Quick Getaway

The lure of exotic vacation destinations is undeniable, but what about those closer to home? Oklahoma has more for nature lovers than one might initially think; from mountains and lakes to sand dunes and cliffs, our great state is rife with outdoor attractions.

Below is a list of State Parks, where each makes for a refreshing day trip on their own. If you can't pry yourself away after an afternoon of hiking and horseback riding, however, most of the parks have well-equipped campsites for tents and RVs. Some even offer cabins to rent if you're a little more "indoorsy." Many of the parks on the list also feature other diversions like swimming pools and rec centers for the kiddos.

UTW hit the highlights; for more information about these nearby getaways, visit oklahomaparks.com.

Beavers Bend State Park

Region: Southeast / Kiamichi Country

Beavers Bend provides lodging for those who aren't up for sleeping in tents and don't want to pay to rent an entire cabin. And when each room has a lake view, balcony and outdoor grill access, who could say no? The park also has a wood art gallery and its nature center offers campfire programs, arts and crafts classes and nature films. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking, canoeing, paddle boating and, of course, swimming.

Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve

Region: Northwest / Red Carpet Country

Black Mesa State Park and Nature preserve, located in the panhandle of the state, gets its name from the layer of black lava rock that once coated the mesa some 30 million years ago. Robbers Roost contains a petrified forest, often referred to as a "dinosaur graveyard." The site has seen numerous fossil discoveries including that of a six-foot femur. Black Mesa draws people from all over the world, especially hikers; and the park boasts the highest elevation point in the state.

Great Plains State Park

Region: Southwest / Great Plains Country

Great Plains State Park resides in the shadow of the nearby Wichita Mountains, making for a striking scenic trip as you drive through the mountains along the shore of the park's lake. Take your RV or get close to nature and camp on the shoreline. Nearby you'll find Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Museum of the Great Plains and the Fort Still Museum of Lawton.

Great Salt Plains State Park

Region: Northwest / Red Carpet Country

This State Park spans the shoreline of the Great Salt Plains Lake, said to be almost half as salty as the ocean. This is the only place in the world where you can excavate your own Hourglass Selenite crystals. Digging months are April through October only, so plan accordingly. The park has RV and tent campsites as well as the option to stay in cabins provided.

Greenleaf State Park

Region: Northeast Country / Green Country

Greenleaf State Park is one of the original state parks in Oklahoma. It offers astronomy and campfire programs as well as barge tours, hayrides, arts and crafts and nature hikes. Stay in one of the fully stocked cabins, park on the RV campgrounds or set up your tent on a campsite and enjoy use of the community building which includes a kitchen, laundry room and a game room for the kids.

Keystone State Park

Region: Northeast / Green Country

Keystone State Park is home to the 26,000 acre Keystone Lake, which draws the majority of visitors. You can spend the day boating, swimming or water skiing (if don't have your own boat or jetski the Pier 51 Marina on site has rentals ready for you). Get a room with a view in one of the Lakeview cabins or sleep under the stars at one of three camping areas. Many enjoy fishing at Keystone, where you're likely to find some bass, walleye and maybe even catfish.

Lake Murray State Park

Region: South Central / Arbuckle Country

Lake Murray State Park has the distinction of being both the oldest and largest state park in Oklahoma. As with any park with "lake" in its title, you won't be hurting for water activities here. Stop by the Tucker Tower Nature Center and check out local artifacts and participate in the various nature programs and activities offered through the park.

Lake Texoma State Park

Region: South Central / Arbuckle Country

Lake Texoma is the second largest lake in Oklahoma. How large is large, you ask? So large that Oklahoma couldn't contain it, as it pools across two states and holds records in fishing for catfish and small-mouth bass. There's also a nature center, miniature golf, hayrides and a go-card track.

Lake Thunderbird State Park

Region: Central / Frontier Country

Just outside of Norman, Lake Thunderbird State Park makes for a relaxing day on the lake, fishing, boating, or swimming. If the water isn't calling, however, the park has horseback riding, or maybe you'd like to try your hand at archery or tour the nature center. Thunderbird also allows in-season deer and waterfowl hunting.

Little Sahara State Park

Region: Northwest / Red Carpet Country

Little Sahara State Park has over 1500 acres of sand dunes for off-roading enthusiasts. The dunes range from 25 to 75 feet in height and you must bring your own Dune Buggy. Best to do this one in the spring before the Oklahoma summer heat strikes. Little Sahara also has a great view of the Glass Mountains and some walking trails through the cottonwood groves. Camping is encouraged.

Natural Falls State Park

Region: Northeast / Green Country

Oklahoma went Hollywood in 1974 when Where the Red Fern Grows was filmed at various locations around the state, including Natural Falls State Park. With the gorgeous 77-foot waterfall pouring over a rocky valley, it's not hard to figure out why this scenic locale was chosen. An observation deck and picnic tables overlook the scene.

Quartz Mountain State Park

Region: Southwest / Great Plains Country

This "park" is more of a resort- a high end resort with a 118 room lodge complete with performance hall, library and 18-hole golf course. Of course, you can still sleep under the stars and hike to your heart's content. And what Oklahoma outdoor excursion would be complete without fishing? Quartz Mountain's lake Atlus holds the state record for both the largest walleye and the largest hybrid bass.

Red Rock Canyon State Park

Region: Central / Frontier Country

Once a stop on the California Road Trail used during the gold rush, Red Rock Canyon State Park now plays host to individuals and families up for a little adventure. Rappelling enthusiast? This is the park for you (just be sure to bring your own equipment). Characterized by the red sandstone canyons, Red Rock makes for a scenic stop.

Robbers Cave State Park & Lodge

Region: Southeast / Kiamichi Country

Infamous for its former use as a hideout for outlaws, Robbers Cave still appeals to risk-takers who like to rappel or scale sandstone cliffs. Horse-lovers rejoice: this park has equestrian campsites and gives you the opportunity to ride along the bluffs of Robbers Cave.

Tenkiller State Park

Region: Northeast / Green Country

Known as "heaven in the hills", patrons can enjoy a slew of water sports, but Lake Tenkiller also has an underwater scuba park featuring a submerged school bus among other sunken treasures. For the kids, Tenkiller offers a Children's fishing pond full of rainbow trout, an attraction for children ages 16 and under at no charge. Camping and onsite cabins available.