Chickasaw National Recreation Area
RV Guide
Introduction
Water, in its various forms as lakes, streams, and springs, is the main attracting feature to Chickasaw NRA for RV campers. At the park, there are sweet opportunities to enjoy water-related recreational pursuits to the fullest and appreciate the beauty and wonder of nature. Little wonder the park is described as the "Peaceful Valley of Rippling Waters".
Whether you choose to relax in the cool shaded streams, or take a dip in the swimming holes, you are in for a lot of fun at the park. Besides, you can test your fishing skills in the park’s waters, or even take advantage of the excellent motorboating, canoeing, kayaking, and skiing opportunities available. Wildlife and bird watching, as well as hiking and cycling are also popular ways to stay active in the park.
Located just south of Sulphur, Oklahoma, along State Highway 177, this park which is about 15 sq. miles, offers RV camping options in almost 200 campsites within three campgrounds. Group camps are also available. Some of the campsites in the park are equipped with electric and water hookups for RVs. Facilities and amenities include comfort stations, showers, vault toilets, and recycle bins. Wheelchair accessible sites are available at the park.
The magnificent views, amazing recreational opportunities, and beautiful scenery at Chickasaw NRA guarantees a memorable camping experience!
RV Rentals in Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Transportation
Driving
Situated just south of Sulphur, Oklahoma, along State Highway 177, 90 miles south of Oklahoma City, Chickasaw NRA is easy to locate and access by RVs, trailers, and other motorized vehicles. Local paved and unpaved roads connect the various park areas and places of interest which make navigation within the park straightforward. There are no driving restrictions within this NRA.
Parking
Designated parking areas are available within Chickasaw NRA for visitors and vacationers to park their RVs, trailers and cars. In addition, RV campers can park their rigs within their respective campsites in the park. Overnight parking facilities are also available.
Public Transportation
There are no public transportation services to Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
Campgrounds and parking in Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Campsites in Chickasaw National Recreation Area
First-come first-served
Guy Sandy Campground
Located in the Arbuckle District, Guy Sandy Campground consists of 40 pet-friendly campsites that can accommodate RVs and tents, and are available on first-come, first-served basis. There are no RV hookups within the campground, and RV length limit is 40 feet.
Amenities within the campground include water faucets, pit toilets, trash receptacles, and recycling bin.
The Point Campground
The Point Campground features two loops with 55 pet-friendly campsites, 21 of which are available for RVs. The remaining campsites are tent campsites. The Lower Loop consists of nine RV campsites, all equipped with electric and water hookups. The Upper Loop, however, consists of 12 RV campsites, with electric hookup options and water hookups. RV length limit at the campground is 40 feet.
All the campsites in the Lower Loop are open on a first-come, first-served basis, while the Upper Loop campsites are reservable. Comfort stations, showers, and vault toilets are available within the campground, while a dump station is located nearby.
Buckhorn Campground
Buckhorn Campground features 134 pet-friendly campsites within four loops – Loops A, B, C, and D.
Loops A and B consist of 20 and 25 campsites respectively, each with one handicapped accessible site. Loop C, which has 41 campsites, features electric and water RV hookups in 17 campsites. Loop D with 48 campsites has 24 campsites equipped with electric and water hookups for RVs.
Amenities within the campground include comfort stations and showers, as well as picnic tables, fire rings and parking pads. RV length limit at the campground is 40 feet.
Only Loop C within the campground has campsites that are reservable, while the rest are available on first-come, first-served basis.
Seasonal activities in Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Winter
Cycling
Lovers of cycling enjoy the ride through the Platt Historic District because they are offered the chance to have intimate experiences of the park’s smaller wonders. Cyclists of all skill levels and abilities make use of the paved loop roads and designated trails within the park to explore the various parts that would have otherwise remained unknown. Trail conditions are prone to changes and riders are advised to be conscious of these changes. Moreover, riders are to yield to pedestrian traffic. Off-road cycling is prohibited in the park.
Summer
Swimming
You have a variety of choices when it comes to deciding where you want to swim at Chickasaw NRA. You may choose to take a dip in the Lake of the Arbuckles, swim in Veterans Lake, or even go for Travertine Creek or Rock Creek. A common theme in the park is that the waters are cool, so you can rest assured that you can enjoy the park’s waters in summer. Ensure you practice safe swimming in the park as no lifeguards are on duty at the park.
Fall
Boating
Plenty of opportunities are available at various points in Chickasaw NRA to enjoy boating, canoeing and kayaking. As a matter of fact, one of the most popular and inviting activities within the park is boating on the Lake of the Arbuckles. With four available launch ramps, all boaters are able to access the lake and enjoy the waves. The use of no wake boats, canoes, and kayaks on Veterans Lake is another exciting activity that RV campers do not miss out on.
All boaters are required to obtain a permit before launching on to the Lake of the Arbuckles. Permits are available within the park.
Birding Viewing
Thanks, in part, to its situation where two different ecosystems overlap, Chickasaw NRA is home to a wide variety of bird species. Another reason why you’ll find many types of birds in the park is because of its proximity to the central flyways. Consequently, you will enjoy watching some or all of the over 160 birds that have been sighted in the area. What’s more, you may even record a new sighting at the park that will add to the park’s bird listings. Look out for vultures, eagles, egrets, and many more.
Spring
Fishing
Within Chickasaw NRA, RV campers can enjoy angling in several locations such as the Lake of the Arbuckles, Veterans Lake, and along parts of Travertine Creek and Rock Creek. Popular catches in the park’s waters are largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, sunfish and crappie. Wheelchair accessible fishing docks are available at various points in the park, including Veterans Lake, around Guy Sandy boat launch, and by Point boat launch.
To fish at Chickasaw NRA, a valid state fishing license is required. Moreover, the use of rods and reels is not allowed in the park, except on Veterans Lake. Some fishing methods are also only allowed at Lake of the Arbuckles.
Hiking
Hiking on the trails within Chickasaw NRA is a delightful experience for all RV campers. Everything from the view of the Civilian Conservation Corps artistic rock work, to watching a bison grazing on the prairie makes hiking a popular activity within the park. Even more, the park’s waters make the trails more inviting as many of the trails within the Platt Historic District pass by cool rushing waters, along banks of streams, and around mineral water and freshwater springs. Varying in difficulty, length and scenery, you can hike most of the various trails with sturdy tennis shoes if you don't have hiking boots.
