Flipstub

Chickasaw National Recreational Area lies in the heart of the “Valley of Rippling Waters”. It is a place that bubbles with beauty literally as it is filled with springs and pristine streams. It is located between Dallas and Oklahoma City just off Interstate 35 via Oklahoma state road 177 to Sulphur OK just outside the northern edge of the park. The Area was designated in 1906 and is administrated by the National Park System. Year long activities make this area a family favorite. This is a great year to visit Oklahoma as it is celebrating its 100th birthday with lots of special events and hoopla.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area is the only National Park in Oklahoma. Along with the springs and streams it has two lakes Veterans and Lake of the Arbuckles. The Park sits right on the edge of where the Western Prairie meets the Eastern Deciduous Forest and provides flora and fauna from both worlds. The park boasts one of the best examples of 1930’s Civilian Conservation Corps classic architecture noted for blending building into its natural surroundings.

Camping, hiking of all types, caves to explore, fishing, boating and hunting are available year round. The Travertine Nature Center and it adjacent amphitheater are a focal point of the park. Ranger led activities take place daily year round, including night hikes and bird walks. The center houses live reptiles, amphibians and birds of prey from the local area. The park has both regular family style areas and back country hiking. There are strict rules for fishing and hunting so check with the Ranger stations licenses are not for sale in the park but may be obtained in Sulphur or nearby Davis Oklahoma.

Park entrance is free. There are camping fees ranging from $12 to $22 a night. SR Access Pass holders do experience a 50% discount on individual camping sites and on boating permits. Boating permits for both Veterans and Lake of the Arbuckles are needed. The fees are $4 for a single day or $30 for an annual permit.

For General Information on the park, hunting and fishing guidelines

http:// www.nps/gov/chic

1-800-622-3165

For hunting specific all 1-580-622-3165

For camping reservations

http://www.reserveusa.com

1-800-365-2267

Okalahoma Centennial events

http://www.oklacentennial.com

Boat rental for Lake of the Arbuckles (canoes to pontoons)

http://www.arbuckleboatrentals .com

For area related events, lodging and dining

http://sulphurokla.com

http://www.davisok.org

For Tribal Events in nearby Tishomingo try the Chickasaw Nation’s official website

http://www.chickasaw.net