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Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Sulphur

4.7
#1 of 58 in Nature in Oklahoma
State Park · Nature / Park
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Chickasaw National Recreation Area is a national recreation area in the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains in south-central Oklahoma near Sulphur in Murray County. It includes the former Platt National Park and Arbuckle Recreation Area.
Part of the area was established as Sulphur Springs Reservation on July 1, 1902, and renamed and redesignated Platt National Park on June 29, 1906. At the time of its founding, the reservation, later national park, was located in Pickens County, Chickasaw Nation.
On March 17, 1976, Platt National Park was combined with the Arbuckle Recreation Area and additional lands and renamed. Of the park's 9,888.83 acres (4,002 ha), water covers 2,409 acres (975 ha). The park contains many fine examples of Civilian Conservation Corps rustic National Park Service-style architecture of the 1930s. CCC workers created pavilions, park buildings, and enclosures for the park's many natural springs.
The Chickasaw National Recreation Area preserves partially forested hills of south-central Oklahoma near Sulphur. Named to honor the Chickasaw Indian Nation, who were relocated to the area from the Southeastern United States during the 1830s (and who later sold the original 640 acres (260 ha) of land for the park to the Federal government), the park's springs, streams, and lakes provide opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, camping, and hiking, among other activities. As part of the Chickasaw tribe's arrangement with the U.S. government, the park does not charge an admission fee.
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Chickasaw National Recreation Area reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
377 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • Nice walks in the woods and places for families to picnic. Kids can go swimming. There is a nature center. PS The part we were in didn't smell like sulfur. 
    Nice walks in the woods and places for families to picnic. Kids can go swimming. There is a nature center. PS The part we were in didn't smell like sulfur.  more »
  • Even in the heavy rain this was a beautiful place to visit. I really liked the Rock Creek campground. It surprised me to find the campground way less than half full. Hope to visit again. 
    Even in the heavy rain this was a beautiful place to visit. I really liked the Rock Creek campground. It surprised me to find the campground way less than half full. Hope to visit again.  more »
Google
  • Gorgeous park. Several different areas including two lakes, a bison overlook and two streams. Places for hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, and swimming. No general admission fee. The park is kept surprisingly clean. Deer are a common sight in the park. This park does get VERY crowded during peak season and the campsites are very close together. The main swimming areas in the stream get very full. I would recommend going during the spring or fall for anyone who doesn't want a ton of people around them. The nasty smell in some places comes from the mineral water the town of Sulphur gets its name from. The history of the town and park is very interesting.
  • If you're a fan of nature, then you're going to love this place. From springs and mountains, to tons of wildlife, this place has something for everyone. You can fish, boat, swim, hike, and enjoy breathtaking sights ALL FOR FREE! That's right, the only thing that costs is camping spaces. Access to the park is totally free and it's an amazing area for the entire family to enjoy! Easy 5/5!

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