Just think, in a few short months the weather is going to be heavenly here in the Sooner State, and you’ll be looking for things to do outdoors in the fresh air. Of course we have the beautiful Turner Falls and Natural State Park, but we went searching a little deeper for a few more hidden gems in the state. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating or just relaxing, you’ll want to add these 10 places to your bucket list if you love the outdoors.
- Spavinaw Wildlife Management Area and State Park, Spavinaw
travelok.com Located below Spavinaw Lake, clear, turquoise water falls from the spillway and into a stream lined with stunning Dogwood trees. Visitors can enjoy camping, swimming, fishing, hunting and hiking. The area is near Grand Lake which is also full of outdoor activities to enjoy in a gorgeous setting.
- McGee Creek State Park, Atoka
travelok.com Located on the southwestern edge of the Ouachita Mountains, this 2,600-acre park is full of outdoor activities. From fishing to swimming to hiking, McGee Creek is the perfect place to try it all.
- Roman Nose State Park, Watonga
travelok.com The beautiful canyons in Roman Nose State Park make this spot a picturesque outdoor oasis. Visitors can rent tepees, camp outdoors, hike to a hidden waterfall cave, golf, fish and so much more. The park has a modern, newly-remodeled lodge that rents guest rooms for those looking to enjoy the outdoors, but sleep indoors.
- Glover River, Battiest
travelok.com This pristine, secluded river is located in southeastern Oklahoma. The river is not commercialized, so bring your own floats and map and enjoy the solitude of this stunning river.
- Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Sulphur
travelok.com Known as the “oasis in the prairie,” Chickasaw National Recreation Area is full of mineral water, natural springs and waterfalls. The area is full of activities all year long including, cycling, swimming, boating and hiking.
- Robbers Cave State Park, Wilburton
J Stephen Conn/Flickr Located in southeast Oklahoma in the San Bois Mountains, this state park is a prime destination for rock climbers and rappellers. The park boasts over 8,200 acres of wilderness where visitors can enjoy hiking, hunting, fishing and horseback riding.
- Blue River, Tishomingo
travelok.com Known for its beautiful cascades, Blue River near Tishomingo is a popular fishing spot surrounded by picturesque beauty. Trout are stocked every winter and the spring-fed river is full of outdoor fun and activities. Please note: A Blue River Conservation Passport is required for all who enter or use the Blue River area (a designated trout area), unless exempt.
- Heavener Runestone Park, Heavener
travelok.com Heavener Runestone Park is one of the most beautiful state parks in the Sooner State. It is also one of the most unusual historic sites in the South because of the markings on the mountains. Many people believe Vikings once roamed Oklahoma and left strange carvings on these rocks. The park is filled with hiking trails and stunning waterfalls.
- Medicine Park
travelok.com Situated at the base of the Wichita Mountains is the quaint, cobblestone town of Medicine Park. It’s the perfect town to enjoy an outdoor walk, swim in the creek, spend an afternoon fishing or enjoying the splendid beauty of the mountains all around.
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, near Lawton
jdan57/Flickr If you’re really looking to get in touch with nature, head to the nearby Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The refuge contains almost 60,000 acres of rugged beauty, wildlife, hiking, creeks, lakes, camping and so much more.
For more things to do and see in Oklahoma, make sure you check out our “Ultimate Oklahoma Bucket List” article here.
travelok.com
Located below Spavinaw Lake, clear, turquoise water falls from the spillway and into a stream lined with stunning Dogwood trees. Visitors can enjoy camping, swimming, fishing, hunting and hiking. The area is near Grand Lake which is also full of outdoor activities to enjoy in a gorgeous setting.
Located on the southwestern edge of the Ouachita Mountains, this 2,600-acre park is full of outdoor activities. From fishing to swimming to hiking, McGee Creek is the perfect place to try it all.
The beautiful canyons in Roman Nose State Park make this spot a picturesque outdoor oasis. Visitors can rent tepees, camp outdoors, hike to a hidden waterfall cave, golf, fish and so much more. The park has a modern, newly-remodeled lodge that rents guest rooms for those looking to enjoy the outdoors, but sleep indoors.
This pristine, secluded river is located in southeastern Oklahoma. The river is not commercialized, so bring your own floats and map and enjoy the solitude of this stunning river.
Known as the “oasis in the prairie,” Chickasaw National Recreation Area is full of mineral water, natural springs and waterfalls. The area is full of activities all year long including, cycling, swimming, boating and hiking.
J Stephen Conn/Flickr
Located in southeast Oklahoma in the San Bois Mountains, this state park is a prime destination for rock climbers and rappellers. The park boasts over 8,200 acres of wilderness where visitors can enjoy hiking, hunting, fishing and horseback riding.
Known for its beautiful cascades, Blue River near Tishomingo is a popular fishing spot surrounded by picturesque beauty. Trout are stocked every winter and the spring-fed river is full of outdoor fun and activities. Please note: A Blue River Conservation Passport is required for all who enter or use the Blue River area (a designated trout area), unless exempt.
Heavener Runestone Park is one of the most beautiful state parks in the Sooner State. It is also one of the most unusual historic sites in the South because of the markings on the mountains. Many people believe Vikings once roamed Oklahoma and left strange carvings on these rocks. The park is filled with hiking trails and stunning waterfalls.
Situated at the base of the Wichita Mountains is the quaint, cobblestone town of Medicine Park. It’s the perfect town to enjoy an outdoor walk, swim in the creek, spend an afternoon fishing or enjoying the splendid beauty of the mountains all around.
jdan57/Flickr
If you’re really looking to get in touch with nature, head to the nearby Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The refuge contains almost 60,000 acres of rugged beauty, wildlife, hiking, creeks, lakes, camping and so much more.
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