Salt Plains Oklahoma State Park Review

Salt Plains Oklahoma State Park is a great stop-over or weekend camping park. It’s located on Salt Plains Lake and offers all your standard RVing amenities and plenty of tent campgrounds too. It’s pretty large with plenty of space. Beyond the park and camp-style campground, there isn’t much else hiking or amenities. This is a great family weekend spot for some exploration like the selenite crystal digging area, a few short trails, and playgrounds.

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Pros

The unique geography and selenite crystals
Lots of birdwatching
Close to water and fishing

Cons

Very windy
Limited services and towns
No long hikes or big spaces

All About the Park

Salt Plains State Park is located near Jet Oklahoma and is situated on the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River. There are many RVing and tent camping areas located on both sides of the river and around the northern portion of the lake. Several playgrounds are around the state park for children and there’s ample space for fishing. You can expect some pretty remote camping and cell service may be spotty.

the sun setting red light on red cliffs over the river — Red cliffs across from the campground at Salt Plains Oklahoma State Park.

The park is located near the Salt Plains Wildlife Refuge which has some biking and hiking trails. The main attraction of the refuge is the selenite crystal digging area which is very unique and is worth the stop. The state park and the wildlife refuge are partners in enjoying the recreation around the lake.

white salty earth with holes scattered while people dig for crystals — The selenite digging area on the Salt Plains in Oklahoma.

Things to Do Around Salt Plains Oklahoma State Park

The selenite crystal digging area is located on the western end of the lake here. It’s a unique location that has a very specific and special crystal that is only found in this salt plain so don’t forget a shovel. It was very busy the day I visited and several locals were out digging with other state park guests. Please wear sunscreen and a hat because it is very white, reflective, and wide open. There is no protection from anything out there.

a white cylinder with a pipe of water spraying out from the tapped spring — The deVine spring north of the lake.

There are also several shorter hiking and driving trails on the northern part of the lake which are accessible in the spring and summer. The Original Sod House Museum showcases how the original westerners lived on the prairie and there is Gloss Mountain State Park about a 60-minute drive to the southwest for more hiking and unique landscapes. Finally, if you’re ever in need of freshwater the deVine water spring is located on the northern part of the lake and accessible here. I stopped every afternoon to refill jugs.

Around the Area

The largest town near the lake is Cherokee, OK. You can get all the basics such a Dollar General store and groceries. The next largest town is probably Alva, OK. This is a remote area of Oklahoma so plan accordingly. Other smaller antique shops are located around this part of Oklahoma and the Wakita Twister Museum is another area favorite.

a white crane flapping its wings while wading in brown water — One of the many cranes walking along the Salt Fork River.

Area Hospitals

The closest hospital with any kind of 24/7 service looks like Share Medical Center in Alva, OK. They say they have 24/7 on-call doctor emergency and you can see more info on their ER here. As always, make sure to check what options work best for you and remember western Oklahoma has some very remote patches.

Area Vetinarians

Here is one example of several options in the area located in Cherokee, OK: Salt Plains Veterinary Services and location. This vet offers after-hour calls for emergencies. Be sure to check your cell phone provider service map to make sure you’ll have service out there.

Salt Plains Oklahoma State Park Ratings

Bathrooms

The bathrooms were maintained and cleaned every morning but they are showing their age. I didn’t notice any huge issues and there was great hot water in the River Road bathhouse. It was an average experience.

Camp Sites

The River Road RV sites have all the electrical amenities for any major type of RV. There is also a water connection. There is no on-site sewer so you’ll have to take anything to the dump station at the end of the road.

a red truck and camping supplies on a picnic table at my camp site — The river road RV camp site in the state park.

Activities

You will have to drive to most things around the area unless you’re at the state park for fishing, swimming, or playgrounds.

Location

This place is remote even for Oklahoma. Prepare accordingly. There is also plenty of opportunities to enjoy the birds and fish and unique landscape if you’re interested.

Visible Cell Service

I had no cell service in all of Alfalfa County and the park. It made for a quiet and relaxing weekend but if you need service check your service map.

Conclusion

Salt Plains Oklahoma State Park is really there for those weekend warrior getaways with the family. It’s a great place to get away for a few days. There aren’t many offerings for those who want to get a few miles of hiking in, some backwoods camping, or having some wide-open spaces. This is just a standard RVing or camping experience. I did enjoy the birds and was able to get lots of pictures. I did see several people with spotting scopes and cameras doing the same.

Where can I dig for crystals in Oklahoma?

The selenite digging area is located on the western end of the Great Salt Plains Lake near Jet, OK. You are allowed to dig and keep the crystals.

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