Are you considering a move to Oklahoma? If you’re looking to move to a state with lots of green space and state parks, you’re in luck. With 31 state parks, Oklahoma has lush and leafy parks and trails to explore, just a quick drive away. Ahead, we rounded up the 10 best state parks in the state.
Here are the top 10 state parks in Oklahoma.
Beavers Bend State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Violent/property crime: 25.8/82.4
First up is one of the most popular state parks in Oklahoma. Beavers State Park is located along Broken Bow Lake and on the lower Mountain Fork River in southeastern Oklahoma, off US-259. With activities that include canoeing, fly fishing, biking, kayaking, and even jet ski rentals, the park packs a bevy of activities into nearly five and a half miles. That’s not all, with a Forest Heritage Center and Museum, visitors can learn about the history of forestry. Plus, the state park holds two festivals each year. In June, patrons can enjoy the Kiamichi Owa-Chito Festival of the Forest and can partake in celebrations around things related to the forest. In the fall, Beavers Bend holds annual art and crafts festival known as the annual Beavers Bend Folk Festival.
Robbers Cave State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Violent/property crime: 25.8/82.4
Next on the list, is a state park full of forestry and state history. Robbers Cave State Park sits inside picturesque woodlands in the Sans Bois Mountains of the southeastern part of the state, near Wilburton. At over 8,000 acres and three lakes (Lake Carlton, Lake Wayne Wallace, and Coon Creek), this park is famously named after a famous outlaw cave in the sandstone cliffs and hills. From hiking and biking to camping and fishing (plus outdoor sports like volleyball), there are lots to do. Visitors can rent a mix of outdoor equipment from fishing poles to ATVs. Even better: With 17 campsites and cabins—and yurts!—at Robbers Cave, a trip to this state park can be a fully immersive experience. To note, while violent crime is low, property crime is higher which means it’s essential to fully secure belongings and supplies.
Keystone State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Violent/property crime: 13.3/47.9
Say hello to Keystone State Park. West of Tulsa stands this state park, home to the vibrant Keystone Lake. Clocking in at 714 acres, Keystone is a hub for nature activities and exciting camping and lodging accommodations. With lake experiences like boating, fishing, and water sports plus ATVs and ORVs activities, there’s something for everyone. There’s even a children’s fishing pond! Aside from robust water fun, visitors can dive into tent and cabin stays (and RV camping), plus bird and wildlife watching. Nature experiences aside, Keystone State Park is also home to a bounty of festivals and events all year long, like state fairs, children’s events, performing arts, food fairs, sports, crafts, and hobbies.
Cherokee State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Violent/property crime: 16.5/34
Head on over to the pristine shore of the Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees and discover a beautiful 146 acre spread known as Cherokee State Park. The Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees is one of the largest lakes, including over 1,300 miles of shoreline and 46,500 surface acres. This state park is a central spot for water sports (like water skiing and swimming) and fishing. Four campgrounds, children’s playgrounds, picnic and RV sites, and a golf course are set within the backdrop of the Pensacola Dam. Are you an avid bird watcher? You’re in luck: Cherokee State Park is known for wildlife and bird watching, particularly for waterfowls. Low on violent crime and property crime, this park is a well-rounded option for a day of exploring or overnight thrills.
Gloss Mountain State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Violent/property crime: 9.6/25.8
Gloss Mountain State Park is one of the places to take in the sights and sounds. Settled in Major County near the city of Fairview, this state park is renowned for its geological formations, exciting scenery, and selenite deposits (which mimic a shiny, glassy-tined exterior). Gloss Mountain encapsulates 640 acres, pavilions, picnic areas, and an exciting hiking trail. This state park does not have camping or lodging sites. But, visitors can watch wildlife, including reptiles, lizards, birds like buzzards and vultures, and eagles within and around the Cathedral Mountain hike. Violent crime is very low.
Osage Hills State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Violent/property crime: 31.2/40.5
Sprawl out in Osage Hills State Park, located in the middle of the Osage Nation. The state park is a lush and leafy green tree-filled space that welcomes visitors year-round, from colorful spring blooms to rustic fall foliage. Inside the park, you’ll find trails for hikers and cyclists of all skill levels (newbies and first-timers included). This 1,100 acre park is teeming with wildlife sightings, including wild turkeys and white-tailed deer. If fishing your game, Osage Hills is a prime location for catching bass, catfish, and sunfish. Ready for an overnight stay? There are RV sites, cabins, and camping sites.
Little Blue State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Violent/property crime: 16.8/28.8
Looking for a cozy-sized state park that you can explore in a few hours or just an afternoon? Well then, go to Little Blue State Park as it’s only 32 acres. This small but mighty park is popular for its water sports and bass fishing. Visitors can discover cool waters, neat fishing spots, and eye-catching scenery. With a refreshing creek, picnic areas, and camping spots, there’s plenty to do. This park is the place to be for young families and leashed pets.
Sequoyah State Park
Google Rating: 4.6
Violent/property crime: 15.5/10.7
Love to be out on the water? Sequoyah State Park is just the spot. With 225 miles of shoreline courtesy of Fort Gibson Lake, this 2,200 acre state park peninsula is a must-do for water sports enthusiasts and folks who love being near lakes. Hiking, picnicking, and trails run the gamut but this stunning backdrop also boasts guided horseback trails, nature center experiences, and wildlife watching. Sequoyah State Park is very low for both violent and property crime, making it a safe place for visitors and families of all ages. With lodging hideaways, there’s also a splash pond and a pool for visitors to enjoy.
Quartz Mountain State Park
Google Rating: 4.6
Violent/property crime: 26/30.8
In southwest Oklahoma, you’ll find the oasis known as Quartz Mountain State Park. This bustling park is located in the town of Lone Wolf, on the shores of Lake Altus-Lugert. Quartz Mountain is at the beginning of the Wichita Mountains and hosts a bevy of activities, including many daytime excursions. From wildlife and lush wildflower fields, there’s a picture-perfect moment at every turn. There are over 4,500 acres that span the park, and with many trails and mountain biking areas (plus other activities), there’s so much to uncover. If you’re hoping to explore trails and the lake over a few days’ time, there are campgrounds and a lodge to host state park explorers.
Fort Cobb State Park
Google Rating: 4.6
Violent/property crime: 33.7/38.9
Give a warm welcome to Fort Cobb State Park. This 1,872-acre state park is near Fort Cobb, Oklahoma. Complete with a huge swath of activities, it’s a feast for anyone ready to explore nature. Fishing, boating, and camping are the mainstay experiences to sink into, but the state park is well visited for its hunting and fishing, sports (aka, golfing), and water experiences (including swimming). Visitors can immerse themselves in campsites, group shelters, a playground, picnic areas, and even a marina. A popular option for RV devotees, this can be another spot to add during a summer or fall road trip.
Check out our other articles on the most affordable places to live and notable safe cities to call your next home. And when you’re ready to find your new home, you can find new listings every day at NewHomeSource.com.
All parks have been ranked based on the criteria of popularity, distance from closest major cities, violent crime, property crime, google ratings, and the number of google reviews.
Stephanie Valente is a Content Director and Editor in Brooklyn, NY. She’s previously held writing and social media positions at Barkbox, Men’s Journal, and currently works at a full-service advertising agency. She’s a self-confessed home and design enthusiast. Stephanie is an award-winning poet and fiction writer. When she’s offline, you can find her taking a yoga class, running, hanging out with her rescue dog Pepper. Find her on stephanievalente.com.
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