Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Chickasaw National Recreation Area is located in south-central Oklahoma, encompassing approximately 9,900 acres. Established in 1902, it is managed by the National Park Service and is named after the Chickasaw Indian Nation, who once inhabited the area.

This picturesque recreation area is rich in history. Before its designation as a national recreation area, it was known as Sulphur Springs Reservation, a popular health resort in the late 19th century due to the alleged healing properties of the mineral springs found in the area. Prior to that, it was home to several Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Cherokee.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities. One of the main attractions is the park's numerous mineral springs, which are still open for visitors to explore. Travertine Creek, a pristine stream that flows through the park, is a popular spot for swimming and tubing during the summer months. The park also offers opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife watching.

The Platt Historic District, located within the recreation area, preserves the architecture and history of the former Platt National Park. There, visitors can explore the historic bathhouses and other structures from the earlier resort era. The Travertine Nature Center offers educational exhibits and interactive displays about the park's geological features and the flora and fauna that call it home.

Nearby attractions include the Cultural Center at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area Headquarters, which provides information on the history and culture of the Chickasaw Nation. Another notable attraction is the Lake of the Arbuckles, a popular spot for camping, fishing, and water sports. Additionally, the Chickasaw Cultural Center, located in Sulphur, offers visitors a chance to learn more about the Chickasaw people and their traditions, through exhibits, theater presentations, and traditional craft demonstrations.

Overall, Chickasaw National Recreation Area provides a unique blend of natural and cultural experiences. Its mineral springs, tranquil streams, and diverse wildlife make it an appealing destination for outdoor enthusiasts, while its historical significance and nearby attractions add depth and variety to visitors' experiences.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area is nestled in the southern part of the state of Oklahoma. Located approximately 75 miles south of Oklahoma City, this natural haven sprawls across Johnston, Marshall, and Murray counties. The park is characterized by its diverse landscapes, including lush forests, shimmering lakes, and picturesque springs. Boasting an area covering over 9,900 acres, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area becomes a mesmerizing blend of rolling hills, tranquil rivers, and pristine meadows. This idyllic location showcases the state's natural beauty while offering visitors a wide range of recreational activities and a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Address & Contact

901 W. 1st Street
Sulphur, OK 73086
Driving Directions
Phone: 5806227234
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Chickasaw National Recreation Area would be in April or October. These months offer pleasant weather with average maximum temperatures of 73°F and 75°F respectively. The minimum temperatures range between 49°F and 48°F, providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation for these months is 3.7 inches and 3.8 inches respectively, ensuring a lower chance of rainfall. These periods also attract fewer visitors compared to the peak months of June and July, allowing for a more serene experience in the park.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Chickasaw National Recreation Area are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Road Biking Camping Car or Front Country Camping Hiking Front-Country Hiking Boating Motorized Boating Fishing Hunting and Gathering Hunting Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Swimming Mountain Biking Group Camping RV Camping Volunteer Vacation Gathering and Foraging Stand Up Paddleboarding Freshwater Swimming Water Skiing Jet Skiing

Topics

Learn about these topics at Chickasaw National Recreation Area: Animals Birds Geology Groundwater Freshwater Springs Night Sky Architecture and Building Native American Heritage Transportation Fish Tortoises and Turtles Fossils and Paleontology River and Riparian Trails Forests and Woodlands Lakes Astronomy Scenic Views Waterfalls Deciduous Forests Social Movements Conservation Movement Bison Aquifers Bridges Ancient Seas

Visitor Centers

Travertine Nature Center

A good starting place for visitors. It has brochures, exhibits, maps and helpful Rangers. Get information about lakes, camping, hiking trails, and special events.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Travertine Nature Center.

Campsites within or near Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Buckhorn Campground Loop A

Buckhorn Campground has four loops. Loop A is open seasonally on a first come, first served basis. There are no hookups for RVs on Loop A. Located next to Lake of the Arbuckles, Buckhorn Campground is also located near the Buckhorn Boat Launch and near the southern trailhead for the Rock Creek Multi-Use Trail.
Fees (US$): 16.00 (Buckhorn Non-Utility Sites)
Total Campsites: 19
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Hot - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Buckhorn Campground Loop B

Buckhorn Campground has four loops. Loop B is open seasonally on a first come, first served basis. There are no hookups for RVs on Loop B. Located next to Lake of the Arbuckles, Buckhorn Campground is also located near the Buckhorn Boat Launch and near the southern trailhead for the Rock Creek Multi-Use Trail.
Fees (US$): 16.00 (Buckhorn Non-Utility Site)
Total Campsites: 25
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Hot - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Buckhorn Campground Loop C

Buckhorn Campground has four loops. Loop C is open year round by reservation only. Located next to Lake of the Arbuckles, Buckhorn Campground is also located near the Buckhorn Boat Launch and near the southern trailhead for the Rock Creek Multi-Use Trail.
Fees (US$): 16.00 (Buckhorn Non-Utility Sites), 22.00 (Buckhorn Utility Sites), 24.00 (Buckhorn Premium Utility Sites)
Total Campsites: 41
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Hot - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Buckhorn Campground Loop D

Buckhorn Campground has four loops. Loop D is open year round. Campsite on Loop D are first come, first served. Located next to Lake of the Arbuckles, Buckhorn Campground is also located near the Buckhorn Boat Launch and near the southern trailhead for the Rock Creek Multi-Use Trail.
Fees (US$): 16.00 (Buckhorn Non-Utility Site), 22.00 (Buckhorn Utility Sites), 24.00 (Buckhorn Premium Utility Sites)
Total Campsites: 48
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Hot - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Central Campground

Central Campground consists of ten group sites. It is located near downtown Sulphur.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Central Campground Group Sites)
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Cold Springs Campground

Cold Springs Campground is open seasonally for the summer. It opens no later than Memorial Day Weekend and closes no earlier than Labor Day Weekend. Rebuilt in the 1930s to its current configuration, it does not accommodate most RVs, though small pop-up or teardrop trailers may fit in the parking spaces at some campsites.
Fees (US$): 14.00 (Cold Springs Campground Regular Sites), 30.00 (Cold Springs Group Sites)
Total Campsites: 65
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Guy Sandy Campground

Guy Sandy Campground is open seasonally for the summer. It opens no later than Memorial Day Weekend and closes no earlier than Labor Day Weekend. It is located on the western shore of Lake of the Arbuckles. This primitive campground offers basic amenities only. RVs are permitted, but no hookups are available. Communal water spigots and pit toilets are available. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring with a grill.
Fees (US$): 14.00 (Guy Sandy Campsite Fee)
Total Campsites: 40
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Rock Creek Campground

Located along Rock Creek and near Veterans Lake, this wooded campground is open year round, though some sites within it close seasonally. Built with small travel trailers in mind, this campground is good for primitive camping. No hook ups are available.
Fees (US$): 14.00 (Rock Creek Campground Standard Sites), 30.00 (Rock Creek Campground Group Site)
Total Campsites: 100
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

The Point Campground

The Point Campground is open year round. It has a combination of sites with and without RV hook-ups. The Upper Loop is available by reservation only. The Lower Loop is first come, first served. Located near the shor of Lake of the Arbuckles and The Point Boat Launch.
Fees (US$): 16.00 (The Point Standard Sites), 22.00 (The Point Utility Sites), 24.00 (The Point Premium Utility Sites)
Total Campsites: 55
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Hot - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Hotels within or near Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Red Roof Inn Ardmore

Located in Ardmore, Red Roof Inn Ardmore is in the suburbs, within a 5-minute drive of Gold Mountain Casino and Oklahoma Heart Hospital. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2432 Veterans Blvd, Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401
Web: Link

Days Inn by Wyndham Ardmore

With a stay at Days Inn by Wyndham Ardmore in Ardmore, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Ardmore Convention Center and Oklahoma Heart Hospital. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2614 W Broadway St, Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401
Web: Link

Comfort Inn & Suites Pauls Valley - City Lake

A stay at Comfort Inn & Suites Pauls Valley - City Lake places you in the heart of Pauls Valley, within a 5-minute drive of Toy and Action Figure Museum and Santa Fe Depot Museum. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 103 S. Humphrey Boulevard, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma 73075
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Pauls Valley, an IHG Hotel

With a stay at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Pauls Valley, an IHG Hotel in Pauls Valley, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Toy and Action Figure Museum and Santa Fe Depot Museum. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-in. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2412 W Grant Avenue, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma 73075
Web: Link

Hampton Inn & Suites Pauls Valley, OK

With a stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Pauls Valley, OK in Pauls Valley, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Toy and Action Figure Museum and Santa Fe Depot Museum. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Pauls Valley? This hotel has 1000 square feet (90 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 105 South Humphrey Boulevard, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma 73075
Web: Link

Rodeway Inn

A stay at Rodeway Inn places you in the heart of Pauls Valley, within a 5-minute drive of Toy and Action Figure Museum and Santa Fe Depot Museum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2415 W Grant Avenue, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma 73075
Web: Link

Budget Inn Ardmore

Located in Ardmore, Budget Inn Ardmore is within a 5-minute drive of Oklahoma Heart Hospital and Ardmore Convention Center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2705 N Commerce St, Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401
Web: Link

Turner Falls

Located in Davis, Turner Falls is a 2-minute drive from Treasure Valley Casino and 9 minutes from Arbuckle Wilderness. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 900 S. 4th St, Davis, Oklahoma 73030
Web: Link

Green Park RV Resort

Located in Pauls Valley, this campground is a 4-minute drive from Pauls Valley Golf Course and 9 minutes from Toy and Action Figure Museum. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 32866 Airline Rd, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma 73075
Web: Link

Cedarvale Cabins at Turner Falls

When you stay at Cedarvale Cabins at Turner Falls in Davis, you'll be in the mountains, within a 5-minute drive of Arbuckle Wilderness and Turner Falls. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 4530 US-77 S, Davis, Oklahoma 73030
Web: Link