Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Overview

Chickasaw National Recreation Area is located in south-central Oklahoma near Sulphur in Murray County, in the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains. The park experienced significant damage from an EF-3 tornado on April 27, 2024, which impacted the western half of the Platt Historic District and other areas. However, the park has made substantial recovery progress and is now approximately 95% open as of late summer 2025. Most major areas including Veterans Lake, Lake of the Arbuckles, Rock Creek Campground, Bromide Hill, The Point (boat launch, picnic areas, and campground), Cats Eye Road, Bromide Pavilion and Picnic Area, Bluestem Prairie, and the eastern Platt Historic District are all open and operational. Some areas remain closed for ongoing tornado recovery work, including Black Sulphur Springs, Walnut Grove, portions of the Northwest Perimeter Road, Blackjack Road and Picnic Area, Eagle Bay, and Catfish Bottoms. Congress secured $25.97 million in funding for continued recovery efforts. The park offers water-based recreation with springs, streams, and lakes for swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and hiking across over 20 miles of trails. Visitors should check current conditions before arrival as recovery work continues and new hazards may emerge with weather events.