Explore nature’s wonders by visiting state parks within Choctaw Country

Southeastern Oklahoma is a paradise for outdoor adventures. Hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, rock climbing, camping and so much more. One of the best places to enjoy the great outdoors is one of Southeastern Oklahoma’s state parks. Oklahoma has many state parks, but Choctaw Country has some of the most diverse and beautiful in the state. You might be an expert at exploring the outdoors, or perhaps you are looking to plan your first excursion. Either way, these state parks will have something for you to enjoy.

Rylie Mansuetti is the Public Information Officer with Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation. According to annual data, over 93,000 people visited Oklahoma State Parks within the Choctaw Nation’s borders in 2021. Mansuetti said this is due, in part, to the large diversity in terrain across the state of Oklahoma, including the southeastern part of the state. “Oklahoma has one of the most diverse landscapes in the United States,” she said.

Mansuetti commented on the growth in popularity of State Parks since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. “Many people began to look for outdoor activities during the pandemic, and these state parks have something for everyone to enjoy,” she said.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s look at the state parks in Choctaw Country and plan the perfect trip for you this year.

Arrowhead State Park

This park sits on Lake Eufala, the largest man-made lake in Oklahoma. Enjoy watersports of all kinds on the lake. Stop by the park marina, where you will find a restaurant, fuel, bait and tackle and a swimming area. There are two hiking trails in the park. The Outlaw Nature Trail is a three-quarter-mile trail recommended for everyone, and the Arrowhead Hiking Trail is a hilly three-mile trail recommended for advanced hikers only. You can learn more about Arrowhead State Park.

Robbers Cave State Park

The name of this park alludes to the fact that outlaws used this area because it is secluded and has natural caves and large rock formations used to hide. It was used by famous outlaws such as Jesse James and Belle Starr. Robbers Cave State Park is a massive 8,246-acre park with 189 combined lake acres with Lake Carlton, Lake Wayne Wallace and Coon Creek. It’s a favorite park for rock climbers because of the sandstone hills and cliffs. This park boasts many activities, from horseback riding, fishing, camping and more. To find out more about Robbers Cave State Park.

Talimena State Park

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Oklahoma, Talimena State Park, is the Oklahoma entrance to the Talimena National Scenic Drive. This 54-mile winding highway stretches across one of the highest mountain ranges between the Appalachians and the Rockies. The Talimena Drive is a favorite among motorcyclists and motorists alike. With breathtaking views and vistas, it is a must-see location in Oklahoma. Hiking and backpacking trails throughout the Ouachita National Forest begin at Talimena State Park and offer a wide range of scenic, wooded terrain. The park is an entrance point to the national forest lands and is a popular place for dirt bikes and ATVs.

Lake Wister State Park

This park sits on the expansive 7,300 surface acres of Lake Wister. The park offers everything for the outdoor lover, including camping, hiking, biking, boating and water sports. The park is also equipped with a water spray park that is a fun attraction for children and adults alike. This park borders the beautiful Ouachita National Forest and offers stunning views from the lake. There are 15 cabins, RV hookups and tent sites for rent. Lake Wister State Park has everything you need to enjoy a day trip or weekend getaway.

Clayton Lake State Park

Located in southeastern Oklahoma’s beautiful Kiamichi Mountains, this park features 500 acres of hiking, boating, fishing and more. With 30 reservable RV sites, 60 tent sites and cabins, you can plan your getaway in whatever fashion you desire. Nearby, you can visit the Ouachita National Forest, Sardis Lake or the Choctaw National Capital Museum. To learn more about Clayton Lake State Park.

McGee Creek State Park

This park is great for anglers because of the abundance of large and smallmouth bass, channel catfish, perch, crappie and sunfish within McGee Creek Reservoir. With 64 miles of shoreline, this reservoir is an excellent destination for boating and water sports. With hiking and ATV trails nearby, you can scratch your nature itch and enjoy scenic views of the nearby Ouachita Mountain range. A little-known fact, this park is also popular among rock climbers. Several locations in the park offer large rock formations that are perfect for bouldering or rope climbing. Enjoy year-round camping at McGee Creek with all reservations being made online.

Raymond Gary State Park

On the shores of Lake Raymond Gary near Fort Towson, Oklahoma, this smaller state park has big things to offer. The lake offers fishing, boating and swimming. The park has 10 RV sites with full hookups, nine with water and electric hookups and approximately 100 tent sites with picnic facilities, group pavilions and showers. Six lakefront cabins are also available. Each cabin contains two twin beds, a bathroom, table, heat and air, a mini-refrigerator, microwave and a fireplace. This park has everything you need to break away from city life for a few days.

Beavers Bend State Park

Last but certainly not least, Beavers Bend State Park is the most popular in Southeast Oklahoma. With over 64,000 visitors in 2021 and more than 52,000 of those being out-of-state visitors, according to Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation. There is a reason so many people visit this park, from watersports and swimming in Broken Bow Lake to trout fishing in the Mountain Fork River. If you love to be on the water, this park has you covered. But that’s not all. Visitors to Beavers Bend State Park will enjoy hiking, biking, nature center activities, river float trips, canoeing, horseback riding and much more. If you want to camp, there are over 50 tent sites spread over eight camping areas in this 3,482-acre park. Many people rent cabins in this area as there are almost unlimited cabins spread throughout the park and the surrounding mountainous area. Beavers Bend State Park also offers the 40-room Lakeview Lodge, situated along the shores of Broken Bow Lake.

Choctaw Landing is a new and exciting offering coming to neighboring Hochatown, Oklahoma. Choctaw Landing was designed to be part of the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape to keep as many native trees and plants intact as possible. The four-story, 200,000 square-foot entertainment destination will feature 100 hotel rooms, 600 slot machines, eight table games, several restaurants and bars, a pool, an outdoor venue with an amphitheater, beer garden and a family-friendly game zone.

In addition to the new resort, a 12,000-square-foot mercantile will adjoin Choctaw Landing offering a small grocery store/market, three dining options and a fuel station with 24 pumps. Choctaw Landing will open in late 2023.