Discover Oklahoma: View seasonal foliage at sites across the state

BY KEVIN ADKISSON Comments 0
Published: September 13, 2009

If you haven’t spent a weekend camping during the crisp days of late summer and early fall among the vibrant colors of Oklahoma’s foliage, then hold off putting away that tent or recreational vehicle.

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Discover Oklahoma

To find your perfect fall foliage getaway, call (800) 652-6552 for free information from an Oklahoma travel counselor.

Nothing quite compares with a relaxing and rejuvenating rest in one of the grand campgrounds throughout our beautiful state. Each year, the lush forests of Oklahoma put on their last performance of the year from October through November in artful red, yellow and orange hues.

One of southern Oklahoma’s most beautiful spots for camping is the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur, where mineral and freshwater springs cut their way through acres of majestic trees. Nearby is the stunning scenery of Turner Falls Park and Lake of the Arbuckles. Camping is available in all three areas, and several private cabin operators offer rentals near Turner Falls.

Beavers Bend State Park is one of Oklahoma’s premier state parks and is situated amid the Ouachita National Forest and the Mountain Fork River. Quaint campsites are nestled among spectacular views of nature. Quick access to Broken Bow Lake also makes this a hot spot for fall foliage viewers and photographers.

In Watonga, Roman Nose State Park also is known for its gorgeous fall landscape. An autumn scene of rushing springs and hardwoods will leave you feeling invigorated. Go for a trail ride or rent a tepee and immerse yourself in this astounding landscape.

The red stone canyon walls of Red Rock Canyon State Park near Hinton offer an amazing backdrop for the brilliant colors of fall. In addition to RV and tent camping, the park offers picnic areas, nature trails, a small fishing pond and playground equipment.

Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area in southeastern Oklahoma offers stunning views of the Ouachita National Forest and puts you minutes from the Kiamichi Mountains. Enjoy hiking, fishing, horseback riding, hunting and more. The nearby Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp is a horse enthusiast’s paradise with corrals, mounting stations and more than 100 miles of equestrian trails.

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Lawton offers 360-degree autumn views of forests and lakes from atop Mount Scott. Scenery abounds for photographers and nature lovers camping in this national refuge. Other activities include rock mountain biking, rappelling and rock climbing.

In northwestern Oklahoma, Boiling Springs State Park, a short distance from Alabaster Caverns, features tall cottonwoods, cool springs and white sands that make for a breathtaking view of nature. The stunning beauty of the sagebrush landscape from the rough of the woodsy trails and campgrounds of Boiling Springs State Park will leave you feeling at peace.

Hayrides, bird watching and fishing are just a few of the activities you can find at Oklahoma’s largest state park, Lake Murray State Park. Pitch a tent or park your RV and plan to spend a weekend in an oasis of autumn majesty.

Other enchanting fall foliage opportunities can be found at Lake Eufaula State Park, Lake Texoma State Park, Hugo Lake State Park, Osage Hills State Park and one of the several state parks at Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, as well as many other locations throughout the state.

Kevin Adkisson is database support coordinator for the state Tourism and Recreation Department.