Beavers Bend State Park, located in the mountainous region of southeast Oklahoma, is renowned for its natural beauty, including towering timbers, crystal clear waters, and rugged terrain. The park, set along the shores of Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River, offers a range of activities like hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and water skiing. Visitors can enjoy nature center activities, river float trips, and horseback riding. The park features rustic and modern cabins, RV sites, tent campsites, and unique yurts for lodging, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Does Beavers Bend State Park Offer RV Camping?
Yes, Beavers Bend State Park in Oklahoma offers RV camping. The park provides RV sites with various amenities, including water, electricity, and sewer hookups. Campers can enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and the range of outdoor activities available in the park.
Beavers Bend State Park Contact Details
- Address: Address: 4350 OK-259A, Broken Bow, OK 74728, United States
- Phone: 580-494-6300
- Website: https://www.travelok.com/state-parks/beavers-bend-state-park
Beavers Bend State Park RV Sites and Amenities
Beavers Bend State Park offers a substantial number of RV and camping options. The park boasts 393 campsites and over 50 tent sites spread across eight different camping areas. These RV sites are equipped with water and electric services, and dump sites are also available. Additionally, the park features several camping areas with modern amenities like electricity, showers, and sewer hookups, ensuring a comfortable stay for RV campers.
Beavers Bend State Park RV Camping Rates
The RV camping rates at Beavers Bend State Park typically range from about $20 to $30 per night. The variation in rates is influenced by factors such as the specific campsite, the type of amenities provided, and the season.
Beavers Bend State Park Campground Maps
Things to do inside Beavers Bend State Park
Hiking and Nature Trails
The park features extensive hiking trails, including the David Boren Trail, offering picturesque views and varying difficulty levels. These trails are perfect for exploring the park’s natural beauty, including creeks and scenic vistas.
Water Activities
Visitors can enjoy various water-based activities like swimming, boating, and water skiing. The park has a refreshing swimming area, and the Mountain Fork River offers excellent canoeing, kayaking, and rafting opportunities.
Fishing
The park is known for its year-round trout fishing, with the river having two catch-and-release trophy areas. It’s a popular spot for both casual and serious anglers.
Golf
The 18-hole Cedar Creek Golf Course within the park provides a serene golfing experience amidst stunning landscapes. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Lodging and Camping
Beavers Bend State Park offers various lodging options, including rustic and modern cabins, RV sites, tent campsites, and unique yurts near the river. These accommodations cater to different preferences and provide a comfortable stay in the heart of nature.
Cultural and Educational Experiences
The park houses the Forest Heritage Center, a museum with dioramas and exhibits on forest history and local culture. It’s an educational spot for visitors interested in learning about the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
Other Recreational Activities
The park offers facilities for tennis, volleyball, and mini-golf. There are also picnic areas and an amphitheater, making it a perfect place for family gatherings and outdoor fun.
Beavers Bend State Park Nearby Attractions
Forest Heritage Center & Museum
Learn about the history of the Ouachita Mountains and Beavers Bend State Park at this museum, which features exhibits on forestry, wildlife, and Native American culture. It’s located just inside the park entrance.
Hochatown Petting Zoo
Get up close and personal with various animals at this petting zoo, including zebras, camels, and kangaroos. There’s also a playground and picnic area, making it a great spot for families. It’s about 5 miles from the park.
Beavers Bend State Park Marina
Rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard and explore the scenic shores of Broken Bow Lake. The marina also offers fishing supplies and pontoon boat tours. It’s about 3 miles from the park.
Rugaru Adventures Zipline
Soar through the trees on this exciting zipline course, which features 9 lines and a total of 1,700 feet of cable. It’s located just outside the park entrance.
Beavers Bend State Park Brief History
Beavers Bend State Park, nestled in the mountainous region of southeast Oklahoma, has a rich history that adds to its charm. The park was established on the site of an old Choctaw settlement and named after John T. Beavers, a Choctaw intermarried citizen. Its name also references the unique geographic feature of the Mountain Fork River making an almost 180-degree turn in the park, known as the “bend.”
The park’s establishment was closely tied to its natural and geological significance. The area’s distinct geology, characterized by unique rock formations resulting from the collision of the North American and South American Plates, forms the picturesque Ouachita Mountains. This geological history is evident throughout the park, particularly around Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River, where erosion has exposed much of the rock.
Beavers Bend State Park has grown to be a hub of outdoor recreation and natural beauty, offering a wide range of activities like hiking, fishing, boating, and more, set against the backdrop of its unique historical and geological context. Visitors can explore the park’s history in more detail at the Forest Heritage Center, which houses historical documents, antique forestry tools, and various exhibits related to the region’s forestry industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there bears in Beavers Bend State Park?
Yes, there are black bears in Beavers Bend State Park in Oklahoma. This natural area is home to various wildlife, including black bears among its inhabitants. Visitors to the park may have the opportunity to spot these bears in their natural habitat, along with other wildlife, such as bald eagles and woodpeckers.
Is there an entrance fee for Beavers Bend State Park?
Beavers Bend State Park in Oklahoma introduced an entrance fee system in 2020. The fee, which helps fund park maintenance and improvements, is charged per vehicle. Rates start at $10 per day, with discounts for Oklahoma residents, veterans, and seniors. Annual passes are also available for frequent visitors.
How to make reservations at Beavers Bend State Park?
To make reservations at Beavers Bend State Park, you can book online through the park’s official reservation system or by contacting the park directly. Online reservations can be made for cabins, campsites, and lodge rooms. It’s advisable to plan ahead, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.
Can you bring dogs inside Beavers Bend State Park?
Dogs are allowed inside Beavers Bend State Park. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times. The park offers pet-friendly accommodations, including certain cabins where pets are welcome for a small nightly fee. It’s important to clean up after your pets and ensure they are under control to preserve the park’s natural environment and for the safety of wildlife and other visitors.
What are the reviews for Beavers Bend State Park?
Beavers Bend State Park generally receives positive reviews from visitors. Many appreciate its beautiful natural scenery, including the river and lake views. The park is noted for being family-friendly, with various activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating. The state park’s facilities, including the Forest Research Centre and Nature Centre, are well-regarded. While most reviews highlight the park’s beauty and the range of outdoor activities, some visitors mention that certain areas can get crowded, and there may be fees for various activities and parking. Overall, the park is often described as a great place to relax and enjoy nature.