Road Trips Starting from Oklahoma City, OK
Best National Parks Near Oklahoma City, OK
The nearest national park to Oklahoma City is Hot Springs National Park, which is about 300 miles southeast in Arkansas. Hot Springs National Park is not just the park, but also the name of the city that was built around it. This means that you can not only enjoy the thermal waters of the hot springs but can also be steps away from all the conveniences that a city offers.
Popular State Parks Near Oklahoma City, OK
Lake Thunderbird State Park is a favorite of Oklahoma City residents, with it practically being in the city's backyard. Located just 28 miles from OKC in nearby Norman, Lake Thunderbird State Park features 1,874 acres of fun. The park is large enough to house two marinas, swimming beaches, and several boat ramps that are all open to visitors and locals. For those wanting to get some outdoor exercise on land, there are several hiking and biking trails, equestrian trails, and an archery range. For animal and plant lovers, a must-see area of the park is the Discovery Cove Nature Center, which provides a wealth of information about the local wildlife as well as native flora.
Lake Murray State Park is a great choice for water enthusiasts. Located about 100 miles south of Oklahoma City, it has the dual distinction of not only being the largest state park in Oklahoma but also the first. The park encompasses 12,500 acres, nearly half of which is taken up by the massive lake. Visitors can enjoy waterskiing, paddle boarding, wakeboarding, canoeing, sailing, and stand-up paddle boarding, and equipment rentals are available. The lake is also known for having excellent fishing opportunities, with plenty of largemouth and smallmouth bass available for those with fishing licenses.
Roman Nose State Park is found about 75 miles northwest of Oklahoma City. The compellingly named park gets its title in honor of a Cheyenne chief, and it once provided shelter to several Native American tribes during the cold Oklahoma winters. Now, it is a favored destination for locals due to its stunning natural beauty. In the park, you will find a picturesque canyon, rock cliffs, and natural springs. The park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including rattlesnakes, coyotes, red-tailed hawks, and raccoons. Recreational activities at the park on offer include an 18-hole on-site golf course, mountain biking, boating, swimming, and fishing.
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City National Memorial is a tribute to those who lost their lives during the tragedy in Oklahoma City in 1995. Part of the memorial is the Field of Empty Chairs, which is a display of 168 empty chairs, meant to represent all of the lives lost in the bombing. There is also the Survivors Wall, which is comprised of panels that are remnants of the granite pieces saved from the Murrah Building. These panels are inscribed with the names of over 600 survivors of the tragedy.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area is an Oklahoma public park that is located about 85 miles south of Oklahoma City. The park contains nearly 10,000 acres of beauty, and on its grounds, you can find many picturesque areas to explore. These include streams, natural springs, lakes, and more. Popular activities include sightseeing, fishing, picnicking, and biking.
Washita Battlefield National Historical Site is 134 miles east of Oklahoma City and is the location of a surprise attack by Colonel Custer on Native Americans near the village of Cheyenne in 1868.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
Roadrunner RV Park is conveniently located just 4.5 miles from central Oklahoma City. The park features both 30- and 50-amp service, back-in and pull-through sites, and can easily accommodate a 40-foot RV. Those who like to bring their furry companions along on their road trips will be glad to know that the park is also pet-friendly.
Twin Fountains RV Resort, about 8.4 miles northeast of Oklahoma City, features various games and activities. There are 152 RV sites to choose from. Amenities include full hook-ups and showers, and it is pet-friendly.
Rockwell RV Park, located just a few minutes from downtown, boasts impressive amenities as an indoor pool, spa, and exercise room. There are large campsites, and the park's location puts you in ideal proximity for visiting such attractions as the Firefighter's Museum and the State Fair. There are different rates for daily, weekly, and monthly visitors, and you have 170 RV sites to choose from.
RV Dump Stations Near Oklahoma City, OK
Lake Thunderbird State Park is one of the most popular dump stations near Oklahoma City. At about 45 minutes from Oklahoma City, it is the ideal spot to handle your dumping if you decide to visit nearby Norman, OK. There is water available at the location, and it is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The dumping fee is $5.
Cabela's in Oklahoma City has a dump station that is free to use as long as a purchase is made in the store. There is non-potable water available, and the site is big-rig friendly. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., as well as Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
