Don’t let the always-early June bugs deter you. Our state is in full bloom, and you’ve got to see it. From gentle rivers and massive lakes to serene hikes, jaw-dropping vistas and vibrant wildlife, you don’t have to leave Oklahoma to have a great time this summer.
And you don’t even need a cooler full of beer, either. (Though most of these places won’t discourage it if that’s your thing.) In fact, Oklahoma’s outdoor scene is prime to entertain people of all ages, be it through fishing, hiking, camping or just learning about what makes our ecosystem so special. Aside from some driving, all you need to do is step outside. Here are some great spots to do it.
Robbers Cave State Park
2084 NW 146th Road, Wilburton
robberscavestatepark.com
918-465-2565
Ever wonder where Jesse James kicked back and relaxed after he wrapped a heist? While Robbers Cave State Park isn’t exclusively known for its legendary history, its former status as an outlaw haven alone makes the trip to Wilburton worth taking.
Of course, you can venture into the cave and see the likely place where outlaws and bandits would hole up. But the surrounding area offers so much more than that with light to moderate trails, rock climbing areas and an abundance of spots
to fish along Fourche Maline Creek.
On May 20, the park hosts a free youth fishing tournament for anyone under 17. Parents can fish alongside their kids, but of course, they won’t be eligible for the championship. And if that’s not quite your speed, May 17 features Kids in Parks, an two-part event that kicks off with crafts from 2-5 p.m., followed by a guided nature hike.
Robbers Cave State Park also offers several great spots for riverside camping as well as a nearby visitors’ center to stock up on ice, firewood and other basic necessities. For those who want an even more removed experience, the park offers several primitive camping spots, though you’ll likely want to avoid trying it after any recent rainfall.
Lake Eufaula
lakeeufaula.com
If you prefer something as close to a beachside getaway as you can get in a land-locked state, look no farther than Lake Eufaula. As Oklahoma’s largest lake, it’s one of the ideal spots to spend a weekend filled with boating, fishing or swimming.
Eufaula features a vast campground with dozens of spots fit for RVs. For those who want to spend a night closer to the water, many of its tent camping areas lie on small peninsulas, making sleeping overnight a bit more comfortable, thanks to the lake’s constant and pleasant breeze.
More adventurous lake-goers could climb up one of several of Eufaula’s massive rock faces and — with the right precautions — plunge into the water from 20-plus feet. Plus, the lake’s sheer size makes it great for speedboats and jet skis since, for this most part, Eufaula rarely gets as congested as some of the Oklahoma’s smaller bodies of water.
Designated ramps, harbors and swimming areas also make it easier for families to have fun on the shore with kayaks or even just a few floaties.
Illinois River
15971 Highway 10, Tahlequah
grda.com/illinois-river
918-456-3251
Don’t let the name fool you. The Illinois River is an Oklahoman staple. Most flock to float the six- to 12-mile stretch located in Tahlequah, and for good reason. Deer, bald eagles and more are known to frequent the area, especially during the thick of summer.
For fishing, the Illinois rewards those who stay on the move, though it still offers plenty of opportunity near the shore (if you’ve got a set of waders). If your friends and family are new to the experience, it’s hard to go wrong renting a raft for four to six people from either Arrowhead, Diamondhead, War Eagle or Eagle Bluff resorts. All four also offer lodging and tent camping if you intend to stay overnight, which wouldn’t be a bad idea to minimize driving and maximize your time on the water.
For those looking for more excitement and better control over the float, kayaks or canoes give you the chance to float alongside the shore and explore its nooks and crannies that are a little treacherous for the larger rafts. Either way, come to terms with potentially tipping over, and be sure to come with water shoes in the event you need to briefly drag your craft along some of the shallower areas.
Broken Bow
brokenbow.com
580-204-4899
No, this isn’t just west Arkansas. But it’s admittedly pretty close. A bit further out than any of the other spots on this list, Broken Bow offers no shortage of things to do.
While you could spend some time in one of its many premium cabins, Beavers Bend State Park is filled with hikes, many of which are short enough to fit a handful in a single day. Thrill-seeking families will enjoy the numerous bike trails, while others might find a float down Beavers Bend exactly what they needed to forget about the metro’s hustle and bustle. The area also has great areas for horseback riding through the woods, which is surprisingly rare in most parts of the state.
That said, Broken Bow is also known for its modern charm. With plenty of options to eat out and even a bowling alley, this plunge into nature offers many spots to relax if you start to get tired of the sun.
Quartz Mountain
14722 Highway 44a, Lone Wolf
travelok.com/state-parks/quartz-mountain-state-park
580-563-2238
The Wichita Mountains aren’t just home to a one-of-a-kind art institute. It also features one of the most beautiful vistas Oklahoma has to offer. While Black Mesa may technically be the state’s highest point, Mount Scott is sure to give you the best view of the Great Plains. You can even drive up to it in the afternoon if you want to spare the trek and see more of what the park has to offer.
And from ample woodland hikes to several buffalo, there’s no shortage of opportunities to experience this Okie oasis. If you ever see multiple vehicles on the side of the road, be sure to stop. Chances are, you’ll catch a family of prairie dogs at their most active.
When you’ve got your fill of wildlife, visit nearby Medicine Park for great food, cozy lodging and an electrifying aquarium and science center.
Martin Park Nature Center
7 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday
5000 W. Memorial Road
okc.gov/departments/parks-recreation/martin-park-nature-center
405-297-1429
Don’t have time to leave Oklahoma City? No problem. Martin Park Nature Center offers tons of opportunities to learn about nature and soak in the outdoors without dedicating an entire day to it.
Ideal for children, the park hosts programs almost every week through the summer, including its Habitat at Home Nature’s Classroom series. In these sessions, kids and adults can learn about the many plants and animals that make up our ecosystem with educational discussions and activities.
For those who prefer their learning on the go, the nature and birding hikes are a great way to find out more about local wildlife up close and personal. Even if you hike the park without a guide, you’ll still find a unique wilderness experience around every corner. And when you’re ready to go, civilization is just a few steps away.
This article appears in Summer Guide 2025.