Webpage version of park brochure for e-readers

Chickasaw

Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Oklahoma

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

SIDE ONE

Water is the attraction at Chickasaw National Recreation Area, whether it takes the form of springs, streams, or lakes. At Little Niagara and Rock Creek, shaded streams beckon waders and swimmers. Veterans Lake calls anglers to test their skills. Lake of the Arbuckles provides excellent motorboating, skiing, sailing, fishing, and swimming.

Chickasaw’s mineral springs result from water passing through underground rock layers that form a canoe-shaped structure called a syncline. Water enters the high point of this formation and travels downhill. Pressure then forces the water up through fissures in the rock layers. Some rock layers contain sulphur and bromine; water coming through these layers collects the minerals, becoming mineral water. Water passing through rock layers without these minerals is considered fresh water.

Folklore tells of ancient people who called this place “Peaceful Valley of Rippling Waters.” Many believed that the waters had healing powers.

In the early 1800s the federal government began to move American Indians—Choctaw, Chickasaw, and others—from east of the Mississippi River to this area. In 1855, land that is now part of the national recreation area was deeded to the Chickasaw Nation.

By the late 1890s settlers had built a town at Sulphur Springs. Its hotels and bathhouses promoted the waters’ medicinal qualities. Concerned that overuse would deplete the area’s unique natural resource, local residents sought to preserve the springs. To that end, in 1902 the Chickasaw and Choctaw nations sold the springs and a 640-acre buffer to the Department of the Interior. Senator Orville Hitchcock Platt of Connecticut sponsored the legislation establishing it as Sulphur Springs Reservation. Senator Platt died in 1905; in 1906 the reservation boundaries were expanded and the name changed to Platt National Park. In the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps built pavilions, roads, trails, and waterfalls and planted over 500,000 trees in the park. In 1976 Platt National Park, Arbuckle Recreation Area, and additional lands were combined to create this nearly 10,000-acre recreation area. The legislation creating the new area stipulated that it be named Chickasaw National Recreation Area to commemorate the Chickasaw Nation’s cooperation in establishing the park in 1902.

image: Buffalo Springs

image: Sunset over Lake of the Arbuckles

image: Bromide Pavilion

image: Travertine Creek

About Your Visit

Chickasaw National Recreation Area has activities all year. Stop at the Travertine Nature Center for exhibits, a park film, books, and information about the area’s history, wildlife, and geology. Activities include nature walks, ranger talks, and seasonal programs. Check the website for current hours.

Park Administration

The National Park Service manages the area, provides for recreational uses, and cares for the park’s natural and cultural features. Open weekdays except federal holidays. National Park Service ranger stations are in the Platt Historic District and at Lake of the Arbuckles (at The Point and Buckhorn).

Chickasaw National Recreation Area is one of over 400 parks in the National Park System. To learn more about national parks and National Park Service programs, visit www.nps.gov.

Recreation Abounds

Swimming

Streams are cold and clear all year. Do not use soap or shampoo in streams. At lakes, swim in boat exclusion areas. Never swim alone, near fishing docks, near boat ramps, after dark, or from an unanchored boat.

Watersports

Personal watercraft (PWC) are permitted from sunup to sundown on Lake of the Arbuckles. Waterskiers must be accompanied by two people: the boat operator and a spotter. Wear an approved life preserver (PFD) at all times.

Boating

Boats and canoes all share the waves. Use designated ramps. Federal and state laws apply. Do not overload boats. Keep safety equipment in good working order. Do not refuel craft when on the water. Be safe—alcohol, drugs, and boating do not mix. Wear an approved PFD. Launch permits are required to use boat ramps (fee).

Boating Safety Guide

Danger Shallow water, rocks, other hazards.

Restricted Area Boats prohibited.

Controlled Area Speed limits, no skiing, no wake.

Regulations www.nps.gov/chic/parkmgmt/watercraft-regulations.htm

Fishing

Lake of the Arbuckles and Veterans Lake have wheelchair-accessible docks. Rods and reels only on Veterans Lake; state license required.

image: Largemouth Bass

This popular catch is often confused with smallmouth and spotted bass. The largemouth’s upper jaw extends past its eye socket.

image: White Crappie

A favorite catch in winter, the crappie is a stream fish also well-adapted to large lakes.

Ranger-Led Programs

For ranger-led program schedules ask a ranger or check bulletin boards. Organized groups need advance reservations year-round.

Activities Ashore

Picnicking

Picnic areas have tables and grills. You can reserve Buckhorn and Veterans Lake picnic pavilions at www.recreation.gov.

Camping

Most campsites are first-come, first-served (fee). Register and pay at the campground. Some campsites may be reserved; call 877-444-6777 or go to www.recreation.gov. Buckhorn and The Point have wheelchair-accessible sites.

Hiking

The park maintains over 20 miles of trails, from short, level strolls to steep, uneven climbs.

Ecotone

The transition area between two ecological communities. This is a characteristic of Chickasaw, where eastern woodlands meet western mixed-grass prairie.

The Prairie

All prairies have common traits. They exist on flat or rolling terrain. Rainfall averages between 10 and 40 inches per year and is concentrated, so every year has both wet and dry periods. Constant winds evaporate moisture and contribute to the dryness—and winds spread fire. A natural force, fire weakens or kills trees, but most grasses survive and as a result may grow better. Although called “The Great American Desert,” this mixed-grass prairie once fed the large buffalo herds of the West. Stretching from the Dakotas to north-central Texas, these grasslands have historically supported a variety of wildlife. Today many plant and animal species live here, including buffalo grass, Indian grass, roadrunners, and coyotes.

image: Yucca

image: Scorpion

image: Tarantula

image: Roadrunner

image: Western diamondback

image: Scissor-tailed flycatcher

image: Juniper

image: Bobwhite quail

The Edge

As you travel through Chickasaw watch how habitats change from eastern woodland to prairie and back to woodland again. Where these habitats meet (see Ecotone, above left) there are more plant and animal species than in either woodland or prairie habitat alone. Known as the “edge effect,” this increase in species results from the increased food and shelter choices where habitats overlap. At the edges woodland sumac and wild turkeys live amid prairie yucca and bobwhite quail. The cardinal’s eastern range overlaps the scissor-tailed flycatcher’s mid-continent range. These woodland and prairie edges are the best places to see wildlife.

image: Coyote

image: Coreopsis

image: Cottontail rabbit

image: Red cedar

image: Wild turkey

image: Chinkapin oak

image: Bobcat

image: Prickly pear cactus

The Woodland

In Chickasaw’s forests you will find many trees—sycamore, oak, hickory, walnut, pecan, and more. But a forest is more than trees. By looking carefully you can discover other residents of the forest habitat. Dead trees and the forest floor provide homes to many species. You can see fungi on decaying leaves and tree trunks. Trails through the park’s forested area give hikers a chance to see wildlife and their traces. Watch for tracks left by nocturnal animals, owl pellets, and other signs of nighttime activity. Armadillos appear in the early evening, shuffling alongside trails. Alert forest visitors may be rewarded with glimpses of beaver, gray fox, skunks, hawks, or raccoons.

image: White-tailed deer

image: Nine-banded armadillo

image: Beaver

image: Red-tailed hawk

image: Sycamore

image: Barred owl

SIDE TWO

Exploring Chickasaw

Map: Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Map: Region

Chickasaw National Recreation Area is 90 miles south of Oklahoma City, OK, and 140 miles north of Dallas/Fort Worth, TX.

Planning Your Visit

Things To See and Do

Outdoors or in, you’ll find activities here that are right for you. Streams and lakes attract boaters, swimmers, and anglers. Forests and prairies reward hikers, photographers, and campers. At Travertine Nature Center you can see live animals and experience nature up close.

Food, Lodging, Services

Food, lodging, gasoline, rentals, and services are available at Sulphur and Davis.

Climate

Summers are hot and humid; winters mild. Thunderstorms are common April through July.

Springs

Fresh Water

Antelope and Buffalo springs, with a daily combined flow of about 5 million gallons, feed Travertine Creek.

Mineral Water

Hillside, Pavilion, Black Sulphur, and other springs produce mineral water. The National Park Service neither substantiates nor denies claims about the water’s therapeutic values.

Swimming/Wading

Know your limits. Don’t swim if you’re tired, chilled, or overheated. Glass containers are prohibited along creeks. Wear shoes when wading. Don’t dive from waterfalls or stream banks. Swimming and wading are prohibited east of Little Niagara. Don’t place rope swings in trees.

Park Trails Highlights

Trails vary in difficulty and length. Bicycles and pets are pro­hibited east of Travertine Nature Center.

Antelope and Buffalo Springs

Easy: 1.2 miles, roundtrip. Follow Travertine Creek’s gentle, rippling waters to the springs.

Travertine Creek

Easy: 1.5 miles, one-way. This trail follows the creek between Pavilion Springs and the Travertine Nature Center.

Bison Pasture

Moderate: 1.9 miles, loop. Watch for bison (buffalo). Do not enter fenced area.

Rock Creek Multiuse

Four trails, 2.1 to 4.4 miles, one-way. This network of hiking, bicycling, and horse trails passes through an area where eastern deciduous forest meets western mixed-grass prairie.

Veterans Lake

Easy: 2.9 miles, loop. Upland prairie and riparian areas surround Veterans Lake. This trail is concrete-paved. Enjoy a hardwood forest, mixed-grass prairie, and beaches.

Campgrounds

The park has six campgrounds with over 400 campsites. All campgrounds have tables, grills, restrooms, and water. Camp in designated sites only. Maximum stay is two weeks. A limited number of individual and group sites can be reserved: 877-444-6777; www.recreation.gov.

Platt Historic District has three campgrounds: Cold Springs, Central, and Rock Creek. All three are suited for tent camping and small campers. No electric hookups. A sanitary disposal station is outside Rock Creek near Bromide Pavilion.

Lake of the Arbuckles has three campgrounds: Buckhorn, The Point, and Guy Sandy. Buckhorn and The Point have lakeside campsites, limited electric hookups, showers, and a sanitary disposal station.

Accessibility

We strive to make our facilities, services, and programs accessible to all; call or check our website for details.

Safety and Regulations

Stay alert. Your safety is your responsibility. Observe posted speed limits. Stay on roads. Don’t stop, park, or wash vehicles in low-water crossings. Never drive through flooded creek crossings.
Pets must be leashed and attended. Pets are prohibited in buildings and swimming areas.
Campfires are allowed only in designated areas; extinguish fires completely.
Copperheads, cottonmouths, and rattle­snakes live here. Watch where you put your hands and feet.
Do not feed or approach wildlife.
Federal law protects all natural and cultural features.
Hunt and fish only in designated areas in season. Federal and state laws apply. State licenses required. Trapping is prohibited. For hunting, fishing, and firearms regulations see www.nps.gov/chic.
More safety information at www.nps.gov/chic/planyourvisit/yoursafety.htm.

Emergencies call 911

More Information

National Park Service

901 W. 1st St.

Sulphur, OK 73086

580-622-7234

www.nps.gov/chic

National Park Foundation

Join the park community.

www.nationalparks.org