Turner Falls Camping Fees
As of summer 2018, nightly tent camping fees are $12.50 per site/vehicle. In addition to the nightly fee, each person, ages 5 and up must purchase park admission. Children and seniors are $7 per day and adults are $14 per day.
Whether you are looking for a day trip destination or a weekend outdoor getaway, visit Turner Falls in Southern Oklahoma. It will be an adventure you wont soon forget. For more information about the park, visit Turner Falls Park.
When you are in the area, also check out:
Teen Camping At Turner Falls Ok
Teens will learn the basics of camping while enjoying the water activities at Turner Falls Park in Davis, Oklahoma. We will enjoy hiking, tubing, swimming, diving boards, water slides and a 77ft waterfall. No prior experience is needed and we emphasize safety in all aspects of this program. Dinner and breakfast are included and supervision by YMCA staff is provided at all times.
Ages 14-17
Contact Carol Whitsitt at
Book Tickets Ahead Of Time
The park can easily sell out on a weekend, especially during the summer season. So it is highly recommended to book your tickets ahead of time.
Moreover, you can also check the parks status on their for the most current updates. This is also highly recommended because the park can either close due to heavy rainfall or alert you if tickets are sold out.
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Visit Turner Falls Oklahoma During The Week
Like most campgrounds, camping on the weekends is very popular, especially during nice weather. Holiday weekends often fill to capacity. Visiting during the week means lower crowds and more site availability. Regardless of when you stay, buy the camping permit I mentioned in Tip #1 to ensure you have a space.
When we stayed at Turner Falls, we were there Saturday through Monday. We found Saturday night to be busy and loud. Almost all of the campers observed the quiet hours. By midday on Sunday, most of the campers had gone and we had the area to ourselves. It was really nice to relax and enjoy the amenities without crowds.
Vacations Overlookingthe River And Mountains
Completely escape from your everyday life at the Turner Falls Park. Our idea of a perfect vacation in Davis, Oklahoma is that you spend time with people whose company we cherish.
Best Cabin Rentals with beautiful views, overlooking the river and mountains.Two night minimum on weekends. Click below to check for availability!
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Bring Water For Drinking And Other Uses
Regardless of the season, you need to stay hydrated while camping. So be sure you bring plenty of drinking water. A good rule of thumb is one gallon of drinking water per person, per day. Tent camping sites are primitive, meaning there is no water or electric outlets. Youll need to bring water for other uses too like hand washing, cooking, etc. When car camping we often bring this 6 gallon rigid water container for a weekend trip.
Need camping meal ideas? Check out this Grab & Go weekend camping meal plan.
Tips For Camping At Turner Falls Oklahoma
Tips for Camping at Turner Falls, Oklahoma
Turner Falls Park, near the south-central Oklahoma town of Davis, is one of the most popular family vacation destinations in the Arbuckle Mountains. The park’s signature attraction is Turner Falls, at 77 feet the largest waterfall in the state. Davis, Oklahoma, is the best Arbuckle Mountains family destination. Dr. Collings’ Rock Castle, a huge rock house built by an eccentric doctor in the 1930s, also is a big draw, particularly for families with young kids. The park also has picnic areas, caves, nature and hiking trails, and two natural swimming pools. The campground at Turner Falls Park has 500 sites for tent camping, with no hookups, and 45 sites for RVs, with water, electricity and a dump station. The campground also has restrooms with showers
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A Guide To Turner Falls Park In Oklahoma
Nestled in the Arbuckle Mountains in Davis, Oklahoma is Turner Falls Park one of the most beautiful parks in the United States. With stunning scenery and plenty of adventurous outdoor activities, this is a perfect year-round trip for families, couples, and solo travelers.
The park is well known for its magnificent 77-foot waterfall, but there are so many fun things to do here. From exploring a castle and hidden caves to hiking trails, rock scrambling, zip-lining, and swimming in natural pools and creeks. You can also go camping, rent a cabin, or find the perfect RV spot.
This guide to Turner Falls Park has everything you need to know to have a wonderful time. I will go over general tips, where to hike, where to swim, where to stay, where to eat, packing tips, and more.
Full disclaimer We were invited by Turner Falls Park to write this guide. As always, our opinions are non-biased and our own. Furthermore, this post may contain affiliate links. When you click on the link you will have the option to purchase a product at no extra cost to you, but I would receive a small commission. I want to thank everyone for following and supporting us on all of Our Sweet Adventures.
Smokin Joes Rib Ranch And Rv Park
Davis, Oklahomas Smokin Joes Rib Ranch and RV Park is really four destinations in one: its three separate RV parks, plus a world-class Oklahoma City-style barbecue restaurant beloved by visitors and locals alike. Enjoy clean and spacious RV sites with full hookups close to Turner Falls Park, and never wonder where youre going to find your next meal in Davis.
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Fun Valley Campground & Rv Park
Located in Davis, Oklahoma near Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies and Turner Falls and Falls rests Fun Valley Campground and RV Park. Whether you are wanting to pitch a tent on the ground or pull your RV in for some camping, they have you covered! Fun Valley has RV spots with water and electric hook up available for short or long term rentals. They also offer a bath house on site for the primitive campers.
Dr Collings Rock Castle
Originally built in the 1930s, Dr. Collings Rock Castle was officially abandoned in the 1980s. However, visitors to Turner Falls love to check it out every year. The castle was built entirely of native brick and stone and was home to Ellsworth Collings, who was the Dean of Education at the University of Oklahoma.
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When To Visit Turner Falls Park
The great thing about Turner Falls Park is that it is open year-round. Whether you visit during the spring, summer, fall, or winter you are guaranteed to have a great time at the park.
The summer is the parks busiest time of the year, but when the weather is blistering hot, this is the perfect place to cool off. In my personal opinion, the end of summer is the best time to visit Turner Falls. The park is not as crowded and the weather is perfect with the late summer heat and slightly crisp water.
The spring and fall are also great times to visit because of fewer crowds and pleasant weather. During the fall season, the Arbuckle Mountains surrounding the park are stunning as the leaves turn into foliage colors.
In the wintertime, it is definitely cold. Those daring can suit up in a wetsuit if they desire, but visiting the park in the winter is more about admiring a natural winter wonderland. When the waterfall is frozen, it is just as magnificent when it is flowing.
Do Drop Inn Rv Resort
Do Drop Inn Resort near Turner Falls.
This Good Sam Park is a little further away from the falls , but it is also just minutes away from Lake Texoma and the Choctaw Casino. So it might be a great option for longer visits when you just want to work in a day trip up to Turner Falls.
You will be able to enjoy a little more privacy at this resort because there are only 43 total sites. Of those sites, only 13 have full hookups and the maximum rig length in this park is up to 55 feet. Some of the other amenities you might enjoy include a hot tub and exercise room. Work up a sweat with the recreation hall and kayak rentals. Afterward, whet your whistle at the cocktail lounge.
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Choose Fall Over Spring
If you come in the off season, fall is a far better time than spring. The weather in south-central Oklahoma tends to remain warm and mild throughout September and into October, sometimes even into early November. The spring, on the other hand, is more unpredictable, with periodic rain and freezing nighttime temperates even in April.
Turner Falls Park Is Home To The Largest Waterfall In Oklahoma
Turner Falls is home to the largest waterfall in Oklahoma. The water drops 77 feet down below to a natural and beautiful swimming pool. Turner Falls is visited by thousands of tourists and locals of Oklahoma every year.
People that visit Turner Falls Park get to have a lot of fun. Things like hiking the trails put up by nature are one of the things that attract a lot of people. Along with that, there are also a lot of people wanting to visit this park because of the three caves that it has. Campers can find areas to tent and get RVs for adventure. They can also rent the private and beautiful cabins that are perfect to spend your night in. Turner Falls is located near Davis, OK on Honey Creek which is in the Arbuckle Mountains.
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Lake Murray State Park
The first and still biggest state park in Oklahoma is Lake Murray State Park, a massive destination filled with family activities. Snag one of the parks 300 RV sites with full hookups and accessible restroom and shower facilities. For the water-loving crowd, the on-site marina with its boat rentals make this a no-brainer for your Turner Falls getaway.
Take In The View Of Turner Falls Park
Yes, the waterfall is the center of attraction at the park, but Turner Falls Park, the oldest park in Oklahoma, has so much more to offer its guests. With over 1,500 acres of pure nature on three different levels, many visitors come here just to walk around the park and take in the beauty of its surroundings. If this is something youre planning on doing, be sure to wear a good pair of walking shoes as there are different terrains around the park.
Since theres so much to see, and with everything spread out over all levels, my advice would be to plan your day by going online to view the park and where you want to park your vehicle, especially if its your first time visiting. I went there many years ago, and Im so glad I planned my day by going online first because so much has changed.
Summer hours are 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Parking is available on all levels and is free on level three. Buses run throughout the day, taking people from level to level and theyre also free. So keep that in mind when planning your visit. The is also an excellent resource for up-to-date information. Youll have to leave your precious pooches at home because the park does not allow pets.
Pro Tip: During the busy season, the line to get in can get quite long. Buses stop running at 6:30 p.m. in the summer months.
Micaela Marina Martinez / Shutterstock
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Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
What are people saying about rv parks near I-35 & US-77, OK, OK?
This is a review for rv parks near I-35 & US-77, OK, OK:
“Great park! We stopped for a night on our way north. Got in after hours, easy checkin. The park was clean and quite. Easy pull through. Bathroom facilities were very clean and large. The staff in the office are very helpful and friendly. We will be back.”
Dining Outside Of Turner Falls Park
Already listed above but worth a second mention is Smokin Joes Rib Ranch, a classic take on Oklahomas proud barbecue tradition. Boomarang Diner is famous for its comfort food and delicious breakfast in a 50s diner setting. Las Cascadas Mexican Restaurant offers delicious favorites from south of the border. And, for dessert, check out Bedre Fine Chocolate.
Oklahomas travel and tourism board has a list of all the top restaurants in Davistake a look here.
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Where To Stay At Turner Falls Park
Turner Falls Park is a great day trip from Dallas or Oklahoma City, but because there are so many fun things to do, it is also a great place to stay overnight. Visitors can stay at the park and enjoy the grounds all day and night.
You can camp on-site, rent a cabin, rent a shelter, or find the perfect RV site. Keep in mind, every overnight site has a different cost and does not include admission into the park.
Fishing In Turner Falls Park
Turner Falls Park has loads of trout by the end of November. It depends on the temperature of the water according to the season.
The cost to fish in Turner Park is $15. So, get your fishing rods ready and your hooks shined, its going to be a fun and relaxing fishing time.
Arbuckle Mountains are some of the oldest and the most beautiful mountains on earth. Turner Falls Park takes its place among three of the points that allow us to experience extremely old geological sites, along with it on the list is are the Black Hills of South Dakota and the Grand Canyon. These ancient hills arent the tallest ones because they have been exposed to elements that have them eroding. But they sure are breathtaking. A perfect place for clearing your mind and some fun adventurous experience.
Collings Castle is a Must See while Staying at Turner Falls Cabins
The Collings Castle in the Turner Falls Park was created during the middle of a great Depression. It is a very ancient fortification about which many people have stated to be haunted. This rare Oklahoma castle has an imposing structure and architecture that is hard to miss. Inside there is dark, narrow tunnel like doorways found. The walls are made of big blocks of stones and are covered with graffiti. These gray stone walls line the footpath throughout. The marks and carvings show a that a fan was present once too. The narrow passageways end up in a dense cover of trees.
History of the Castle
Structure
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Reserve Online And Arrive Early
All camp sites are primative and available on a first come, first served basis. Tent sites are not laid out, so you can pitch your tent anywhere in the designated camping area. Because there are no designated sites, the park does not accept reservations. However, you can buy a camping permit online to ensure you have a space to pitch your tent. Official check out time is noon, so I recommend arriving early to claim a prime location.
Exploring Caves And The Castle
There are three caves you can explore at Turner Falls Park. One is above the waterfall and some rock scrambling is required to reach it as stated above. Whereas the other two are close to each other towards the back of parking lot 2 and very accessible.
In addition to caves, Turner Falls Park also has a beautiful castle on the grounds that guests can explore on their own, known by the name of Collings Castle. This rare castle in Oklahoma was built by Dr. Collins in the 1930s as his private residence. It was built with native stone and materials inspired by English architecture.
Unfortunately, some of the castle ruins have been vandalized with graffiti, but it is still an experience you should not miss during your visit at Turner Falls Park. In fact, we have been to several castles in Ireland and truly felt like we had escaped Oklahoma when we explored Collings Castle.
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Rock Scrambling For Views
For a more challenging hike, you can rock scramble to the right of the waterfall. There is no guided trail, so rock scramble at your own risk it is very steep and some rock are slippery.
If you are able to rock scramble to the top, the reward is worth it. At the mid-point, there is a hidden cave that has amazing side views of Turner Falls waterfall. Then as you rock scramble higher, you will find breathtaking views of the top of the waterfall, the spring that feeds into it, and the Arbuckle Mountains.
Swim In The Blue Hole Pool
The Blue Hole Pool is where the grandkids are going to want to hang out the most. It was my grandsons favorite part of the whole park. This area is where a long slide that leads into the water and a diving board are located. There is a lifeguard on duty, which was very reassuring to me. Just be careful when walking and swimming in the creek. It can be very rocky and slimy from the moss.
Pro Tip: There are a couple of benches in the shade where you can sit and watch.
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