Places To Visit in Oklahoma That Are Amazing

Looking for places to visit in Oklahoma? The Sooner State has a bonanza of gorgeous parks, sparkling campgrounds, amazing caves, lush mountains and even some sand dunes. If you haven't visited the great state of Oklahoma, you're missing out. Here are some amazing, must-see places.

Camping Places to Visit in Oklahoma

In recent years, the state of Oklahoma has revamped many state campgrounds, meaning new bathrooms (showers, anyone?) and other amenities. But if you're considering camping in Oklahoma, plan on visiting these great campsites in either the fall or spring months.

By the end of May, it's usually too hot to camp at most Oklahoma campgrounds unless you have an RV with an air conditioner. Or go redneck and hook a portable AC unit to your tent. I would never sleep in a tent in July or August without one.

Turner Falls

Located near Davis, Oklahoma in the south-central portion of the state, Turner Falls is a wonder of a waterfall. At 77 feet high, it's one of the highest in Oklahoma. Turner Falls Park also offers caves, two natural swimming pools and a walk-in castle. Be sure to hike while you're there and take lots of pictures of wild turkeys, whitetail deer and other wildlife.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area

This campground is near Sulphur, Oklahoma, and the area was hit by a tornado in 2024. Fortunately, the campgrounds are open, and the area is still beautiful. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is one of the nicest places to visit in Oklahoma. The campgrounds have plenty of spots by the lake. Plus there's a waterfall and plenty of trails to hike on.

Robbers Cave State Park

If you want a quiet, yet breathtaking place to spend a few peaceful days, look no further than Robbers Cave in eastern Oklahoma. This state park, located in the Sans Bois Mountain Range, is one of the prettiest places to visit in Oklahoma. While outlaws such as Jesse James and Belle Starr did hide out in this area, the place was apparently named Robbers Cave after fur trappers trying to drive off their competitors.

If you choose to visit this park, be sure and sign up for a canoeing tour with a park ranger, and be sure to visit the welcome center.

Potato Hills Campground

Places to visit in Oklahoma Potato Hills

This little-known gem is one of my favorite places to visit in Oklahoma. Located near Clayton, Oklahoma, on the eastern shore of Sardis Lake, this campground is a beautiful spot with hills just beyond thelake that provide a restful scene. If you're looking for a quiet spot for camping, you can't go wrong with Potato Hills.

Heavener Runestone Park

If you're looking for a gorgeous place that includes both hiking and history, you can't go wrong visiting Heavener, Oklahoma. Heavener Runestone Park has 55 acres and includes two miles of hiking trails as well as an interpretive trail.

Alabaster Caverns State Park

Alabaster Caverns boasts one of the biggest natural gypsum caves in the world. Take a guided tour (they're offered every hour on the hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or try your hand at spelunking in one of the four caves dedicated to wild caving. But be sure to go between May 1 and September 30, as the smaller caves are closed the rest of the time to protect the hibernating bats.

Little Sahara State Park

After visiting the caverns, swing on over to the Little Sahara State Park (both are located in Oklahoma's panhandle).

At Little Sahara State Park, you'll find more than 1,600 acres of sand dunes, some of them up to 75 feet high. You can rent a dune buggy while you're there or bring your own all terrain vehicle.

Looking For Something More Urban?

If camping isn't your scene, there are plenty of other places to visit in Oklahoma that provide nightlife and fun daytime activities for the entire family. Check out the following cities for great entertainment.

Oklahoma City

For an urban setting with a western twang, you can't beat Oklahoma City. Downtown boasts the Bricktown Canal complete with a water taxi and plenty of restaurants right on the canal. The Myriad Botanical Gardens is nearby along with the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

Learn more about cowboys and Indians by visiting both the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and the First Americans Museum. Or experience glamping at its finest while experiencing the Old West by staying at the Conestoga Wagons & Teepees at Orr Family Farm.

For a great place to have fun with the kids, you can't beat the Science Museum Oklahoma. Experience tornadic winds firsthand, pretend to be a weather anchor and see the inside of a space capsule. You can find all of that at the Science Museum. Then, spend another day visiting the Oklahoma City Zoo, right next door.

Tulsa

Tulsa considers itself the cultural capital of the state with its vast array of museums and performing centers. Those of us in the rest of the state like to say that Tulsa puts on the dog. No matter what your opinion of the city, Tulsa is a great place to visit. Listen to live concerts at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center and then admire the masterpieces as the Philbrook Museum of Art.

There are also plenty of fun places for the entire family, including the Tulsa Zoo and the Gathering Place, a park that includes a riverfront, a sensory garden and an adventure playground.

Sci-fi and history buffs will enjoy the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, which has vintage aircraft, interactive exhibits and a theater. If you're into unique architecture, don't miss the Cave House. Just be sure to make an appointment first if you want the tour.