Snowdale State Park, located in Salina, sits in the northeastern portion of Oklahoma. Salina is a small town with historical roots that parallels the shores of Lake Hudson. Lake Hudson is a major draw for recreational seekers all over the state. The 12,000-acre lake has more than 200 miles of shoreline. The scenic Lake Hudson is home to birds and wildlife with the water’s most important species attracting anglers from near and far. Lake Hudson is one of the best bass fishing lakes in the state, and because of the shoreline location, Snowdale brings bass anglers to the park year-round.
Salina, Oklahoma is located in an area designated as the foothills to the Ozarks, a section of the country known for the Ozark Mountains or the Ozark Plateau. The Ozarks, characterized by its rolling and forested hills, many waterways, and its limestone rock formations, is a landmark for parts of Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma. The city of Salina and the Ozark region share similar ties to the French exploration of the early eighteenth century. Major Jean Pierre Chouteau came to the area to explore the new world, and he brought a tree, known as the Paradise Tree, with him as an offering of peace. The tree still stands in Salina, and it is a favorite visitor destination.
Snowdale State Park, also known as Snowsdale Area at Grand Lake State Park, is also a popular destination for visitors and locals. The park is open year-round for recreational activities, while the campground and other facilities operate on a seasonal schedule. If fishing, water recreation, and history facilitate the planning your next RV vacation, add Snowdale State Park to your list of must-visit destinations in the foothills to the Ozark region.
Snowdale State Park is located one mile west of Salina on Highway 20.
RVers driving from Tulsa may have to take toll roads while traveling the 52-mile drive northeast to the park. The park is located 73 miles northwest of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and also may require tolls along the route.
There is no daily entrance free for Snowdale State Park.
Guests who arrive after the park office is closed for the day should set up their campsites and visit the office in the morning to notify the park of your late arrival.
The Snowdale Area Campground is a pet-friendly campground that accepts reservations. The campground operates on a seasonal schedule. Each site is back in and accommodates RVs and trailers 31 to 50 feet in length and offers campers 20, 30, and 50 amp electrical hookups. The spaces also have a picnic table, grill, lantern, and a fire ring. The campground has comfort stations with toilets and showers, a dump station, and it is located near the playground and the park office. Generators are allowed outside of the park’s quiet hours which are from 11:00 pm to 6:00 am.
Lake Hudson is an excellent fishing location. The lake is known for its bass fishing, but other fish species like catfish, perch, and crappie are also abundant. The park has a boat launch for anglers who prefer boat fishing over shoreline fishing. Guests who need fishing gear or bait can visit the town of Salina, which is only a mile east of the park. Oklahoma has many different types of fishing licenses available for purchase. Guests may buy a permit at many local sporting good stores or contact the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation for more information about purchasing a license online.
Light water recreation like kayaking, canoeing, and rafting are favorite activities in Lake Hudson. Snowdale State Park doesn't rent boats, but there are rental shops located in some of the nearby towns. If you have a boat, you may use the boat launch or the swimming beach to access the water. All boaters should exercise proper boating safety on the water. Oklahoma law requires that boaters under the age of 12 wear must wear a personal flotation device at all times while on the water.
Snowdale State Park is a small park with plenty of accessible outdoor areas for overnight guests and daily visitors. The park has a lighted boat ramp for guests who have a boat, as well as a swimming beach, a volleyball court, picnic tables, and a reservable group picnic shelter. There is also a comfort station with showers near the day use area. After arriving at the park, set up your RV and spend the rest of your stay outside enjoying Oklahoma’s scenic waterfront park.
Boaters planning on launching motorized boats may use the park’s boat lighted launch located near Area D or use one of the lake’s six public boat launches. All boats must display proper registration and adhere to the state and lake boating laws. While there are no restrictions on horsepower, all motorized boats should have a muffler to minimize engine noise on the water. For boaters who are interested in slip rentals or other boating information, contact the park or one of Lake Hudson’s two marinas.
Hikers and mountain bikers don’t have to go far to access the area’s favorite trail. The Pryor Creek Nature Trail located within ten miles of the park is a three-mile path with footbridges and scenic views. The trail crosses over small creeks and waterways along the route. The trailheads are located on Elliott Road, and Oakwood Road, south of the town of Pryor. The pathway is a natural surface, mainly suitable for hikers, runners, and mountain bikes or bikes with larger tires. Since the trail is a multi-use trail, horses often frequent the path. Please make sure to adhere to right-of-way rules when passing another person.
Visitors interested in learning about small towns and their historical roots will enjoy learning about the story of Major Jean Pierre Chouteau. Chouteau, a French fur trader and explorer, came to the area in the eighteenth century and founded the town now known as Salina. The city celebrates Chouteau’s accomplishments by honoring him in parades and other local events. Guests can visit the site where Chouteau’s symbol of peace, a tree called the Paradise Tree, was planted and still stands today. The tree and a historical marker are located on the southwest side of Ferry Street in Salina, near the Lake Hudson dike.
