Guide to Salt Plains State Park - Camping, Fishing & Activities

The sun sets over Great Salt Plains, one of the many scenic views visitors can enjoy from campgrounds at Salt Plains State Park in Alfalfa County, Oklahoma. Photo by Becky Wilber.

Travelers looking for camping, hiking, fishing and proximity to one-of-a-kind selenite crystal digging experiences in Oklahoma will want to plan a trip to Salt Plains State Park. Nestled on the easternmost outskirts of Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, the state park provides the perfect location to enjoy the variety of outdoor adventures available in Alfalfa County. Find information about things to do while visiting Salt Plains State Park, including camping, hiking, fishing, stargazing - and even getting married!

Get Quick Info

• About Salt Plains State Park

• Things to Do

• Camping & Campgrounds

• Crystal Digging

• Hiking Trails & Horseback Riding

• Harold F. Miller Auto Tour Route

• Scenic Views & Stargazing Areas

• Fishing & Kayaking

  • Best Fishing Spots

• Wildlife & Birdwatching

  • Best Viewpoints

  • Viewing Endangered Species

• Hunting & Local Game

• Sandy Beach

• Wildwood Chapel

• Travel Tips

  • Best Time to Visit

  • What to Pack

  • Cons of NW Oklahoma Terrain

• Parking & Entry Fees

• See You Soon at the Park!

Kayakers enjoy a sunset over Great Salt Plains Lake, part of Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge next door to Salt Plains State Park. Photo by Becky Wilber.

About Salt Plains State Park

Part of a trio of destinations that make up the heart of Alfalfa County tourism, Salt Plains State Park is located in central Alfalfa County and is accessible by State Highway 38. Created and maintained as a way for travelers to enjoy activities in the Great Salt Plains Region, the park features premium RV campsites and primitive tent camping sites, modern comfort stations, day-use shelters and nearby access to free hiking trails, crystal digging and birdwatching activities at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge.

Crystal Digging at the Selenite Crystal Digging Area, part of Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge and next door to Salt Plains State Park, is one of the most popular activities in Alfalfa County. Photo by Melissa Heim.

Things to Do While Visiting Salt Plains State Park

Campers and visitors to Salt Plains State Park have it made when it comes to finding outdoor activities. The park is situated on the eastern edge of Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge and Great Salt Plains Lake and features some of the best campsites in Oklahoma. Just west of the lake sits the heart of Alfalfa County and Great Salt Plains tourist attractions - the Selenite Crystal Digging Area. Between these destinations, visitors will find more things to do than can be accomplished in one short stay. Awww, shucks! That just means you'll have to come back. We welcome you to explore all the things to do near Salt Plains State Park as many times as you want!

Friends and family members sit around a campfire while camping at Salt Plains State Park.

1. Go Camping at Salt Plains State Park

First, and foremost, if you want to experience all the things to do in Alfalfa County, you'll need to find a place to stay overnight. With multiple campgrounds and cozy rental cabins, Salt Plains State Park offers one of the best places to stay in Alfalfa County. Whether you arrive by motorhome, the family car or a groovy Volkswagen van, this Oklahoma State Park has 116 campsites, 6 cabins and equestrian campgrounds ready for use. Book riverside RV sites, pull-in campsites with full hookups, primitive tent camping sites near Great Salt Plains Lake and newly renovated cabins for family camping in Oklahoma any time of year. You can even reserve the park's community building for small gatherings and events.

Campgrounds

• Sandy Beach Campground

• Sandy Beach West Campground (tent camping only)

• River Road Campground

• North Spillway Campground

• South Spillway Campground

• Salt Plains Campground

• Nathan Boone Equestrian Camp

• George Sibley Equestrian Camp

Booking Campsites, Cabins & Community Building

• Book campsites online: okstateparks.reserveamerica.com

• By phone: (580) 626-4731

• By email: Hannah.Miller@travelok.com

• In person: 23280 S. Spillway Drive, Jet, OK 73749

Please note: The community building at Salt Plains State Park must be booked by phone, email, or in person.

Mining the jewels of Alfalfa County, or digging for hourglass selenite crystals at Great Salt Plains, is enjoyed by more than 100,000 visitors each year. Photo by Melissa Heim.

2. Mine the Jewels of Alfalfa County!

The Selenite Crystal Digging Area, part of adjacent Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, is the only place on earth where you can dig hourglass selenite crystals. If you don't have something on the supply list, stop by Ace Hardware or United Supermarket in Cherokee to find everything you need for a day at the salt flats.

• When to dig crystals: April 1 to October 15

• What to bring: Shovel, bucket, water for washing crystals, and gloves

• Where to dig crystals: You can take a 25-minute drive through Jet or a 30-minute drive through Nescatunga and down graveled and dirt backroads to reach the Selenite Crystal Digging Area from Salt Plains State Park. Both routes offer several scenic viewpoints and local landarks to see along the way. The best way to plan a trip is to take one way to the Selenite Crystal Digging Area and take the other route back to your campsite at Salt Plains State Park.

Location of Selenite Crystal Digging Area: 66003 Garvin Road, Cherokee, OK, 73728

Get the Guide to Selenite Crystal Digging Area for complete details on digging hourglass selenite crystals in Alfalfa County.

👉🏼 Travel tip: Never pass up the opportunity to dig crystals while in Northwest Oklahoma.

A walk along Jet Recreation Trail offers views of wildlife in grasslands and waterfowl on Great Salt Plains Lake.

3. Explore Hiking Trails & Go Horseback Riding

Set off on trails that take you through marshlands and up close with native Oklahoma wildlife, like deer, nesting bald eagles and endangered whooping cranes. Trails are open year-round and located within Salt Plains State Park and Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge.

Hiking Trails at Salt Plains State Park

• Nathan Boone Trail

• Nathan Boone Southwest Loop

• Nathan Boone North Loop

• Sibley Equestrian Trail

• Sibley Equestrian Trail South

• Tonkawa Trail & Wildwood Chapel Trailhead

Hiking Trails at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge

• Eagle Roost National Recreation Trail

• Hoot Owl Loop

• Sandpiper Nature Trail

• Jet Recreation Trail

• Casey Marsh Trail (Accessible by Harold F. Miller Auto Tour Route)

Get full details about trail lengths, difficulty levels, terrain, best places to view wildlife and directions to trailheads in Hiking Trails in Alfalfa County - Top Scenic Walking Paths & Viewpoints.

Deer grazing in open fields is a common sight when driving along the Harold F. Miller Auto Tour Route at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, just next door to Salt Plains State Park in Alfalfa County, Oklahoma.

4. Take the Harold F. Miller Auto Tour Route

Located 6 miles northwest of the park at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Harold F. Miller Auto Tour Route is a 2.5-mile scenic drive through managed wetlands. Visitors will see a variety of native wildflowers and waterfowl and always have a great chance of spotting engangered birds, like whooping cranes and bald eagles. The trail follows a one-way road, with the entryway located just west of Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center.

Don't Miss the Secret Hiking Trail

Visitors who want to get out and enjoy the Northwest Oklahoma scenery can stop at Casey Marsh Trail. The trailhead is nestled inside Harold F. Miller Auto Tour Route and offers a short quarter-mile hike to Casey Tower Overlook, where nature lovers can soak up views of native wildlife and Northwest Oklahoma terrain.

About Harold F. Miller

Harold F. Miller was a local Alfalfa County resident who spent 38 years working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the federal agency that maintains Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge. The trail commemorates his lifelong service to preserving one of Alfalfa County's most visited tourist destinations, one of the nation's most unique landmarks and one of the world's most important conservation areas.

Directions to Harold F. Miller Auto Tour Route

Clear views of the Milky Way and constellations are one of the perks of camping at Salt Plains State Park in Alfalfa County. Photy by Tyme4relaxing.

5. Scenic Views & Stargazing at Salt Plains State Park

Add some pizazz to your photo files with a tour of scenic viewpoints at Salt Plains State Park and nearby locations in Alfalfa County. Take in panoramic views of the vast white top layer of the Great Salt Plains, spot bald eagles and deer, or just experience the calm of a sunset unhindered by tall buildings and highline wires. And don't forget about night sky views. Salt Plains State Park offers incredible dark skies and stargazing experiences from just about any location. Seeing the Milky Way from the Selenite Crystal Digging Area Observation Tower always knocks visitors socks off! Don't miss it!

Top Scenic Viewpoints in Alfalfa County

• Dam Overlook at Spillway

• Eagle Roost Trail Observation Deck

• Casey Tower Overlook (part of Harold F. Miller Auto Tour Route)

• Big Marsh Boardwalk

• Sandpiper Trail Observation Deck

• George Sibley Monument

• Selenite Crystal Digging Area Observation Tower

• Alfalfa County Fairgrounds

• Carmen Park

For a complete guide and directions to viewpoint locations, see Scenic Viewpoints in Alfalfa County - Sunsets & Wildlife in Northwest Oklahoma.

Kayaks are ready for launch from Sandy Beach at Great Salt Plains Lake. Photo by Becky Wilber.

6. Fishing & Kayaking at Salt Plains State Park

With a boat launch, fishing pier and fishing trails at Great Salt Plains Lake, visitors to Salt Plains State Park spend peaceful days on the water kayaking and casting out lines*. The lake is stocked with catfish, bass, crappie and hybrid striper, and shallow lake levels are best for kayaking and low-horsepower boating expeditions.

Great Salt Plains Lake Fishing Spots

• Fishing Pier at Salt Plains Campground (open year-round)

• Cottonwood Point Fishing Trail** - Open April 1-Oct. 15

• Sand Creek Fishing Trail** - Open April 1-Oct. 15

*A fishing license is required to fish at Salt Plains State Park and Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can apply for 1-day, yearly or lifetime fishing licenses through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation app.

**Fishing trails are for visitors who are fishing only. Hikers should not use these trails for exploring Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge.

American White Pelicans line the shores of Great Salt Plains Lake during winter in Alfalfa County, Oklahoma. Photo by Matthew Cloyd

7. Wildlife & Birdwatching

Go just next door to Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, a National Birding Area, to explore the natural habitat of more than 300 bird species, including endangered birds like whooping cranes, pelicans, and bald eagles. On top of migrating flocks and nesting pairs, visitors can see white-tailed deer, eastern fox squirrels, American badgers, porcupines and even muskrats on occasion.

Best Viewing Spots

• Eagle Roost National Recreation Trail

• Selenite Crystal Digging Area Observation Tower

• Sandpiper Nature Trail

• Cottonwood Point Fishing Trail

• Jet Recreation Trail

• Hoot Owl Loop

• Harold F. Miller Auto Tour Route

Best Times to View Endangered Species

• Whooping Cranes

  • Best viewing times: October-early November, late March

  • Best viewpoints: Eagle Roost National Recreation Trail and Cottonwood Point Fishing Trail

• Sandhill Cranes

  • Best viewing times: October-April

  • Best viewpoints: Eagle Roost National Recreation Trail, Cottonwood Point Fishing Trail, Jet Recreation Trail, Hoot Owl Loop

• Golden and Bald Eagles

  • Best viewing times: January-February

  • Best viewpoints: Jet Recreation Trail, Cottonwood Point Fishing Trail, Harold F. Miller Auto Tour Route

Hunters from across the State of Oklahoma and Kansas visit Alfalfa County during annual gaming seasons to hunt deer, waterfowl and other game at public hunting lands at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, next door to Salt Plains State Park. Photo by @jaxonsinclair.

8. Hunting at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge

Less than a 10-minute drive from Salt Plains State Park is the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge Public Hunting & Fishing Area where visitors can participate in controlled hunts during state-designated archery, muzzleloader and gun seasons. Hunters must aquire permits and apply through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Controlled Hunting Program to hunt on public hunting grounds. The refuge also hosts special hunts for youths during deer and turkey seasons.

Game Types Available for Hunting

• White-tailed Deer

• Spring Turkey

• Waterfowl

  • Ducks

  • Geese

  • Mergansers

  • Coot

  • Sandhill Crane

• Pheasant

• Quail

• Dove

• Squirrel

• Rabbit

• Furbearers

Directions to Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge Public Hunting & Fishing Area

Courtesy of Daniel Huddleston Photography

9. Swim or Relax at Sandy Beach

A fun place to relax, catch some rays and sink your toes in the sand, Sandy Beach at Great Salt Plains Lake is open to campers and visitors to Salt Plains State Park. The area is within walking distance from Sandy Beach campgrounds and just a short drive from River Road. Lake levels often are shallow and not extremely suitable for swimming, but visitors can launch kayaks and canoes all day long from Sandy Beach or the boatramp near Sandy Beach Campground.

Visit Wildwood Chapel at Salt Plains State Park, located on the south side of River Road.

10. Get Married or Attend Church at Wildwood Chapel

If you've ever dreamed of getting married or renewing your vows surrounded by nature in the great outdoors, you'll want to book Wildwood Chapel at Salt Plains State Park. Located on River Road, the chapel hosts seasonal Sunday services and is always open for visitors to take photos or enjoy some peace and quiet in the confines of nature.

Reservations at Wildwood Chapel for weddings and events must be made at least 1 day prior to arrival and can be made up to 11 months in advance. For complete information about reserving Wildwood Church for a wedding or attending church services, see Camping at Salt Plains State Park - How to Reserve Campsites & Facilities.

Read a review about Wildwood Chapel at Salt Plains State Park

"If you are here on the Sunday, do not miss the church service at The Wildwood Chapel. The people who do the services provided muffins, coffee, and juice. It was a nice way to get to know them before the service. They were so loving, so genuine and very nice. It is like no other service, to see wildlife walking and making noise while you sing and hear Gods word. Do not be fooled by the simplicity of this open air chapel, it is worth the visit. The three people who do this service, from my family and I, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your act of service by giving your time and effort to spread Gods love to travelers."

Get directions & leave a review: Tonkawa Trail & Wildwood Chapel Trailhead

Think about what you need while packing for your trip to Great Salt Plains. Salt Plains State Park is located in a remote area with no nearby shops or restaurants. Supplies are available in Cherokee, about 20 minutes away, and Jet, about a 10-minute drive. Photo by Matthew Cloyd.

Travel Tips for Visitors to Salt Plains State Park

Salt Plains State Park is open year-round for visitors looking for Northwest Oklahoma outdoor adventures. Visitors will want to prepare for Oklahoma terrain no matter the season. Here are a few traveler tips to make your trip to Alfalfa County even more enjoyable.

Best time to visit

• Spring and fall - Camping, crystal digging, fishing, hiking, birdwatching

• Winter - Hunting and birding

• Summer - kayaking, fishing, hiking, crystal digging

What to pack

• Sunscreen

• Bug spray

• Camera

• Hiking shoes

• Drinking water

• Camping equipment

• Food

Cons of NW Oklahoma Terrain

While you won't find the natural beauty of the Great Salt Plains Region anywhere else on earth, you will want to be prepared for some of the challenges that go hand-in-hand with exporing Northwest Oklahoma's prairies, marshlands and grasslands.

• Don't go barefoot. Though it's tempting to set off with bare feet to Sandy Beach or comfort stations, visitors should prepare for sticker patches at campsites and throughout the park.

• Do wear thick-soled shoes or sandals, and prepare to pull a few sandburs out of your shoes - and hopefully not your feet - after wandering around the park grounds.

• Do watch out for ticks, poison ivy and poison oak, as well as curious critters like skunks, spiders and snakes.

• Don't hike primitive trails in shorts and sandals.

• Do wear long pants, long socks and hiking boots when exploring grass trails in areas with overgrowth.

• Do prepare for mosquitoes, gnats and flies during hotter weather, particularly during June and July. Use bug spray and mosquito repellants, like citronella torches and candles, around campsites to combat insects.

Keep an eye on the Weather in Alfalfa County.

Signs dotted around Salt Plains State Park explain how to pay fees after parking and setting up camp.

Salt Plains State Park Parking & Entry Fees

The park and pay fee at Salt Plains State Park is $10. Look for signs that feature QR codes and instructions on how to pay fees before spending a day at Salt Plains State Park.

Look for the Great Salt Plains State Park sign at the entryway to campgrounds near Great Salt Plains Lake.

See You Soon at Salt Plains State Park!

Salt Plains State Park is a must-visit destination in Alfalfa County for outdoor lovers, campers, and adventure seekers. From Salt Plains crystal digging and fishing to stargazing and hiking, the park is set in a prime location to experince the best of Alfalfa County tourist attractions.

• Address: 23280 S Spillway Dr, Jet, OK 73749

• Park Office Phone: (580) 626-4731

• Reservation Call Center: 877-657-2757

• Office Fax: (580) 626-4730

• Email: katja.rolshausen@travelok.com

• Booking Email: Hannah.Miller@travelok.com

• Office Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily

Directions to Salt Plains State Park Office

What visitors say about Salt Plains State Park

"We really liked the cabin. It was better than I was expecting. The bathroom was big with a nice shower and plenty of towels. It had a small kitchen that was sparsely supplied with kitchenware. The bed was comfortable and it was quiet. We were the only people in the entire area. They had a playground right outside for kids. We watched rabbits play right outside the cabin door, seen quail crossing the roadway and enjoyed the many birds."

Read the full review.