderbird State Park, Norman; Kaw Lake, Ponca City; Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Sulphur.

NOTE: Be

sure to call ahead for eagle viewing information.

bats SELMAN BAT CAVE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA Woodward For the last seventeen years, tourists have been flocking to the annual Selman bat watches, beginning in early May, to see millions of Mexican free-tailed bats (Oklahoma’s official flying mammal) fly overhead and out into dusk to feast upon 10 tons of insects. While in Oklahoma, these bats eat approximately 22,000 pounds of mosquitoes and other bugs each night.

NOTE: Visitors

must pre-register for this event.

See wildlifedepartment.com or contact Alabaster Caverns State Park for more information.

Can’t make it to the bat watch? Never fear. Summer evenings in Oklahoma are a great time to see bats all over the state.

Have trees or a creek near you? Look overhead just before dark and try to make out the shapes of the wings you see.

86 l TRAVELOK.COM

ACTIVITIES EXPERIENCES

big game WICHITA MOUNTAINS WILDLIFE REFUGE Lawton In the early fall, elk begin to compete for available females and in doing so, they produce a highpitched, whistling sound. Visitors to the refuge can participate in elk bugling tours, allowing an opportunity to hear the bugling and to search for elk in their natural habitat. Other species of wildlife such as bison, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey are not uncommon sights. Tours begin at the visitor center, binoculars are recommended, and reservations are required.

This preserve, the largest protected area of tallgrass prairie on earth, is home to 2,500 American bison— one of the largest herds in the country. The tallgrass prairie is a complex environment harboring a rich diversity of plants and animals. Other wildlife includes white-tailed deer, bobcats, armadillos, beavers, woodchucks, badgers, coyotes, and over 300 species of birds. The current 39,000-acre expanse is enjoyed as a scenic drive that takes about two hours to complete.

JAY PRUETT, THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

TALLGRASS PRAIRIE PRESERVE Pawhuska

Selman Bat Watch, Freedom

Greenleaf State Park, Braggs

biology BIOBLITZ! Statewide

BioBlitz! is an annual, hands-on, scientific event that takes place at a different wildlife management area and/or state park every year. Volunteers partner with the Oklahoma Biological Survey and log as many wildlife species as they can in twenty-four hours. Kids, teens, adults, retirees, professors, wildlife enthusiasts—all are welcome at this fun, fast-paced weekend event. Visit Biosurvey.ou.edu for more information.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Lawton

TRAVELOK.COM l 87

ACTIVITIES

off-roading Look for this icon in the Activities Directory

FROM DUNE-BASHING TO MUDDING TO ROCK-CRAWLING, THERE IS AN OKLAHOMA OFF-ROADING EXPERIENCE WAITING TO THRILL YOU.

Many lakes and state parks offer ORV trails, but here are a few other suggestions to get you started:

HOGAN’S OFF ROAD PARK Disney This off-road campground and recreation area is perfect for any ORV. Located right beside the neighboring dam spillway, the park gives off-roaders easy access to the range with about five square miles of trails and rock structures. Guests can also take advantage of primitive tent camping sites or RV sites.

APPALACHIA BAY ORV AREA Sand Springs These 600 acres of ORV heaven sit on a peninsula of Keystone Lake. Used mostly by ATV and motorbike riders, this area is maintained by the Corps of Engineers. Primitive camping in the area allows riders to ride from and offload at their campsites. There is a nominal day-use fee per carload.

NOTE: If the water’s up, the area becomes an island and can’t be used. For more information call the Keystone Lake Project Office at 918-865-2621 or Appalachia Bay Park at 918-243-7822.

CROSSTIMBERS MOTORIZED ORV PARK Oklahoma City Bring out your ATV or dirt bike to enjoy over 1,500 acres of riding area and 50 miles of trails. There are five trails including the Green Trail, which measures seven miles and can be used by ATVs and dirt bikes; the Red Trail, which is 12 miles long; the Grass Track, which is three miles long; the Blue Trail, which is 14 miles long and can be used only by dirt bikes; and the Moto X track.

NOTE: Permits

are required for access and can be purchased at the Lake Stanley Draper Marina.

98 l TRAVELOK.COM

ACTIVITIES

BEAVER DUNES PARK Beaver Located in the sandy panhandle, this park offers 520 acres of dune buggy riding and 300 acres of sand hills.

Inside the park the Hackberry Bend Campground rests next to the cool and welcoming Beaver Lake.

CROSS BAR RANCH Davis

Little Sahara State Park, Waynoka

Consisting of 6,500 acres of prime, virtually untouched Arbuckle mountain range, Cross Bar Ranch offers the largest area in Oklahoma dedicated to ATV and motorcycle off-road riding.

There are also 3,000 acres of equestrian and mountain biking areas. Nearby outfitters Thrills & Chills and Western Wilderness Adventures will rent and deliver ATVs to the ranch.

A TO Z GUEST RANCH Smithville The ranch offers more than 150 miles of trails for hikers, ATV riders, and horseback riders to roam. The ranch’s motto? “Where the asphalt ends, your riding adventure begins.” The only distractions here are flowing creeks, lush pine forests, and an abundance of wildlife. A nearby outfitter in Mena, AR will rent and deliver ATVs to the ranch, but guests are welcome to bring their own. NOTE: ATV riders must be guests at the ranch.

A to Z Guest Ranch, Smithville

RECOMMENDED STATE PARKS FOR OFF-ROADING: Clayton Lake,

Keystone, Lake Murray, Little Sahara, Talimena

Tatanka Ranch, Stroud TRAVELOK.COM l 99

ACTIVITIES EXPERIENCES

rock climbing & rappelling Look for this icon in the Activities Directory

BECAUSE OF THIS SPORT’S HIGHLY TECHNICAL NATURE, ROCK-CLIMBING THRILL-SEEKERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CHECK OUT THE OKLAHOMA CLIMBER’S GUIDE BY CHUCK LOHN OR OKLAHOMA SELECT BY TONY MAYSE. These guidebooks are geared

to get you out on the rocks, enjoying spectacular views and challenging climbs. In the meantime, here are a few other suggestions:

CHARON’S GARDEN WILDERNESS AREA, WICHITA MOUNTAINS WILDLIFE REFUGE Indiahoma This is a great place for bouldering. With boulders of varying size, climbers can focus on individual moves or short sequences. Several trails lead to different boulder fields.

Mount Scott, also located within the refuge, offers climbing for experienced and beginner climbers. Stop at the refuge visitor’s center to get pointed in the right direction.

ROCKTOWN CLIMBING GYM Oklahoma City Housed in a grain elevator made up of 16 silos just south of downtown, Rocktown’s gym is mostly indoors but does offer some outdoor options. On the outside of the silos are several walls ranging in level from beginner to advanced. In the winter (weather permitting) Rocktown offers authentic ice climbing. The gym affixes a chain-link fence to the exterior of the building, directs water to it, and the ice forms to the fence. Rocktown also takes climbers on guided climbs in the Wichita Mountains. The guides are American Mountain Guides Association Single Pitch certified instructors, and equipment is provided.

QUARTZ MOUNTAIN NATURE PARK Lone Wolf Maintained by the Wichita Mountains Climbers Coalition, the climbs at Baldy Point Natural Area have well-established routes that allow climbers to enjoy the natural resources of the park at minimal damage to the faces. Baldy Point is a no

100 l TRAVELOK.COM

ACTIVITIES EXPERIENCES

charge, climb-at-your-own-risk, day-use area with top-roping, lead climbing, and rappelling available. There are also other areas in the park available for climbing.

For more information, call the park or check out wichitamountains.org.

CROWDER LAKE UNIVERSITY PARK Colony This area offers 22 acres of park grounds and 158 lake acres. Facilities include a ropes course, rappelling tower, and a rock-climbing wall. The park has five full-hookup RV sites and seven covered picnic tables with cooking grills available for tent camping.

Visitors not keen on climbing can enjoy the one-mile, scenic asphalt trail that winds throughout the park.

ROBBERS CAVE STATE PARK Wilburton A popular spot in the state for top-roping and traditional climbing, Robbers Cave State Park offers two areas for climbing: one area is near the namesake cave and the other area is at a bluff near Lake Wayne Wallace. Stop at the information center/cabin office and pay the recreation fee, get free park and trail maps, and hit the sandstone.

OTHER STATE PARKS FOR ROCK CLIMBING AND RAPPELLING:

Great Plains, Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon State Park, Hinton TRAVELOK.COM l 101

ACTIVITIES

adventure Look for this icon in the Activities Directory

STILL LOOKING TO GET YOUR HEART PUMPING AND ADRENALINE FLOWING? HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO UP THE ADVENTURE IN OKLAHOMA.

D-DAY ADVENTURE PARK Wyandotte D-Day Adventure Park’s seven paintball fields make for a

fun, action-packed adventure for the entire family, church group, or company party. Night games also are available.

The park has over 40 miles of trails for 4x4s and ORVs and has several 4-wheelin’ events on the calendar.

D-Day Adventure Park is also home to the world’s largest paintball scenario game. 3,500 to 4,000 players come to the park’s signature annual event for a series of battles unfolding on the field throughout the day. Sides are awarded points for holding or taking critical objectives at key times. Please visit TravelOK.com or ddaypark.com for more information.

OK KITE Oklahoma City The instructors at OK Kite will get you kiteboarding and riding toeside in no time! They offer one-on-one lessons every Saturday at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm, weather permitting, and during the week when weather and seasons allow. All gear is provided for the lessons. Kiteboarding is a year-round sport—when there’s ice on the lakes, these guys will take you snow-kiting. For more information, call 405-367-4403 and be sure to leave a message.

OKLAHOMA PARAGLIDING Talihina Paragliding adventures begin with a tandem instructional flight, where guests learn the basics of paragliding and experience a flight with an instructor. Individuals may also take lessons, from introductory to advanced, in order to learn the skills to fly on their own. Paragliding flights take place in Buffalo Mountain Flight Park, where hills and mountaintops provide a place for takeoff, and mowed, flat fields are used for landing. For more information, call 203-671-7413 and be sure to leave a message.

102 l TRAVELOK.COM

ACTIVITIES

SAIL GRAND WATERFRONT Afton Sail Grand offers parasailing, Jet Skis, ski boats,

pontoons, tritoons, water trampoline passes, and yacht charters. Sail Grand’s parasailing experience offers the only bird’s-eye view of Grand Lake. The 500-foot parasailing ride is available in single and tandem rides.

SKYDIVING Cushing

Skydiving, Statewide

The Oklahoma Skydiving Center at the Cushing Regional Airport provides United States Parachute Association-rated staff, all the equipment needed, and 350 acres of large, unobstructed landing area. Three types of jumps are available: solo, accelerated freefall, and tandem. Skydivers must be at least 16 years of age and reservations are required. See TravelOK.com for more information or call the center at 918-225-2222.

Haskell Skydive Tulsa also provides a fun, professional,

and safe atmosphere for all your skydiving needs.

Visit TravelOK.com or call 918-482-5867 for more information.

ZIPLINE ADVENTURES Statewide

Ziplining, POSTOAK Canopy Tours, Tulsa

Get a different view of the Arbuckles at Air Donkey Zipline Adventures in Davis. The canopy tour spans one mile with six lines and one sky bridge. At the length of nearly six football fields, Air Donkey’s zipline is the longest in the state. 580-369-5010.

Oklahoma’s first zipline still thrills at POSTOAK Canopy Tours in Tulsa. Six lines, seven platforms,

and nearly 4,000 feet of cable keep the rider going for more than two hours. 918-697-2700.

OKC’s Orr Family Farm’s four lanes of ziplines allow riders to scream alongside their fellow thrill seekers. The farm’s 425-foot line keeps you entertained. 405-799-3276.

Paintballing, Statewide TRAVELOK.COM l 103

ACTIVITIES EXPERIENCES

seasonal getaways WITH BALMY SPRING SEASONS, COOL, DRY AUTUMNS, AND CRISP, BRIGHT WINTERS, OKLAHOMA IS AN OUTDOOR DESTINATION YEAR-ROUND.

spring AZALEA FESTIVAL Muskogee Considered one of the top spring festivals in the south, the Azalea Festival glorifies the beauty of the season as 30,000 azaleas come into bloom. Since 1968, this festival, held in Honor Heights Park, has enchanted flower-lovers with 132 acres of dogwoods, redbuds, tulips, purple phlox, wisteria, and of course, the lovely azaleas.

LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKEN FESTIVAL Woodward This April festival on the western prairie spotlights a burgeoning niche of eco-travelers and birders anxious to observe and appreciate threatened or endangered species before they disappear. The festival features nationallyrenowned speakers, conservation-oriented workshops and activities, and tours to view other bird species, wild turkeys, and prairie dogs.

SPRING TRADERS ENCAMPMENT Woolaroc Experience living history at its best with approximately 125 tents and teepees set up for this annual Western heritage event. Participants from all over the United States recreate the rugged pioneer life of trappers and traders throughout 1820-1840s-era Indian Territory.

NOTE: The public is welcome to view the camp, but participation requires pre-1840’s camp, dress, and trade goods and a camping fee. Woolaroc also hosts an encampment in the fall.

104 l TRAVELOK.COM

ACTIVITIES

fall BEAVERS BEND FOLK FESTIVAL & CRAFT SHOW Broken Bow Visitors will enjoy the sounds of some of the best folk musicians in the region while marveling at the spectacular fall foliage throughout Beavers Bend State Park. A true autumn delight, this festival also offers visitors the chance to try their hand at making candles, lye soap, musical instruments, and other old-time crafts.

MONARCH MIGRATION & BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL Washington

Balloon Festival, Poteau

Celebrate the Monarch’s migration through central Oklahoma at this quaint small-town annual fall festival. Visitors will learn about butterfly gardening, the migration needs of these amazing insects, as well as enjoy butterfly displays, education, art, a butterfly plant sale, and the carefully-tended demonstration gardens that teem with butterflies.

ROBBERS CAVE FALL FESTIVAL Wilburton Set amidst the spectacular scenery and beautiful fall foliage of Robbers Cave State Park, the annual fall festival invites visitors to enjoy an array of outdoor events and seasonal activities. Grab some deep fried zucchini, an outlaw burger, or a heaping bag of kettle corn and wander through the event grounds searching for handmade arts and crafts, live entertainment, and amusement rides for kids.

Oktoberfest, Tulsa TRAVELOK.COM l 105

ACTIVITIES

winter EAGLE WATCHES AT QUARTZ MOUNTAIN NATURE PARK Lone Wolf Set amidst the stark beauty of the Quartz Mountains of southwestern Oklahoma, Quartz Mountain Resort Arts & Conference Center features luxurious lodging perfect for wintertime relaxation. With views of Lake Altus-Lugert and a rugged backdrop, Quartz Mountain Nature Park features seasonal programs including Eagle Watches in January and February. For more information on other winter spots to spy eagles, see page 86.

WINTER SOLSTICE WALKS Spiro These walks at the Spiro Mounds—Oklahoma’s only prehistoric Native American archaeological site open to the public—take place annually on the winter solstice, usually on December 21 or 22. Each tour is guided by the resident archeologist who informs visitors about the mounds, how and why they were created, the group of Caddoan Speakers who made them, and how the mounds contributed to the group’s rule of the area. The walk is about one mile in length of easy walking on paved trails and lasts for about two hours.

THE CANEBRAKE RESORT Wagoner While the resort is open year-round, winter is particularly peaceful at The Canebrake, especially when the grounds are blanketed in snow. Located on 400+ acres, The Canebrake offers hiking trails, catch-and-release fishing ponds, and cottages with cozy fireplaces. Visitors can spend the morning outdoors and the afternoon being pampered in the spa. Yoga classes are complimentary with an overnight stay and the studio features windows overlooking a meadow and lake.

106 l TRAVELOK.COM

Sequoyah State Park, Hulbert

TRAVELOK.COM l 107

CHICKASAW COUNTRY AD

ChickasawCountry.com 108 l TRAVELOK.COM

More than just a recreational destination, Chickasaw Country is an amazing cultural experience.

Enjoy refreshing waters, rustic hillsides, classic art, museums, gorgeous golf courses, lush spas, luxurious lodging, theaters and more. Whether you seek an outdoor adventure, a trip back in time, a unique gaming experience, or you simply want to lose yourself in the beauty of nature, you’ll find it all at Chickasaw Country!

800.593.3356

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY

Oklahoma has thousands of activities to bring excitement to your vacation. Whether it’s screaming across the tops of trees on one of our many zipline tours or the excitement of finding a crystal buried under the salt plains, there’s a little something for everyone. In this section you’ll find information about the many options for your travel in our amazing state.

Rappelling, throughout Oklahoma

TRAVELOK.COM l 109

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY

CHICKASAW COUNTRY

ECCENTRIC DUFFER GOLF COURSE & RANGE ...........ADA 580-332-4950 • eccentricduffer.com • 13365 CR 1550 9 hole course, lighted practice range, RV hookups

|

FRONTIER COUNTRY

|

GREAT PLAINS COUNTRY

LAKE ALTUS-LUGERT............................................. ALTUS 580-481-2265 • N of City • Fishing, hunting, swimming beach, jogging/hiking trails, marina, cabins

WiFi

LAKEWOOD GOLF COURSE ........................................ADA 580-332-5151 • 3101 Lakewood Dr • 9 holes, cart rentals, pro shop/snack bar

ALVA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB ................................. ALVA 580-327-2296 • alvagolf.com • 44483 Jefferson Rd 9 holes, clubhouse, pro shop, cart rental, practice tees, pool

WINDSONG ADVENTURES OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT .................................. ADAIR 918-864-0055 • windsongadventures.com • 757 E 390 Rd • Hunting, lodging, bird watching, trails, rustic campsites, weddings

ISLAND GUEST RANCH ........................................... AMES 580-753-4574 • islandguestranch.com • Rt 1 Box 16 Horseback riding, square dancing, powwows, fishing, swimming, hiking; hunting packages, weddings, reunions

HARBORS VIEW MARINA & WATERWAY CAFE ......AFTON 918-782-3277 • harborsviewmarina.com • 451107 E 320 Rd • Full-service marina; boat sales/rentals/repair, fuel, covered slips/storage, ships store, cabin, café

MARTIN GUIDE SERVICE ........................................AFTON 918-260-7743 • grandfishingreport.com • 26706 S Hwy 125 • Fishing guide

SHANGRI-LA RESORT ............................................AFTON 918-257-4204 • shangrilaok.com • 31000 S Hwy 125 27-hole course, rental clubs, lessons; soft spikes only

THE RANGE VINEYARD & WINERY ................. ANADARKO 405-247-2311 • therangewinery.com • 36179 Turnpike Rd • 8 wine varieties on 160 acres, tours, tastings

BIG KIAMICHI RANCH ....................................... ANTLERS 281-703-5849 • bigkiamichi.com • Hugo Lake Wildlife Management Area • Hilltop ranch house; fishing, hiking, ATV & horse trails (B.Y.O. horse)

LAKE OZZIE COBB ............................................. ANTLERS 918-297-0153 • wildlifedepartment.com • NW of Rattan Boat ramp, camping, fishing, & picnic area

WiFi

SAIL GRAND WATERFRONT ...................................AFTON 918-257-6001 • sailgrand.com • 57151 E Hwy 125 Parasailing, waverunners/jet skis, pontoons/tritoons, ski boats, water trampolines, yacht charters

THUNDER BAY MARINA .........................................AFTON 918-782-4414 • uglyjohns.com • 450780 Thunder Bay Rd • Boat slips/docks, boat sales/repairs, restaurant

REBEL HILL GUEST RANCH ............................... ANTLERS 580-271-0061 • rebelhillguestranch.com • HC 83 Box 848 • Horseback riding/lessons, fishing, paddleboating, hiking; waterfront cabins; refurbished passenger train w/2 bed, 2 bath

LAVENDER VALLEY ACRES ................................. APACHE 580-588-2855 • lavendervalleyacres.com • 10041 CR 1410 • Lavender fields, garden walk, on-site store w/lavender soaps, lotions, culinary products

WiFi

ALTUS CITY RESERVOIR ........................................ ALTUS 580-481-2265 • cityofaltus.org • N of Falcon Rd Fishing dock, picnic area, outdoor grills, group facilities, playground, jogging trail

ARDMORE CITY LAKE ......................................ARDMORE 580-223-4844 • ardmorecity.org • N of Ardmore Docks, group facilities

GREENS OF ALTUS ................................................. ALTUS 580-480-0209 • 20650 Hwy 62 • 9 holes, driving range, putting green

LAKE JEAN NEUSTADT ....................................ARDMORE 580-223-4844 • ardmorecity.org • N of Ardmore Boat ramps, fishing

110 l TRAVELOK.COM

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY

GREEN COUNTRY

|

KIAMICHI COUNTRY

|

RED CARPET COUNTRY

LAKE MURRAY .................................................ARDMORE 580-223-4044 • 13528 Scenic St Hwy 77 • Boat ramps, RV/tent camping, picnic areas, marina, beach, scuba diving, trails, mini-golf, disc golf, tennis courts, cabins, horseback riding, ATV area

PENNINGTON CREEK HUNTING CLUB ..............ARDMORE 580-223-3390 • penningtoncreekhuntingclub.com Deer, turkey, wild hog hunting; lodge on site

J & J HUNTING .................................................... ARNETT 580-939-2498 • jjhunting.com • Rt 1 Box 152 Deer, turkey, quail, dove, wild hog hunting; lodge on site LAKE MURRAY MARINA...................................ARDMORE 580-223-9339 • lakemurraymarina.net • 3315 Lodge Rd Full-service marina w/boat slips, service center, gas dock, ship store, & rentals

LAKE VINCENT .................................................... ARNETT 580-474-2663 • wildlifedepartment.com • SW of town Boat ramps, fishing, picnic areas

LAKE MURRAY RIDING STABLES .....................ARDMORE 580-223-8172 • Lake Murray State Park, 13528 Scenic St Hwy 77 • Trail rides, stable facilities; hayrides

WINDMILL OUTFITTERS ...................................... ARNETT 580-938-2447 • windmilloutfitters.com • S of Arnett Guided hunts; quail, ducks, turkey & deer; on-site lodging

LAKE MURRAY STATE PARK & LODGE.............ARDMORE 580-223-6600 • travelok.com/MurraySP • 13528 Scenic St Hwy 77, 3323 Lodge Rd • Golf, hiking/equestrian trails, bicycling, camping, cottages/resort, RV sites; Tucker Tower Nature Center

ATOKA LAKE ..........................................................ATOKA 580-889-3341 • NW of Atoka • Campsites, picnic area, playground

BIG PRAIRIE BUCKS ...............................................ATOKA 580-889-2618 • 195 N Carr Pen Rd • Trophy bucks, hogs, & turkey; guided hunting & fishing; ranch house LAKE MURRAY STATE PARK GOLF COURSE ....ARDMORE 580-223-6613 • 2673 Lodge Rd • Mature 18 hole course w/natural waterfall, practice range, pro shop, lessons

LAKE MURRAY STATE PARK TRAIL SYSTEM .................................................ARDMORE 580-223-4044 • 13528 Scenic St Hwy 77 • Two trails, perfect for novice hikers & mountain bikers

LAKE MURRAY WATER SPORTS & MINI-GOLF ARDMORE 580-223-7185 • lakemurraywatersports.com • 3323 Lodge Rd • Dinner cruises/lake tours; boat & waverunner rentals, water trampolines & water slides, mini-golf

LAKE SCOTT KING ............................................ARDMORE 580-223-4844 • ardmorecity.org • N of Ardmore Fishing docks

LAKEVIEW GOLF CLUB .....................................ARDMORE 580-223-4260 • ardmorecity.org • 3905 N Commerce 18 hole course, restaurant

BOGGY DEPOT PARK ..............................................ATOKA 580-889-5625 • 475 S Park Ln • Fishing, nature trail & watchable wildlife, baseball; RV & tent camping, playground, group shelters, grills, comfort stations w/showers, restrooms

LITTLE CEDAR NATURE TRAIL ...............................ATOKA 580-889-5625 • Boggy Depot Park, 475 S Park Ln Hiking trail for beginners

MCGEE CREEK NATURAL SCENIC RECREATION AREA TRAIL SYSTEM .............................................ATOKA 580-889-5822 • McGee Creek State Park, 576-A S McGee Creek Lake Rd • 20+ mi for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding

MCGEE CREEK RESERVOIR ....................................ATOKA 580-889-5822 • 576-A S McGee Creek Dam Rd Boating, water recreation, RV hookups, cabins/cottages, fishing, canoeing, cycling, multi-use trails

TRAVELOK.COM l 111

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY

CHICKASAW COUNTRY

|

FRONTIER COUNTRY

|

GREAT PLAINS COUNTRY

MCGEE CREEK STATE PARK ...................................ATOKA 580-889-5822 • travelok.com/McGeeCreek • 576-A S McGeeCreek Lake Rd • Fishing, hiking, mountain biking & equestrian trails, hunting, boat ramps, showers, swimming beach, lake huts, RV & primitive camping sites

BIRCH LAKE ..................................................BARNSDALL 918-396-3170 • swt.usace.army.mil • S Birch Lake Rd Swimming, hunting, fishing; RV & tent sites, playground, showers, shelter

LAKE WAXHOMA ...........................................BARNSDALL 918-847-2980 • 102 S 5th

ADAMS GOLF CLUB .................................. BARTLESVILLE 918-331-3900 • cityofbartlesville.org • 5801 Tuxedo Blvd • Challenging 18 hole course, pro shop

FOREST RIDGE GOLF CLUB ...................... BARTLESVILLE 918-338-4237 • cityofbartlesville.org • 2420 SE Locust Rd • Arboretum, accessible fishing pier, Delaware Indian log cabin, Pathfinder Parkway trails, picnic area

JOHNSTONE PARK ................................... BARTLESVILLE 918-338-4132 • cityofbartlesville.org • 100 N Cherokee Bartlesville Art Center, kiddie park, memorial gardens, Hulah Train Depot, tennis, skate park, baseball stadium, trails

PATHFINDER PARKWAY ........................... BARTLESVILLE 918-338-4132 • cityofbartlesville.org • Citywide Paved pathway offering 12 mi of biking/walking/jogging trails connecting area parks along Caney River & Turkey Creek; wildlife viewing, arched suspension bridge

SOONER PARK .......................................... BARTLESVILLE 918-338-4132 • cityofbartlesville.org • 420 S Madison Blvd • Disc golf, mini-golf, sports courts, ball field, picnic area & group facilities, playground, pool access

WOOLAROC MUSEUM AND WILDLIFE PRESERVE ............................... BARTLESVILLE 918-336-0307 • woolaroc.org • 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd • Museum w/western art, artifacts & cultural history; wildlife preserve Little Sahara, Waynoka

112 l TRAVELOK.COM

WiFi

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY

GREEN COUNTRY

|

KIAMICHI COUNTRY

|

RED CARPET COUNTRY

GLOVER RIVER ..................................................BATTIEST Southeastern Oklahoma • Secluded, untamed river in SE corner of the state; experienced floaters only

BAR B RANCH & CHUCKWAGON HUNTS ..............BEAVER 580-837-5391 • bar-b-ranch.net • E of town Hunting lodge w/guided hunts

GREENLEAF LAKE ...............................................BRAGGS 918-487-5196 • 3 mi S of Braggs on Hwy 10 S Nature center, trails, indoor fishing, paddleboats, marina, handicapped accessible cabin

GREENLEAF STATE PARK ....................................BRAGGS 918-487-5196 • travelok.com/Greenleaf • 3 mi S of Braggs on Hwy 10 S • Handicapped accessible cabin, mini golf, pool, beach, nature center, kids fishing pond, paved trail

BEAVER DUNES PARK ..........................................BEAVER 580-625-3373 • Rt 1 Box 51, Hwy 270 N • 300 acres of sand hills; fishing, trails, playground, two campgrounds

BERNICE AREA AT GRAND LAKE STATE PARK ....................................................... BERNICE 918-257-8330 • travelok.com/Bernice • 54101 E Hwy 85 A • “Crappie Capital of the World”

INDIAN HILLS RESORT AND MARINA ................ BERNICE 918-256-6954 • indianhillsok.com • 415 Park Dr Fishing, guided services, heated fishing dock, marina/ courtesy slips, boat rentals, lakefront cabins

CONTROLLED CHAOS GUIDE SERVICE .............BIG CABIN 918-381-0021 • controlledchaosguideservice.com 133 N Oak • Noodling, gigging, bow fishing, hunting

LAKE BIXHOMA .......................................................BIXBY 918-366-4430 • bixhomalake.com • Hwy 64 • Fishing, low-wake zone (no motor boats), boat ramps, walking trail

LINKS GOLF & ATHLETIC CLUB ...............................BIXBY 918-369-6035 • lindseymanagement.com • 11500 Links Court • 9 holes, clubhouse, restaurant, lessons available

BLACKWELL MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE ..... BLACKWELL 580-363-1228 • 333 Country Club Ln • 9 hole Perry Maxwell-designed course, putting green, driving range, rentals, lessons

GREENLEAF STATE PARK TRAIL SYSTEM ..........BRAGGS 918-487-5196 • 3 mi S of Braggs on Hwy 10 S ADA-compliant 1.5-mile family fun trail, one-mile nature rail & 18-mile hiking & mountain biking trail

BATTLE CREEK GOLF CLUB....................BROKEN ARROW 918-355-4850 • battlecreekgolf.net • 3200 N Battle Creek Dr • 18 hole course, pro shop, restaurant, driving range, putting green, GPS carts, golf lessons WiFi

EMERALD FALLS GOLF CLUB ................BROKEN ARROW 918-266-2600 • emeraldfalls.com • 30510 E 63rd St S 18 hole course, only course in Oklahoma featuring all-zoysia fairways, tees, & rough; semi-private

FOREST RIDGE GOLF CLUB ....................BROKEN ARROW 918-357-2443 • forestridge.com • 7501 E Kenosha 18 hole course, rated #1 public course in Tulsa, #4 course in Oklahoma by Golf Digest

AMBUSH ADVENTURES.............................. BROKEN BOW 580-584-2273 • ambushcanoerental.com • E of Broken Bow on Hwy 70 • Canoe & kayak outfitter for the lower Mountain Fork River offering various length trips

BEAVERS BEND STATE PARK ..................... BROKEN BOW 580-494-6300 • travelok.com/BeaversBend • Hwy 259A • 18 hole golf, hiking, biking, boating, nature center, trails, tennis, softball, volleyball, trout fishing, float trips, mini-golf, hayrides, train rides; lodge, cabins, RV & tent sites, group camps

WOOD GUEST RANCH .......................................BOSWELL 580-566-1300 • woodguestranch.com • 245 E CR 2020 Equestrian trails, horse rentals, wagon rides, paddleboats, walking trails; RV & primitive campsites, cabins, corrals

TRAVELOK.COM l 113

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY

O klahOma is the OklahOma is the

birthplace Of birthplace Of histOric Original histOric Originals.

Will Rogers and Wiley Post Will Rogers and Wiley Post 400 miles of Route 66 400 miles of Route 66 Oil & Gas and the Tallgrass Prairie Oil & Gas and the Tallgrass Prairie Wanda Jackson, Woody Guthrie, and the Flaming Lips Wanda Jackson, Woody Guthrie, and the Flaming Lips

More than 200 man-made lakes and four mountain range More than 200 man-made lakes and four mountain ranges Jim Thorpe and “the Oklahoma Standard” Jim Thorpe and “the Oklahoma Standard” Cowboys andAmericas five Miss Americas Sooners &Sooners Cowboys&and five Miss Bigfoot, Eskimo Joe’s,Starr and Belle Starr Bigfoot, Eskimo Joe’s, and Belle Blake, Carrie, Garth, Toby, and Vince Blake, Carrie, Garth, Reba, Toby,Reba, and Vince runs, the electric guitar, Land runs,Land the electric guitar, and Fort Silland Fort Sill The National Museum TheCowboy National& Western Cowboy Heritage & Western Heritage Museum Cain’s Ballroom, Mesa,Black & theMesa, Golden Cain’s Black Ballroom, & Driller. the Golden Driller.

All of these and more have been featured in the pages of All of these and more have been featured in the pages Oklahoma Today. We invite you to take a closer look at your Oklahoma Wefavorite invite you to take original a closer on look at y state magazine.

SearchToday. for your Oklahoma

state for your favorite Oklahoma origin our freemagazine. archive at Search www.OklahomaToday.com. our free archive at www.OklahomaToday.com.

114 l TRAVELOK.COM

Subscribe Today!

Subscribe Today!

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY

CHICKASAW COUNTRY | FRONTIER COUNTRY | GREAT PLAINS COUNTRY | GREEN COUNTRY | KIAMICHI COUNTRY | RED CARPET COUNTRY

BEAVERS BEND DEPOT INC. ...................... BROKEN BOW 580-494-6613 •beaversbend.com • Beavers Bend State Park • Train rides, hayrides, riding stables, ice cream, candy

BEAVERS BEND FLY SHOP ......................... BROKEN BOW 580-494-6071 • beaversbendflyshop.com • Beavers Bend State Park • Fly fishing supplies & instruction on the Lower Mountain Fork River

BEAVERS BEND MARINA ........................... BROKEN BOW 580-494-6455 • beaversbendmarina.com • Rt 4 Box 77-2 • Floating retail store w/bait/tackle, gas, groceries, boat rentals, jet ski rentals, house boat rentals, nightly slip rentals

BEAVERS BEND RIVER FLOATS ................. BROKEN BOW 580-494-6070 • beaversbendriverfloats.com • Beavers Bend State Park • 2.5-mile scenic kayak/canoe trip down the Lower Mountain Fork River

BROKEN BOW LAKE ................................... BROKEN BOW 580-933-4239• swt.usace.army.mil • Fishing, water sports, scuba diving, near Beavers Bend State Park

BROKEN BOW LAKE GUIDE SERVICE ......... BROKEN BOW 580-494-6447 • brokenbowlakeguide.com • Broken Bow Lake • Guide service; customized bass & seasonal walleye fishing trips

LITTLE RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ...................................... BROKEN BOW 580-584-6211 • fws.gov • 635 S Park Dr • White-tailed deer, racoon, swamp rabbit, & American alligator

LOWER MOUNTAIN FORK RIVER ................ BROKEN BOW 580-584-3393 • Hwy 70 & Hwy 259 • Year-round fishing, canoeing, kayaking; camping/cabins at nearby state park

RIVERMAN TRAIL RIDES & STABLES ........ BROKEN BOW 580-236-9033 • rivermantrailrides.com • 1735 Pine View Rd • Western horseback riding; guided rides

THREE RIVERS FLY SHOP & CABINS.......... BROKEN BOW 580-494-6115 • threeriversflyshop.com • Rt 4 Box 27-1 Fishing supplies, instruction, equipment rental, & guide services

THREE RIVERS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ................................. BROKEN BOW 918-527-5308 • wildlifedepartment.com • NW McCurtain County • Fishing & small game hunting

WILD GOOSE CANOE & KAYAK RENTALS .. BROKEN BOW 580-584-2277 • wildgoosecanoe.com • 466 Wild Goose Rd • Canoe/kayak rentals w/3, 5 & 8-mile scenic river trips

BROKEN BOW SCUBA ................................. BROKEN BOW 580-236-0059 • 688 Myrtlewood Rd • Dive shop

WRIGHT GUIDE SERVICE ............................ BROKEN BOW 580-236-0600 • wrightguideservice.com • Rt 4 Box 50-6 • Guided fishing trips on the Glover, Little & Mountain Fork Rivers, & mountain streams

CEDAR CREEK GOLF COURSE AT BEAVERS BEND ..................................... BROKEN BOW 580-494-6456 • Hwy 259 N • 18 hole course, par 72, bermuda grass greens, tees, & fairways; 16th hole island green, pro shop w/rentals, tournaments

WW TRADING POST AND CANOE SALES & RENTALS ..................................... BROKEN BOW 580-584-6856 • wwcanoes.com • E of town • Canoe/ kayak rentals & sales, campsites, supplies

DAVID BOREN HIKING TRAIL ..................... BROKEN BOW Beavers Bend State Park, Hwy 259A • 7 trails

DOBY SPRINGS MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE AND RECREATION PARK ....................................BUFFALO 580-735-2654 • buffalooklahoma.com • NW of town 9 holes, RV sites, camper spaces, walking trail, fishing pond, cart rentals

LAKEVIEW LODGE TRAIL ........................... BROKEN BOW Beavers Bend State Park, Hwy 259A • 4-mile trail w/3 loops for hikers & mountain bikers

TRAVELOK.COM l 115

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY

CHICKASAW COUNTRY

|

FRONTIER COUNTRY

|

GREAT PLAINS COUNTRY

SELMAN RANCH .................................................BUFFALO 580-256-2006 • selmanranch.com • Rt 2 Box 43 14,000-acre working cattle ranch w/hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, guest house

CANTON LAKE ..................................................... CANTON 580-886-2989 • swt.usace.army.mil • HC 65, Box 120 Swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, RV sites, & primitive camping

WASHITA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ..............BUTLER 580-664-2205 • fws.gov/refuges • 20834 E 940 Rd More than 250 wildlife species; fishing/hunting area available during specified times, handicap-accessible nature trail

CHAIN RANCH SPORTSMAN’S CLUB .................. CANTON 405-820-4056 • chainranch.com • Hwy 51, 10 mi W of Canton • Guided hunts for deer, turkey, hogs, doves, waterfowl; guided fishing

BOYCE RANCH .......................................................CALVIN 405-645-2224 • 8159 Hwy 270 • Scenic farmland, abundant wildlife; horseback riding

CHEROKEE HILLS GOLF CLUB ........................... CATOOSA 918-384-7600 • cherokeecasino.com • 777 W Cherokee St • 18 hole course built in 1924; recently redesigned

TRIPLE S WILDLIFE RANCH ..................................CALVIN 405-395-2612 • sss-ranch.com • 8109 E 1385 Rd Photo safaris; green hunting of wildlife; traditional hunting; lodge, petting zoo, horseback riding, ATV riding, fishing

REDBUD VALLEY NATURE PRESERVE .............. CATOOSA 918-669-6460 • oxleynaturecenter.org • 16150 Redbud Dr • Rugged 1-mi hiking-only trail through flood-plain forest, shady north-facing slopes, limestone bluffs, dry upland forest/ prairie

AREA 51 MARINA ............................................ CANADIAN 918-618-3607 • HC 67 Box 57 • Fuel, bait/tackle, indoor fishing, custom boat slips, slip rentals, crappie & catfish, kid-friendly karaoke

ARROWHEAD STABLES ................................... CANADIAN 918-360-7775 • wix.com/giddyupandgostables/ oklahoma • PO Box 376 • Guided trail rides, wildlife viewing, birthday parties, petting zoo

ARROWHEAD STATE PARK ............................. CANADIAN 918-339-2204 • travelok.com/Arrowhead • 3995 Main Park Rd • Marina, trails, swimming area, equestrian campground, stables, 18 hole golf, group camp w/ bunkhouses

ARROWHEAD STATE PARK GOLF COURSE ..... CANADIAN 918-339-2769 • 3657 Main Park Rd • 18 hole course w/putting green, driving range, pro shop

ARROWHEAD STATE PARK TRAIL SYSTEM .... CANADIAN 918-339-2204 • 3995 Main Park Rd • One .75-mi beginners’ nature trail & one 3-mi expert hiking trail

116 l TRAVELOK.COM

BELL COW LAKE & EQUESTRIAN CAMPGROUND.................................................CHANDLER 405-258-1460 • chandlerok.com/recreation/lakes Hwy 18 (Lake Rd W) • Fishing, horse trails, swimming beach, boat ramps, fishing docks, volleyball, basketball; RV & primitive camp sites

BELL COW LAKE TRAIL SYSTEM ....................CHANDLER 405-258-1460 • Bell Cow Lake • Two equestrian, hiking, & mountain biking trails

CHANDLER GOLF COURSE ..............................CHANDLER 405-258-3068 • 870426 S 3420 Rd • 9 holes, pro shop

CHANDLER LAKE.............................................CHANDLER 405-258-3212 • Hwy 18 (Lake Rd W) • Boat ramp/dock, fishing dock, picnic areas

JACOB’S LADDER CAMPS & RETREATS .........CHANDLER 405-258-5176 • jlcamps.com • 880876 S 3390 Rd Alpine tower, giant swing, multi-purpose gym, ropes course, fishing ponds, cabins

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY

GREEN COUNTRY

|

KIAMICHI COUNTRY

|

RED CARPET COUNTRY

SOUTHWEST QUAIL ..................................CHATTANOOGA 580-597-6609 • southwestquail.com • Rt 1 Box 61 Guided deer, turkey, & hog hunts; field dressing, lodging

FOUNTAINHEAD CREEK GOLF COURSE........... CHECOTAH 918-689-3209 • HC 60-1350 • 18 holes, par 72, putting green, driving range, pro shop, rentals, tournaments, lessons

LAKE EUFAULA MARINA ................................. CHECOTAH 918-689-7337 • eufaulamarina.com • HC 60 Box 1435 in Lake Eufaula State Park • Full-service marina w/inside, heated fishing dock, outdoor dock, tackle shop, slip rentals, gas dock, café

LAKE EUFAULA STATE PARK .......................... CHECOTAH 918-689-5311 • travelok.com/EufaulaSP • Hwy 69 & Hwy 150 • 18 holes, indoor/outdoor fishing dock, beaches, kid’s fishing pond, trails, nature center

LAKE EUFAULA STATE PARK TRAIL SYSTEM ................................................ CHECOTAH 918-689-5311 • Hwy 69 & Hwy 150 • Five trails ranging from .25 to 2.5 mi for beginners to intermediates

COUGAR RIDGE WHITETAILS .............................CHELSEA 918-785-4521 • cougarridgewhitetails.com • 7134 W 420 Rd • Guided buck hunting, processing, mounting

BYRON STATE FISH HATCHERY & WATCHABLE WILDLIFE AREA ......................... CHEROKEE 580-474-2663 • 71082 Jefferson Rd • 3 habitats, bat/ barn owl nest houses, bluebird trail

BLACK KETTLE NATIONAL GRASSLAND ........ CHEYENNE 580-497-2143 • fs.usda.gov/cibola • Hwy 47 A Suite B Fishing, camping, boating, hunting on 32,000 acres, interpretive trails

BLACK KETTLE RECREATION AREA................ CHEYENNE 580-497-2143 • fs.usda.gov/cibola • Hwy 47 A Primitive camping, picnic areas, lake, fishing, hiking trails, interpretive trails, boating (no wake) & nature viewing

Natural Falls, Colcord

TRAVELOK.COM l 117

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY

CHICKASAW COUNTRY

|

FRONTIER COUNTRY

|

GREAT PLAINS COUNTRY

CROTON CREEK GUEST RANCH ...................... CHEYENNE 580-497-3960 • crotoncreekadventures.com • 9512 N 1802 Rd • Territorial style motel; nearby National Grasslands has approximately 33,000 acres for hunters; guided hunts

DEAD INDIAN LAKE ......................................... CHEYENNE 580-497-2455 • fs.usda.gov/cibola • N of City • Boat ramps, picnic areas, & playground

SPRING CREEK LAKE RECREATION AREA ...... CHEYENNE 580-497-2455 • fs.usda.gov/cibola • E on Country Rd 86 • Swimming, boating, fishing, RV parking

LAKE BURTSCHI ............................................ CHICKASHA 580-529-2795 • wildlifedepartment.com • Hwy 92 Boat ramps, picnic areas, fishing piers/jetties

LAKE CHICKASHA ......................................... CHICKASHA 405-453-7915 • chickasha.org • NW of Verden Fishing, swimming, skiing, hunting, boating, fishing docks

RIVER BEND GOLF CLUB ............................... CHICKASHA 405-222-1995 • riverbendok.com • 1155 County Rd 1345 • 27 holes, 2-tiered practice range, putting surface, lessons, clubhouse

CHOCTAW CREEK GOLF COURSE ..................... CHOCTAW 405-769-7166 • golfchocktawcreek.com • 2200 N Hiwassee Rd • 18 holes, driving range, putting/chipping greens, pro shop, no metal spikes, covered practice facility, PGA pro on site

CHOUTEAU LOCK AND DAM ............................CHOUTEAU 918-687-4501 • 7455 N 22nd St W • Visitor’s center, fishing at dam, swimming at the spillway

CLAREMORE LAKE ....................................... CLAREMORE 918-341-1238 • claremorecity.com • NE of City • Hiking, boating, fishing, playground, trails

GORDON GOLF COURSE ............................... CLAREMORE 918-283-3333 • 11755 E 530 Rd • 9 holes, putting green, driving range (lighted in summer), pro shop, snack bar

Rock Climbing and Rappelling, throughout Oklahoma

118 l TRAVELOK.COM

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY

GREEN COUNTRY

|

KIAMICHI COUNTRY

|

RED CARPET COUNTRY

HERITAGE HILLS GOLF COURSE................... CLAREMORE 918-341-0055 • heritagehillsgc.com • 3140 Tee Dr • 18 hole course

CLINTON LAKE ................................................... CLINTON 580-275-8017 • clintonokla.org • 18 mi W of City Boating, fishing dock, picnic area, near KOA campground

REDBUD MARINA & RV PARK ...................... CLAREMORE 918-341-5190 • redbudmarina.com • 9001 E Hwy 88 Beach, ASA certified sailing school, marina, RV sites w/ water & electric, slip rental, boat rental, kayak rental

RIVERSIDE GOLF COURSE .................................. CLINTON 580-323-5958 • Rt 1 Box 3625 • 18 holes, driving range, putting greens

ROGERS STATE UNIVERSITY CONSERVATION EDUCATION RESERVE .................................. CLAREMORE 918-341-4147 • rogerscountyconservationdistrict.org Rogers State University campus • Natural resource conservation facility open from sunup to sundown

CLAYTON LAKE ................................................. CLAYTON 918-569-7981 • SE of City

CLAYTON LAKE STATE PARK ............................ CLAYTON 918-569-7981 • travelok.com/ClaytonLakeSP Hwy 271 • RV sites, camping, cabins, fishing, boating, hiking, ADA-accessible fishing dock

SARDIS LAKE .................................................... CLAYTON 918-569-4131 • swt.usace.army.mil • Hwy 2 N Fishing, skiing, boating, swim beach, boat ramps, fishing docks, hunting; group camping, general hookups

CLEVELAND CITY LAKE ................................ CLEVELAND 918-358-3506 • 7 mi W of City • Boat ramp, picnic area, grills, fishing

FEYODI CREEK PARK..................................... CLEVELAND 918-358-3506 • Hwy 64 S • Full RV hookups, tent camping, hiking trails, driving range, volleyball, boat ramp, frisbee golf, amphitheater

KEYSTONE GOLF COURSE ............................. CLEVELAND 918-358-2277 • keystonegolfcourse.com • 1800 S Airport Rd • 9 hole course, club/cart rentals, snack bar

BOW SAFARI HUNTING RANCH ....................... COALGATE 580-927-5093 • huntbowsafari.com • Rt 1 Box 825 Bow & hunting ranch; RV hookups, bunkrooms w/full kitchen

COALGATE CITY LAKE .................................... COALGATE 580-927-3914 • coalgate.org • N of City • Boat ramp, fishing

LAW DAWG HUNTING LODGE ................................ COGAR 405-613-6913 • N 2740 Rd & E 1180 Rd • Hunt ducks, geese, turkeys, doves, deer & wild hogs; guide available; lodging on site

CROWDER LAKE UNIVERSITY PARK ................... COLONY 580-343-2443 • swosu.edu/academics/crowderlake 186 RR 1 • Ropes course, rappelling tower, rock climbing wall, canoe rentals, trail, RV/tent sites

CHISHOLM TRAIL RIDING CENTER ................COMANCHE 580-606-0859 • E of Comanche • Western/cowboy experiences; ranch work, chuckwagon dinners

COMANCHE LAKE...........................................COMANCHE 580-439-6615 • 4 mi E on Hwy 53 • Boating, fishing, park, RV/tent camping, baithouse, concessions

LAKE TENKILLER...............................................COOKSON 918-457-4403 • laketenkiller.com • Rt 1 Box 259 RV/tent campsites, shelters, beaches/pool, playgrounds, cabins, enclosed fishing dock

NAUTICAL ADVENTURES SCUBA ......................COOKSON 918-457-3483 • divetenkiller.com • 32320 Hwy 82 Historical dive tours, equipment sales/rental, PADI-certified scuba courses

TRAVELOK.COM l 119

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY

120 l TRAVELOK.COM

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY

CHICKASAW CHICKASAW COUNTRY COUNTRY || FRONTIER FRONTIER COUNTRY COUNTRY || GREAT GREAT PLAINS PLAINS COUNTRY COUNTRY || GREEN GREEN COUNTRY COUNTRY || KIAMICHI KIAMICHI COUNTRY COUNTRY || RED RED CARPET CARPET COUNTRY COUNTRY

SNAKE CREEK MARINA.....................................COOKSON 918-457-5674 • snakecreekmarina.com • 18576 W Snake Creek Rd • Full-service marina, boat slips/dry storage, fuel, restaurant, bar

COPAN LAKE ......................................................... COPAN 918-532-4334 • swt.usace.army.mil • 396120 St Hwy 10 • Fishing, beach, picnic sites; RV hookups

HULAH LAKE ......................................................... COPAN 918-532-4334 • swt.usace.army.mil • 396120 St Hwy 10 • Migratory bird refuge area, hunting, fishing, boat ramps, primitive camping, group shelters, swimming beach

GENTRY CREEK HUNTING & FISHING CAMP ...........................................COUNCIL HILL 303-905-2734 • gchunting.com • RR1 Box 1725 Lodging for 8-10, full kitchen, HDTV; guided fishing & hunting; private acreage on Lake Eufaula, 1/4-mile lake front, two ponds on 38 acres

ROLLING MEADOWS GOLF CLUB .................. COVINGTON 580-863-2207 • 23700 E Rupe Ave • 9 holes, driving range, cart rentals; no metal spikes

WOODS GOLF COURSE ........................................COWETA 918-486-3117 • 11825 S 278th E Ave • 18 hole course, putting green, driving range, pro shop, cart/club rentals, snack bar, private/group lessons

CUSHING COUNTRY CLUB ..................................CUSHING 918-225-0811 • cushingcountryclub.org • 4615 E 9th St 18 hole course, driving range, putting/chipping green, pro shop, restaurant/lodge, bar; no metal spikes

CUSHING MUNICIPAL LAKE ...............................CUSHING 918-225-0277 • W of City • Boat ramp, dock, picnic area

TROPHY ELK OUTFITTERS .................................CUSHING 918-225-3541 • trophyelkoutfitters.com • PO Box 1368 Private elk hunting ranch in Lincoln County; lodging for hunters only

CROSS BAR RANCH PARK ......................................DAVIS 580-369-2444 • crossbarranch.com • Rt 1 Box 25 Large ATV/motorcyle/off-road riding, wildlife, RV sites, gift shop

TURNER FALLS PARK ..............................................DAVIS 580-369-2971 • turnerfallspark.com • Hwy 77 S 77-foot waterfall, nature trails, caves, geological wonders, swimming pools; cabins, RV hookups, tent sites, park patrol

WASHITA RIVER ......................................................DAVIS W of Davis • Canoe/kayak float trips near Turner Falls

WILD HORSE CREEK HUNTING ................................DAVIS 580-369-3344 • wildhorsecreekhunting.com • 36819 Hwy 7 • Guided whitetail, wild hog hunts; Pecan Valley Inn located on site, 3-story Victorian mansion; 4 rooms to rent; walking trails, fishing, hunting, cable, WiFi WiFi

CEDAR PORT MARINA.......................................... DISNEY 918-435-8250 8 cedarport.com • Hwy 28 E • Slip rentals up to 60-ft, ship store, service deptartment, fuel & boat supplies, wakeboarding lessons, wake surfing lessons

DISNEY/LITTLE BLUE AREA AT GRAND LAKE STATE PARK ............................. DISNEY 918-435-8066 • travelok.com/Disney • Hwy 28 E

HOGAN’S OFF ROAD PARK ................................... DISNEY 918-435-8001 • hogansoffroad.com • 300 S Construction Ave • Off-road campground for ATV & ORVs, trails, rock structures; RV sites, camping; within walking distance of restaurants & cafés

DRUMRIGHT GOLF COURSE ..........................DRUMRIGHT 918-352-9424 • 9210 E Main • 9 holes, chipping/putting greens, snacks

BIG OAKS STABLES .......................................DRUMRIGHT 580-255-2613 • 50 Shady Oaks Ln • Stall rental; 15 mi of horseback riding trails nearby at Duncan Lake

CLEAR CREEK LAKE ............................................DUNCAN 580-255-9538 • duncanok.org • NE of City • Boat ramps, enclosed floating fishing dock; RV hookups, pavilions

TRAVELOK.COM l 121

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY

CHICKASAW COUNTRY

DUNCAN LAKE.....................................................DUNCAN 580-255-9538 • E of City • Enclosed floating fishing dock, 44 plug-ins, pavilion, disc gol, boat ramp, hiking, equestrian trails, rental horse stable nearby, archery/gun range

|

FRONTIER COUNTRY

|

GREAT PLAINS COUNTRY

FAIRFAX GOLF CLUB .......................................... EDMOND 405-359-8333 • fairfaxedmond.com • 2905 N Sooner Rd • 18 holes, putting green, driving range, golf shop, no metal spikes WiFi

DUNCAN LAKE HORSE PARK ..............................DUNCAN 580-255-2613 • Duncan Lake Rd • Rolling hills & wellmarked trails for easy/moderate rider; showers, RV hookups

DUNCAN GOLF & TENNIS CLUB ..........................DUNCAN 580-255-7706 • duncangolfandtennisclub.com • 1800 N Country Club Rd • 18 holes, semi-private club; lounge, 2 tennis courts, pool, private meeting space

LAKE FUQUA........................................................DUNCAN 580-255-9538 • Hwy 29 E • Fishing dock, RV hookups

LAKE HUMPHREYS ..............................................DUNCAN 580-255-9538 • Hwy 29 E • Enclosed floating fishing dock, boat ramps; RV hookups, pavilion

KICKINGBIRD GOLF CLUB .................................. EDMOND 405-341-5350 • kickingbirdgolf.com • 1600 E Danforth Championship 18 hole course, lighted driving range, practice/ putting greens, pro shop, restaurant, club/pull cart rentals; schedule tee times online WiFi

SPRING CREEK TRAIL AT ARCADIA LAKE ......... EDMOND 405-216-7470 • arcadialakeok.com • 7200 E 15th St Novice-level 6.3-mile hiking trail around Arcadia Lake from Spring Creek Park to park office

CRIMSON CREEK GOLF CLUB..............................EL RENO 405-422-4653 • Crimsoncreekgolf.com • 800 Babcock Dr • 18 holes, putting green, driving range, chipping area, practice bunker, pro shop, snack bar

NOODLING ADVENTURES ....................................DUNCAN 580-606-7359 • noodlingadventures.com • Outskirts of town • Guided fishing tours, noodling, hand fishing

LAKE EL RENO .....................................................EL RENO 405-262-4070 • cityofelreno.com • Exit 123 off I-40, N to Elm, L on Elm • Boat ramps, fishing docks, RC airplane field, motorcycle dirt track; RV park w/hookups, disc golf course, skate park

TWIN OAKS GOLF CLUB ......................................DUNCAN 580-252-4714 • twinoaksgolfclub.com • 6755 N Hwy 81 18 holes, putting green, lighted driving range, snack bar, rental clubs

ELK CITY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB .....................ELK CITY 580-225-5454 • elkcity.com • 108 Lakeridge Rd 18 hole course, driving range, pro shop, swimming pool, restaurant/lounge

GANTZ RANCH HUNTS ....................................... DURHAM 580-983-2496 • gantzranchhunts.com • SH-30 & SH-33 Guided elk, deer, turkey hunts; fishing, wildlife viewing

LAKE ELK CITY ...................................................ELK CITY 580-225-3230 • elkcity.com • 3 mi S of Elk City • Docks, pavilion, outdoor grills, group facilities, playground, trails, free RV parking w/water & electricity, ampitheater for weddings & group meetings

ARCADIA LAKE................................................... EDMOND 405-216-7470 • arcadialakeok.com • 9000 E 2nd Heated dock, primitive/RV camping; mountain trails, watchable wildlife, boating, disc golf, pavilion rentals

COFFEE CREEK GOLF CLUB ................................ EDMOND 405-340-4653 • coffeecreekgolfclub.com • 4000 N Kelly • 18 holes, pro shop; home of the Graves Golf Academy; champion ultradwarf greens

122 l TRAVELOK.COM

GOLDEN OAKS GOLF COURSE ...................................ENID 580-249-2600 • goldenoaks.com • 5801 N Oakwood Rd 9 hole course, driving range, par 3; restaurant

MEADOWLAKE GOLF COURSE ..................................ENID 580-234-3080 • meadowlakecourse.com • 2013 W Rupe • 18 hole course, par 71, on-site pro/assistant pro

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY

GREEN COUNTRY

|

KIAMICHI COUNTRY

|

RED CARPET COUNTRY

NORTHERN HILLS GOLF COURSE ..............................ENID 580-548-2289 • north-ok.edu • 301 S Montgomery 9 hole course, clubhouse, cart rentals, snack bar

PHEASANT RUN GOLF CLUB .....................................ENID 580-233-2355 • pheasantrunenid.com • 1702 Clubhouse Dr • 18 hole link-style course, driving range, chipping/putting greens

SANDY SANDERS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ERICK 580-471-3371 • wildlifedepartment.com • SW of Sayre Wildflowers, deer, bobcat, bird watching, hiking, hunting

SPRING VALLEY RANCH.........................................EUCHA 918-253-2726 • springvalleyranchok.com • 42301 CR 510 • Zipline, ATV tours, guided hunts for turkey, deer, duck; hiking, mountain biking, horseman trails

LAKE EUFAULA...................................................EUFAULA 918-689-7751 • visitlakeeufaula.com • N & S of town Golf, hiking/biking/interpretive trails, camping, riding stables, nature center, marina

LAKE EUFAULA DAMSITE ATV TRAIL ................EUFAULA 918-799-5843 • visitlakeeufaula.com • 575 Number 9 Marina Rd • 450 acres of sand, rolling dunes, wooded areas; watchable wildlife

NO. 9 MARINA ....................................................EUFAULA 918-452-3261 • no9marina.com • Hwy 9 E • Marina; covered slips, dry storage, repairs/parts/fuel, ship store

YOGI BEAR’S JELLYSTONE PARK, CAMP & RESORT ................................................EUFAULA 918-689-9644 • jellystoneok.com • 610 Lakeshore Dr Pool, mini-golf, Starbucks Café, children’s theater, outdoor movies, sand volleyball; splash pad, aqua park, giant slide WiFi

FAIRFAX CITY LAKE ............................................FAIRFAX 918-642-5211 • NW of City • Boat ramps, picnic area w/grill

KAH-WAH-C COUNTRY CLUB INC. ......................FAIRFAX 918-642-5351 • 1398 Kah Wah C Rd • 9 holes, practice area, rentals Downtown, Oklahoma City

TRAVELOK.COM l 123

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY

CHICKASAW COUNTRY

|

FRONTIER COUNTRY

|

GREAT PLAINS COUNTRY

PADDLEFISH RESEARCH & PROCESSING CENTER...................................FAIRLAND 918-542-9422 • wildlifedepartment.com • 14801 S Hwy 137 • Processes for free in return for roe; fish must be alive; field pick-up available

TWIN BRIDGES AREA AT GRAND LAKE STATE PARK...............................FAIRLAND 918-542-6969 • travelok.com/TwinBridges • 14801 S Hwy 137 • Trophy-sized bass, catfish, bluegill, & spoonbill; enclosed fishing dock, lake huts, shelters, volleyball, horseshoes, basketball goal, 3 children’s play areas

GLOSS MOUNTAIN STATE PARK .......................FAIRVIEW 580-227-2512 • travelok.com/Gloss • Hwy 412 Geological formations, selenite gypsum, wildlife, hiking, handicap trail to historical marker, picnic area

FORT COBB RESERVOIR .................................FORT COBB 405-643-2249 • oklahomaparks.com • 27022 Copperhead Rd • Fishing, boating, water sports, golf, hunting, swimming, camping areas, showers, picnic area, group shelters, playground, marina, equipment rentals

FORT COBB STATE PARK ...............................FORT COBB 405-643-2249 • travelok.com/FortCobb • 27022 Copperhead Rd • Camping, fishing, boating, water sports, marina, golf, hunting, swimming; RV & primitive camping areas, electric & water hookups, showers

FORT COBB STATE PARK GOLF COURSE.................................................FORT COBB 405-643-2398 • 27046 Marina Bay Ln • Camping, fishing, boating, water sports, marina, hunting, swimming; RV & primitive camping, electric & water hookups, showers

SUNSET COVE MARINA ..................................FORT COBB 405-643-9900 • Fort Cobb State Park, 1 Sunset Cove Rd Full-service marina, slip rentals, boat/tube rentals, fuel & equipment, convenience store, restaurant, camper karaoke

Beavers Bend, Broken Bow

124 l TRAVELOK.COM

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY

GREEN COUNTRY

|

KIAMICHI COUNTRY

|

RED CARPET COUNTRY

FORT GIBSON LAKE ................................... FORT GIBSON 918-682-4314 • swt.usace.army.mil • 8568 Hwy 251A Fishing, hunting, spring/fall foilage, boat ramps, swimming beaches, marinas, enclosed fishing dock; RV & tent camping, showers, electric hookups

LAKE ELMER THOMAS ..................................... FORT SILL 580-442-5854 • militarycampgrounds.us • 7463 Deer Creek Canyon Rd • Lake offers swimming, fishing, camping, on-site marina, water slide, mini golf

LAKE ELMER THOMAS RECREATION AREA....... ................................... FORT SILL 580-442-5854 • militarycampgrounds.us • 7463 Deer Creek Canyon Rd • Cabins/cottages, camping/RV, mini-golf, waterslide & paddleboats, boat ramps/docks, scuba, swimming beach

FOSS STATE PARK.................................................... FOSS 580-592-4433 • travelok.com/Foss • 10252 Hwy 44 Hiking, biking, horseback riding (no rentals), mountain biking, fishing, boating, swimming; RV & tent sites, equestrian camp, showers, boat ramps/storage/rentals

FREDERICK GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB ............. FREDERICK 580-335-2911 • frederickgolfandcountryclub.com 1000 Country Club Rd • 9 hole course, pool, restaurant

HACKBERRY FLAT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ..................................... FREDERICK 580-335-5262 • hackberryflat.org • 10 mi SE of Frederick • More than 240 species of birds, wildlife viewing, hunting; primitive camping area available

FORT SUPPLY LAKE ................................... FORT SUPPLY 580-766-2701 • recreation.gov • S of town • Fishing, boating, boat ramps, swimming; RV & tent camping, showers, group shelters, playgrounds; open seasonally

HAMM’S SPORTSMAN OASIS ........................ FREDERICK 580-335-1892 • hammsoasis.com • 18150 CR NS 234 Cabins/cottages, camping, playground, mini-golf, hunting, & horseshoes

LAKE RAYMOND GARY..............................FORT TOWSON 580-873-2307 • Hwy US 70 • Fishing w/ADA-accessible dock, boat ramps, swimming, playground, RV/tent sites, group facilities, cabin rentals w/restrooms, paddleboats/ canoe/johnboat rentals

LAKE FREDERICK ........................................... FREDERICK 580-397-3291 • 5 mi E of Manitou • RV/tent camping, boating, fishing, horseback riding, swimming, bicycling, hunting, hiking

PINE CREEK LAKE .....................................FORT TOWSON 580-933-4239 • swt.usace.army.mil • Pine Creek Rd Hunting, beach, hiking, playground; RV & tent camping

RAYMOND GARY STATE PARK ..................FORT TOWSON 580-873-2307 • travelok.com/RaymondGary • HC63 Box 1450 • Fishing, boating w/rentals, swimming, camping, RV & tent sites, cabins, comfort stations w/showers, an ADA-accessible fishing dock

FOSS LAKE ............................................................... FOSS 580-592-4433 • fosslake.com • 7 mi N of Foss Hiking, biking, horseback riding (no rentals), fishing, boating, swimming, RV/tent camping, equestrian camp, lighted boat ramps, boat storage, marina, floating restaurant

LAZY S RANCH ............................................... FREDERICK 580-305-7301 • huntlazys.com • 13 mi NE of town Hunting ranch/guest house; wheat harvest, hay production, fresh okra & pecans; fishing, horseback & ATV riding

ALABASTER CAVERNS STATE PARK ................FREEDOM 580-621-3381 • travelok.com/Alabaster • 217036 SH 50A • Natural gypsum cave; guided tours, hiking trails, horseshoes, volleyball, wild caving

ALABASTER CAVERNS STATE PARK TRAIL SYSTEM ..................................................FREEDOM 580-621-3381 • travelok.com/Alabaster • 217036 SH 50A • 4 easy-to-moderate hiking trails from .5 mi to 1 mi

TRAVELOK.COM l 125

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY

CHICKASAW COUNTRY

|

FRONTIER COUNTRY

|

GREAT PLAINS COUNTRY

AMERICAN HORSE LAKE........................................GEARY 580-474-2663 • wildlifedepartment.com • W of town Fishing, boat ramps, camping, picnic area

GRAND FISHING GUIDE SERVICE ...........................GROVE 918-786-7162 • 1528 W 63rd St • Professional fishing guide service for Grand Lake & Lake Eucha

STRAYHORN MARINA ..............................................GORE 918-487-5178 • strayhornmarina.com • Rt 1 Box 257 Full-service marina on Lake Tenkiller; boat rentals & repair, boat slips, fuel, store

GRAND LAKE O’ THE CHEROKEES .........................GROVE 918-786-2289 • grandlakefun.com • Delaware/ Ottawa counties • Boating, water recreation, picnic area, playgrounds, deer hunting (in season), visitor center open year-round; 5 state park areas

LAKE VANDERWORK ........................................... GOTEBO 580-529-2795 • wildlifedepartment.com • N of town Boat ramp/dock, tent camping; largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill & channel catfish

NO MERCY HUNTING SERVICES LLC............GRACEMONT 580-515-4533 • nomercyhunting.com • 26138 County St 2640 • Hunting farm & ranch

ELK RIVER LANDING MARINA................................GROVE 918-787-2628, 2368 (marina) • elkriverlanding.com 24901 S 655 Rd • Boat ramps/docks, boat slips, boat sales & repair, picnic areas, RV/primitive camping, cabins, fuel, & full service marina w/adult beverages

Disney/Little Blue Area at Grand Lake State Park, Disney

126 l TRAVELOK.COM

H2O SPORTS RENTAL.............................................GROVE 918-786-3400 • h2osportsrental.com • Candlewyck Cove Resort, 59800 E 307 Ln • Watercraft rental: jet skis, pontoons, ski boats, tubes, skis, wakeboards WiFi

HONEY CREEK AREA AT GRAND LAKE STATE PARK ...........................................................GROVE 918-786-9447 • travelok.com/HoneyCreek • 901 State Park Rd • Boating, lighted boat ramp, fishing dock, pool; RV & primitive sites, electric hookup, group shelter

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY

GREEN COUNTRY

|

KIAMICHI COUNTRY

|

RED CARPET COUNTRY

HONEY CREEK LANDING MARINA..........................GROVE 918-787-5563 • honeycreeklandingmarina.com • 2520 S Main • Slips, pontoon boat, fuel/pump outs, full-service maintenance, ship store

OPTIMA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ...........HARDESTY 580-664-2205 • fws.gov/southwest/refuges • N of town on Hwy 3 • 4,333+ acres of grasslands & wooded bottomland, native wildlife; photography opportunities

WiFi

PATRICIA ISLAND GOLF CLUB LLC ........................GROVE 918-786-3338 • patriciaisland.com • 4980 Clubhouse Rd • Semi-public 18 holes, driving range, putting/chipping greens, pro shop, snack bar, tournaments

FORTRESS OF FAITH OUTFITTERS ..................HASTINGS 580-313-0422 • wix.com/ktsdesigns/redriverhunts 1/2 Mile S of Hwy 70 on Lone Star Rd • Deer, hog & bird guided hunts, kayaking, trails, lodging, meals, petting zoo, weddings, & private parties

WiFi

CEDAR VALLEY GOLF CLUB ............................... GUTHRIE 405-282-4800 • cedarvalleygolfclub.com • 210 Par Ave Two 18 hole par-70 championship courses, driving range, putting green, pro shop, restaurant, bar

CIMARRON NATIONAL GOLF COURSE ............... GUTHRIE 405-282-7888 • cimarronnational.com • 500 Duffy’s Way • 36 holes, driving range, putting/chipping green, pro shop, restaurant/bar, golf carts, PGA professional, lessons; no metal spikes WiFi

GUTHRIE LAKE ................................................... GUTHRIE 405-282-0496 • cityofguthrie.com • 6012 Coltrane Fishing, boating, playground, campsites, picnic area

LIBERTY LAKE .................................................... GUTHRIE 405-282-0495 • cityofguthrie.com • 7413 S Academy Boating, fishing, camping w/electric hookups, picnic area

SUNSET HILLS GOLF COURSE ............................ GUYMON 580-338-7404 • 6000 Sunset Ln • 18 hole golf course, putting green, cart rentals, on-site pro, snack bar

CRIPPLECREEK ARCHERY RANGES ................HEALDTON 580-673-2135 • HC 64 Box 565 • 3D targets, field archery

HEALDTON MUNICIPAL LAKE .........................HEALDTON 580-229-1100• healdtonok.org • 310 Franklin St Boating, camping; full RV hookups, primitive camp stations

BILLY CREEK WEST TRAIL .............................. HEAVENER 918-653-2991 • fs.fed.us/ • Near the Talimena Drive 7.5 mi trail crossing Winding Stair Mountain

HEAVENER RUNESTONE PARK ........................ HEAVENER 918-653-2241 • friendsofheavenerrunestone.org 103 E Ave B • Ancient runestone hieroglyphics, hiking/nature trails, picnic area, playground, amphitheater, interpretive displays, educational programs, gift shop, 8 camping sites

HORSETHIEF SPRINGS TRAIL ......................... HEAVENER 918-653-2991 • fs.fed.us • Cedar Lake National Recreation Area, Holson Valley Rd • Rocky, 11 mi loop w/portions on route of 1800s horse thieves

WiFi

SUNSET LAKE..................................................... GUYMON 580-338-3396 • guymonok.org • N Fifth & Sunset Amphitheater, paddleboats, miniature train, basketball, soccer, disc golf, duck pond, playground, handicapaccessible, dock, seasonal fishing, grills

OPTIMA LAKE..................................................HARDESTY 580-886-2989 • swt.usace.army.mil • HC 65 Box 120 Year-round public hunting, quiet; low lake levels

HENRYETTA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB ........... HENRYETTA 918-652-8664 • 30596 S 216 Rd • 9 hole course, putting green, driving range, pro shop, snack bar; no metal spikes

JIM HALL LAKE/NICHOLS PARK ................... HENRYETTA 918-652-3348 • E of town • CCC rock structures, boating, riding trail

TRAVELOK.COM l 127

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY

CHICKASAW COUNTRY

RED ROCK CANYON STATE PARK ........................ HINTON 405-542-6344 • travelok.com/RedRockCanyon • 116 Red Rock Canyon Rd • Rappelling, trails, pool, bathhouse, group camp, playground w/climbing rock, reserved picnic pavilion w/volleyball & horseshoe pit

SUGAR CREEK CANYON GOLF CLUB .................... HINTON 405-542-397 • sugarcreekcanyon.com • 200 W Sugar Creek Rd • 18 holes, driving range, putting green, pro shop, restaurant; no metal spikes

HOBART MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE ................... HOBART 580-726-3534 • Iceplant Rd • 9 holes, driving range, putting green, pro shop, snack bar; no metal spikes

HUNTER LAKE AND PARK ................................... HOBART 580-726-2553 • hobartchamberofcommerce.com N Park Rd • Fishing, picnic areas w/covered pavilions, playground, walking trail, bird watching; Canada geese migrate through here annually

BEECH CREEK NATIONAL SCENIC & BOTANICAL AREA TRAIL SYSTEM ...................... HODGEN 918-653-2991 • fs.usda.gov • Forest Service Rd 6026 32 mi of trails

CEDAR LAKE ....................................................... HODGEN fs.usda.gov/ouachita • Ouachita National Forest Fishing lake w/piers & boat ramp, swim areas, trails

CEDAR LAKE EQUESTRIAN CAMP ...................... HODGEN 918-653-2991 • fs.usda.gov • Cedar Lake Rd 70+ mi of trails, 130+ equestrian camp sites, showers, horse wash racks, accessible mounting station, volleyball, hiking & biking trails

CEDAR LAKE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA ..... HODGEN 918-653-2991 • fs.fed.us • Holson Valley Rd • Campers & day visitors can choose from a wide variety of activities including picnicking, swimming, fishing, canoeing, hiking

OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST ............................ HODGEN 918-653-2991 • fs.fed.us • 52175 Hwy 59 • Recreation area offers more than 352,000 acres of scenic vistas, trails, horseback riding, ATVing, hunting, fishing, camping

128 l TRAVELOK.COM

|

FRONTIER COUNTRY

|

GREAT PLAINS COUNTRY

OUACHITA NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL SYSTEM .................................................... HODGEN 918-653-2991 • fs.usda.gov/ouachita • Ouachita National Forest, 52175 Hwy 59 • Seven trails

WINDING STAIR RECREATION AREA................... HODGEN 918-653-2991 • fs.fed.us • St Hwy 1 • Campsites w/table, fire ring, paved parking spur, potable water

HOLDENVILLE LAKE ................................... HOLDENVILLE 405-712-0976 • Hwy 48 S • RV pads/camping, fishing, swimming, boating, public bathrooms, electric/water hookups

LAKE HALL ............................................................HOLLIS 580-529-2795 • wildlifedepartment.com • N of town Boat ramp, fishing dock, picnic area; 5 fishing jetties w/shelters

HOMINY MUNICIPAL LAKE .................................. HOMINY 918-885-2164 • hominychamberok.com • 219 W 1st St Boat ramps, fishing dock, picnic area, playground, shelter, ball fields, RV/primitive camping, handicap-accessible dock

PHEASANT RIDGE HUNTING LLC ........................ HOOKER 580-652-2221 • pheasantridgehunting.com • Rt 3 Box 32 • Hunting, fishing, hiking, skeet shooting, dutch oven meals; antique farm machinery, Indian artifacts

HUGO GOLF CLUB .....................................................HUGO 580-326-6549 • hugogolfclub.com • 2403 S Country Club Rd • 9 hole course, putting green, pro shop, snack bar; weekly scrambles, no metal spikes

HUGO LAKE...............................................................HUGO 580-326-3345 • swt.usace.army.mil • Hwy 70 E Fishing, swimming beach, hiking, cycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, marina, nearby hunting & river access; camping, equestrian camping, cabins

HUGO LAKE STATE PARK .........................................HUGO 580-326-0303 • travelok.com/HugoLake • Hwy 70 E Trails; resort & primitive cabins w/lake view, tent camping, full service marina, pontoon boat rentals

ROCK CREEK GOLF COURSE.....................................HUGO 580-326-6130 • 3017 E 2090 Rd • 9 holes, driving range

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY

GREEN COUNTRY

|

KIAMICHI COUNTRY

|

RED CARPET COUNTRY

SEQUOYAH BAY STATE PARK ............................ HULBERT 918-683-0878 • travelok.com/SequoyahBay • 6237 E 100th St N • Modern RV sites, primitive camping; boating, boat ramps, fishing docks, nature trails, hiking, swimming, full-service marina

SEQUOYAH RIDING STABLES ............................ HULBERT 918-772-3906 • sequoyahridingstables.com • 19059 Park 80 • Guided trail rides on over 300 acres, pony rides, hayrides, horseshoes available, bonfire pit; summer horse camps, cookouts, parties

SEQUOYAH STATE PARK, LODGE & GOLF ......... HULBERT 918-772-2046 • travelok.com/SequoyahSP • 17131 Park 10 • 18 holes, full-service marina, boat rentals, nature center, group camping, bunkhouses, dining hall, lodge, cottages, tennis court, volleyball court, basketball court, children’s playgroups, disc golf

WiFi

IDABEL COUNTRY CLUB ........................................IDABEL 580-286-7545 • idabelcountryclub.com • 2301 E Lincoln Rd • 18 hole course, driving range, putting green, tennis, pro shop, pool

CHARON’S GARDEN TRAIL ........................... INDIAHOMA 580-429-3222 • Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, 32 Refuge Headquarters • 2.4-mi hiking trail

LAKE EUCHA................................................................JAY 918-253-4148 • S on Hwy 1059 • Fishing only; boat ramps/ docks, fishing dock, RV hookups, picnic areas, trails

LAKE EUCHA PARK .....................................................JAY 918-253-4148 • Hwy 59 S • Camping, pool, boating, fishing, trails, playground, RV sites

SOUTH LAKES GOLF COURSE ................................ JENKS 918-746-3760 • southlakesgolf.com • 9253 S Elwood Dr 18 holes, pro shop, driving range, practice greens, snack bar/ restaurant

EAGLE ROOST NATURE TRAIL ....................................JET 580-626-4794 • fws.gov/southwest/refuges • Rt 1 Box 76 • Hiking trail; 1.25 mi loop Tucker Tower, Lake Murray, Ardmore

TRAVELOK.COM l 129

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY

EARTHLY DELIGHTS. Step into the fascinating life of a farmer, a vintner, a cowboy, or outdoorsman, and find yourself in the adventure of a lifetime with an agritourism experience.

With so much to do, no two days are alike. Relax from the city noise, bundle up, breathe in the brisk air and let your worries melt away around the warmth of an evening campfire. Now is the moment you discover your perfect agri-adventure, visit OklahomaAgritourism.com for more information.

130 l TRAVELOK.COM

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY CHICKASAW COUNTRY COUNTRY || FRONTIER FRONTIER COUNTRY COUNTRY || GREAT GREAT PLAINS PLAINS COUNTRY COUNTRY || GREEN GREEN COUNTRY COUNTRY || KIAMICHI KIAMICHI COUNTRY COUNTRY || RED RED CARPET CARPET COUNTRY COUNTRY CHICKASAW

GREAT SALT PLAINS LAKE .........................................JET 580-626-4731 • swt.usace.army.mil • 8 mi NE of Jet Lake, cabins, RV sites, camping, hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, equestrian trails, bird watching, fall foliage

HAMMERHEAD MARINA .................................. KETCHUM 918-782-3238 • 1 mi S of Ketchum • Full-service marina, boat slips, fiberglass repair & mechanics dept; 24-hour pay-at-the-pump fuel

GREAT SALT PLAINS STATE PARK ..............................JET 580-626-4731 • travelok.com/SaltPlains • Rt 1 Box 28 • Boating (personal craft not recommended), camping, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, equestrian trails, bird watching, crystal digging; RV & tent sites, cabins

KINGFISHER GOLF COURSE ..........................KINGFISHER 405-375-3941 • 600 E Bowman • 18 holes

SALT PLAINS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ..............JET 580-626-4794 • fws.gov/southwest/refuges • Rt 1 Box 76 • One of only 17 Western Hemisphere shorebird reserves in the nation, more than 300 species of birds

ADVANTAGE GUIDE SERVICE ...........................KINGSTON 580-624-0022 • advantageguideservice.com • PO Box 704 • Guided striper & catfish trips

HEYBURN LAKE ............................................. KELLYVILLE 918-247-6391 • swt.usace.army.mil • 27349 W Heyburn Lake Rd • Fishing, hunting, boat launch, swimming; 2 RV & camping sites w/showers

BLACK MESA STATE PARK & NATURE PRESERVE ......................................... KENTON 580-426-2222 • travelok.com/BlackMesa • County Rd 325 • Adjacent to Lake Carl Etling; RV & tent sites, boat ramps (check lake conditions), trout fishing (in season), showers, group camp w/bunkhouses; nature preserve 15-mi from park

LAKE ELMER .................................................KINGFISHER 580-474-2663 • wildlifedepartment.com • 4 mi NW of Kingfisher • Boating, fishing, picnic areas

ARROWHEAD POINT STRIPER GUIDE SERVICEKINGSTON 580-564-2217, 580-565-9151 • laketexomastriperguide. com • HC 69 Box 5710 • Professional/licensed fishing guide

BILL COLEMAN’S STRIPER SERVICE LLC ........KINGSTON 405-706-0200 • texomabill.com • 2763 June Hill Rd Striper fishing guide

BLUE WATER STRIPER GUIDE SERVICE ...........KINGSTON 580-916-6298 • texomastriperguidefishing.com 11866 State Park Rd • Year-round fishing guide service

WiFi

BLACK MESA SUMMIT TRAIL ............................. KENTON 580-426-2222 • County Rd 325 • 8.4-mi roundtrip trail

BUNCOMBE CREEK RESORT & MARINA ..........KINGSTON 580-564-2543 • buncombecreek.com • 14584 Arrowhead Point Rd • Full-service marina w/slips, sailboat stalls, ship store; rental units

HITCHING POST BED & BREAKFAST & RANCH RECREATION ....................................... KENTON 580-516-1213 • blackmesacountry.com • 101 Cedar Working ranch, horseback riding, guided trail rides, bird watching, hunting, overnight campouts/trail rides; B&B, log cabin, cottage, mobile home

CATFISH BAY MARINA .....................................KINGSTON 580-564-2307 • pointe-vista.com • 11866 State Park Rd Full-service marina w/nightly/monthly covered boat slips, convenience store, fuel dock, cabana, & rentals

HOOT OWL RANCH .............................................. KENTON 580-261-7789 • hootowlguestranch.com • D0085 Rd Late 1800s ranch house & barn, bird watching, Indian pictographs, hiking, cabins

CHICKASAW POINTE GOLF CLUB .....................KINGSTON 580-564-2581 • pointe-vista.com • 12428 Chickasaw Pointe Rd • 18 hole course, ranked in the top 20 best golf courses in America under $50

LAKE CARL ETLING ............................................. KENTON 580-474-2663 • wildlifedepartment.com • NW of town Fishing, camping, playground, picnic area

COWBOY’S GUIDE SERVICE .............................KINGSTON 580-564-3564, 1-888-622-4083 • Lake Texoma Fishing guide service

TRAVELOK.COM l 131

4,973

39,000 ACRES

HEIGHT, IN FEET, OF BLACK MESA— THE HIGHEST POINT IN OKLAHOMA

THE LARGEST PROTECTED AREA OF TALLGRASS PRAIRIE IN THE WORLD

12 ECOREGIONS

13 BIG GAME SPECIES MORE SHORELINE THAN EAST & WEST COAST COMBINED

OKLAHOMA STATE PARKS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION GUIDE

120 N. ROBINSON AVENUE, 6TH FLOOR P.O. BOX 52002 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73152