Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Oklahoma travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Chickasaw National Recreation Area is in Chickasaw Country of United States.

1 sights · 1 things to do · 8 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Lincoln Bridge

Travertine Nature Center

Open year-round, the Travertine Nature Center has opportunities for learning, classes and nature exhibits. Live, interactive learning is available for all ages. Open year-round except Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year's …

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 94°F; winter lows dip to about 29°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Oklahoma City)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
OKC OKC Will Rogers World Airport, Oklahoma City — 73 mi away (major hub). Directions
LAW Lawton Fort Sill Regional Airport, Lawton — 80 mi away. Directions

The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is easily accessible from Highway 7 and Highway 77 in Sulphur (Oklahoma). The National Park Service offices is located in the Chickasaw Visitor Center, adjacent to The Artesian Hotel at Highway 7 and Highway 77.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

Places to stay listed here: about $16–$30 a night (typical $23), from 8 listed prices.
Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$60, mid-range ~$100, comfortable ~$200.

Options are grouped as Lodging, Camping, Backcountry in the Sleep guide ↓.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Lincoln Bridge
Afternoon Travertine Nature Center

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Photos

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

Understand

History

Landscape

Flora and fauna

Climate

Get in

Fees and permits

There are no fees to enter the park. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is free for drive-up and walk-up visitors.

Campground fees

Non-utility campsite: $14.00 - Cold Springs, Guy Sandy, & Rock Creek Campgrounds.
Non-utility campsite: $16.00 - Buckhorn and the Point Campgrounds
Utility campsite: $22.00 - Buckhorn and the Point Campgrounds, and one site at Rock Creek Campground
Premium utility site: $24.00 (May through September) - Buckhorn Campground, Loop D sites #24, 25, 26 and Buckhorn Campground, Loop C sites #4, 5, 6, 7
Group sites: $30.00 - Rock Creek, Cold Springs & Central Campgrounds

Persons may camp up to 14 consecutive days, not to exceed 30 days total between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

The Senior or Access Pass 50% discount applies only to individual campsites and lake launching permits, not group sites.

Boat launch fees

Daily Permit: $4.00
Annual Pass: $30.00

Pavilion reservations

There are covered picnic pavilions located in the Buckhorn and Veteran's Lake areas. They are available by reservation for $30 per day.

See

See Lincoln Bridge

⚠ Last checked Aug 2015 — confirm before you go

Maps

Do

You can hike, swim, hunt, or go boating in the recreation area.

Do Travertine Nature Center

⚠ Last checked Aug 2015 — confirm before you go

Maps Website

Sleep

Lodging

Stay The Artesian Hotel, Casino & Spa

⚠ Last checked Aug 2015 — confirm before you go

Maps

Stay Chickasaw Retreat and Conference Center

⚠ Last checked Aug 2015 — confirm before you go

Maps

Camping

There are several campgrounds within the Chickasaw National Recreation Area:

Stay Central Campground

Seasonal public campground in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area's Platt Historic District. 10 sites are available for camping.

available just off Highway 77 after entering the park💲 $30 per night☎ +1-877-444-6777⚠ Last checked Aug 2015 — confirm before you go

Maps Website

Stay Cold Springs Campground

Open May through September. 65 campsites are available for reservation. Sites are non-electrical and best suited for tent camping, but small RVs and pop-up campers may fit. Amenities: Water spigots and restrooms located close to camp sites.

across the road from Travertine Creek💲 $30 per night☎ +1-877-444-6777⚠ Last checked Aug 2015 — confirm before you go

Maps Website

Stay Rock Creek Campground

Year-round campground near Veterans Lake and Rock Creek. There is easy access to hiking trails, fishing and mineral springs. 105 campsites and 1 group site are available for tent camping. Non-electrical sites can accommodate some RVs. Amenities include water spigots and restrooms close to campsites.

near Veterans Lake and Rock Creek💲 $30 per night⚠ Last checked Aug 2015 — confirm before you go

Maps Website

Stay Buckhorn Campground

Four loops with 134 campsites available. All sites are first come, first served with showers available in restrooms. Some sites have electrical and water hookups available.

📍 Buckhorn Road💲 utility: $22 per night, premium utility: $24 per night, non-utility: $16 per night☎ +1-877-444-6777⚠ Last checked Aug 2015 — confirm before you go

Maps Website

Stay Guy Sandy Campground

In the Arbuckle District of the park, Guy Sandy has 40 campsites available on a first come, first served basis. Water faucets and pit toilets available.

⚠ Last checked Aug 2015 — confirm before you go

Maps Website