Canvassing Chickasaw Country
In 2010, I had the pleasure of serving as the original Chickasaw Country content creator, which was a dream job for a twenty-something with a case of wanderlust. I was charged with covering the whole of Oklahoma’s south-central 13 counties, which includes dining, entertainment, adventure, shopping, and more. This summer, Chickasaw Country invited us, and our Ember RV, to explore the Chickasaw National Recreation Area through a new perspective: as a mom and avid camper. While this is a paid opportunity, all opinions are absolutely mine.
The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is an original travel destination that flies seemingly under the radar making it a twentieth century Cinderella story. You’ll be left wondering, “how did we not know about this place?”
Wildly accessible and über convenient, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area is where to plan your next camping adventure, or pit stop, as it comes with all qualities of a five-star destination: clean, safe camp sites, outdoor activities, cultural experiences, proximity to dining venues, and entertainment points of interest.
For historical context, the park has gone through many phases of branding. Originally it was known as Sulphur Springs Reservation and it was later named Platt National Park, becoming the 7th National Park in the United States. In 1976, Platt National Park and the Arbuckle Recreation Area were combined to become the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
The recreation area consists of two main areas: Travertine district, which embraces the original Platt National Park, and Lake of the Arbuckles, which is known for its excellent fishing, water sports, camp sites, and public hunting lands.
Lake of the Arbuckles
Ember RV Overland Series parked at the Chickasaw Nation Recreation Area The Point campground
Lake of the Arbuckle campsites (30- and 50-amp, reservable sites) are deliciously private, giving secluded vibes even though they’re located close to water access points. Campsites do not include sewer hookups, but dump sites are on property.
Whether you plan to reel in a few large mouth, hunt public land, or swim on the shore, Arbuckle Lake is a stunner in its own right.
You’ll absolutely want to catch a sun set on the lake.
You can, ringing-affirmative, make plans to stay within the confines of your camp site and leave refreshed and rested; however, this destination ensures you have more things to do than your heart may desire.
Travertine district
The Travertine Nature Center
The recreation area is intertwined within and around the city of Sulphur, which its early 1900s celebrity is the catalyst of the recreation area’s national status. Sulphur Springs is akin to healing waters of Arkansas’ Hot Springs or New Mexico’s Ojo Caliente, which is one of the primary reasons during the early years of this area it’s said there were more visitors than Yellowstone.
When tent camping, Cold Springs Campground sites are a strong pick based on location alone, which will allow you to experience the recreation area like it’s not your first rodeo. With a tent site within walking distance to Little Niagara Falls and The Travertine Nature Center, you’ll have a head start on day visitors and the ability to hit the trails early.
Make Little Niagara Falls a priority if you’re traveling with children. Pack a cooler, water shoes, and a few towels, because this is a fan-favorite. It’s obvious today’s visitors receive as much joy from the water feature as visitors did in the early 1900s. Simply, it transcends time.
The Bromide Hill loop is 2.4 mile moderate hike providing tremendous views, which are matched only by viewing American bison grazing on their new pasture within the park.
Cultural Adventures
The Chickasaw Cultural Center is on the level of every great cultural venue you’ve ever experienced in every great city in the world.
Chickasaw Cultural Center, Sulphur, Okla.
All aspects of your experience from design details to storytelling, from hands-on educational demonstrations to replica structures and from native cuisine to the soundtrack pumped through the speakers immerse your senses and respective learning styles into the culture of the Chickasaw Nation.
Aaimpa' Café, Chickasaw Cultural Center. The Chickasaw Special: Indian taco featuring homemade fry bread, pashofa, grape dumplings.
It’s impossible to leave without learning, feeling, or physically participating in the environment.
When given the chance to participate, say “yes.” Join the stomp dance. Create artwork. Watch the movie.
Stomp Dance Demonstration, Chickasaw Cultural Center
Pro tip: enter the cultural center by taking the Cats Eye Road through the recreation area crossing the Inkana' Bridge [CNRA map, Chickasaw Cultural Center map] into the traditional village. Mid-summer you’ll find the Spiral Gardens blossoming and the stomp dances setting the tone for your time at the award-winning space.
Sunflowers featured in the Three Sisters Garden at the Chickasaw Cultural Center, Sulphur, Okla.
Taylor family on the Inkana' Bridge, Chickasaw Cultural Center
Back in Sulphur, it’s imperative you visit the ARTestian, which is only a few steps down the street from the The Artesian Hotel, Casino & Spa. Featuring native artists and makers, you’ll have the opportunity to visit with creatives and see, first-hand, the talent within the Chickasaw Nation.
Additionally, you have the unique ability to support local Chickasaw artists by investing in unique artworks for your own home.
The Artestian
The Artesian Hotel, Sulphur, Okla.
It’s unfair to call The Artesian a hidden gem, although to those yet to experience the new, yet historic, venue, that’s exactly what it is.
Today’s reimagined and rebuilt luxurious hotel takes all the reasons for the initial venue’s existence and up-levels it to a restorative, peaceful destination complementary to the natural wonders of the therapeutic sulphur springs.
The Artesian Hotel, Sulphur, Okla.
Sole’renity Spa
The Chickasaw Nation holds a high standard for all it does in the world, which means for seasoned spa goers, the excellence exceeds your already high bar at the Sole’renity Spa.
When visiting, experience the full breadth of the spa, which means, yes, book the massage, and also stay for a sulphur hydra soak, the star-lit eucalyptus steam sauna, and drink your weight in infused water.
Services are expansive and a day-pass is a tremendous compliment to a camping excursion.
Little Soles Spa
Children need not be left out, as the Little Soles Spa, housed within The Artesian, is by far one of the cutest experiences to introduce your children to the world of treating-your-self. With custom facials, manicures and pedicures on the list of services, kids leave feeling as refreshed as they’d feel as if they actually took their nap, which of course they absolutely need after a morning at Little Niagara.
Arbuckle Wilderness
With kids in tow, nearby Arbuckle Wilderness is a can’t-miss drive-thru experience. The laughs are next level and ostriches know no personal space. Do arrive early during warmer months to ensure a well-spotted excursion.
Sustenance
Treat yourself to local fare at Smokin’ Joes Rib Ranch, which has entered the chat in the national barbecue conversation. Opposite North Carolina barbecue spectrum and within the mix of Texas and Kansas City, the rich, hearty sauce is delightful on fan favorite pulled pork and, of course, ribs.
Hidden within local roads on the eastern side of the Arbuckle Lake, Fat Bully’s by the Lake a biker joint with a full, family-friendly menu.
Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies, Davis, Okla.
First rule of canvasing Chickasaw Country: cannot pass near Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies and not stop at Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies. It’s a rule for a reason.
The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is a destination that truly has the ability to fill your dance card whether you’re staying for a night or for an extended stay. Every trip can be tailored to your current life season, which makes this a life-long travel destination.
To plan your next visit to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area visit ChickasawCountry.com and search by Things To Do, Food & Drinks, and Accommodations.
