Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Due to recent storm damage, some areas of the park may be closed. Please check the parks website for details. 

As one of only three Oklahoma parks affiliated with the National Park Service, the Chickasaw National Recreation Park is a beautiful oasis of water, foliage, and wildlife, creating the perfect backdrop for all your favorite outdoor activities. Located in Sulphur, Oklahoma, the park offers year-round activities such as boating, skiing, sailing, fishing, swimming, hiking and camping. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is Travel and Leisure Magazine’s choice for the best campsite in Oklahoma. It provides more than 30 miles of trails for both novice and experienced hikers to enjoy. The Travertine Nature Center serves as the park’s main educational center providing groups with interactive learning opportunities, informational exhibits, and other Ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and educational tours on flora and fauna found within the park.

From pristine waters to picturesque park areas, check out everything the Chickasaw National Recreation Area has to offer and start planning your next natural escape to Chickasaw Country today!

The Park

Family-fun, corporate events and even educational tours are ideal for the Chickasaw National Recreation Area! Made up of Travertine Creek, Rock Creek, Veterans Lake and Lake of The Arbuckles, Chickasaw National Recreation Area is a lush paradise of a unique flora and fauna combination of eastern deciduous forest and western prairies meant for any and all visitors! Located in south-central Oklahoma, the area also offers multiple activities to take part in all year long, including motor boating, water skiing, sailing, fishing, swimming, hiking and camping. The park is also home to over 30 miles of trails that novice and experienced hikers alike can enjoy, 6 campgrounds for camping adventurers and seasonal hunting for those with appropriate hunting permits and licenses.

Lake of The Arbuckles

Located 6 miles southwest of Sulphur, Lake of The Arbuckles consists of 36 miles of shoreline and 2,300 acres of open water. The unusually crystal clear water and deep rock cliffs make it one of the most popular lakes for trolling, scuba diving and fishing in Oklahoma. Fishing is permitted year-round with catfish, crappie, bass and perch as top catches. Turkey and deer can also be found on the hunting grounds. The Lake of the Arbuckles is perfect for a number of activities that combine recreational use with scenic, scientific and historic values.

Veterans Lake

This 67-acre lake was named in honor of American War Veterans when it was built in 1933. Veterans Lake is located in the western portion of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area’s Platt Historic District. It features 3 miles of shoreline which provide great opportunities for small boat use, fishing, hiking and picnicking.

Travertine Creek & Travertine Nature Center

Visitors will find a 1.5 mile trail along Travertine Creek, along with a Nature Center and picnic areas. The Travertine Nature Center serves as the park’s main educational center offering exhibits and dioramas of animals native to the area as well as an interactive learning area and ranger-led nature programs. The Nature Center also houses an information desk, bookstore/giftshop, a one-hundred seat auditorium, as well as a new touch table exhibit featuring various plant and animal parts that are native to the area. Ranger-led programs are offered daily at the Nature Center during the summer season and feature fun activities such as hikes to Antelope and Buffalo Springs, creek walks, night hikes and more.