The Sooner State is home to some of America’s most astonishing landscapes, and it’s especially evident inside state parks. You probably know about some of them, such as Salt Plains State Park and Robbers Cave, but there are so many hidden gems worth exploring. If you’re looking for some of the best state parks to visit in Oklahoma, you’ve come to the right place. These nine under-appreciated destinations will reignite your love for nature.

  1. McGee Creek State Park (Atoka)

TravelOK/Facebook Located on the southwest corner of the Ouachita Mountain range, this state park occupies over 2,600 acres of beautiful land. Visitors can rent one of 8 lake huts at the park for a memorable night stay. Address: 5798 S McGee Creek Lake Road, Atoka, OK. McGee Creek State Park, 5798 S McGee Creek Lake Rd, Atoka, OK 74525, USA

  1. Osage Hills State Park (Pawhuska)

Granger Meador/Flickr As one of the oldest state parks in Oklahoma, Osage Hills State Park is full of mature trees, picturesque scenery, rolling hills and rocky bluffs. The park boasts over 1,100 acres of lush greenery, waterfalls, streams, bluffs, forests and natural beauty. Sand Creek winds through the park and is a great spot to cool off in the summer. The water is so clear and refreshing on a hot day. Address: 2131 Osage Hills Park Road, Pawhuska, OK. Park Road, Park Rd, Pawhuska, OK 74056, USA

  1. Cherokee Landing State Park (Park Hill/Tahlequah)

TravelOK/Facebook Cherokee Landing State Park is located on the shores of Lake Tenkiller in Tahlequah and is a great camping destination. The park features 93 RV sites, 45 primitive sites and all the amenities needed for camping. Address: 28610 Park 20, Park Hill, OK. Cherokee Landing State Park, 28610 Park 20, Park Hill, OK 74451, USA

  1. Foss State Park (Foss)

TravelOK/Facebook Visitors love all the outdoor recreational activities offered at Foss State Park. From swimming to fishing to boating, you’ll find it all in Foss. It’s also a great spot to see free ranging buffalo! Address: 10252 Hwy 44, Foss, OK. Foss Reservoir, Oklahoma, USA

  1. Greenleaf State Park (Braggs)

Granger Meador/Flickr Located in the hills of eastern Oklahoma, Greenleaf State Park is the perfect park for family-friendly activities. Choose from camping, swimming, hiking, boating, fishing and much more. Address: 12022 Greenleaf Road, Braggs, OK. Greenleaf State Park, 12022 Greenleaf Rd, Braggs, OK 74423, USA

  1. Lake Wister State Park (Wister)

usacetulsa/Flickr Lake Wister State Park is situated around a lake in southeast Oklahoma and features over 3,400-acres. The park is filled with outdoor recreation, including a water spray park. Address: 25567 US Hwy 270, Wister, OK. Lake Wister State Park, 25679 US HWY 270, Wister, OK 74966, USA

  1. Natural Falls State Park (West Siloam Springs)

Granger Meador/Flickr This stunning destination is one of the prettiest places in the state. Not only will you find a stunning 77-foot waterfall, but you’ll encounter beautiful foliage and wildlife. To learn more, visit the website for Natural Falls State Park. Address: Hwy 412 West, West Siloam Springs, OK. Natural Falls State Park, 19225 E 578 Rd, Colcord, OK 74338, USA

  1. Boiling Springs State Park (Woodward)

Angela Mabray/Flickr Boiling Springs State Park is known as an oasis on the plains, due to its boiling spring that still flows today. The spring can be viewed in the park’s office before heading out to explore the 820-acre beautiful park. Address: 207745 Boiling Springs Road, Woodward, OK. Boiling Springs State Park, 207745 Boiling, The Springs Rd, Woodward, OK 73801, USA

  1. Talimena State Park (Talihina)

Granger Meador/Flickr At just 20 acres and offering a wide range of scenery, Talimena State Park is sitting at the entrance to Talimena Scenic Drive, a 54 mile winding road through the mountains. The park has many great walking and hiking trails that are surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Address: 50884 Hwy 271, Talihina, OK. Talimena State Park, 50884 US-271, Talihina, OK 74571, USA

What are your favorite state parks to visit in Oklahoma? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

TravelOK/Facebook

Located on the southwest corner of the Ouachita Mountain range, this state park occupies over 2,600 acres of beautiful land. Visitors can rent one of 8 lake huts at the park for a memorable night stay. Address: 5798 S McGee Creek Lake Road, Atoka, OK.

McGee Creek State Park, 5798 S McGee Creek Lake Rd, Atoka, OK 74525, USA

Granger Meador/Flickr

As one of the oldest state parks in Oklahoma, Osage Hills State Park is full of mature trees, picturesque scenery, rolling hills and rocky bluffs. The park boasts over 1,100 acres of lush greenery, waterfalls, streams, bluffs, forests and natural beauty. Sand Creek winds through the park and is a great spot to cool off in the summer. The water is so clear and refreshing on a hot day. Address: 2131 Osage Hills Park Road, Pawhuska, OK.

Park Road, Park Rd, Pawhuska, OK 74056, USA

Cherokee Landing State Park is located on the shores of Lake Tenkiller in Tahlequah and is a great camping destination. The park features 93 RV sites, 45 primitive sites and all the amenities needed for camping. Address: 28610 Park 20, Park Hill, OK.

Cherokee Landing State Park, 28610 Park 20, Park Hill, OK 74451, USA

Visitors love all the outdoor recreational activities offered at Foss State Park. From swimming to fishing to boating, you’ll find it all in Foss. It’s also a great spot to see free ranging buffalo! Address: 10252 Hwy 44, Foss, OK.

Foss Reservoir, Oklahoma, USA

Located in the hills of eastern Oklahoma, Greenleaf State Park is the perfect park for family-friendly activities. Choose from camping, swimming, hiking, boating, fishing and much more. Address: 12022 Greenleaf Road, Braggs, OK.

Greenleaf State Park, 12022 Greenleaf Rd, Braggs, OK 74423, USA

usacetulsa/Flickr

Lake Wister State Park is situated around a lake in southeast Oklahoma and features over 3,400-acres. The park is filled with outdoor recreation, including a water spray park. Address: 25567 US Hwy 270, Wister, OK.

Lake Wister State Park, 25679 US HWY 270, Wister, OK 74966, USA

This stunning destination is one of the prettiest places in the state. Not only will you find a stunning 77-foot waterfall, but you’ll encounter beautiful foliage and wildlife. To learn more, visit the website for Natural Falls State Park. Address: Hwy 412 West, West Siloam Springs, OK.

Natural Falls State Park, 19225 E 578 Rd, Colcord, OK 74338, USA

Angela Mabray/Flickr

Boiling Springs State Park is known as an oasis on the plains, due to its boiling spring that still flows today. The spring can be viewed in the park’s office before heading out to explore the 820-acre beautiful park. Address: 207745 Boiling Springs Road, Woodward, OK.

Boiling Springs State Park, 207745 Boiling, The Springs Rd, Woodward, OK 73801, USA

At just 20 acres and offering a wide range of scenery, Talimena State Park is sitting at the entrance to Talimena Scenic Drive, a 54 mile winding road through the mountains. The park has many great walking and hiking trails that are surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Address: 50884 Hwy 271, Talihina, OK.

Talimena State Park, 50884 US-271, Talihina, OK 74571, USA

And if you’re looking for more outdoor adventure, why not head over to Beavers Bend State Park? It’s a gorgeous park in southeastern Oklahoma filled with lakes, rivers, hiking, swimming and much more. Check it out here.

And don’t forget! You can stay up to date with all things Oklahoma by signing up for our email newsletter.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

state parks to visit in Oklahoma February 10, 2022 Elisa Regulski Which state parks should I visit in Oklahoma? If you’re looking for the best parks in Oklahoma, we’ve got you covered. For starters, head over to Salt Plains State Park near the town of Jet. This 840-acre area is home to breathtaking panoramic views. After you’ve snapped some photos of the stellar surroundings, head over to the crystal digging area. Here, you can search for gorgeous gemstones and stick your hands in the dirt. This activity is great for visitors of all ages, so if you’re looking for a day trip, be sure to check it out. Need more ideas? Check out our list of the 12 best state parks in Oklahoma. Are there any good swimming holes in Oklahoma? Yes! There are so many picturesque and refreshing swimming holes in Oklahoma. We definitely recommend soaking up the sun at Spavinaw Creek. This area is home to gorgeous turquoise waters. You’ll love jumping from the rope spring into the natural creek below. For more fun, visit Gage Artesian Beach. This swimming hole gets up to 14-feet deep, and the bottom is lined with sand. You’ll feel like you’re on a tropical vacation when you visit this hidden gem! For more travel inspiration, take a look at our list of the best swimming holes in Oklahoma. What are the best waterfall hikes in Oklahoma? One of the best hiking trails in Oklahoma is nestled in Natural Falls State Park. Start at the Dripping Springs trailhead and enjoy the sights! This hike only spans one mile, but it’s jam packed with breathtaking views. At the end of your hike, you’ll come across one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Oklahoma. Bring the kiddos along and watch their eyes light up with wonder.

The OIYS Visitor Center

state parks to visit in Oklahoma

February 10, 2022

Elisa Regulski

Which state parks should I visit in Oklahoma? If you’re looking for the best parks in Oklahoma, we’ve got you covered. For starters, head over to Salt Plains State Park near the town of Jet. This 840-acre area is home to breathtaking panoramic views. After you’ve snapped some photos of the stellar surroundings, head over to the crystal digging area. Here, you can search for gorgeous gemstones and stick your hands in the dirt. This activity is great for visitors of all ages, so if you’re looking for a day trip, be sure to check it out. Need more ideas? Check out our list of the 12 best state parks in Oklahoma. Are there any good swimming holes in Oklahoma? Yes! There are so many picturesque and refreshing swimming holes in Oklahoma. We definitely recommend soaking up the sun at Spavinaw Creek. This area is home to gorgeous turquoise waters. You’ll love jumping from the rope spring into the natural creek below. For more fun, visit Gage Artesian Beach. This swimming hole gets up to 14-feet deep, and the bottom is lined with sand. You’ll feel like you’re on a tropical vacation when you visit this hidden gem! For more travel inspiration, take a look at our list of the best swimming holes in Oklahoma. What are the best waterfall hikes in Oklahoma? One of the best hiking trails in Oklahoma is nestled in Natural Falls State Park. Start at the Dripping Springs trailhead and enjoy the sights! This hike only spans one mile, but it’s jam packed with breathtaking views. At the end of your hike, you’ll come across one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Oklahoma. Bring the kiddos along and watch their eyes light up with wonder.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

If you’re looking for the best parks in Oklahoma, we’ve got you covered. For starters, head over to Salt Plains State Park near the town of Jet. This 840-acre area is home to breathtaking panoramic views. After you’ve snapped some photos of the stellar surroundings, head over to the crystal digging area. Here, you can search for gorgeous gemstones and stick your hands in the dirt. This activity is great for visitors of all ages, so if you’re looking for a day trip, be sure to check it out. Need more ideas? Check out our list of the 12 best state parks in Oklahoma.

Are there any good swimming holes in Oklahoma?

Yes! There are so many picturesque and refreshing swimming holes in Oklahoma. We definitely recommend soaking up the sun at Spavinaw Creek. This area is home to gorgeous turquoise waters. You’ll love jumping from the rope spring into the natural creek below. For more fun, visit Gage Artesian Beach. This swimming hole gets up to 14-feet deep, and the bottom is lined with sand. You’ll feel like you’re on a tropical vacation when you visit this hidden gem! For more travel inspiration, take a look at our list of the best swimming holes in Oklahoma.

What are the best waterfall hikes in Oklahoma?

One of the best hiking trails in Oklahoma is nestled in Natural Falls State Park. Start at the Dripping Springs trailhead and enjoy the sights! This hike only spans one mile, but it’s jam packed with breathtaking views. At the end of your hike, you’ll come across one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Oklahoma. Bring the kiddos along and watch their eyes light up with wonder.