Chickasaw
National Recreation Area
Springs, streams and lakes are the attractions at Chickasaw National Recreation Area, the first national park in the state of Oklahoma. Visitors to the park find a variety of activities including camping, boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, hunting and enjoying nature. The Travertine Information and Nature Center and its adjacent environmental study area offer a glimpse of our natural world through exhibits, nature walks and other educational programs. PARK MAP VISITATION: Chickasaw National Recreation Area is one of the most heavily visited parks for its size in the National Park System, with one and a half million visitors a year. The peak season is from Memorial Day to Labor Day with activities focusing on water recreation and camping. Lowest visitation occurs during the months of January and February. LOCATION: Sulphur, Oklahoma ADDRESS: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE TELEPHONE: (580)622-3165 (Park Information) (580)622-3161 (Park Headquarters) OPERATING HOURS AND SEASONS: The park is open year round. The Travertine Information and Nature Center is open all year except for Christmas Day and New Year's Day. CLIMATE: Summers are hot and humid with daytime temperatures near 100 degrees common from July to September. Humidity frequently exceeds 50 percent. Thunderstorms are common April through July. Winters are mild with temperatures rarely dropping below 32 degrees for more than two or three consecutive days. Chickasaw National Recreation Area is located on State Highway 177, just south of the town of Sulphur, Oklahoma. The park is approximately 90 miles south of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and 120 miles north of Dallas, Texas. Driving south on US I- 35 take exit 55 to State Highway 7. Driving north on US I-35 take exit 51 to State Highway 7. Drive through the towns of Davis (3 miles) and Sulphur (10 miles) to the intersection of Hwy. 7 and 177. Drive south on Hwy. 177. Park Headquarters is 1/4 mile south on the right side of the highway. REGIONAL MAP TRANSPORTATION: To Park: Both Dallas and Oklahoma City have international airports that are served by most major airlines. FEES, COSTS, RATES: There is no fee to enter the park, but fees are charged for camping, boat launching and reserving the picnic pavilions. FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES: Visitor Center, Exhibits: The Travertine Information and Nature Center offers the chance to experience nature up-close. Exhibits include live birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. Ranger-led activities are offered. Arrangements for organized groups may be made from September through May. Contact the park's Division of Interpretation at (580) 622-3165 Trails, Roads: More than 18 miles of trails provide visitors' opportunities that range from ten-minute saunters on quiet walkways to day-long excursions along the shoreline at Lake of the Arbuckles or Rock Creek. There are about 28 miles of paved roads and over 12 miles of gravel roads. The "backroads" offer a chance to enjoy the remote areas of the park and provide access to hunting and fishing. Programs, Activities: The Travertine Information and Nature Center has daily activities scheduled throughout the summer. School groups can book programs from September through May. Weekend activities are scheduled year round. Activities include -- nature walks, creek walks, campfire programs and special emphasis programs. Camping Facilities: There are six developed campgrounds in the two park districts. Rock Creek, Cold Springs and Central campgrounds are located in the historic Platt District. Buckhorn, The Point and Guy Sandy campgrounds are situated in the Lake District around Lake of the Arbuckles. All sites have tables, grills, restrooms and water. The Buckhorn campground has utility hookups available at Loops C and D and showers at Loops A, B, C and D. All camping is first come-first serve except for group camp sites located in Rock Creek (1 site), Central (10 sites), and Cold Springs (2 sites) which may be reserved. Please contact the park's Division of Interpretation for more information at (580) 622-3165. Food, Supplies: There are no food facilities located in the park. Food and camping supplies are available in local convenience stores or in the towns of Sulphur and Davis. Restaurants/fast foods, from national chains to small family operated diners, are located in both towns as are grocery and department stores. Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities: A Bookstore located at the Travertine Information and Nature Center is managed by the Southwest Parks and Monuments Association. Accessibility: The Travertine Information and Nature Center, fishing docks and most restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Chickasaw National Recreation Area has completed work on wheelchair accessible campsites and restrooms with showers in the Buckhorn Campgrounds. The park has completed construction of a two mile long concrete trail around Veterans Lake that is fully accessible. Special Needs: Visitor parking is available at each site. Handicapped parking sites are clearly labeled and available at all major facilities. Parking for buses is available at most sites. RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE: Camping, hiking, picnicking, sightseeing, fishing, hunting, swimming, water skiing, auto touring, nature viewing and photographic opportunities abound. RESERVATIONS, PERMITS: Reservations for group campsites and picnic pavilions can be made at the Travertine Information and Nature Center year round. Reservations for the calendar year can be made beginning January 1st. Reservation phone number: (580)622-6677 BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS: Plan your visit to the park by stopping at park headquarters or the Travertine Information and Nature Center or write ahead to obtain information. Also be sure to acquire safety information/tips pertaining to your planned activity, especially if you are not familiar with the area. SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS: Numerous activities are available year round at the Travertine Information and Nature Center. The park also participates in a variety of annual events including Sulphur Days, Art in the Park, the Hills of Oklahoma Bicycle Tour, Bald Eagle Watch and the living history program "1906 Historic Candlelight Tour". VISITOR IMPACTS: During periods of high rainfall, the three low water bridges on Perimeter Drive could be closed without notice. Do not leave valuables in your car. Adhere to park rules and regulations. ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS: Washita Battlefield National Historic Site became the second National Park Service unit in the state of Oklahoma when it was enacted by Congress on November 12, 1996. The Oklahoma City Memorial became the third National Park Service unit in the State of Oklahoma when it was enacted by Congress on October 9, 1997 Oklahoma State Parks: Oklahoma State Tourism and Recreation Department Website Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge
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Chickasaw National Recreation Area
P. O. Box 201
Sulphur, OK 73086
(30Kb .GIF file)
In Park: Personal vehicles and bicycles; foot-traffic and private buses.
3310 S. Lake Murray Drive #1
Ardmore, OK 73401
Phone: (580)223-4044
PO Box 279
Kingston, OK 73439
Phone: (580)564-2566
HC 62 Box 213
Durant, OK 74710
Phone: (580)924-6502
Route 1 Box 151
Tishomingo, OK 73460
Chickasaw Nation Council House Museum
205 North Fisher
PO Box 717
Tishomingo, OK 73460
Turner Falls Park - (580)369-2988 - exit #51 off I-35.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
To obtain information on the Sulphur and Davis areas please contact the appropriate Chamber of Commerce at the following addresses.
Sulphur Chamber of Commerce