Making for great camping near Tulsa, Natural Falls State Park gets its name due to the unique water feature found inside the park’s Dripping Springs. Soaring 77 feet above the flat lands of the nearby Oklahoma/Arkansas border, one of the largest waterfalls in the region cascades down into the depths of the grassland valley below. Thanks to a railed viewing platform that overlooks the waterfall, visitors from all over come to enjoy the serene atmosphere and picturesque splendor created by this natural wonder.
Natural Falls State Park is most famously known for its cameo in the 1974 movie “Where the Red Fern Grows” which was filmed here. While you may not be interested in raising coonhounds, you might be pleased to find that dogs are allowed here so long as they’re on leash and cleaned up after. Additionally, the park offers a 44 RV sites, with 7 of them offering hookups. Furthermore, 17 tent sites are available for reservation if you aren’t one to travel via RV or Van. Nightly pricing ranges from $14 for a standard tent site, to $30 for a premium RV site with hookups.
Those looking for a more convenient camping solution will enjoy the variety of Yurts available for reservation here. Each Yurt can house between 4-6 people, and will more than appeal to even the pickiest of travelers thanks to the well-equipped furnishings found within. Each comes with a fridge, microwave, lighting, electric outlets, Vinyl covered mattresses, heating, and more. Not only that, but bathrooms and showers are just a short walk away. And don’t worry about your four-legged friends; with an additional fee they’ll be able to cozy up with your family inside. Nightly rates for Yurt reservations start at $100, with an additional $15 fee for pets. If you don’t have your own bedding available, the park will lend a complete set for $25.
When it comes to recreation, there’s tons to do! Hiking and fishing are very accessible here, with marked trails and designated fishing areas throughout. Furthermore, if you bring a pair of binoculars the park is full places perfect for checking out the local wildlife. Additionally, the park is jammed pack with local flora and fauna, such as Dogwood and Sassafrass. Moreover, onsite volleyball, disc-golf, horseshoes, a basketball court, and other recreation are found throughout the park.
People may visit here due to the fame, but they stay for the beauty within. Natural Falls State Park is a treasure of Oklahoma, and is worth checking out for anyone who needs a break away from the stress of everyday life.
I’ve captured a couple of surprise proposals in the park and it is the perfect setting for a photo shoot! The only thing is that it gets darker down there earlier than up by the highway or parking lot so plan accordingly. Sunset photos down by the waterfall should be scheduled 30-60 minutes earlier than what you would think is the best time. Other than that, just an amazing park and I feel lucky to live close to such an amazing spot!
It’s FREEE you only pay for parking 10 dollars but you can be there all day. We’re from Florida so I was not use to the hiking I recommend good shoes. But I absolutely loved the scenery we visited early October so the weather was perfect. Not hot nor cold.
Beautiful park. Hidden in the stunning Ozark Highlands near the Arkansas/Oklahoma border. Visitors are not allowed to swim under the waterfall, but there is a side area where they can play around in the water. The waterfalls are not massive, but you can do some hiking around them. Not an all-day adventure, but definitely something you can spend a couple of hours doing. Also, you have the option to stay overnight in one of the park's five yurts, which can be booked online. It's a great place to visit if you're in NWA or Tulsa.