With 11 different ecoregions and a landscape that ranges from grasslands and pine-laden forests to mesas and canyons, Oklahoma is a prime spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
According to Oklahoma State Parks’ Media Coordinator Keli Clark, the parks offer a look at the diverse terrain, flora and fauna found in every corner. She recommends the following five state parks for groups and FITs:
Lake Murray State Park (Ardmore)
Oklahoma’s first and largest state park offers a glimpse of the past and present. A driving tour reveals the distinctive craftsmanship of the cabins, bridges and park’s other structures from the 1930s.
Sequoyah State Park (Hulbert)
Located near Tahlequah, the capital of the Cherokee Nation, this park is named for the creator of the Cherokee language. Breathtaking sunsets, which illuminate Lake Fort Gibson, are a guest favorite.
Beavers Bend State Park (Broken Bow)
The Mountain Fork River flows through the park, which is home to tall pines, cold-water fishing lakes, and hiking and horseback trails.
Roman Nose State Park (Watonga)
The park’s west end features a natural-rock swimming pool and beautiful springs. The comfortable 20-room, hilltop lodge, surrounded by vast canyons, includes a restaurant.
Robbers Cave State Park (Wilburton)
Set in the San Bois Mountains, the park is known for its namesake caverns, a favorite of hikers and climbers. A new addition to the park is the off-road area for Jeeps and motorcycles.
To learn more, contact the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department’s Todd Stallbaumer or go to travelok.com.
Top photo: Roman Nose State Park
Photo by Lori Duckworth/Oklahoma Tourism
Support for Courier articles provided by:
Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau
Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau
Visit Fort Worth
