Explore Oklahoma's 38 State Parks

As the state warms up, it's only natural you'd start thinking about brushing off the cold and getting back out into nature. If you're hesitant, don't be... Spring in Oklahoma may be a little dramatic with tornadoes and thunderstorms, but it's the prettiest season we have.

With warm days and cool-to-cold nights, it's prime camping season for those in the tent crowd. If you drag around your own RV, you're good to go any time of the year. If you need a little luxury, there are plenty of Oklahoma campsites that offer glamping in hipster/trendy air-conditioned things called yurts.

If you prefer fishing, the Oklahoma lakes are just now starting to stir from the winter lull. Fish are starting to feed again in preparation for the spawn, and the clear waters make for easy pickings.

Get our free mobile app

Even if you'd rather take the 4x4 and go off-road, Oklahoma has several state parks specifically for that! Some allow trucks and Jeeps, others limit to just motorcycles and ATVs, but there are options from mild to wild... From the sandy dunes of Little Sahara to the technical rocky outcrops of Disney, it's primetime for Oklahoma's outdoorsman.

Some state parks are just so big we've had to break out into the various different areas they offer--looking at you Grand Lake--and several big lakes have more than one designated park area. Pick one and go see it this year.

Oklahoma State Parks

Get out and enjoy one of Oklahoma's amazing state parks sometime. From the high desert of Black Mesa to the swampy lowlands and tall pines of Southeast Oklahoma, there's a place of recreation for everyone in the Sooner State.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

Unique Things to Do in Oklahoma City

There is no shortage of things to do in OKC. While there are a handful of things everyone knows about--OKC Zoo, Myriad Gardens, Bricktown, etc-- there are even more lesser-known places to experience one-of-a-kind Oklahomaness. Some things cost a little money, others are completely free, but it's all fun for the whole family.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

Oklahoma's Highest-Rated Barbeque Joints, In No Particular Order...

I doubt there's a single topic debated more passionately in Oklahoma than who makes the best BBQ. While they all smoke meat, there are some huge differences in how that process is done. Type of wood, length of cook, foil vs paper wrap, and even the hot topics of seasoning and binders come into play. What you like others may not, and vice versa. Since we can't just pick a top five or ten, here are the Oklahoma barbeque joints that have the biggest fans.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

Filed Under: Outdoor Oklahoma