Great Salt Plains State Park is one of Oklahoma's most unique state parks. The barren landscape of the nearby Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of salt leftover from an ocean that covered Oklahoma in prehistoric times, and the saltwater lake in the park, Great Salt Plains Lake, is about half as salty as the ocean.

Visitors can take their pick of activities in the park, such as swimming in Great Salt Plains Lake or trekking along bike trails. Equestrians can bring their horses to ride designated trails, and there are nature trails to enjoy while taking in the scenery. Fishing at the lake is fun for the entire family, whether in a boat or onshore. Varieties of fish such as catfish, saugeye, sand bass and hybrid striper can be found in these salty, shallow waters. You can also bring your canoe or kayak and enjoy a trip around the lake viewing the many migratory birds that pass through the area.

The selenite crystal dig area is located southwest of the lake in the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, and access roads are available six miles west of Jet or three miles south of Cherokee. The crystal digging area is open from April 1 to October 15 from sunrise to sunset. Located just under the surface of the salt plains, these crystals usually form into an hourglass shape. Oklahoma is the only place in the world where the hourglass-shaped selenite crystal can be found. While searching for crystals, look for some of the over 300 species of protected birds that live in and can be seen in the refuge.

Enjoy a multi-day stay at Great Salt Plains State Park in one of the renovated, eco-friendly cabins. Each of the six cabins has its own bed, refrigerator and stove, among other amenities. Pets are allowed in select units for a small nightly fee. Also, overnight camping is available in an RV or tent site. One full hookup site is available. Online reservations must be made for all RV and tent campsites. Comfort stations with showers are located near the sites and throughout the park for the convenience of visitors. Great Salt Plains State Park also offers picnic pavilions and outdoor grills.

***NOTICE*** Winterization update. Sandy Beach I RV Campground and boat ramp will remain open, but bathrooms will be closed for winterization from 11/1/20 - 4/1/21. Sandy Beach II tent area remains open, but bathrooms will be winterized from 11/1/20 - 4/1/21. Accessible restrooms by beach area will be closed from 9/1/21 - 4/1/21. Community Center will be closed for the winter from 11/1/20 - 4/1/21. River Road campground and bathrooms will be open and available year round.  

Great Salt Plains State Park

An hour west of Enid in the rural town of Fairview rests a true Oklahoma treasure: Gloss Mountain State Park.

The Gloss Mountains, sometimes called the Glass Mountains, have a high Selenite content that mimics a shiny glass exterior. Though there are no lodging or campsites located in Gloss Mountains State Park, guests can enjoy the Cathedral Mountain hike from sunrise to sunset. The spectacular scenery makes this a truly unique Oklahoma state park.

Park facilities include a restroom, pavilions, picnic areas, grills, public water supply and a handicap-accessible trail. The mountain's popular trail runs from the parking lot to the top of Cathedral Mountain and across the mesa, offering a spectacular view of the valley floor and Lone Peak Mountain.

Miles of prairie floor stretch out as far as the eye can see, broken up only by the native red dirt and sparse green shrubbery. Buzzards and eagles loom overhead, while lizards and insects will become familiar friends along the rocky terrain. Bring a camera to capture the unique land geography, geological formations, Selenite gypsum, scenery and wildlife.

After a morning or afternoon hike, head over to Gloss Mountain Outfitters where you can camp out at a tent site or bring your own RV. The Newton Ranch also offers tons of activities like horseback riding, hayrides, hiking and fishing. Whatever you choose to do on your stay, Gloss Mountain State Park is a must-see landmark.

Gloss Mountain State Park

A prime example of Oklahoma's diverse terrain, Little Sahara State Park boasts over 1,600 acres of sand dunes, ranging in height from 25 to 75 feet. The vast dunes have formed over time from terrace deposits, remnants of prehistoric times when the Cimarron River flowed over the entire area. Located south of Waynoka in northwest Oklahoma, the park offers RV sites with water and electricity, tent sites, picnic areas and showers. All camp sites must be reserved online. Concessions are offered in the park seasonally, and groceries and fuel are available nearby.

The main attraction at Little Sahara State Park is dune buggy and ATV riding across the sand dunes. Visitors can either bring their own ATV or rent one off-site by a private vendor. Either way, visitors will have a blast in this mini-desert atmosphere, known as one of the best riding spots for ATVs in the Midwest. The cost is $10 a day for all drivers and passengers to get on the sand. Passengers under 10 years old are free. Those who bring their own vehicle to Little Sahara State Park are required to follow park rules and regulations.

PARK SAFETY RULES AND REGULATIONS:

All vehicles must have a whip attached to the ORV that extends 10 feet from the ground to the top of the whip.

All vehicles must have a 6" x 12" flag attached within 10" of the whip's tip.  It must be bright solid orange in color.

All vehicles must have a bright white front and red rear lights powered by the vehicle for night use.

Dune buggies and 4x4 vehicles must have a roll bar sufficient to support the weight of the vehicle and must have a seat belt for each passenger.

Full coverage helmets are strongly suggested.  Riding is at your own risk.  Please stay within the posted park boundaries.

All operators under the age of 18 must wear a helmet.

Double riding is not allowed on ATVs unless the vehicle is specifically manufactured for a passenger.

Little Sahara State Park

Enter one of the largest natural gypsum caves in the world at Alabaster Caverns State Park. This rare cave is open to the public, and the only gypsum show cave in the United States. Daily guided tours of Alabaster Cavern leave promptly on the hour from 9am-4pm. For safety reasons, a maximum of 40 visitors are allowed on each tour. A fee is charged for the tour.

The cavern tour includes guided interpretation on a well-lit path. Group tour rates are available for school and youth groups only and only after a reservation has been made and a confirmation number been issued. Group reservations are required at least two weeks in advance by calling the park office. NOTE: Tour reservations are recommended during holiday weekends and during local events.

Alabaster Caverns State Park also features reservable RV and tent sites. Enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, group shelters with electricity, grills, water and a volleyball court.

For a unique adventure, try wild caving at the park. Better known as spelunking, Alabaster Caverns is home to four caves that are maintained especially for wild caving. Caves range in length from 550 feet to 1,600-ft. Permits may be obtained at park office. No permits will be issued between October 1 and March 31 for protection of hibernating bats. A small fee per person applies. Wild caving is only permitted between the hours of 8am and 3pm. Please contact the park office for an equipment list as well as rules and regulations.

The Alabaster Cavern's Raptor Roost Trail is part of the Park Rx America Program that encourages heart health through regular exercise. After your walk, don't forget to stop by the park's gift shop where you'll find a wide variety of souvenirs including gift items related to nature, the cavern and the resident bat population.

***NOTICE***  Upper campground RV camping and bathroom facilities will be open and available through the winter. Lower tent campground will closed, gated and the bathrooms will be winterized beginning 10/31/20 through 4/1/21.  

Alabaster Caverns State Park

Roman Nose State Park, named after a Cheyenne chief, is one of the original seven Oklahoma state parks. Set amidst a beautiful canyon, gypsum rock cliffs and three natural springs, recreational activities at this state park include an 18-hole golf course, hiking trails, two lakes, trout fishing in season, canoeing, paddle boats, mountain biking, horse stables and hayrides by reservation. Rentals include canoes, kayaks, paddleboats and mountain bikes. Swimming in the lakes is not allowed, but fishing and no-wake boating are welcome.

For a truly memorable stay, book a night at the beautiful Roman Nose State Park Lodge. The 22-room lodge, originally constructed in 1956, has been completely renovated to reflect the natural landscape of the area. The reconstruction emphasizes the lodge's original mid-century design, while beautifully updating the look to today's modern standards. The newly decorated rooms feature large showers, comfy beds, contemporary furnishings and large flat-screen televisions. The lodge also features several conference rooms and a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Pets are not allowed in the lodge.

Roman Nose State Park also offers 11 cabins. Amenities include queen-sized beds, a queen sleeper sofa in the living room, a full kitchen, microwave, coffee pot, dishes, linens and a fireplace. Two of the cabins are pet-friendly. Overlooking Lake Boecher, the Pioneer Cabin can sleep up to five people between a queen-sized sleeper sofa in the living room and a full bed and fully adjustable twin bed in the bedroom. It also comes with a fully equipped kitchen, ground-level entry shower and spacious floor plan to accommodate ADA guests.

Campground facilities at Roman Nose State Park include full hookup sites, sites with water and electric hookups, as well as tent sites. Online reservations must be made for all campsites. From April through October, book one of the park’s teepees for a unique overnight stay. These spacious structures can sleep up to four adults and include an indoor electric outlet an outdoor fire ring and grill.

For larger groups, book the Turkey Roost Group Camp. This private area offers a dining hall and A-frame bunkhouses that can accommodate up to 163 overnight guests.

Also located within the park is the Roman Nose State Park Golf Course. This 18-hole, par 70 course offers sloping bent grass greens, Bermuda grass tees and fairways, natural hazards, lake views, canyon walls and mesas. Facilities include a putting green and pro shop with cart and club rentals, snacks and drinks. Book a tee time online with the booking link provided. View the rate sheet for this golf course by clicking on "View Roman Nose Golf Course Rates" link under "Maps & Resources" above.

***NOTICE*** Winterization Update - The bathrooms in Canyon Vista and Beaver Dam Campgrounds will remain open. Deer Run day-use comfort station will close from 11/1/20 - 4/1/21. Group Camp restrooms and buildings will be winterized and the teepees will be unavailable from 11/1/20 - 4/1/21. 

Roman Nose State Park Lodge

Roman Nose State Park

The Roman Nose State Park Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 70 course that offers sloping bent grass greens, Bermuda grass tees and fairways, natural hazards, lake views, canyon walls and mesas. Completed in 1959, this course was designed by Floyd Farley and Tripp Davis with no water hazards or sand traps. Facilities include a putting green and pro shop with cart and club rentals, snacks and drinks. Book a tee time online with the booking link provided. Cabins, lodging and other recreational opportunities are available within Roman Nose State Park.

Great Salt Plains State Park Maps

Jet, OK

Great Salt Plains State Park Description

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