Best Glamping near Waynoka, OK

Salt Plains State Park Campground and Alabaster Caverns State Park provide luxury camping options in a scenic Oklahoma setting. Both parks offer glamping-style accommodations including yurts at Salt Plains, providing comfortable amenities while maintaining a connection with nature. Salt Plains features climate-controlled units with proper bedding, electricity and proximity to the park's unique salt flats where visitors can dig for crystals. The sites are spacious enough for various glamping setups, with picnic tables and nearby modern restroom facilities with hot showers. One guest shared, "The campground was underused when I camped there, with electric, water and typical amenities including a great hot shower, I'd go out of my way to camp here again."

The crystal digging area at Salt Plains offers a distinctive experience available from April through October, making it an ideal destination for glamping enthusiasts seeking unique outdoor activities. Visitors can bring shovels to unearth hourglass-shaped selenite crystals found nowhere else in the world. For those staying at Alabaster Caverns, the guided cave tours showcase the natural gypsum formations and resident bat species. Hiking trails wind through both parks, providing scenic viewpoints and wildlife observation opportunities. The parks' relative isolation creates exceptional stargazing conditions, with minimal light pollution allowing for spectacular night sky viewing. According to a camper, "It gets a bit chilly inside the caverns, so wear decent shoes due to slick, muddy spots and a jacket." Both locations maintain reservable sites with amenities that enhance the glamping experience year-round.

Best Glamping Sites Near Waynoka, Oklahoma (3)

    1. Alabaster Caverns State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Freedom, OK
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 621-3381

    "You have to hike down into the canyon to a make-shift campsite near a cave opening."

    "Fire pits had cooking services, more than one picnic table, good restrooms."

    2. Salt Plains State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Jet, OK
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 626-4731

    $15 - $25 / night

    "Living next to Oklahoma and exploring it most of my life, I always thought that Oklahoma’s camping was just an extension of Texas, very similar in nature, climate and vegetation."

    "Besides having to navigate around bridge construction on highway 38, this was an excellent trip. We started the day by heading straight to the visitors center, nature trail, and auto tour."

    3. Sandy Beach

    1 Review
    Jet, OK
    42 miles

    "I think next time I’ll drive home bc I can’t stand salt on my body. The feeling is awful to me lol."

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Recent Glamping Photos near Waynoka, OK

2 Photos of 3 Waynoka Campgrounds


Glamping Reviews near Waynoka, OK

42 Reviews of 3 Waynoka Campgrounds


  • Dana H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 12, 2025

    Alabaster Caverns State Park Campground

    Slept in cave...

    Many years ago, I decided I wanted a real adventure, so I heard Alabaster Caverns would let you sleep in a cave. I don't know if they still do it, but it was a wild adventure. You have to hike down into the canyon to a make-shift campsite near a cave opening. There was a table, a fire pit off to the side, and a little obstacle course of tree limbs to get to the cave mouth that overlooked a straight drop to the ground. Inside the cave were rocks flattened on the top to be made to be beds. They are close to the cave ceiling (important). In the back of the cave was a little waterfall. Now, while you are lying down, yes, bats can come in and out. It's cool. They aren't interested in you. It was a great adventure.

  • M
    May. 17, 2020

    Alabaster Caverns State Park Campground

    Let down

    We camped here for a weekend. There was no fire pits for the rv sites. The sites were super close together. The bathrooms were really clean but the showers were a little gross and there was no hot water for them. The main reason we came were for the caverns and despite there being a sign and information online that the cavern would be open, they were still closed because of the Rona.

    Despite that, the staff was nice and the trails were beautiful. Just didn’t get to see the caves.

    Or have a fire....

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2019

    Salt Plains State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Charcoal Banner & Oak Scout Hat At Great Salt Plains SP

    CLICK HERE for full video on this location including camping accommodations and dig site information

    Finding a campground which also offers unique activities is something I truly enjoy. While many might have hiking or lake activities, finding something which is a bit outside of the box is a little more of a rare find, especially in certain areas of the country. Living next to Oklahoma and exploring it most of my life, I always thought that Oklahoma’s camping was just an extension of Texas, very similar in nature, climate and vegetation. That was until I discovered the Great Salt Plains State Park in northern Oklahoma. 

    Removed from much of popular civilization the campground is pretty well off the beaten path. Neighboring the small community of Jet, you will drive for miles and miles seeing only farmland with an occasional silo marking a town in this section of Oklahoma. Then out of nowhere the farms transition into a white glaze which is unmatched by the lands around. It almost looks as though snow is laying in the distance, but snow it is not…. It is salt!

    **Campground Review: **

    Pulling into the Great Salt Plains State Park there are a variety of options for accommodation you will want to explore. Offering cabins at a reasonable$99 a night, unimproved camping for$14 and RV camping from$22-$25 per night the price point is right on target for most campers. But one thing to note is that the campgrounds themselves are not directly on the Salt Plains, instead these are located closely to the waterways of the location, giving a much cooler and more shaded place to enjoy your time away from home. 

    With a variety of camping options also comes a variety of vantage points, with some campsites in the more improved locations highlighting the shoreline of the Arkansas River while others overlook the lake from beyond the spillway. I was very pleased with the views available and the variety of options for anglers, boaters and campers alike. This did not feel strictly like a lake campground like so many of the camps do in this region.

     The office of the grounds does close rather early at 4 p.m. so it made catching staff a bit harder as there didn’t seem to be anyone actively patrolling the park, with the exception of the dig site for the salt plains…(yes, I said dig site… but we will get to that in a moment). With that being said and also limited cell service, you really need to make sure you are prepared before coming to this remote location. 

    Of the many camping loops, the one closest to the campground office seemed the least interesting to me personally. There was limited tree coverage, spaces were closely packed together and the restroom was only a port a potty, which in the Oklahoma sun can become a little less than desirable to visit. This portion of the park seemed to be designed mostly for RVs. 

    Another one which slightly was confusing to me was the official primitive site campground. There is a small community of homes which border the lake on this side and a small stretch of campground separates the homes from the shoreline itself. This seemed a bit uncomfortable for me camping solo to be basically right in someones backyard. This site had beautiful tall trees, great site spacing and the view was amazing so it was a bit unfortunate that this site was so close to everyone’s backyard. 

    The most appealing sites to me were those along the river which had amazing views and some of the most improved restrooms at the park. These were capable of accommodating both tents and RVs and had connections and amenities which would far surpass other campsites. Here you could find running water, flush toilets and showers in addition to a playground for the kiddos, fish cleaning stations and trash services. A small outdoor chapel/ampitheater was available in this area as well which would be ideal for a group camp. 

    Sites in this area are the highest of the park ranging between $22 and$25 but they are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, grills, lantern hooks and easy to pull in and out areas. You can literally walk to the water and be in the river playing or fishing in seconds from any site in this location. 

    But now to the points of interest of this park…. The Salt Plains! 

    The unique ecosystem of this area is one to come out and see. There are several observation points in which you can view the birds and other wildlife which call this area home. But one of the things which makes it differ so much from other habitats are the Selenite crystals which can be found as a result of the salt and water table in this area. Birds are drawn to these and often you will find small nests housing eggs lined in crystals. It is unique to say the least. 

    But if you are not a bird watcher, there is still something for you…. Digging for Crystals!  Yep, you can get hands on and dig into the plains around 2 feet down and find that the water will start flooding into the hole you created. From here you simply need to splash water along the sides of your new dig and expose your jewels to take harvest. Sound to good to be true? Well it is not! It really is that easy!! 

    And unlike the locations across the country which tell you to not take the sands, dirt, rocks or formations with you, you can take everything you find home with you!! 

    It is a great activity which can leave you busy for minutes, hours or even days and something which is fun for the entire family. On my trip we started early on an August morning and dug for approximately 3 hours. We brought our own sifters, a few jugs of water for cleaning off our finds and a shovel which seemed to be all we needed to find more than our fair share of crystals. 

    Crystals come in many shapes and sizes but the most coveted are large clusters or hourglass crystals. The crystals are mineral rich and appear to have a chocolate brown to redish tone based on the contents found in the soil which create them. And the unique thing about them and why we are allowed to take what we find home, is they are constantly regenerating. 

    Dig site is closed from October to April for migration of wildlife so you will want to plan a trip during the peak months to assure you will be able to dig. Don’t worry about crowds it isn’t terrible even on the most busy of days and there are plenty of crystals to be found.

    **TIPS: **

    • Come early if you need park assistance. Offices close at 4 p.m. however you can check into sites through the honor box system. 
    • Make sure to cruise Highway 11 when in the area and check out the Artesian Well which offers motorists a cool drink of water along the way which is fresh and delicious. Bring your jugs and fill them up if you would like. 
    • Cabin rentals must be booked in advance as there are limited numbers available.

    **Product Review: **

    For this trip knowing that the shade would be limited on the Great Salt Plains I made sure to pack the Banner& Oak Scout Hat in Charcoal Grey. This hat is designed as a summer hat with a snapback and breathable meshing to allow heat to escape and wind to come through. 

    I wanted something which would provide a bit more shade for my face than simply wearing a bandana to pull my hair back and this was a great fit for doing just that. 

    The hat itself is easy to size and while it is a men’s hat it easily could be sized down to fit my head and still feel comfortable yet secure. It did not appear bunched in the back like some men’s hats can when worn by women, I personally have a relatively small head so this is a huge deal to me. 

    The charcoal color did not attract as much heat as I thought it might and I felt comfortable even being out for 3 hours diggings and 2 hours exploring the day before. 

    The design of the hat is a must for anyone who, like myself, loves tent camping as the patch is a tent with a unique design and a great way to express yourself even in the most simplistic of ways. 

    I think a lot of people neglect to realize that they can wear a basic camping or exploring outfit and then completely change the vibe with the addition of the right hat. From the design and color to the way you wear your hat, all of these things are expressive of your own unique personality. I will definitely be adding this hat to my stack of hats I take on lengthy road trips, it has great feel to it, the brim was shaped well and mesh back makes it perfect for warm to hot climates.

    **TIPS: **

    • Don’t be afraid to explore different styles from Banner& Oak. There are several styles which are available to both men and women which can be great for taking your camping look to the next level. 
    • Never forget a hat, this is not only fashion but function as it provides a shade for your face and also can greatly aid in your internal temperature control. During winter months especially this is important as you lost the vast majority of your body heat through your head.
  • Eric R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2021

    Alabaster Caverns State Park Campground

    Fantastic Sites

    We had a large area that was great for tents and hammocks. Fire pits had cooking services, more than one picnic table, good restrooms.

  • Richard
    Jun. 3, 2019

    Alabaster Caverns State Park Campground

    The cave tour is worth the drive

    We really enjoyed the cave tour. A very knowledgeable guide took us through the cave and showed us all the cave features. The cave tour is a great idea in the heat of the summer since it’s nice and cool down there. We hiked a couple of the trails. There were some strenuous parts but the scenery is worth it. The RV sites looked nice but I don’t think I’d want to tent camp here. The tent camping site is on a slope and there doesn’t really seem to be a good place to pitch a tent. Great for a day trip though.

  • Dusty G.
    May. 22, 2017

    Salt Plains State Park Campground

    Low impact outdoor fun

    We were looking for a park that had plenty of amenities for the whole family to enjoy. Typically, our camping/hiking trips are just for my wife and dogs with intentions of long rigorous hikes. However, this weekend we needed a place to take an inexperienced party.

    Besides having to navigate around bridge construction on highway 38, this was an excellent trip. We started the day by heading straight to the visitors center, nature trail, and auto tour.

    The nature trail was perfect for my 3-year-old niece to walk. Occasional benches, mowed and manicured paths, and designated lookouts were excellent for everyone in our party. The auto tour was literally a one way driveable trail through the park flanked with scenic views making nature accessible for those unable walk long distances or rough terrain.

    Next we drove to the salenite crystal digging areas. There are designated sections of the park where patrons can dig for salt crystals. There is no charge, and the scenery is like nothing else in Oklahoma. Bring a shovel, dig about a foot down and sift through the sand to find crystals of different shapes and size. Note, your car will likely get salty, so make sure to wash it off quickly afterward to avoid any erosion.

    We camped near the spillway on the south side of the lake. The spillway offered a really cool view and has stairs that lead right to the waters edge. Campsites were tidy, mowed, and well maintained.

  • ShaneB
    Sep. 1, 2020

    Salt Plains State Park Campground

    A great gateway to adventures

    The camping at Great Salt Plains State park is a fine place to park the camper and stay, but most of the adventure is elsewhere in the park/refuge. You'll need to drive to get to almost everything. 

    We stayed at the Sandy Beach Campground. This review is for that campground. If I had to do it again (I will) I would stay at the River Road Campground. It's much more shaded, more isolated and along the river. Not to mention the awesome Cliff Swallow flights from under the river bridge!

    The campsite is clean and simple. The sites on the western edge have more shade than the rest, the sites in the center of the loop can feel strangely exposed with little in the way of natural boundaries between sites. 

    Noise level: Look... this is a OK stake park lake site. Yes it's attached to a national refuge. Yes there are awesome things to see and do. But it's still a lakeside park. So, expect lots of huge 5th wheels with big outdoor speakers. In the summer I would guess there will be at least one camper who wants to share his music with you. It's a shame... but it's true. There is also a fighter training base adjacent to the park run by the Air Force. It's not as obnoxious as bubba's music, but just know it's there. And most of the time they just fly during the day. 

    You can walk to the lake and the swimming area near the dam. It's a day use area, so there's some folks that like to leave some trash, but you know... pick it up for them and carry on. 

    Now... when you leave there and head into the national refuge, that's where things get great. What a beautiful, unexpected landscape. The north side of the refuge has great hiking trails that are full of wildlife. The southwest side of course has the crystal digging area. It's really a great place to spend a weekend. Word to the wise, in the fairer months, get on and off the salt plains early to avoid the heat and the day trippers. 

    Overall, this is a serviceable campsite that can serve for a great launching point for exploring/hiking/birding in the refuge. The wildlife present is outstanding. 

    FYI... no, you can't fly your drone here. There is a national refuge, a state park and an Air Force base. It took me a long time to arrange all the clearances required, but my flight was legal.

  • Charyle C.
    Jun. 7, 2018

    Alabaster Caverns State Park Campground

    Small CG

    11 sites. So be sure to reserve a spot if you need to stay for the night. We were traveling through to CO and stopped for 2 nights. Electric boxes are newer and water pressure was good. Dump station available. The second day we took the cave tour. Thought we were going to have a tour to ourselves. Instead we dealt with others. Some who were a bit snippy about the van (vs. Tram) ride back. I enjoyed the cave very much. Beautiful displays of gypsum looking sleek as glass. No pictures allowed in the caverns. No smoking, vaping, food or bottled water either. Wear decent shoes due to slick, muddy spots and a jacket. It gets a bit chilly inside.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 4, 2024

    Alabaster Caverns State Park Campground

    Oklahoma first

    This was our first time staying in an Oklahoma State park. We had a great site (#1). Very level, near the bathhouse and cave entrance. I could only get cold water in the shower. That was invigorating! I asked at the ranger station and they told me how to work the shower handle. I went back the next day and same thing, no hot water! Other than that it’s a great campground.


Guide to Waynoka

Glamping near Waynoka, Oklahoma centers around two main state parks featuring unique geological formations not commonly found elsewhere in the region. The area sits at an elevation of approximately 1,400 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 90°F during peak season. During spring and fall, temperatures drop to 60-75°F, making these seasons ideal for outdoor exploration of the salt flats and alabaster formations.

What to do

Crystal digging at Salt Plains: From April through October, visitors can dig for hourglass-shaped selenite crystals at Salt Plains State Park Campground. "The Great Salt Plains is a great place to go for an adventure. You could spend hours just digging up the crystals on the salt plains," notes camper Alyn M. Bring metal shovels as plastic ones tend to break in the hard-packed salt.

Cave exploration: Take guided tours through the natural gypsum formations at Alabaster Caverns State Park Campground. "The tour is enjoyable, and 3 species of bat can be seen frequently. All and all a great little park," shares Dusty G. Tours cost $10 per person and require proper footwear due to slippery conditions.

Hiking trails: Explore the canyon trails at both parks. "Lots of awesome trails," reports Jenna M. about Alabaster Caverns. The trails range from easy to moderate difficulty, with some rough sections requiring sturdy footwear.

Bird watching: The Great Salt Plains area serves as a migration stopover for numerous bird species, including whooping cranes. This explains why the crystal digging area closes from October to April annually.

What campers like

Peaceful lake environment: "Each time, even during the summer season, I have to say this is the quietest lake I've ever been to," writes Dana H. about Sandy Beach. "The water is shallow forever so you don't have to worry much about little ones playing."

Night sky viewing: The area offers exceptional stargazing conditions. "The area appears to be a Dark Sky Area with little artificial light, so the night sky was brilliant!" reports Charyle C. about camping at Alabaster Caverns.

River camping spots: "Beautiful spots next to the river... Several spots are butted up right against the river with lots of shade trees," shares Lisa M. about camping at Salt Plains. These riverside spots provide cooler temperatures and scenic views.

Fishing opportunities: Catfish are abundant in the lake areas. "Catfish are abundant and LARGE. Lake is fairly shallow," notes Dana H. Salt Plains offers multiple fishing spots along the river and lake shore.

What you should know

Weather protection needed: The salt plains offer no shade and can be extremely hot and windy. "There is no shade and it can get hot and windy so bring water and sunscreen," advises Richard about visiting Great Salt Plains.

Facility hours: The park office closes early at 4 p.m., limiting staff assistance outside these hours. "Come early if you need park assistance. Offices close at 4 p.m. however you can check into sites through the honor box system," notes Crystal C.

Cell service limitations: Cell reception varies by carrier. "Verizon service works good throughout the park. Two years ago when I visited I was using T-Mobile, and it hardly work at all," shares Korina D.

Campsite selection: The campgrounds near the office have limited tree coverage and closely packed sites. The riverside sites offer better spacing and amenities including showers, flush toilets, and fish cleaning stations.

Tips for camping with families

Crystal digging preparation: "Take some metal shovels and metal hand shovels (the little plastic ones break) take lots of water, baby wipes and towels. You'll also want to take egg cartons because the crystals are soft when you dig them up," recommends Jennifer D. from Sandy Beach.

Cave tour considerations: "Definitely take a cave tour while visiting, but also explore the other trails in the park through the canyon," suggests Dan N. The tour takes approximately one hour and requires warm clothing as temperatures inside remain cool year-round.

Playground access: Salt Plains offers playground facilities near the river camping area, making it ideal for families with children who need breaks from hiking and water activities.

Swimming options: After crystal digging, many families appreciate the swimming areas. "Had an awesome day digging and was nice to go for a swim to get all the salt and sand off of us," shares Jennifer D.

Tips from RVers

Campsite amenities: "Paved RV sites with water and electric, some a little too close together. Reservations must be made through Reserve America," notes Donna H. about Alabaster Caverns State Park.

Hookup availability: Salt Plains offers 30 and 50 amp electrical hookups plus water at all RV sites. "There are 30 and 50 amp spots and all the spots have water," confirms Lisa M.

Dump station location: A sanitary dump station is available at Salt Plains for RV campers. "Dump station available," notes Charyle C., making this a convenient option for extended stays.

Site spacing considerations: "Very pretty park with lots of trees in the campground... Paved RV sites with water and electric, some a little too close together," advises Donna H., suggesting RVers should carefully select sites for adequate space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Waynoka, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Waynoka, OK is Alabaster Caverns State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 17 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Waynoka, OK?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 glamping camping locations near Waynoka, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.