Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Summers are hot and humid with daytime temperatures near 100° common from July to September. Humidity frequently exceeds 50 percent. Thunderstorms are common April through July. Winters are mild with temperatures rarely dropping below 32° for more than two or three consecutive days.

Summers are hot and humid with daytime temperatures near 100 degrees common from July to September. Humidity frequently exceeds 50 percent. Thunderstorms are common April through July. Winters are mild with temperatures rarely dropping below 32 degrees for more than two or three consecutive days.

There is no fee to access the Park
Camping fees start at $12.00

Reservations available for camping.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area is a place where natural beauty meets history in harmony. Meander along any of the hiking trails. They will offer you a delightful experience. In the same hike, you can view the intricate and artistic rock work done by the Civilian Conservation Corps, catch a glimpse of a beaver building a dam or a bison grazing on the prairie.

Water has always been the reason people are drawn to this area. Many of the park trails in the Platt Historic District hug the banks of the streams, pass by the cool rushing waterfalls, and encircle the mineral water and freshwater springs. In the Arbuckle District the trails offer panoramic views of Lake of the Arbuckles.

Trail descriptions will help you choose your route. The trails vary in length, difficulty, and scenery. Though wilderness backcountry hiking is not available, many natural settings are only minutes away from your vehicle. Sturdy tennis shoes are satisfactory on most trails; hiking shoes may be worn if preferred. Only major trails are described. There are many lesser-used side trails that connect the trails system and can be used to vary your route. Please do not create new shortcut trails.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area is an ecotone, or meeting place, where two different ecosystems overlap - the eastern deciduous forest and the mixed-grass prairie. Hikers, birdwatchers, and wildflower enthusiasts enjoy the variety this diverse ecosystem has to offer.

To learn more about Chickasaw National Recreation Area and its resources, the National Park Service invites you to join one of the frequent ranger-led walks in the area. Ranger conducted activities are the best way to discover what Chickasaw National Recreation Area is all about. For more information visit the Travertine Nature Center located one mile east of Highway 177 in the Platt Historic District of the park.

For Your Safety...

For an enjoyable, safe hike and for the protection of park resources, please observe a number of common-sense rules:

1. Although hiking by yourself is enjoyable, hiking with two is always safer and more fun! Children should not be allowed to hike without adult supervision.
2. Dogs are prohibited on all the trails leading into the Environmental Study Area (east of the Travertine Nature Center). On other trails, pets must be leashed at all times. Please be considerate of other hikers and clean up after your pet.
3. Observe all posted restrictions, such as no bikes on certain sections of the trails. Bikers should yield to hikers and use caution in areas where vision is restricted, such as around curves.
4. Be a friend to the park and help us keep the park clean. Please pick up your litter and anyone else's left behind. Carry out all litter - film wrappers, soda cans, drink cups, tissue paper, etc. If you must smoke, please extinguish your cigarette butts safely, and do not leave them behind.
5. Stay on the designated trails; short cuts cause damage to precious park resources.
6. If you hike at night, use a flashlight to illuminate the trail and to watch for animals such as snakes and scorpions.
7. Poison Ivy and ticks are common in the park. Check yourself thoroughly for ticks after walking on the trails.
8. Dress appropriately for seasonal weather conditions, and bring plenty of water to drink. During the summer months drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
9. All plants, animals, and natural and historical resources are protected by federal law. Do not disturb or remove them.
10. For specific regulations, such as fishing, camping, fires, or other questions please stop by any Ranger Station.

PLEASE TAKE ONLY PICTURES...AND LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS

Other Attractions

• Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, 212 miles
• Oklahoma City National Memorial, 90 miles
• Lake Murray State Park, 40 miles
• Lake Texoma State Park, 35 miles
• Fort Washita Historic Site and Museum, 56 miles