Outdoor Adventure Awaits at Oklahoma State Parks

by Shelley Zumwalt, executive director, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, and interim secretary of tourism, wildlife, and heritage. 

Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan

As the weather warms up and the days get longer, Oklahoma State Parks are perfect for a family adventure to discover the beauty of Oklahoma.

You can visit the park closest to you, or plan a road trip, but there’s a state park for everyone. Observe wildlife and flora on one of our nature trails, get out your fishing rod and find your next catch, or enjoy the timeless experience of camping under the stars. Endless opportunities await.

For thrill seekers, I recommend exploring one of Oklahoma’s most diverse terrains–the sand dunes in Little Sahara State Park. The dunes are remnants of prehistoric times, when the Cimarron River flowed over the entire area. There are over 1,600 acres of sand dunes, making it one of the best riding spots for ATVs in the Midwest. Tent sites and RV sites are available for anyone looking to camp for the week or the weekend.  

For those looking for a scenic escape, the 77-foot waterfall cascading through rock formation at Natural Falls State Park is one of the most breathtaking views in Oklahoma. If the beautiful scenery looks familiar, it’s because scenes from the 1974 movie, Where the Red Fern Grows, were filmed in the park. Book a stay in one of the park’s five yurts or reserve an RV or tent site.

  I can’t highlight the diversity of our parks without mentioning the beauty of the Wichita Mountains and Quartz Mountain State Park. Visitors won’t want to leave the newly renovated lodge. While you’re there, find a trail to hike up and watch a beautiful sunrise across the lake. You’re welcome.

For the avid anglers, Oklahoma offers over 200 lakes, with more miles of shoreline than the East and Gulf coasts combined. The Oklahoma Fishing Trail features six unique regional loops, organized by lake and species, to provide anglers of all levels the opportunity to find a new favorite spot and create some unforgettable memories this spring. Before you head out, don’t forget your fishing license, which can be purchased online through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. You can also pick up a copy of our Fishing Guide at a state park or Tourism Information Center near you.

Urban adventure-seekers can look no further than our two metro areas, Tulsa and Oklahoma City, for outdoor excursions at the local botanical gardens, zoos, outdoor patios, and dining facilities or across the miles of trails in each city. It’s also just a 45-minute drive from Oklahoma City to Lake Thunderbird and fewer than 30 minutes from Tulsa Keystone Lake.

Give yourself the gift of nature by visiting an Oklahoma State Park. Whether you’re just visiting for a day or enjoying our overnight accommodations, outdoor adventure awaits. For more information, check out TravelOK.com.