Turner Falls Park, Oklahoma
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Deep within the Arbuckle Mountains, lies a hidden trove of recreation just waiting to be explored: Turner Falls Park. This adventurous and family-friendly destination offers some of the best outdoor fun anywhere in Oklahoma, and it’s a great place to take your rented RV for a trip away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Located halfway between Oklahoma City and the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Turner Falls Park and its surrounding attractions and activities make for a perfect weekend trip or full vacation. Here’s everything you need to know about this amazing park so you can plan your dream RV camping trip to the falls.
Turner Falls Park is a fantastic family getaway far from the ordinary. Water lovers will find plenty of fun in the natural creek swimming pools under the impressive falls alone, but there’s a little something for everyone at the park. Enjoy serene nature hikes, hidden caves to explore, and thrilling ziplines.
The main attraction at Turner Falls Park is the two large natural swimming pools along Honey Creek, which runs through the entirety of the park. The Blue Hole Pool is a spacious and crystal-clear place to float and swim and enjoy the fresh mountain air. The crown jewel of the park, however, is the main pool near the campgrounds featuring Oklahoma’s tallest waterfall. As the water rushes down from 77 feet above, enjoy a truly unique day swimming in the clearest, freshest water you’ve ever seen.
Keep in mind that Turner Falls Park has some rules and conditions all swimmers in the park must follow. Honey Creek can flood at any time, and park officials may require swimmers to exit the pools with short notice. There’s no swimming after dark, and all children 12 and under must wear personal floatation devices for their safety. Learn more about the park’s safety rules here.
Turner Falls Park is quite large, with several square miles of Arbuckle Mountain wilderness to explore. Visitors can do just that on any of the park’s trails, which all offer fun and accessible hiking for hikers of any age or experience level. While the camp’s RV campgrounds are in the center of the park, the trails connect many of the park’s other, more remote tent sites.
Start off small with the one-mile Honey Creek Trail, which runs along Honey Creek itself on the south end of the park. The appropriately named Two Mile Trail loops to the far north, taking hikers well off the beaten path into deep wilderness. Smaller trails like Fire Break Trail veer off into thick forested areas. Whatever you enjoy seeing while on a nature hike, there’s natural beauty to be found at Turner Falls Park. Review this handy park map for a look at all of the park’s trails.
The 77-foot waterfall at Turner Falls Park is right out in the open, inviting visitors to hop in the pool and play in the fresh mountain waters. But what could be hidden just beneath the surface? The many caves dotting the landscape here are a fan-favorite feature of Turner Falls Park and well worth seeking out for some amateur spelunking on a relaxing hike.
Three of the caves are marked and advertised to the public, including a cave that’s just downstream from the great falls themselves. But others are a little more difficult to find, like the legendary Crystal Cave. Patience in finding the entrances will be rewarded however, as the caves are easy to access and give Turner Falls Park a unique and fun quality not found at many other mountain parks.
During the busy season, the officials at Turner Park do everything they can to make it a vacation destination for the whole family. Case in point: the park’s long list of unique shops and concession stands. These retailers make it so a family can come in with their rented RV and truly stay right there in the park for their entire trip.
The Trading Post and the Curio Shop are great places to pick up souvenirs, gifts, and camping essentials like sunglasses, t-shirts, and more. When you’re looking for a cool treat, check out one of the two “snowball” stands with their giant snow cones. There are also three restaurants available within the park, ranging from no-frills concession stands to sit-down restaurants. Read all about the concessions and shops at Turner Falls Park on their Things to Do webpage.
While technically separate from Turner Falls Park itself, the new 777zip park is one of the most popular attractions at Turner Falls Park. Built by a husband and wife team with deep connections to Turner Falls Park and the city of Davis, this truly unique zipline experience hoists riders in reverse from the landing zone 777 feet up the mountainside. Upon release, riders will rush down the mountain and get great views of Turner Falls.
One or two riders at a time can take the trip, and tickets can be purchased from the Curio Shop inside the park where the attraction is located. For more information, including weight and height limits for the zipline rides, visit the 777zip website.
Turner Falls Park is an excellent camping destination in its own right with 32 RV sites available. Each site comes with full hookups. Reserve your spot with an RV camping permit in advance, and don’t forget to also purchase tickets for the whole family for the duration of your stay; RV camping permits do not include park admission.
Davis, Oklahoma’s Smokin’ Joe’s Rib Ranch and RV Park is really four destinations in one: it’s 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 you’re going to find your next meal in Davis.
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 park’s 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.
In nearby Sulphur, Oklahoma, Arbuckle RV Resort has high ratings from the Good Sam Club on Facility, Restrooms, and Appeal. The park boasts 46 RV sites with full hookups, some with 30-amp and others 50-amp electric. Enjoy the park’s pond, swimming pool, and recreation hall for a quaint and quiet getaway.
Crossroads RV Park in Lyndon is a little farther away from Turner Falls Park than the other parks on this list, but it’s worth the drive for a beautiful campground in the rustic countryside. Crossroads offers full RV hookups as well as on-site hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails and Wi-Fi throughout the entire park.
In addition to the quick and cool treats at Julie’s Snowballs and the Snowball Stand, enjoy typical fast-food snacks at Riverside Confession. The Main Grill at Turner Falls Park also offers a more complete menu.
Already listed above but worth a second mention is Smokin’ Joe’s Rib Ranch, a classic take on Oklahoma’s 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.
Oklahoma’s travel and tourism board has a list of all the top restaurants in Davis—take a look here.