Black Mesa State Park, Kenton: Address, Phone Number, Black Mesa State Park Reviews: 4.5/5
Black Mesa State Park
Black Mesa State Park
4.5
About
The Black mesa area is transitional land between the prairies and the Rocky Mountains.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view
The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
3 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
69 reviews
Excellent
30
Very good
31
Average
5
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Leon67203
Wichita, Kansas531 contributions
We enjoyed the nature in and around the lake. We saw many almost tame deer so we were able to get some fantastic photos. The birding is very good with many different species to be found. A golden eagle was our highlight. Can't say anything about the fishing but there were campers of all sorts all over the lake in chilly late April. The petrified wood exhibit is four logs dragged from some place else and was disappointing. The one trail I attempted, i had to turn back as I had on shorts and the dead plants just whipped my legs raw.
Written April 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Latasha B
Yale, OK102 contributions
Family
This state park is truly off the beaten path. Tent camping in March is a little cold during the night. But it was definitely worth it. Our family enjoyed seeing the rock formations, exploring the overlook and lake area, and getting unplugged for a few days. Make sure you come with all your supplies no Wal mart near by and nearest town with a store is about 23 miles away.
Written March 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jennifer S
Burlington, KY39 contributions
Couples
The dark sky is amazing!!!!! . It would be nice if the campers followed protocol and turned outside lights off when they are inside. Very peaceful.! All fires are prohibited grills included! Make sure you bring everything you need and a full tank of gas! The camp ground is very basic
Written June 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
barkus1968
Saint Louis, MO4,203 contributions
Solo
This region of Oklahoma is geologically different than most of the rest. It’s close to the volcano field of New Mexico. Their is a reservoir. There is a nice mix of short and long hikes. The wildlife is abundant. I love the rock formations, the petrified wood, and the plants.
Written June 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BeardedTraveler11
Noble, OK5 contributions
Couples
Some of the best and most scenic camping I've ever experienced. We had a tent site on the edge of the water and it's a dark sky park so the night skies are phenomenal.
I recommend locating the small section of dinosaur tracks nearby. Use a GPS and be mindful of your vehicles capabilities unless you are hiking to them because they are out in the middle of nowhere. The drive is fun and very scenic.
I recommend locating the small section of dinosaur tracks nearby. Use a GPS and be mindful of your vehicles capabilities unless you are hiking to them because they are out in the middle of nowhere. The drive is fun and very scenic.
Written June 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LeAnn
El Paso, TX5 contributions
Couples
i think it looks like they have tried to really pack a lot of entertainment into such a remote location. there is a trail with signs identifying plants and things. there is a little petrified forest, a little place to discover dinosaur bones, a bird watching area, volleyball net.... the little swimming hole is beautiful!
if i had any advise to give, it would be don't get by the dump station. it stinks worse than any park we have been to. we stayed in site 15 and had wifi and had data and a phone signal on ATT phones. the awnings over the picnic tables are nice.
I've seen reviews mentioning stickers. they weren't terrible at our site but there were more near the volleyball net area.
keep an eye out if you come from boise city... there are SO MANY prairie dogs and antelope. that was one of my favorite things! :)
if i had any advise to give, it would be don't get by the dump station. it stinks worse than any park we have been to. we stayed in site 15 and had wifi and had data and a phone signal on ATT phones. the awnings over the picnic tables are nice.
I've seen reviews mentioning stickers. they weren't terrible at our site but there were more near the volleyball net area.
keep an eye out if you come from boise city... there are SO MANY prairie dogs and antelope. that was one of my favorite things! :)
Written May 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vicki R
George town1 contribution
Get ready for invasion of the flies!!!!! This campground smells and the flies are awful because who knows when the dumpsters have been emptied that sit right in the middle of the camp sites. The charcoal grills are covered because of a burn ban which is understandable. Unless you like to hike in over 100 degree weather there is nothing else to do here. If you can hold out for the night skies it’s amazing! Park WiFi is okay at times but there is no service here! Okay for one night but suffering through more than that isn’t advisable.
Written July 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Amy F
Dewey, OK54 contributions
We chose this park coming back into Oklahoma from Colorado due to the night sky. It is amazing to view with the darkness all around. Park well maintained with picked up sites. Volunteer there very helpful and friendly. we reserved online at travelok.com. two months in advance. There is very little else in this area.
Written July 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Philoah
Olathe, Ks7 contributions
Solo
Black Mesa State Park is a beautiful area, but one thing mars it: the street lights in the camping area. This whole area of the Oklahoma panhandle offers one some of darkest star filled night skies in the country. It is a mecca for star gazers and astronomy enthusiasts from across the nation and world and hosts one of the premier gatherings of telescope users each fall: the Okie Tex Star party held near the tiny hamlet of Kenton, Ok. YET, the Black Mesa State park insists on lighting up the entire campground area which ruins it for any camper who want to star gaze and this unnecessary lighting ruins it for most of the surrounding park area. Visitors who want to star gaze or use their telescopes are told by the park ranger that they can use the West Canyon which is on the other side of the hill, but you can still see a light dome from the campground.
There are several State Parks in neighboring Texas and New Mexico that have taken steps to create a truly dark natural environment and have been certified as International dark sky areas (IDA). I don't see any reason why Black Mesa State Park cannot do the same thing.
There are several State Parks in neighboring Texas and New Mexico that have taken steps to create a truly dark natural environment and have been certified as International dark sky areas (IDA). I don't see any reason why Black Mesa State Park cannot do the same thing.
Written July 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
alvamark
Edmond, OK21 contributions
Oct 18, 2008 – Hike to the Black Mesa Summit. First of all, a disclaimer: I’m NOT a hiker, not in shape as a proper hiker would be, but I figured this wouldn’t be all that difficult. I told my kids that sometime in my life I wanted to hike to the top of Black Mesa, just to say that I’d done it. To my amazement, they agreed. (At least two of three of them did; one daughter politely declined.) So, off we go to Black Mesa State Park, just about as far west in Oklahoma as possible. Hopefully, the photos can convey some of the beauty of the scenery. I’m really not into flowery words, but this is really quite beautiful, and if you are ever in Oklahoma between Boise City and New Mexico, you should really take this drive, Oklahoma 325 west of Boise City, as it is really pretty and impossible to describe. Back to the hike. It’s a total of 4.2 miles from the trailhead to the summit, and the steepest part is probably between 2.5 and 3.5 miles, which is steep uphill. The rest of it is quite level. There are signs along the trail, so it would be difficult to unintentionally get lost. At the top is a monument with interesting facts on each of the four faces. And that’s all there is at the top, the monument. There is also an old ammo box with stuff (mainly rocks) and notebooks that apparently remains at the base of the monument. The notebooks are for visitors to sign in and leave their personal musings of the moment. I do wish there were some benches or something at the top near the monument, on which I would have rested my tired bones. You can sit on the base of the monument, but if you happen to pick a day when others are there at the time, there’s only so much seating and you may have to find a nearby rock if you don’t want to just sit on the ground. Anyway, it was fun, and we will probably do it again sometime. It took us right at four hours, which is pretty much the time I’ve heard others reported. I think it took us about 1.75 hours going up, spent about ½ hour there, and then another 1.75 back down. There are no facilities at this part of the park, only signs. If you need a restroom break, the nearest dependable facilities are at the Black Mesa State Park proper, which includes Lake Etling, and that was 8 – 10 miles away. Take water, watch out for the cow piles and be sure to enjoy the scenery!
Written October 19, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stormy Z
Dallas, TX1 contribution
How much can you see by car?
richlee1975
Woodford, VA359 contributions
A lot nice ride with scenery.
Are the bathrooms clean
richlee1975
Woodford, VA359 contributions
I remember nice welcome center.
Badar N
Tulsa, OK12 contributions
are there black bears in black mesa area.Would it be safe to go there.
I spotted a black bear near Black Mesa trailhead on 11/13 /21. At 10:30 am It was very blond in color and I was amazed.
Badar N
Tulsa, OK12 contributions
while going through reviews about black mesa,somebody saw a black bear.If so,is it safe to go there unarmed.
No bears here, not their habitat
Is it permitted or possible to ride mountain bikes up the trail to the monument? If not, are there bike trails in the area?
SWWIIST
Cary, NC2 contributions
The hours say the park is closes at 5pm. Are the gate still open after that hour to visit the park (at least until sunset)?
SGHTulsa
Tulsa, OK395 contributions
I'm not entirely sure (we always stay at a local B&B), but since people camp overnight at the State Park, I cannot imagine that they lock the gates after 5pm. In fact, I'm pretty sure we have hiked there after 5 pm.
You may be aware of this, but Black Mesa, strangely enough, is not located within Black Mesa State Park. Black Mesa is a couple of miles to the west, on Nature Conservancy land. The SP is nice, but if you want to hike to the highest point in Oklahoma, you have to hike Black Mesa. Enjoy!
taj1026
Rushville, IN171 contributions
Thinking of a visit the week of Thanksgiving. Looking for ....what can I expect weather wise, and would it be a good place to photograph the stars, in particular the Milky Way?
SGHTulsa
Tulsa, OK395 contributions
Really hard to predict the weather in Oklahoma, especially that time of year. Could be in the 70s or snowing. Most likely 40s or 50s. Should be great! But it could be really windy, so be prepared!
As long as it's not cloudy, Black Mesa is one of the best places in the country for star-gazing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Black Mesa State Park
- Attractions near Black Mesa State Park:
- (0.00 mi) Santa Fe Trail
- (0.00 mi) Black Mesa Summit Trail
- (4.66 mi) Dinosaur Quarry