Visit the Arbuckle Mountains and Turner Falls Oklahoma

Nestled in the heart of Oklahoma, the Arbuckle Mountains are a nature lover’s paradise. From hiking and camping to fishing and picnicking, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And, of course, let’s not forget about Turner Falls (about an hour and a half from Oklahoma City)- one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state! Located near the town of Davis. It’s one the oldest parks in Oklahoma and we always had the best time there as a kid. In this blog post, we’ll give you a brief overview of what the Arbuckle Mountains have to offer. So whether you’re a local looking for a weekend getaway or a traveler passing through, be sure to add this slice of heaven to your list. Now let’s take a look at what there is to do in the Arbuckle Mountains and Turner Falls Oklahoma

arbuckle mountains turner falls oklahoma

Hiking & Camping

The Arbuckle Mountains are home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Oklahoma. With miles of trails winding through forests and across streams, there’s no shortage of ways to explore the outdoors. For those who love to camp, there are plenty of campsites available year-round with amenities like RV hookups or a picnic table . Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking an RV, you’re sure to find a spot that suits your needs.

Fishing & Picnicking

Turner Falls Park is a lovely place to stop for a picnic near its 77-foot waterfall. The park’s history page identifies its namesake as Mazeppa Thomas Turner. Fishing here is seasonal: the official FAQ allows winter fishing with a permit, generally from late November through the beginning of March. Check the park’s current season announcement before packing your tackle box.

Turner Falls is a must-see.

Turner Falls is one of the most popular attractions in the heart of the Arbuckle Mountains, and it’s easy to see why. The 77-foot beautiful waterfall is absolutely breathtaking, and there’s also a swimming area where you can cool off on hot days. Be sure to bring your camera so you can capture some memories of this stunning natural wonder. The natural swimming pool aka the blue hole is the perfect way to cool off in the summer months. The blue hole has a diving board and 2 slides that slide off the side of the mountain and into the water.Turner Falls is located on Honey Creek in the Arbuckle Mountains of south-central Oklahoma, United States, 6 miles (9.7 km) south of Davis. Overnight Camping at Turner Falls Park is charged by the vehicle plus admission for all guests.

No pets, glass bottles, or fireworks allowed. The park permits ADA-compliant service animals; emotional support animals are not permitted.

Children under 13 must wear a Coast Guard certified life jacket to enter the water, so make sure to pack this when getting your gear ready.

How much is it to get into Turner Falls Oklahoma?

Turner Falls has different summer and winter admission rates, with separate weekday and weekend prices. Rather than use a summer-only price list for every trip, check the official admission and camping prices for your dates. Overnight accommodation charges are additional to admission, and admission is needed for each day from arrival through departure. The FAQ says visitors older than five need tickets; because the pricing page’s age wording is inconsistent, confirm directly for a five-year-old.

For weekend visits, the park offers free Level 3 parking and paid permits for closer Level 1 and Level 2 parking. Confirm the current parking arrangements before buying tickets. Children 12 and younger must wear a Coast Guard certified life jacket in the water; the park does not rent life jackets, so bring one that fits or plan to buy one at its Trading Post.

Turner Falls Krystal Bonsell -arbuckle mountains turner falls oklahoma — Photo by: Krystal Bonsell

Can you see Turner Falls without entering the park?

Along the highway there is a Scenic Turnaround/outlook by the Zipline where you can usually get a good look at the natural falls without entering the gate and paying admission. This spot has beautiful views and is a great place for taking photos.

Why are there castles at Turner Falls OK?

In Turner Park you will find the Collings Castle. Dr. Ellsworth Collings of the University of Oklahoma built a summer home and headquarters of his ranch in the Turner Falls area. His home with built with architectural influence of Medieval Europe, there is a greater rock castle and a smaller castle at the property, there is also a chapel on the site as well. Many stones on the exterior are native to Oklahoma like the rose rock. This castle was built during the great depression. You can tour these buildings with your admission into the Turner Falls park.

How long is the Turner Falls Zipline?

The 777 Zip starts out 130 up above the Collings Castle where you can view the 77 ft waterfall and takes you on a line that is 777 feet long. You make the return trip back along those 777 feet. You can ride as a single rider or in pairs. The weight limit for single riders is 350 pounds and for double riders the total weight limit is 450 pounds.

How many caves are in Turner Falls?

There are 3 natural caves to explore in the Turner Falls park. They are accessible via the hiking trails. You will have to do some climbing over rocks to go exploring, so it is not recommended for small children or those with mobility issues. Also in the wet or winter weather you must be careful as the rocks get pretty slippery.

Be sure to check out the cabins available to rent in the Turner Falls park.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area

There are six campgrounds in the area that have over 400 campsites. But no cabins inside the park.

This area does not charge an entry fee but does have fees for campsites and using the boat ramps for launching into the Lake of the Arbuckles.

This area has so many great trails to explore you don’t want to miss it. The Veterans Lake trail is one we really enjoy. It is a paved 2.8-mile loop, but NPS notes moderate to steep inclines and says it does not fully meet accessibility standards. Check the official trail description to decide whether it suits your group. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is a popular family destination with spaces for boating, swimming, playgrounds and picnic sites. With no admission fee it is a great day trip destination from Oklahoma City and the surrounding area. The natural beauty and wooded setting are a great place to relax. If a tiny picturesque waterfall sounds like something you would like to see you want to check out Little Niagara which flows from travertine creek. It’s a great spot for swimming on very cold water on a hot day. They also have some freshwater springs in the area, you can check out Black Sulphur Springs to learn about the rich history of the area. Black Sulphur Springs and Flower Park 9a pedestrian park), are significant for their association with the former Platt National Park (a National Historic Landmark District), now part of Chickasaw National Recreation Area. The National Park Service’s new landscapes model that came about as part of FDR’s New Deal and this area was part of it. This area is such a perfect place for nature lovers and water sports.

There are so many things to do and see in this area near the City of Davis we definitely think you will be glad you make the trip down there to check it all out. You can plan a full day or even a few if you are looking to camp or find a cozy cabin. If you have kids or animal lovers in your travel group make plans to visit the Arbuckle Wilderness Park with their Drive-Through Safari. They also have a petting zoo. You can check them out online for the most up to date hours and pricing.

We hope this post helps you plan your next trip to Turner Falls or the Arbuckle Mountains. Both of these locations are beautiful and offer plenty of activities for visitors. Be sure to check out the links we provided for more information on each location. Check out some of our other Oklahoma Road Trips which includes beavers bend State Park, mountain fork river, lake murray state park and more. We hope you Visit the Arbuckle Mountains and Turner Falls Oklahoma soon! Thanks for reading!

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