News Release

Chickasaw National Recreation Area closed while staff assess storm damage

The Black Sulphur Springs Picnic Area restroom building, taken May 1st, 2024

NPS Photo

News Release Date: May 1, 2024

Contact: Public Affairs

Sulphur, Okla.– Chickasaw National Recreation Area remains temporarily closed to all public access due to the unprecedented damage from a tornado that impacted the park and the town of Sulphur on April 27, 2024. National Park Service crews are conducting assessments on the damage. The park will remain closed until the assessments have been completed. 

“We want to thank everyone for their patience while we work to get areas of the park back open for the public,” said Acting Superintendent Devon Bradley. “We have brought in the NPS Intermountain Incident Management Team and given them a Delegation of Authority to assist the park with capacity as we work to mitigate safety hazards.” 

The NPS and the Incident Management Team understand how important Chickasaw National Recreation Area is to the local community. Staff are working diligently to systematically assess and stabilize basic infrastructure and resources in order to reopen areas to the public. 

The entire park is currently closed, to include: 

• All boat launches 
• All campgrounds 
• All trails 
• All picnic areas 
• Platt Historic District 
• Travertine Nature Center 
• Little Niagara, Bear, Garfield, and Panther Falls 
• Veterans Lake
• Lake of the Arbuckles 
• The Point 
• Buckhorn
• Guy Sandy 

Some areas may remain closed for an extended period of time as crews remove downed trees and debris. There is currently no timeline for area re-openings. 

Repairs are needed to many park buildings, roads, trails, bridges, and other infrastructure. All campground reservations and special use permits have currently been cancelled through May 13, and there may be further cancellations as conditions continue to be assessed. 

Large amounts of rain accompanied the storms, and heavy runoff has caused all waterways including Travertine Creek, Rock Creek, Veterans Lake, and Lake of the Arbuckles to flood with water and debris. With more rain on the way later this week, crews are monitoring creek and lake levels. Approximately 1,800 cubic feet per second of water is being released through the Arbuckle Dam. 

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.