MileHacker Logo
Day Trips from Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Day Trips from Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Chickasaw National Recreation Area Oklahoma, USA Travel Guide

Turner Falls Park

Located near Davis, Oklahoma (approximately a 20-30 minute drive west of the park). Turner Falls is Oklahoma's tallest waterfall, cascading 77 feet into a natural swimming hole. It is a privately owned park, requiring a separate admission fee.

Visitors can swim, hike trails, explore caves, and enjoy picnic areas. It is a very popular summer destination.

Practical Notes

  • Separate admission fee
  • Popular summer swimming spot
  • Trails and caves available
  • Approximately 20-30 minute drive from park

More Excursions

Explore additional points of interest for diverse experiences.

Lake Murray State Park

Oklahoma's largest state park, located near Ardmore (approximately a 45-60 minute drive south of Chickasaw NRA).

Activities

  • Boating and fishing
  • Golf and horseback riding
  • Lodge, cabins, and campgrounds

Arbuckle Mountains & Nearby Towns

The region around the park includes the ancient Arbuckle Mountains. Scenic drives along routes like OK-7 or OK-77D showcase rolling hills and forests.

Towns to Visit

  • Ardmore Oklahoma for dining and shopping
  • Ada Oklahoma for Chickasaw Cultural Center
  • Charming small towns and farmlands

Transportation & Itinerary

Transportation

  • Private vehicle or rental car needed
  • No public transportation options
  • No organized tours depart
  • Independent go by car is standard

Time Required & Suggested Itineraries

  • Turner Falls Park: Half-day to full-day
  • Lake Murray State Park: Full-day excursion
  • Chickasaw Cultural Center (Ada): Half-day (3-4 hours)

Explore Diverse Landscapes

  • Lakeside AreasLake Texoma
  • Mountainous RegionArbuckle Mountains
  • Rural CountrysideSmall towns and farmlands
  • WaterfallsTurner Falls
  • Wildlife ViewingBison Pasture, Tishomingo NWR
  • Scenic DrivesOK-7, OK-77D
  • Bird Migration (seasonal)Tishomingo NWR
  • Spring WildflowersApril-May

Important Travel Note

Always check specific park and attraction websites for current hours and conditions before your visit.

Natural Escapes

The region surrounding Chickasaw National Recreation Area offers further opportunities to connect with Oklahoma's diverse natural landscapes.

Tishomingo NWR

A significant stopover for migratory birds (1-hour drive southeast).

Lake Texoma

Massive reservoir straddling border, popular for fishing and water sports (1.5 a few hours south).

Arbuckle Mountains

Scenic drives on OK-7 or OK-77D provide continuous views of rolling hills.

Nature Reserves

Explore diverse ecosystems plus major conservation areas beyond the main park.

Features

  • Observing birds at Tishomingo NWR
  • Fishing and water sports at Lake Texoma
  • Hiking trails in areas that are protected

Seasonal Beauty

Experience the changing natural phenomena throughout the year.

Seasonal Highlights

  • Spring wildflowers (April-May)
  • Bird migration (spring/fall)
  • Warm weather for water-based recreation

Landscape Overview

Lakeside AreasLake Texoma
Mountainous RegionArbuckle Mountains
Rural CountrysideSmall towns and farmlands
WaterfallsTurner Falls
Wildlife ViewingBison Pasture, Tishomingo NWR
Scenic DrivesOK-7, OK-77D

Protect Nature

  • Leave no trace always
  • Stay on marked trails
  • Do not disturb wildlife
  • No collecting vegetation or rocks
  • Leave no trace

Cultural Excursions

Expand your historical and cultural understanding with excursions to sites beyond the park.

Fort Washita Historic Site

A pre-Civil War military fort, maintained by the Oklahoma Historical Society (approximately a 1-hour drive east).

Historical Insights

  • Glimpse into frontier life
  • Often hosts historical reenactment events
  • East of park, about 1-hour drive

Pauls Valley & Rural Oklahoma

Pauls The vale is home to the Toy and Action Figure Museum, a quirky stop for pop culture fans (45 minutes north).

Local Flavor

  • Toy & Action Figure Museum
  • Drive through charming rural towns
  • Local markets for fresh produce

Chickasaw Cultural Center

Located in Ada, Oklahoma, this center deepens insights into Chickasaw history and culture (45-50 minutes northeast).

Explore Culture

  • Exhibits on Native American art
  • Deep insights into Chickasaw heritage
  • Cultural demonstrations available

Regional Towns

Larger towns nearby offer more amenities and options beyond the immediate park area.

Amenities & Services

  • Diverse dining in Ardmore
  • Wider shopping selection
  • Additional lodging options

Multi-Day Extension Destinations

For those with more time, extend your trip to explore major urban centers or other natural areas.

Oklahoma City

State capital (1.5 hours north). Explore museums like OKC National Memorial & Gallery or National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

Major metro area (2-2.5 hours to the south). Visit Sixth Floor Gallery or Fort Worth Stockyards.

Ouachita National Forest

Eastern Oklahoma/Western Arkansas, a different mountainous, forested experience.

Seamless Travel

All extended destinations are well-connected by major interstates (I-35, I-40) for self-driving.