Natural Falls State Park is a wonderful state park in Oklahoma’s far northeastern section of the state, more commonly called “Green Country” by those who live in the area. It is a small park and mainly encompasses the tall waterfall that is also the namesake of the park. It’s a quaint area and here’s what to expect!
Useful Links for Natural Falls State Park
- Natural Falls State Park Official Website
- Current Mesonet Weather Conditions
- The Geology of Natural Falls publication
Pros
- Gorgeous creek in park
- Great waterfall trail
- Access to NW Arkansas
Cons
- Small park
- Only one RV area
- No other hiking in park
Camping at Natural Falls State Park
Camping at the campground was easy and there was plenty of space for RVs. Several of the sites had sewer hookups so make sure to check your reservations or call the office if you need those additional amenities for your RV. The eastern sites are right on the cliff of the creek and you can look down into the canyon area where the creek is. There are yurts on the eastern part of the park if you want to try a new and different camping experience too.
I stayed in site 19 and had a 20 and 30 amp connection without sewer. There’s a concrete picnic table and a small fire ring. It is important to have a backup cooking system since some fire rings may not have cooking crates. There were also several pull-through sites for longer RVs.
Hiking and Trekking at Natural Falls State Park
The sign inviting you to see the scenic waterfall at Natural Falls State Park. 
The fishing pond at Natural Falls State Park Oklahoma. 
The small dam holding back the fishing pond in the state park. 
Natural Falls which is the namesake of the state park in Northeastern Oklahoma. 
The fishing bond looking up the valley towards the waterfall in Northeastern Oklahoma. 
The falls and observation area at Natural Falls State Park OK.
There is a hiking trail that encircles the small state park. You can start the trail at several locations throughout the park but the main entrance is next to the parking lot on the northeastern side. The entire trail is about 1 mile to go around the whole park. The trail from the parking lot to the waterfall is only about a 1 to 2-minute walk on a paved walking trail.
You can continue past the waterfall and continue to a fishing pond and small dam which has plenty of grass and picnic tables if you’re into fishing or even take a break. You can continue beyond the fishing pond and go into the forest area and see several small caves and stream cuts all along the trail. Lastly, there are a couple of steep sections, especially if you start in the RV area, so wear good shoes.
The Area
Foothills of the Ozark Mountains describes this region perfectly. Green Country is an apt term too. This area of Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas is green, lush, still very wild, and has wonderful terrain and foothills for recreation.
This is also near the Illinois Scenic River which is a major summer river float area and there are several floating operations for summer fun. There are several parking areas if you want to stop along the road and just jump in the river too if you need a cheaper option.
This area is also rich in Cherokee history. The city of Tahlequah is the capital of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma. The government buildings of this Native American Nation are found in this city and have a storied history. You can visit several of these places during regular hours, including their Supreme Court.
Natural Falls State Park Ratings
Bathrooms
The handicap shower at Natural Falls State Park in the RV bathroom. 
The toilet stalls and sink area in the RV bathroom at Natural Falls SP Oklahoma. 
The two showers in the RV bathroom at Natural Falls State Park. 
The sink area at Natural Falls State Park Oklahoma. 
One of the showers at Natural Falls State Park Oklahoma 
One of the toilets in Natural Falls State Park RV bathroom. 
One of the toilets at Natural Falls State Park. 
The bathroom building at Natural Falls State Park Oklahoma.
The bathrooms were clean and I didn’t find anything too crazy in there. The showers were hot and everything looked maintained. It was during winter so use was minimal.
Campsites
The RV campground was well maintained and clean during my time there. The electrical outlet at my site has 20 and 30 amp plugins. Some of the sites had sewer plumbing so inquire with the office if you need one of those limited sites. Several spots were right on the cliff along the eastern part of the RV campground and had great views.
Activities at the park
The park is small and only has one main trail around the park that includes the section by the fishing pond and waterfall. There are several large fields and group shelters so a day trip would be a great time for families during the weekend.
Location
The park is located in Oklahoma’s “Green Country” and is in the foothills of the Arkansas’ Ozark Forest. There are several outdoor recreation opportunities in Arkansas and Oklahoma and most can be reached from the state park! It’s worth a stay if you’re traveling the area and you’ll be perfectly situated to go and explore Oklahoma or Arkansas from this spot.
Visible Cell Service
I was able to stream and make video calls. The rates were around 2.5Mbps download and about 5Mbps upload.
Conclusion
Natural Falls State Park is a wonderful small weekending park. The trail is very family friendly, the campgrounds were maintained, and there’s plenty of space for weekend activities and get togethers. There are some limitations due to the size of the park but there’s still great opportunities to see some cool things and even stay in the yurts if you want a new and different experience. This park should be a priority to visit due to its unique location and great proximity to many other cool spots in two states!
Yes, “Where the Red Fern Grows” used the waterfall as a backdrop for several scenes including the opening scene. A cave at the park was also used during the first encounter with the mountain lion.
The waterfall is 77 feet tall.
The waterfall was formerly called “Dripping Springs Waterfall” and many locals still call it that. According to OU, the name was switched when the area became a state park.
1 throught on "Natural Falls State Park Oklahoma Camping Review"