When people think about summer, they usually don’t think about somewhere like Oklahoma. But, honestly, perhaps they should – as it turns out, there are numerous Oklahoma summer activities that the folks who live here absolutely love and the folks who visit here ought to experience. If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Oklahoma in summer, family things to do in Oklahoma in summer, free things to do in Oklahoma in summer, or anything else, you’ve found it: the ultimate guide to things to do in Oklahoma in summer. Get the sunblock and let’s go!
Best Summer Vacation Destinations In Oklahoma
Let’s be real about something: summer in Oklahoma is easily the best time of year. The severe weather season (spring) has passed, warm temperatures have taken over, and all the coolest vacation destinations are at their tip-top performance. If you’re searching for the perfect summer vacation destinations in Oklahoma, you’ll definitely want to try these ideas out.
Location: Statewide
Popularity: Varies; some spots are much-loved, others are hidden gems.
Need To Know: Always pack sunscreen and drinking water; be sure to pack out what you pack in. Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints. Respect our amazing ponds and lakes, and they’ll respect you right back.
There is an absurd number of swimming holes in Oklahoma; so many, in fact, that it’s impossible to list them all in a short paragraph or three. Some are more popular than others, like the Blue Hole Park in Salina, the Gage Artesian Beach in Gage, Turner Falls Park in Davis, and Medicine Park Creek in Medicine Park. However, there are some you’ll find are less well-known than others, and those ones tend to be the best, if you ask us. No matter what, no summer is ever complete without a dip in a swimming hole, be it all-natural or man-made.
Location: Broken Bow, Oklahoma
Popularity: Very Popular
Need To Know: Broken Bow is a much-beloved small town in Oklahoma situated right on, obviously, Broken Bow Lake. This park is considered the gateway to places like Beavers Bend State Park, so be sure to wear good, sturdy hiking shoes if you plan to explore on foot.
Broken Bow is the perfect summer town in Oklahoma for anyone looking for an experience that doesn’t actually scream OKLAHOMA. This town looks and feels more like a little mountain town you might find anywhere else but here – but lo and behold, you’re still within the Sooner State. From Broken Bow Lake to some of the best fishing, camping, and hiking in the state, this region is sure to make your summer plans spectacular.
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: This is not a place for boats, if that’s what you’re looking for. Typically, the park opens in April and stays open until fall. Always be sure to check the official Wake Zone Cable Park website for the most up-to-date hours, events, and more.
Have you ever wanted to go wakeboarding in Oklahoma but weren’t sure where to begin? We don’t blame you – there's no ocean anywhere around here, so to get our fix, we must go elsewhere. Enter the awesome Wake Zona Cable Park, an amazing little respite from the summer heat located in beautiful OKC. It’s more than just wakeboarding, though – you can also visit the awesomeness that is the onsite aquapark if that’s more your style. Either way, fun in the sun is on the menu this summer!
Best Lakes & Rivers To Visit In Oklahoma This Summer
Did you know that Oklahoma is home to more than 200 amazing lakes? It’s true – with 200+ stunning lakes, no less than 78,600 miles of rivers, and so many more natural wonders, it’s no surprise that outdoorsy folks in Oklahoma adore summer so much. Of course, some of these lakes and rivers in Oklahoma are a little more favorable than others in terms of favorites, and we’ve picked the top three best lakes and rivers to visit in Oklahoma during the summer.
Location: Tahlequa, Oklahoma
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: Eagle Bluff Resort is not your grandmother’s resort; it’s a little more exciting than that. Choose from five different types of boat for on-the-water shenanigans, and plan to spend the night, either via camping or the cabins you can reserve. Make reservations well in advance, though – this place is popular and books up quickly.
Home to the famed longest river float trip in Oklahoma, Eagle Bluff Resort is an outdoorsy person’s dream come true. If you’re expecting a literal resort, you might be disappointed – though if you’re expecting an outdoor playground for all ages where you can swim, boat, camp, and fish with family and friends all summer long. It’s a step above your average campground – cozy, modern, and, of course, outdoorsy. The more people you bring to float with you the bigger the ticket discount, so bring all your friends!
Location: Comanche County, Oklahoma
Popularity: Somewhat Popular
Need To Know: This awesome reservoir is home to three miles of shoreline and 89 acres of shimmering, clean water. It’s secluded enough to be romantic but close enough to civilization to get to a store if you need to; this one’s a must for couples and small friend groups.
Quanah Parker Lake is located within the awesome Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, and it’s easily one of the most beautiful lakes in the Sooner State. This beautiful body of water might be man-made, but you’d never guess that just from checking it out. It’s popular among the locals, but most folks from out-of-state don’t even know it exists, making it a nice, quiet getaway as needed. Boating, fishing, and camping are all much-beloved activities among visitors.
Location: Ouachita Mountains, Oklahoma
Popularity: A Hiddem Gem
Need To Know: Located in southeastern Oklahoma, the Glover River is a short-but-sweet reminder of the beauty of the Sooner State’s great outdoors. This 33.2-mile stretch of river is a tributary of the Little River. Tubing here isn’t the best of ideas (especially when/if water levels are low); canoes and/or kayaks are your best bet if you want to get out on the water.
The beauty of the secluded and lesser-known Glover River can’t really be understated. Should you want to explore the whole thing, it begins nestled in the Kiamichi Mountains. From there, it meanders along Highway 259 until it banks east and flows right into the Little River. This lesser-known river in Oklahoma is a favorite among the lucky locals living nearby; as for other folks in the Sooner State, all too many have either never heard of the Glover River or they’ve simply n ever been. What better time, then, to visit than this summer? We think yes.
Parks To Visit In Oklahoma This Summer
There are more than 38 parks within Oklahoma’s amazing state parks system, and honestly, every last one is worth checking out. Best of all, our state parks are free to enter – all you need to pay is a daily parking fee and you’re golden. This helps our parks be more accessible to everyone in the Sooner State, and we’ve gone ahead and selected a few that you’re more than certain to adore.
Location: Colcord, Oklahoma
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: Natural Falls State Park is located on the Oklahoma/Arkansas state line near the town of Colcord, OK, and your best bet is to visit during the week to avoid the occasional weekend crowd. Parts of the film Where The Red Fern Grows were shot here, which is why it might just look awfully familiar.
Natural Falls State Park is home to, perhaps obviously, Natural Falls, which is an impressively beautiful 77-foot-tall waterfall that brings gawkers and revelers from all corners of the state. It’s a favorite among those who prefer natural beauty over city attractions, and you could easily make an entire day trip out of it. Want to stay the night? Check out one of the five yurts up for reservation for the ultimate Oklahoma glamping experience.
Location: Fort Sill, Oklahoma
Popularity: Somewhat Popular
Need To Know: Known to those who love it as LETRA, the Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area is a wonderful way to celebrate the dog days of summer. There’s more than just water here: be prepared for mini golf, archery, paintball, hiking, fishing, camping and SO much more. LETRA is an entire experience. Civilians are $10 per carload, while active duty and Department of Defense are $7 per carload.
Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area can be found nestled at the base of beautiful Mount Scott, where the water is crisp and clear and the air is clean and fragrant. Camping is allowed year-round and LETRA is open to the public despite not technically being state-owned land. LETRA Beach is open from Memorial Day Weekend until Labor Day, so plan accordingly!
Location: Fort Cobb, Oklahoma
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: Oklahoma state parks do not charge an entry fee, though most do charge a parking fee, so be sure to keep an eye out for that. With 279 RV sites, 102 tent camping sites, and five cabins, this one makes for an amazing summertime escape.
Fort Cobb State Park is found bordering Fort Cobb Lake, which is 4,000 surface acres of amazing swimming, boating, fishing, and more. Stay cool on hot summer days by taking a spin on a canoe or kayak, or maybe head to the swimming areas to really get in and enjoy the chilly water. Don’t have any boating equipment? No worries – you can secure a rental at Fort Cobb Lake. There’s also a golf course within the park as well, so if you’re feeling up to 18 holes on a summer morning, it doesn’t get better than this!
Best Free Summer Activities
It’s commonly true that the best things in life are free, and this applies to summer fun, too! If you’re looking for affordable things to do in Oklahoma this summer, you’re in luck – these are better than simply affordable, they’re free! Get the kids, your significant other, or whomever – these free summer activities in Oklahoma are calling your name (and not your wallet).
Location: Across the whole state of Oklahoma!
Popularity: Somewhat popular; it’s certainly not the road trip it used to be in terms of numbers.
Need To Know: Route 66 is fun, but it can be tough to follow in some areas. Follow signage carefully, and be ready to merge onto the I-40 and off again multiple times throughout the journey. We strongly recommend an up-to-date map to guide you.
Route 66 destinations in Oklahoma are a very popular, old-school pastime, and the old Mother Road goes straight through the Sooner State, making it a great way to kill a whole weekend (or longer). Meandering for more than 400 miles, you’ll find old-school gas stations, diners, motels, and so much more along the way; the small towns you’ll find yourself passing through are part of the fun as well. Best of all, wandering Route 66 doesn’t cost anything except gas money, so hop in the car and let’s go!
Location: Sand Springs, Oklahoma
Popularity: A Hidden Gem
Need To Know: This utterly incredible nature preserve is located near Sand Springs and is almost like traveling back in time. This land is incredibly delicate and must be cared for by everyone who enjoys it. Hit the Visitors Center first and learn all you can before heading out to explore the forest. The Preserve is open Thursdays through Sundays.
The Keystone Ancient Forest is utterly incredible for numerous reasons, but the biggest of those reasons is, perhaps, the incredible age of the trees who live here. One of the last legitimate old-growth forests in the US, this amazing nature preserve has trees estimated to be up to 500 years old. If trees could speak, we can’t even imagine the stories they’d have to tell us about five entire centuries of existence. Showing up and honoring the landscape is the least we can do... and it’s free!
Location: Sulphur, Oklahoma
Popularity: Very Popular
Need To Know: Chickasaw National Recreation Area is named after the Chickasaw Nation, though it’s managed by the National Parks Service. It’s home to six campgrounds with more than 400 amazing campsites to enjoy; there are no entry fees, but camping and parking DO have some small fees, so be sure to check the official website while planning your trip for the most up-to-date rates.
The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is outrageously beautiful and often feels like something from a fantasy novel instead of, say, lil ol’ Oklahoma. With springs, streams and lakes, water lovers simply can’t go wrong; the Lake of the Arbuckles is perhaps the park’s biggest draw. It’s intensely scenic and the critters you’ll spot while you’re here are a delight as well. This area is also home to a “lost” park, Platt National Park, which existed for 70 years from 1906 until 1976 – come for the aquatic attractions, stay for the fascinating history!
Best Summer Events And Festivals In Oklahoma
What is summer without a festival or two (or ten)? Luckily for us, Oklahoma is home to a number of wonderful summer festivals that are sure to celebrate the best of the season. We’ve found a few awesome events and festivals in Oklahoma to attend in the summertime, and we think you’ll love them as much as we do. When it comes to seasonal activities in Oklahoma, attending festivals is one of the best ways to enjoy it all.
Location: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Popularity: Very Popular
Need To Know: The Taste of Summer Ice Cream Festival is Oklahoma’s unofficial start to summer! With all the ice cream and ice cream snacks you can possibly devour in one day right at hand, it’s no mystery as to why this festival is one of Oklahoma’s most legendary.
This summer ice cream festival in Oklahoma is the epitome of a good, sweet time! Every year, Blue Bell Ice Cream partners with local establishments to put on this incredible event, with more than 100 gallons of ice cream ready to go. The flavors are varied, too, which makes it even more fun; why settle for plain chocolate when you can do triple chocolate instead? What about mango, or maybe chocolate chip cookie dough? Or, you know, how about all of ‘em? That’s what we’re here for, after all. Don’t get brain-freeze!
Location: Rush Springs, Oklahoma
Popularity: Very Popular
Need To Know: With more than 20,000 attendees per year, this watermelon festival in Oklahoma is a must-do for locals and visitors alike.
The Rush Springs Watermelon Festival might just be the crispest, most refreshing festival in Oklahoma that goes on at any point all year. Lovers of watermelon will find themselves immersed in a world celebrating this sweet summer melon, among other fun stuff like carnival rides, food and refreshments, and so much more. This festival has been going strong since 1948, and it’s an absolute summertime must.
Location: Porter, Oklahoma
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: The juicy and delicious Porter Peach Festival has been a thing for nearly six decades and is still going strong. With more than 10,000 people in attendance every year, it’s impossible not to love this one, and it shows. It’s free to attend and typically goes on for three days in July.
If you’ve never heard of this wonderful peach festival in Oklahoma, we’re about to change your life. The Porter Peach Festival is about peaches, sure, but it’s also about the farms and agriculture that make Oklahoma such a special place. The schedule of events changes from year to year, and a new one is published a few weeks before the festival each time – so be sure to keep an eye on the official website for that information. Even if you don’t like peaches, this festival is a delicious delight.
So, there you have it: 15 amazing things to do in Oklahoma during the summer. Which one(s) of these amazing ideas will you do? What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments. For more amazing ideas, check out our entire hub dedicated to Oklahoma summer activities.
Check out our epic road trip snack guide before your adventures to ensure you've got all the best road trip snacks.
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