Regardless of your summer travel plans, you can’t go wrong when you choose Turner Falls in Oklahoma. This town boasts lots of attractions. Its namesake waterfall will make you want to return again and again.
To help you plan your trip to Turner Falls, we have highlighted several interesting historical landmarks and recreational activities that you can enjoy during your visit. Plus, we have also included several well-rated Good Sam RV parks near Turner Falls.
Let’s get started!
The Falls!
Turner Falls. Getty Images
The main attraction here is a 77-foot waterfall on Honey Creek in Oklahoma’s Arbuckle Mountains. The falls are actually located in Turner Falls State Park, and the locals in the neighboring towns believe this to be the tallest waterfall in the entire state. Officially, however, there is an equally high falls located in Natural Falls State Park.
Even so, this waterfall has a gorgeous swimming hole at the bottom that is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. There are also several small rocks to jump off of and even a slide for fun entry into the swimming area.
Dr. Collings’ Rock Castle
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Originally built in the 1930s, Dr. Collings’ Rock Castle was officially abandoned in the 1980s. However, visitors to Turner Falls love to check it out every year. The castle was built entirely of native brick and stone and was home to Ellsworth Collings, who was the Dean of Education at the University of Oklahoma.
Natural Caves and Geologic Formations
There are a total of three natural caves near Turner Falls and you can also marvel at countless other geologic formations. Turner Falls is actually Oklahoma’s oldest state park. Check out the intriguing geologic insights into the state’s past.
Photo: Nuzree/Pixabay
In fact, some geologists have even compared it to the Black Hills of South Dakota and Arizona’s Grand Canyon in terms of significance to geologic research in America. The formation of sandstone, shale, granite, limestone and conglomerates serve as an annual tool for local educators on school field trips.
Camping
Camping is also allowed in certain parts of the park. There are RV sites, cabins, shelters, and even primitive campsites that can be rented for a stay right at the park. Primitive campsites cost $20 per night and full hookup RV sites cost $25. Currently, both primitive and RV sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
Cabins, as you might imagine, must be reserved in advance and there are a total of 12 of them in the park. Cabin rentals start at $200 per night, but the park also offers a total of 10 open-air shelters that sleep six people each. These shelters provide protection from sun and rain, and they are available for six-hour afternoon time slots starting at $40 each.
Photo: Cagatay Demir/Unsplash
Fishing
Fishing is also allowed in certain parts of the park. For a fee of $15 per day, you will receive entrance to the park and be able to keep up to 5 fish per day. However, most fishing here occurs between November and mid-March and all anglers must possess a current Oklahoma State fishing license to fish in the park.
A Little More About the Park
Turner Falls State Park is open daily from 7 am to 10 pm. There’s an entrance fee to get into the park and parking fees are based on where exactly you are headed, as there are three unique levels to the park.
The parking fee in Level 1 is $20 and the attractions in Level 1 include the waterfall and swimming pool, a second ‘Blue Hole’ pool, concession row, the castle, cabins, police and first aid services, and picnic areas.
One of the waterways around Turner Falls. Getty Images
The parking fee in Level 2 is $10, which is where you will find RV sites, day-use shelters, creek swimming, more picnic and cabin camping areas, onion burgers, and the park’s laundromat.
Finally, parking is free in Level 3 of the park. This area includes primitive campsites, hiking trails, creek swimming, and additional picnic areas.
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Good Sam RV Parks Near Turner Falls, Oklahoma
Here are a few beautiful RV parks and resorts that you should consider for your stay in Turner Falls:
This resort is just 30 minutes south of Turner Falls and it lies on the shores of Lake Murray. It also features a golf course and casinos nearby, as well as a dog park, game room, and fishing pond on site.
You will find a total of 128 sites at this resort. All of them boast full hookups with a maximum rig length of up to 75 feet. Additional amenities include a laundry service, a swimming pool and a small section of nature trails.
Do Drop Inn RV Resort
Do Drop Inn Resort near Turner Falls.
This Good Sam Park is a little further away from the falls (1.5 hours), but it is also just minutes away from Lake Texoma and the Choctaw Casino. So it might be a great option for longer visits when you just want to work in a day trip up to Turner Falls.
You will be able to enjoy a little more privacy at this resort because there are only 43 total sites. Of those sites, only 13 have full hookups and the maximum rig length in this park is up to 55 feet. Some of the other amenities you might enjoy include a hot tub and exercise room. Work up a sweat with the recreation hall and kayak rentals. Afterward, whet your whistle at the cocktail lounge.
Fall for the Falls
Turner Falls is a perfect summer getaway for Oklahoma residents and visitors alike. With all the history and recreation in the park, you certainly won’t find a shortage of things to do for a weekend. It can even fit into a week-long trip
As always, we wish you the healthiest and happiest of travels for this upcoming RV camping season. If you have any questions about Turner Falls, we would love to hear from you in the comments below! If you have visited, share your experiences!
