11 Incredible Vacation Spots In Oklahoma

Oklahoma, nicknamed the “Sooner State,” is home to several notable attractions, including the Oklahoma City National Memorial and the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa. The state also has an abundance of small towns and locales with distinct points of interest. Whether you are looking for a state park, an all-inclusive resort, or a golf course where you can step away from daily routines for a time, there are venues across Oklahoma that meet a range of travel needs.

Here are eleven vacation spots in Oklahoma that offer comfortable lodging, quality dining, and memorable sights, making them well-suited for short trips or longer stays.

Red Rocks Canyon Adventure Park - Hinton

Red Rocks Canyon Adventure Park, situated just south of the town of Hinton, offers a range of attractions that make it well-suited for a vacation in Oklahoma. Whether visiting with friends, family, or alone, the scenic hiking trails, including the nearly four-mile Red Rock Canyon Rim Trail and the nearly five-mile Red Rock Canyon Outer Loop, provide expansive views of the area.

The park also offers several other activities. Rappelling and rock climbing, mountain biking, and zip-lining through the scenery of this more than 300-acre park are among the available options. Several camping choices are available, including tent sites, primitive camping, and spaces for motorhomes.

Pawhuska - Osage County

Just north of Tulsa, the town of Pawhuska is a strong option for a vacation stop. Home to the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, located a few miles north of downtown, and Osage Hills State Park, which offers overnight and extended camping, Pawhuska appeals to outdoor-focused travelers. Osage Hills State Park provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and hiking on several scenic trails, including the Lake Trail and the Osage Hills Red Trail.

Downtown Pawhuska also features several attractions. The Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum highlights the career of Hall of Great Western Performers inductee Ben Johnson. The Pioneer Woman Mercantile on Kihekah Avenue offers dining and tours of the Lodge on Drummond Ranch, and the nearby Pioneer Woman Boarding House operates as a small hotel.

Natural Falls State Park - Colcord

Natural Falls State Park, located just south of the town of Colcord and six miles west of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, is one of the most distinctive state parks in Oklahoma. Several nature trails are available for hikers, including the Dripping Springs Trail and the Ghost Coon Trail, which is 1.3 miles long and considered relatively easy.

The park is also home to a 77-foot waterfall that can be viewed from both the base and the top. Camping options are available, along with opportunities for fishing and picnicking. Visitors may camp in an RV or a tent, or rent a yurt, a circular tent that accommodates four to six people.

Pauls Valley - Garvin County

South of Oklahoma City, the town of Pauls Valley, named after Smith Paul, a North Carolina native born in 1809, is home to several attractions. From the Toy & Action Figure Museum, which earned a spot on the “Top 50 Most Authentic American Experiences” by Time Magazine, to Pauls Valley Waterpark, open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day, there are options for visitors of all ages.

Pauls Valley also offers several dining choices, including Creekside Grill, Norma’s, and Bob’s Pig Shop. Several motorhome sites are available in and around Pauls Valley, including Wildhorse R.V. and Green Park R.V., which is located near the Pauls Valley Golf Course next to the airport.

Beavers Bend State Park - Broken Bow

North of the town of Broken Bow and just south of Broken Bow Lake, Beavers Bend State Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Fishing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking are popular, along with horseback riding and hiking several trails, including the Tree Trail, the Deer Crossing Trail, and the more challenging Skyline Trail.

The park provides multiple camping options for short or extended stays. Motorhomes are welcome at several sites, and a variety of cabins are available. Visitors may also choose to stay in a yurt or tent, depending on their preference.

Sulphur - Murray County

Home to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, located southwest of downtown Sulphur along Lake of the Arbuckles, and Veterans Lake, which is closer to town, Sulphur appeals to travelers interested in outdoor recreation. Activities at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area include hiking the Bison Pasture Trail and the Travertine Creek Trail to Pavilion Springs, as well as fishing and boating at Veterans Lake.

Downtown Sulphur also offers several attractions. The Chickasaw Cultural Center includes a museum, gift shop, and cafe. The Artesian Hotel & Casino provides lodging, dining, and on-site amenities, with dining options that include the Bedre Cafe, Springs at the Artesian, and the Fountain Club.

Robbers Cave State Park - Wilburton

Located just north of Wilburton and about thirty miles east of McAlester, Robbers Cave State Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities. The park features 20 miles of hiking trails and over 70 miles of equestrian trails, including the Coon Ridge Trail and the Cattail Pond Loop, as well as opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and horseback riding.

Additional attractions include a cave once used as a hideout by the Youngers, the Dalton Gang, the Rufus Buck Gang, and Belle Starr, and a visitor center with an on-site museum. For overnight stays, the park provides tent and modern RV sites, cabins, and an equestrian campground designed to accommodate both visitors and their horses.

Jenks - Tulsa County

The town of Jenks, located south of Tulsa, is home to the Oklahoma Aquarium, situated just west of the Arkansas River, and the Jenks Planetarium. The planetarium features a 50-foot-high SciDome, classes and talks on astronomy, and individual telescopes. The aquarium includes more than 100 exhibits, featuring sharks, jellyfish, alligator gars, as well as beavers and otters.

Jenks is also home to the Downtown Commons, which offers several restaurants and local shops. Dining options along the river include Waterfront Grill, and nearby destinations include Riverwalk Crossing. Close to the aquarium, visitors can access the Jenks Pedestrian Bridge, commonly known as the Jenks Pedestrian Bridge, which spans the Arkansas River.

Turner Falls Park - Davis

Turner Falls Park, located just south of the town of Davis, features several hiking trails of varying difficulty. One trail, the Two Mile Trail, is 2 miles long and appeals to visitors looking for a longer hike. Another short scenic trail leads to Collings Castle, with the ruins located above Turner Falls.

The park also offers access to the natural pool formed by the falls, which is used for swimming during warmer months. Picnic areas are available throughout the park. Camping options include tent sites, cabins, and RV accommodations.

Guthrie - Logan County

Located just north of Oklahoma City, the town of Guthrie is home to several attractions that highlight its historical significance. The Oklahoma Frontier Drugstore Museum provides insight into early pharmacy practices, while the Oklahoma Territorial Museum & Carnegie Library focuses on the people who helped establish Oklahoma and towns such as Guthrie.

Downtown Guthrie also features cultural sites, including the Pollard Theater and Honor Park. Honor Park commemorates local men and women who served in the military. The Pollard Theater is located near Magnolia Manor, which offers lodging and on-site dining with a focus on Southern-style cuisine.

Lake Murray State Park - Ardmore

Located southeast of downtown Ardmore, Lake Murray State Park offers a range of outdoor recreation opportunities. The park includes a 5,700-acre lake suitable for fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing, within a total park area of more than 12,000 acres. Additional activities include hiking 25 miles of trails, including the Buckhorn Hiking Trail and the Anadarche Trail.

The park provides several lodging and camping options. Visitors may choose tent sites, RV accommodations, or cabins. Lake Murray Lodge is also available for those seeking modern amenities, including an outdoor pool and splash pad. Nearby Ardmore offers additional hotel options.

Planning an Oklahoma Getaway

Whether traveling with friends, family, or alone, these eleven vacation spots represent a range of experiences found across Oklahoma. From swimming in clear lakes, such as Veteran’s Lake in Sulphur, to horseback riding at Robbers Cave State Park, each destination offers activities suited to different travel styles. Together, these locations highlight the variety of outdoor recreation, small-town attractions, and natural settings available throughout the state.