5 gorgeous national parks within driving distance of Oklahoma City
Adventure surrounds Oklahoma in the form of many national parks and lakeshores. Many of these parks are well under a half-day's drive away. Some of them are longer but can be combined with other parks on the list for a longer road trip if long-distance drives in the car aren't your thing.
So here they are, five national parks and lakeshores drivable from OKC.
Chickasaw National Recreation area
Oklahoma
From Oklahoma City: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Located between Oklahoma City and Dallas, Chickasaw National Recreation Area features Lake of the Arbuckles, surrounded by six campgrounds and 20 miles of trails. It's named after the Chickasaw Nation but is operated by the National Park Service.
One of the more popular attractions is Travertine Creek, which is open to swimming from Little Niagara downstream.
Where to stay: There's camping in the park itself, but visitors can also seek out vacation rentals nearby, and hotels in Sulphur, Springer or Ardmore.
Hot Springs National Park
Arkansas
From OklahomaCity: 4 hours, 58 minutes
Enjoy the Hot Springs hiking trail of 26 miles, with great views and forest scenery. It stands as an icon for healing and a tribute to the “American Spa” of the 20th century, said the National Park Service.
Where to stay: Hot Springs National Park is in an urban area of the city of Hot Springs. Within the park, Gulpha Gorge Campground and the Hotel Hale offer accommodations for the night.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Texas
From Oklahoma City: 8 hours, 41 minutes
Eight of the 10 highest peaks in Texas are located at Guadalupe Mountains. Along with its high peaks, you can experience over 80 miles of hiking trails through desert flora.
Where to stay: Guadalupe Mountains has three developed campgrounds open year-round which are open to tent or vehicle camping (RVs, etc.) one of which can only be used by groups with horses.
There is no lodging (hotel, lodge, cabin) or dining inside the park. The nearest options are to the north in Carlsbad, New Mexico; to the south in Van Horn, Texas; and to the southwest in Dell City, Texas.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
New Mexico
From Oklahoma City: 8 hours, 21 minutes
Carlsbad Cavern's largest cave is the Lechuguilla Cave which expands for 140 miles. Access to this cave is limited to research and exploration only.
Where to stay: The park offers no overnight lodging or campgrounds, but there are plenty of accommodations in nearby White's City and Carlsbad, New Mexico.
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Scotts Bluff National Monument
Nebraska
From Oklahoma City: 10 hours, 54 minutes
Towering 800 feet above the North Platte River, Scotts Bluff has served as a landmark for peoples from Native Americans to emigrants on the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails to modern travelers, National Park Service said.
Where to stay: There is no lodging or camping available at Scotts Bluff National Monument, but accommodations are available in the nearby communities of Scottsbluff and Gering.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: National parks within driving distance of Oklahoma City