Great Salt Plains State Park: Saltwater Adventures

Salt Plains State Park is a one-of-a-kind state park in Oklahoma. The nearby Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge's barren landscape is made up of salt left over from an ocean that covered Oklahoma in prehistoric times, and the park's saltwater lake, Great Salt Plains Lake, is about half as salty as the ocean. Visitors to the park can choose from a variety of activities, such as swimming in Great Salt Plains Lake or hiking along bike trails. Equestrians can ride their horses on designated trails, and there are nature trails to enjoy the scenery. Fishing on the lake is enjoyable for the entire family, whether from a boat or from shore.

Catfish, saugeye, sand bass, and hybrid striper can all be found in these salty, shallow waters. Bring your canoe or kayak and take a trip around the lake to see the many migratory birds that pass through. The selenite crystal dig area is in the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge southwest of the lake, with access roads six miles west of Jet and three miles south of Cherokee. The crystal digging area is open from sunrise to sunset from April 1 to October 15. These hourglass-shaped crystals are found just beneath the surface of the salt plains.

Fish species include catfish, saugeye, and sand bass. Oklahoma is the only place in the world where you can find the hourglass-shaped selenite crystal. Look for some of the over 300 species of protected birds that live and can be seen in the refuge while looking for crystals. Enjoy a multi-day stay in one of the renovated, eco-friendly cabins at Salt Plains State Park. The six cabins each have their own bed, refrigerator, and stove, among other amenities. Pets are permitted in certain units for a small nightly fee. Overnight camping in an RV or tent site is also available. There is one full hookup site available. All RV and tent campsites require online reservations.

• Getting there: It’ll take you approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach the Great Salt Plains from OKC. Drive 95 miles north toward Wichita via I-35, then drive west on OK-11 for another 45 miles.
• Travel tip: The crystal dig site is only open seasonally from April through October; plan accordingly if you plan to mine.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: 23280 S. Spillway Dr, Jet, OK 73749, USA
Phone: +1 580-626-4731
Website: https://www.travelok.com/state-parks/salt-plains-state-park