My visit to Red Rock Canyon left me awe-inspired and exhilarated! From the moment I stepped foot into the park, I was greeted by the mesmerizing beauty of the red rock formations, captivating greenery, and clean rivers.
What truly sets this park apart is the wide range of activities available for all adventure enthusiasts. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rock climber, Red Rock Canyon offers something for everyone.
Turner Falls is one of the most beautiful parks in the state, unfortunately, it's owned by the City of Davis and they're a little bit greedy when it comes to admission. Keep in mind when you're thinking about booking that your reservation price will also include the park access for each person/vehicle in your party. It's a little bit convoluted but they do disclose it if you dig around on their website.
Collings Castle is an extremely cool and pretty unique hike, especially if you're into abandoned places. It can get pretty crowded but there are plenty of nooks and crannies in the maze of buildings that you can duck into. Some folks think it may be haunted and I don't usually buy into stuff like that - but anyone who built a castle during the Great Depression probably had a few skeletons in their closet.
The falls are obviously stunning but the caves are a must-visit if you can find them. There are tons of secrets to find and natural mazes. Despite my issues with the ownership, Turner Falls is always worth a trip.
If you love getting the full effect of beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and stars - this may be the perfect spot for you to watch the skies! If you check dark-skies maps, you'll see that Clayton Lake is right on the edge of the section of SE Oklahoma with the least light-pollution. So if your favorite Southeast Oklahoma spot is booked, give this little hidden treasure a shot!
If you like foraging and looking for cold-season decomposers like I do, you'll find plenty of mushrooms and moss under the canopy.
There are plenty of cheap B&Bs in the area as well if you want a really secluded trip into the forest - definitely one of my favs!
This more of a queue campsite for groups that are floating the river the next day. It's an okay campsite as long as you're okay with noise from nearby campers and you're not looking for a remote experience. The lively atmosphere is packed with enthusiastic campers ready to hop in the river. They currently have 6-mile and 12-mile floats and plenty of raft options. They offer multiple-floater discounts up to groups of 40+ so just go into it knowing that you're going to make some new friends!
This isn't a reflection on the campsite, but when I went, the river got a bit too low in places to float so make sure someone in your party is prepared to haul your raft, beer, sunscreen, etc.
Cyclone Lake (Basin?) is nestled in the Arizona mountains and offers a breathtaking escape into nature. The basin is surrounded by dense forests on all sides and provides a serene and picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The well-maintained facilities include spacious campsites with fire pits, picnic tables, and clean(ish) restrooms. Wildlife sightings are common, adding to the campsite's allure. Watch out for bears! The poster-child of peaceful ambiance, this hidden gem is a must-visit for those seeking a rejuvenating camping experience in Arizona.