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While I’ve actually been a Texan for longer than I lived in Oklahoma, I still consider Oklahoma as my home as I was born and raised there, and most of my family still resides in the Sooner State. With that said, I would love to share my “home state’s” beauty and opportunities for discovery that are best experienced traveling in an RV. While I have not visited many of these places since I was a kid (my family spent many summer vacations exploring our state), I hope to revisit these places again as an adult and many are on upcoming itineraries.
Let’s get started checking out my list of favorite unique attractions that span from historically significant sites to stunning natural landscapes. This story will take you on a virtual RV journey through some of the best places Oklahoma has to offer, along with a few RV park recommendations to hang your hat on while you are there.
We start our journey in the heart of Oklahoma City, at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. This poignant and reflective site commemorates the tragic bombing that took place here in 1995. The museum provides a detailed narrative of the event, allowing visitors to pay their respects and learn about this pivotal moment in American history.
I remember to this day watching the chaos on live TV. It really hit home as one of the most lasting photos is of a friend of my father’s being rescued from the third floor. I visited this site not long ago, and you do not want to miss this beautiful memorial.
There are several other must-see attractions in Oklahoma City, and the next on the list is The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, previously known as the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. This is an integral part of Oklahoma’s cultural and historical narrative, showcasing the rich and diverse traditions of the American West.
From fine art and artifacts to interactive exhibits and events, the museum dives into the history and lore of cowboys, Native American cultures, Western performers, and the rugged pioneers who explored and settled the American West. Its standout features include the iconic statue ‘The End of the Trail,’ the expansive Western art collection, and a fully replicated early 1900s cattle town. This is a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the spirit of the West–I have so many fond memories of my grandparents taking us there often.
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is one of the nation’s top Zoos, located just northeast of downtown, the OKC Zoo encompasses over 119 acres and is home to more than 1,900 animals from 512 species around the globe. Visitors can marvel at elephants, tigers, giraffes, and exotic birds, all housed in habitats designed to mimic their natural environments. In addition to its impressive animal collection, the Oklahoma City Zoo also features a beautiful botanical garden, adding a lush, green landscape to the zoo’s ambiance. The garden includes a butterfly garden, a tropical rainforest, and the state’s largest walk-through outdoor flamingo exhibit. The zoo’s commitment to conservation, education, and family fun make it an essential stop for any Oklahoma City visitor.
There is also the Zoo Amphitheater, which holds concerts all year long. I’ve rocked out to many an eighties band there back in my teenage years!
Your RV home near the city could be the Twin Fountains RV Park, which is conveniently located near most of Oklahoma City’s attractions and offers full-service amenities, including a pool and a mini-golf course. We look forward to staying there soon.
Now let’s get out of the city and check out Oklahoma’s landscape and wildlife. A little over an hour down the highway from OKC, we travel to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. This expansive area near Lawton is home to a vast array of wildlife and offers outdoor activities such as hiking and bird watching. If you are wanting to test your fitness level, try biking up Mt. Scott like I did when I was 18. It’s not for the faint of heart, as it’s 3 miles up on a steep paved road. The trip down is totally worth it!
While in Lawton, also enjoy a historical exploration at the Museum of the Great Plains. This site provides an in-depth look into the cultural and natural history of the Great Plains region of North America.
For a true outdoor experience, RVers can use the Doris Campground, though it’s worth noting that this is a primitive campground with no hookups and booked through Recreation.gov. Be sure you are set up to boondock if you choose this campsite. If you want a full service RV Park, I’d recommend Pinnacle Peak RV Park.
Let’s jump over to South Central Oklahoma and we arrive at my neck of the woods where I grew up in Davis, OK. There is so much to do in this area! Check out Turner Falls Park, home to Oklahoma’s largest waterfall. This park offers natural swimming areas, hiking trails, and beautiful scenery.
Just seven miles down the road is Sulphur, home to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Chickasaw Cultural Center & Lake Arbuckle. This spot is perfect for boating, fishing, or a tranquil picnic by the water. The Turner Falls Park RV Hookups Campsite is the ideal place to park your home on wheels as you explore this natural wonder and surrounding area.
Next, we head to the ruggedly beautiful Robbers Cave State Park. Legend has it that outlaws once used the park’s caves as a hideout, and today, visitors enjoy hiking, fishing, and even horseback riding here. The park offers several campgrounds equipped with RV hookups, ensuring a comfortable stay amid nature.
Our journey continues to Quartz Mountain State Park, an outdoor lover’s paradise. Located near Lone Wolf, this park is known for its golden quartz sand, offering activities such as boating, rock climbing, and bird watching. An RV park with full hookups ensures that you can take full advantage of everything the park offers.
Heading back to city attractions, we visit Tulsa. Tulsa is a major cultural center in Oklahoma and some of the state’s best museums are there, including the Philbrook Museum of Art. The Italian-style villa is home to an extensive art collection ranging from European to Asian art.
The Gilcrease Museum is one of the country’s best facilities for the preservation and study of American art and history. The museum’s charm lies in its extensive collection of art from the American West, as well as artifacts from Central and South America. It houses the world’s largest, most comprehensive collection of art and artifacts of the American West, including an unparalleled collection of Native American art and material. The museum is also famous for its thematic gardens, which are inspired by various periods in American history.
For those interested in architecture, the Tulsa Art Deco District is a must-see. Tulsa experienced a significant economic boom in the early 20th century thanks to the oil industry, and a lot of the wealth was invested in grand architectural projects. Many of these beautiful buildings, inspired by Art Deco, are preserved in the downtown area.
Highlights include the Philcade Building, the Tulsa Club Building, and the Boston Avenue Methodist Church, which is considered one of the finest examples of ecclesiastical Art Deco architecture in the United States. Walking tours are available to fully appreciate these architectural gems.
While in Tulsa, check out Mingo RV Park, a perfect base to explore these as well as Tulsa’s other attractions, like the Tulsa Zoo.
Each of these Oklahoma attractions offers a unique slice of what this beautiful state has to offer. So load up your RV, buckle up, and get ready to create unforgettable memories as you journey through the Sooner State.
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