News Release

Guy Sandy boat launch and fishing dock at Chickasaw National Recreation Area to open

Date: May 7, 2024
Contact: Public Affairs

SULPHUR, Okla. – Chickasaw National Recreation Area continues to recover from the tornado that touched down in the park 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 some sections of the park. 

“We are making good progress, first opening the east portion of the Historic District and now the Guy Sandy boat launch to create access to Lake of the Arbuckles,” said Acting Superintendent Devon Bradley. “The other boat launches have extensive amounts of accumulated debris and flood damage so it will take longer to get open.” 

Open 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, boat ramp and Lake of the Arbuckles. 

 Closed Areas: 

• The western portion of the Platt National Park Historic District 
• All campgrounds 
• Veterans Lake 
• All other areas within park boundaries not listed as open 

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.    

As you reenter the park, please 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.