Oklahoma is a land of old west frontiers, great plains, vast green landscapes, blue lakes and rich Native American heritage. The "Sooner State" is ready, willing and able to entertain outdoor enthusiasts. So why not hit the trail and experience the wonders of wild Oklahoma - "sooner," rather than later?
In central Oklahoma, near Hinton, Red Rock Canyon State Park is situated in a canyon that dates back (hold on to your hat!) 260 million years. This red sandstone gorge, once the winter shelter of Plains Indians, later became a stopover on the California Road and an overland wagon trail that Gold Rush hopefuls followed to seek their wild-west fortunes. Today's Red Rock site entertains guests with less serious pursuits - rock climbers who'd like to brush up on their rappelling skills, folks who want to soak in a swimming pool or explore a spring-fed creek, and hikers who prefer a quiet walk in the woods. The park's California Road Trail still has remnants of original Gold Rush wagon tracks, and the Rough Horsetail Trail highlights native plants. More adventurous hikers take off along the unmarked canyon rim and wall trails where their efforts are rewarded with grand views of lovely Red Rock.
Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge is in the "Sooner State's" south central region near Lawton. The Wichita Mountains preserve, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, covers 92 square miles of assorted mountain peaks, mixed grass prairie, numerous lakes, streams and canyons where a fascinating community of wildlife is protected. Elk, buffalo, coyote, deer, and Texas longhorn cattle are the big shots at Wichita Mountains. However, smaller animals like red-tailed hawks, turkeys, and prairie dogs also find a safe haven here. Active visitors find plenty to enjoy at this refuge. A trio of hiking trails and 40 miles of developed roads provide easy access to the refuge's public use areas, while park staff present seasonal tours of restricted spots where animals roam undisturbed terrain. A drive to Mt. Scott's 2,464-foot summit offers a sweeping vista of this park's unique patchwork quilt of mountains and prairies.
In the town of Kingston, Lake Texoma Resort Park is midway between Oklahoma City and Dallas, Texas. Lake Texoma is Oklahoma's second largest lake. It's big, burly and full of wild-west opportunities. With 93,000 acres of water, 1,000 miles of shoreline, and a full-service marina, Texoma is nothing short of a dreamscape for water sports buffs. Swimming, water skiing, sailing, scuba diving, canoeing, paddle boating, and windsurfing take center stage at this park. Anglers find everything from record-breaking stripers and catfish to an enclosed fishing dock for those who don't want to brave the elements. Texoma's swimmers can choose an indoor or outdoor pool, or an afternoon on the lake's sandy beaches. And there are plenty of land-based amusements, too. Hiking and biking trails, hunting grounds, horse stables and a grab bag of sporting options keep the lake's visitors amused from sunup 'til sundown.
Sequoyah State Park is perched on a peninsula in Wagoner. It hugs the shores of Fort Gibson Reservoir in northeastern Oklahoma's oak and hickory forests. Fishing, boating, water skiing, hiking, cycling, swimming, and equestrian recreation are the main events at this park and at the adjacent Western Hills Guest Ranch. Sequoyah's nature trails focus on eagles, fossils and other assorted local treasures. A number of paths are wheelchair accessible. Boaters can venture out on their own or join a full-fledged tour with an established captain. Guests who can't wait to splash into the water, shouldn't fret - swimming is available in the lake or pool. Sequoyah State Park stables offer horseback rides and covered wagon excursions. There are plenty of other outdoor activities on the park's creative agenda as well, from Kids' Fishing Derbies and Kite Flights to Eagle Watches and Deer Drives, Sequoyah offers everyone a great glimpse of Oklahoma's natural side.
Article Courtesy of Woodall's Campground Directory where you can find Oklahoma campgrounds and Oklahoma RV camping resorts at the turn of a page. Browse Oklahoma Campgrounds
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