News Release

Central Campground, Cold Springs Campground, and Buckhorn at Chickasaw National Recreation Area to open

Date: May 12, 2024
Contact: Public Affairs

SULPHUR, Okla. – Beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 13, Chickasaw National Recreation Area will reopen the Central Campground, Cold Springs Campground, and the Buckhorn area of the park, including Buckhorn Campground Loops C and D, the boat launch, fishing dock, and picnic areas. Buckhorn Campground Loops A and B will remain closed until brush piles are removed. The park continues to recover from the tornado that touched on April 27. The tornado and associated heavy flooding caused significant damage to the park and the community of Sulphur. National Park Service crews have been working diligently to safely open sections of the park.   

Open Areas: 

• Cold Springs Campground 
• Central Campground 
• Buckhorn Campground Loops C and D 
• Buckhorn boat launch, courtesy dock, fishing dock, and picnic areas 
• Most of the Platt Historic District that is east of U.S. Route 177, including Southeast and Northeast Perimeter Drive, all trails east of the highway, the Travertine Nature Center and Little Niagara.  
• Guy Sandy courtesy dock, fishing dock, and boat launch. 
• The Point courtesy dock, fishing dock, boat launch, picnic areas, and campground. 

Closed Areas: 

• The western portion of the Platt National Park Historic District 
• Rock Creek Campground 
• Buckhorn Campground Loops A and B 
• Veterans Lake 
• All other areas within park boundaries not listed as open 

As you reenter the park, limit your stay to open areas. There are crews working with heavy equipment, and several types of active hazards still exist.

For more information about Chickasaw National Recreation Area and for updates on park operations, visit https://www.nps.gov/chic/planyourvisit/conditions.htm or follow the park’s social media accounts, username ChickasawNPS, on Facebook, X, and Instagram. 

About the National Park Service

More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 429 National Parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.