Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Chickasaw National Recreation Area
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
The state's first national park.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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  • A. O
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful tent camping experience!
    My husband and I tent camped at Buckhorn campground loop C during Spring Break. We like that these sites were reservation only, so we could book in advance and not worry about getting a site (some of the other campgrounds are first come first serve). We picked spot #58. It is right on the water with a beautiful view. My husband caught a 3lb bass! The campsites are level, well maintained, and close to the comfort stations. The comfort stations were separated for men and women. The women's side had 6 toilet stalls, and two shower stations. There was also two private stations outside. The camp host was located near the comfort station and the park rangers drove through regularly. Our only complaint would be, since we were located close to the water, other guests would cut through our campsite to access the water at all times of the the day and night. (The beach area was only about a 5 min walk) .We very much enjoyed our stay.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 29, 2024
  • Teardrop Trailer Traveler
    United States782 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Chickasaw National Recreation Area
    I stopped by Chickasaw National Recreation Area on an afternoon in February. The area is home to a host of natural springs. I stopped by the visitor center, then walked up to a few springs. The trail was flat, and for the most part, ran along Travertine Creek, which is a pretty little stream. I walked up to Buffalo Springs, stopping by Antelope Springs on the way. The path was not crowded, the springs were interesting, and I saw a small group of deer along the way. Before leaving, I stopped at a few of the spots along the main road. I would have liked to have more time to explore some other sites, but it was getting toward sunset. Overall, this was a great place for a peaceful walk, and definitely somewhere that I would stop by again.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written May 25, 2024
  • edmondite
    1,200 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Nature Center and well marked trails
    We came early in the morning to see Little Niagara, hike around and visit the Travertine Nature Center. We had a great time taking the trail to Antelope and Buffalo Springs, then did the Dry Creek trail. The Nature center has some nice displays and OK animals, in addition to a short movie you can watch about the history of the area. We didn't get in the water since we had done Turner Falls the day before, but lots of families were enjoying it. We also went over to see the Lincoln Bridge and Bromide area was closed due to the recent tornado. We still enjoyed what we were able to see.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 19, 2024
  • Michael F
    Myrtle Beach, South Carolina1,351 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful Park
    While visiting family in Oklahoma, we stopped by the Chickasaw Recreational Park today. There is a beautiful lake, winding creeks with waterfalls, and roaming deer and bison. The visitors center has some great animals and info about the area. Lots of area to camp or picnic. This is a much-see while visiting.
    Visited November 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 5, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles393 reviews
Excellent
276
Very good
94
Average
13
Poor
8
Terrible
2

ems_jls
Marlboro, NJ135 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022
I read about Platt National Park growing up and now many years later wanted to see what it takes to get demoted from that status. Yes, it's borderline at best for being a national park, but nonetheless worth going to. Lots of families wading in the streams and pools, the best of those being Little Niagara where you can see kids jumping off the falls with varying degrees of bravery. At the Bison Pasture, if you don't see them from the road turnoff, there is a hiking trail around it, and within a few minutes' walk we saw a group of 5-6 moving slowly and resting in the hot sun. Bromide Hill has a cliff with not the most spectacular of views but still warranting not getting close to the edge. Veterans Lake in appealing and has a boat dock which if you walk out on it brings you a refreshing breeze.
Written July 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Justin P
Raleigh, NC4,561 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Couples
My wife and I spent a day hiking and exploring in Chickasaw National Recreationa Area. We first hiked Bison Pasture Trail, a scenic 2-mile loop around the bison pasture, though we didn't see any in. A spur leads up to Bromide Hill with nice views. We then went to the Travertine Nature Center and hiked up to the springs and then down past the small waterfalls. Swimming and wading is only allowed downstream of the nature center. It was a little cold in April to swim, but I wore water shoes and splashed around a bit. Lots of wildflowers and wildlife - butterflies, hawks, herons and we finally found the bison in a different enclosure. Overall, lots of fun to see and do. I would definitely visit again if in the area.
Written May 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sportygrandma
Atlanta, GA48 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020
This is a wonderful park of great natural beauty, well kept and maintained. Many places to soak in the natural springs. We hiked the trail behind the nature center through the woods to Antelope and Buffalo Springs. Remnants of old CCC work around the park. Great place to relax and recreate!
Written July 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lvecarib
Olathe, KS66 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Family
I grew up coming here as a child 50 years ago. Great camping and swimming memories! Today no parking or swimming due to crowds. Many Texas license plates. National Park service I suggest you charge to get in the park to pay for the up keep and control the crowds.
Written August 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

rhia474
Irving, TX24 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2021
A great, slightly hidden treasure that is overshadowed by nearby and way too touristy Turner Falls. This state park is free, has lovely drives and hiking trails, a great visitor center with a lovely little exhibit on the area, clean restrooms (!) even its own buffalo herd. Did I mention this incredible place is FREE to enter and use? Please consider stopping by the tiny gift shop and supporting the place by buying a t-shirt?
We are planning on going back in the summer and utilizing the campgrounds/cabins. There is so much to see, watch and learn here.
Written March 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lauradiane1951
Yukon, OK81 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Solo
Loving nature, I travel to see many parks and creatures. In this nature reserve I video taped deer. I saw fish jump out of Veterans Lake. I saw many large raptors, turtles, and foliage. Although it was desolate this past week, I so enjoyed driving all the way through this recreational area. It’s beautiful.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CavemanHHH
Placitas, NM1,081 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023
Made our reservations weeks out on the very easy website. Using the website & google earth I found the perfect campsites.
The Disabled Veterans discount was helpful.
The camp host very full of input about the campgrounds & local area. Campsites were very clean & maintained. We even walked around picking up any trash raccoons had pulled out of dumpsters. Yes raccoons were out so make sure you store all food properly.
Camping during the week is outstanding. We had the whole area to ourselves for a few nights.
Showers & bathrooms were great, clean, & working very well. You will very much love this place.
Written April 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AugerAustinTX
Austin TX197 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2020
The main part of the park - with the creek, falls and springs - is a stunning piece of land. But that and the fact that it is right in Sulpher OK makes it really busy. We were there on a sunny Saturday with 70F temps. So it got really crowded, loud and hectic. Someone even asked for our picnic table before we planned to leave. But we wanted to explore so it was all good. We didn't get a chance to see the RV campgrounds. But the tent campgrounds were crowded and lacked natural privacy. We prefer some quiet and privacy when we are in nature. So we wouldn't make this park a camping destination but are glad we stopped by. Also note that dogs aren't allowed on some of the trails with springs. Two things to check out: 1) The creek going under the nature center and 2) Arbuckle Fried Mountain Pies nearby in Davis OK.
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jennifer S
Magnolia, TX17 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021 • Family
We took our 11 year old son there on a Saturday and it was extremely crowded with almost no where to park. We ended up walking about a mile to get to Little Niagra. In between the walking was also spots to cool off and play around. The scenery is beautiful but if your wanting to take pictures of the beautiful waterfalls, forget about it. Tons of people perched on the falls and in the water. We bought a tube and ended up really enjoying that because you can drift away from the crowds and enjoy the scenery. All in all we enjoyed our time and our 11 year old had a blast. So if you don't mind very large crowds of people and just want to cool off with everyone, then you should be fine. I think I will try to come back in the Fall for trail hiking and picture taking.
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Denise D
Tampa, FL311 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021
My husband and I sort of stumbled on this place while staying at a hotel nearby. We were pleasantly surprised at how well-maintained the trails were, how easy it was to get around, and how clean all the facilities are. We visited in early spring, and things were just starting to bloom. Beautiful way to spend a morning.
Written May 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Chickasaw National Recreation Area - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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