During visitors from all over, the Salt Flats are literally a sea of salt - and one of Oklahoma's most fascinating geological phenomenons. Boasting the only spot in the world where people can dig for hourglass selenite crystals, this park offers a wide variety of attractions.

Great Salt Plains Event Calendar

Location: Eight miles north of Jet on SH-38 in northwestern Oklahoma.

Features/Facilities:  

• 840 Park Acres

• 8,890 Acre Great Salt Plains Reservoir and salt flats (adjacent to the park)

• 6 Cabins

• 3 Camping Areas, 173 Campsites (S) (P) (D)

• Assigned Campground

• Community Building

• National Wildlife Refuge

• Swimming beach

• Boating

• Water Skiing

• Nature Trail

• Fishing

• Hunting

New kids on the block to the right

Nearby: Homesteader's Original Sod House



Jack Hill from Oklahoma City spotted 110 species of Birds in 1&1/2 days at Salt Plains Lake. Cherokee is on Hwy 8 eleven miles west of Great Salt Plains Lake.

Have fun in the Wilderness Area, hiking, bird watching, Auto Trails, Shorebird Preserve, Salt Plains Lake, Refuge, Byron State Fish Hatchery, Tours, Wildlife Area, Trails, Learning Center, 3 miles North of Lake Selenite Crystal Area. The Only place in the world the selenite crystals grow. Free Digging April through Mid October. Jack Hill offers FREE Birding Tours Starting 3rd Week in October -Call GSPA-1-580-596-3053

WOOD DUCK Boxes -$50- plus shipping. Call Great Salt Plains Association 1-580-596-3053-111 South Grand Cherokee 73728 Send for Free Plans for making a water garden in your back yard-Great Salt Plains Association-111South Grand Cherokee, Ok 73728 1-580-596-3053 cherpub@iamerica.net  

This 840 acre park is perhaps the most unique of all Oklahoma State Parks and has intrigued vacationers and rock hounds from all over the globe. Great Salt Plains State Park is the only spot in the world where crystal enthusiasts can dig for "hourglass selenite" crystals, a rare and fragile form of selenite (which is also known as a form of gypsum). The crystals are found in the area of the park's most fascinating geological phenomenon, its enormous salt flats. The origins of this expanse of salt are uncertain. One theory is that they are the remains of a prehistoric sea. Great Salt Plains Lake covers 9,300 acres with 41 miles of shoreline and is understandably, a shallow, salty lake--about 1/3 to 1/2 as salty as the ocean. A large federal wildlife refuge sits adjacent to the park with a primarily marshy habitat, making it an excellent area to observe many wildlife species, but mostly water fowl. The gold eagle and bald eagle are among the refuge's winter residents. The gorgeous Salt Fork branch of the Arkansas River flows through this 31,174 acre wildlife area and through part of the park's camping areas, with high bluffs and shallow stretches that are perfect for fishing. Recreational activities in the area include digging for crystals (from April to mid-October), fishing, boating, camping, picnicking, swimming, and hiking/ exploring. There are a total of 169 campsites that range from tent pads, to semi-modern RV sites with water and electricity. If outdoor camping is not what you prefer, the park has 6 cabins available to rent. There are numerous picnic sites including 5 group shelters. Other amenities include a softball field, a swimming beach, 3 playgrounds, 4 unlighted boat ramps, 1 fishing dock (handicapped accessible), 9 comfort stations - 3 with showers, and a community center building (with seating for 125 and a kitchen) that can be rented. Hiking includes the Tonkawa Trail, an easy 3/4 mile trail that is great for seniors and handicapped persons; and the George Sibley Trail, a seven mile multi-use trail for horses, hikers, and mountain bikers (an equestrian campground is available). There's something to interest everyone at Oklahoma's most unusual state park.

Location:

8 miles north of Jet on Hwy 38; 6 miles south of the junction of Hwy 11 and Hwy 38

Hours & Days of Operation:

Park Office open 8am - 5pm daily; Campgrounds open daily; Cabin Office open 8am - 5pm, year round with telephone service available after hours.

Recreation Activities:

Great Salt Plains