Guest Author - Marilyn Crain

Oklahoma’s 50 state parks are some of the best in the country. They reflect the vast range of landscapes across the state. When you visit these beautiful natural places, you can camp in pine forests, follow fossil tracks, be amazed at a sea of salt at Great Salt Plains State Park or fish in Oklahoma’s trophy lakes. If that isn’t enough for you, visit the setting of “Where the Red Fern Grows” or marvel at the limestone cliffs of “Heaven in the Hills” at Tenkiller State Park.

Across the state, Oklahoma maintains six resort parks and eight golf courses (offering Stay & Play golf packages) with lodging. If your passion is fishing, be sure to check out the many parks with superb waters for the fisherman.

There may be more showy state parks, bigger lakes and maybe even parks more available activities, but Beavers Bend Resort Park is my top pick of Oklahoma’s state parks. It’s my favorite not just because it’s a great place, a beautiful park to visit, but because of the wonderful memories it holds for me. We started camping here many years ago when the children were small. The view of the river, while having lunch on the deck of the Beavers Bend Restaurant, is a picture perfect snapshot of the our good times at Beavers Bend.

This beautiful state park, set in what is nicknamed the “Little Smokies,” offers accommodations for all tastes. It has more than 20 campgrounds, ranging from primitive to modern with RV hookups. For those who like the convenience of cabins, you’ll find almost 50 air conditioned cabins overlooking the Mountain Fork River, with fully-equipped kitchens and linens provided. Many have fireplaces, making them a cozy winter getaway for an anniversary or other special occasion. The Lakeview Lodge offers a gorgeous view of Broken Bow Lake and a more traditional lodging experience with cable TV and a complimentary continental breakfast.

For outdoor recreation enthusiasts, Beavers Bend is definitely a “must visit’ Oklahoma park. Activities range from golf on the Cedar Creek Golf Course to trout fishing and other water-related fun to hiking and biking. You can even kick back and enjoy a hayride or train trip.

Not matter which Oklahoma parks you choose to visit, you will soon have your own top pick, not only for the amazing outdoor recreation you enjoy at your favorite, but for the lasting memories you have created.

You’ll probably go back over and over to your special places, but don’t forget to visit a new park now and then. You never know what memories are just waiting around the bend in the river, out on the mesa or deep in the forests. Don’t leave your camera at home.