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Salt Plains State Park is one of Oklahoma's most unique state parks. The barren landscape of the nearby Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of salt leftover from an ocean that covered Oklahoma in prehistoric times, and the saltwater lake in the park, Great Salt Plains Lake, is about half as salty as the ocean.
Visitors can take their pick of activities in the park, such as swimming in Great Salt Plains Lake or trekking along bike trails. Equestrians can bring their horses to ride designated trails, and there are nature trails to enjoy while taking in the scenery. Fishing at the lake is fun for the entire family, whether in a boat or onshore. Varieties of fish such as catfish, saugeye, sand bass and hybrid striper can be found in these salty, shallow waters. You can also bring your canoe or kayak and enjoy a trip around the lake viewing the many migratory birds that pass through the area.
The selenite crystal dig area is located southwest of the lake in the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, and access roads are available six miles west of Jet or three miles south of Cherokee. The crystal digging area is open from April 1 to October 15 from sunrise to sunset. Located just under the surface of the salt plains, these crystals usually form into an hourglass shape. Oklahoma is the only place in the world where the hourglass-shaped selenite crystal can be found. While searching for crystals, look for some of the over 300 species of protected birds that live in and can be seen in the refuge.
Enjoy a multi-day stay at Salt Plains State Park in one of the renovated, eco-friendly cabins. Each of the six cabins has its own bed, refrigerator and stove, among other amenities. Pets are allowed in select units for a small nightly fee. Also, overnight camping is available in an RV or tent site. One full hookup site is available. Online reservations must be made for all RV and tent campsites. Comfort stations with showers are located near the sites and throughout the park for the convenience of visitors. Great Salt Plains State Park also offers picnic pavilions and outdoor grills.
Located in north/central Oklahoma, west of I-35 near the Kansas border. 8 miles north of Jet, OK, on Highway 38.
We came out the last day of the season and there were still plenty of crystals! They aren't big, but it's a family friendly way to spend a day. Pet friendly. Bring jackets and toilet paper because the outhouses often run out.
There is a wooden overlook right by the entrance to the digging area, with great views. Right under the overlook there are informational signs with instructions on the best way to dig. I would start there, and the digging area is 1 mile from there, on a sandy and rought road. I would suggest bringing a lot of water for digging, a 5 gallon bucket, and a good-sized shovle.
Wonderful place if you love to dig for fun. Great place for a field trip to learn and explore. There are plains, marshes, wetlands, hiking, dam, and the Great Salt Plains Lake surrounding the area. Things to bring - big and small shovels, buckets or other containers, gloves, lots of water, a change of clothes, sunscreen if in the summer, hat. The digging site has selenite, red and gray clay. Part of the road to get to the salt plains was a washer board road, so be prepared to be shaken, lol. The 1 mile road from the entrance to the digging site had lots of potholes. Vehicles higher off the ground are recommended. Overall, it was a fun experience for the whole family.
Chico enjoyed meeting new friendly people at Salt Plains State Park. He wasn't a fan of the stickers he found in the grass. It's nice and peaceful other than the training flights by the Air Force from 8am till 5pm, but the park is located across the street from the airstrip. There is plenty of wildlife to see and hear (the geese and cranes are very vocal). The park is well kept and clean. It's a good location to take the family, especially during crystal digging season. The rangers at the wildlife management area are friendly and informative. If you have never been to the Salt Plains before, it's worth the trip (just remember the sunglasses and sunscreen).
