If you have ever searched for “Turner Falls State Park,” you are far from alone. With its towering 77-foot waterfall, natural swimming pools, hiking trails, and camping, Turner Falls Park feels like it should be a state park. But it is not. Turner Falls Park is a city-owned park, operated by the City of Davis, Oklahoma, making it one of the most impressive municipal parks in the entire country.
This common mix-up matters for practical reasons: the rules, admission prices, camping reservations, and management structure are all different from what you would find at an Oklahoma State Park. In this guide, we clear up the confusion and give you everything you need to plan a memorable visit—plus we will point you toward nearby Oklahoma State Parks that pair perfectly with a Turner Falls trip.
What Is Turner Falls Park?
Turner Falls Park is a 1,500-acre city park located in the Arbuckle Mountains near Davis, Oklahoma, approximately 75 miles south of Oklahoma City along Interstate 35. It is operated and maintained by the City of Davis and is not part of the Oklahoma State Parks system.
The park’s centerpiece is Turner Falls itself: a stunning 77-foot waterfall formed by Honey Creek as it cascades over ancient Ordovician-era limestone formations into a natural swimming pool below. It is the tallest waterfall in Oklahoma and has drawn visitors since the early 1900s, making Turner Falls one of Oklahoma’s oldest and most beloved outdoor destinations.
| Detail | Turner Falls Park | Typical Oklahoma State Park |
|---|---|---|
| Managing Entity | City of Davis, Oklahoma | Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Dept. |
| Park Type | Municipal (city) park | State park |
| Size | ~1,500 acres | Varies (500–20,000+ acres) |
| Admission Fee | $17/person adults, $10/ages 6-11 (2025) | Free entry (most parks); camping fees separate |
| Camping Reservations | turnerfallspark.com | travelok.com or individual park websites |
| Swimming | Natural pool at base of waterfall | Varies by park |
| Open Year-Round? | Yes (swimming seasonal) | Most parks open year-round |
Why Do People Think Turner Falls Is a State Park?
The confusion is completely understandable:
- It is enormous for a city park. At 1,500 acres with a waterfall, caves, hiking trails, and full-service campgrounds, Turner Falls is larger and more feature-rich than many actual state parks across the country.
- Its location in the Arbuckle Mountains alongside the Chickasaw National Recreation Area creates a cluster of parklands that visitors naturally assume are all part of the same system.
- “State park” is used casually. Many travel blogs, social media posts, and even GPS apps incorrectly label Turner Falls as a state park, reinforcing the misconception.
- Oklahoma has a strong state park network. With 33 state parks offering lodges, lakes, and trail systems, it is easy to assume Turner Falls belongs to that family.
The History of Turner Falls
Turner Falls is named after Mazeppa Thomas Turner, a Scottish immigrant who settled near the falls in the late 1800s. Turner recognized the natural beauty of the area and began promoting it as a destination. The park has been in continuous public use since the early 1900s, making it one of the oldest parks in Oklahoma.
The area’s geological history is far more ancient. The Arbuckle Mountains are among the oldest mountain ranges in North America, formed during the Late Paleozoic era approximately 300 million years ago. The exposed limestone, dolomite, and sandstone formations visible throughout the park contain marine fossils from the Ordovician, Silurian, and Devonian periods—some over 450 million years old.
One of the park’s most intriguing features is Collings Castle, the stone ruins of a structure built in the 1930s by Dr. Ellsworth Collings, a University of Oklahoma professor. The castle, perched on a hillside overlooking the park, was never completed and now stands as an atmospheric ruin popular with photographers and hikers.
What to See and Do at Turner Falls
The Waterfall & Natural Swimming Pool
The main attraction is the 77-foot waterfall and the large natural pool at its base. During summer months, the pool is open for swimming and is the primary draw for families. The water is naturally cold—fed by Honey Creek—and beautifully clear.
Swimming rules to know:
- No lifeguards on duty—swim at your own risk
- No glass containers anywhere in the park
- No inflatable rafts or large floats in the swimming area
- Life jackets are strongly recommended for children
- Cliff jumping is prohibited
Caves & Rock Formations
The Arbuckle Mountain geology creates several explorable caves and rock formations throughout the park. The caves are natural limestone formations carved by water over millions of years. While they are not as extensive as developed show caves, they offer a fun opportunity for casual exploration—bring a flashlight.
Hiking
Several trails wind through the park’s 1,500 acres:
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterfall Trail | ~0.5 miles | Easy | Paved path from parking to the falls overlook and swimming area |
| Collings Castle Trail | ~1 mile | Moderate | Uphill hike to the castle ruins with panoramic views |
| Rock Garden Trail | ~1.5 miles | Moderate | Winds through unique geological formations and natural gardens |
| Creek Trail | ~2 miles | Easy-Moderate | Follows Honey Creek through shaded forest upstream of the falls |
Camping
Turner Falls offers extensive camping facilities for both tent and RV campers:
- RV sites with water, electricity, and some with sewer hookups
- Tent camping areas with fire rings and picnic tables
- Primitive camping in more secluded areas of the park
- Cabins are available for reservation
Reservations are made directly through turnerfallspark.com. During peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), the park can fill to capacity—especially on weekends. Arriving early or making reservations well in advance is strongly recommended.
Practical Visitor Information
Admission & Fees
| Category | Fee (2025) |
|---|---|
| Adults (12+) | $17 per person |
| Children (6-11) | $10 per person |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| RV Camping (per night) | $25-$45 depending on hookups |
| Tent Camping (per night) | $15-$25 |
| Cabin Rentals | $75-$150/night (varies) |
Important: Unlike most Oklahoma State Parks, Turner Falls charges a per-person admission fee just to enter the park. This is because it is city-operated and relies on admission revenue rather than state-funded budgets.
Hours & Seasons
- Park hours: Generally 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM (gates close at varying times seasonally)
- Swimming season: Approximately May through September, weather dependent
- Peak weekends: The park frequently reaches capacity on summer weekends and holiday weekends; gates may close when the park is full
- Off-season: Fall and winter are beautiful for hiking and photography with significantly fewer crowds
Getting There
Turner Falls Park is located at I-35 Exit 51 near Davis, Oklahoma.
| Starting Point | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | 75 miles | ~1 hour 15 min |
| Dallas/Fort Worth | 160 miles | ~2 hours 30 min |
| Tulsa | 140 miles | ~2 hours 15 min |
| Wichita, KS | 200 miles | ~3 hours |
Oklahoma State Parks Near Turner Falls
If your Arbuckle Mountains itinerary has room for more outdoor adventure, several outstanding actual Oklahoma State Parks are within easy reach:
Lake Murray State Park
Located approximately 25 miles south of Turner Falls near Ardmore, Lake Murray State Park is Oklahoma’s first and largest state park. Centered around the 5,728-acre Lake Murray, it offers swimming beaches, a marina, an 18-hole golf course, horseback riding, and the historic Tucker Tower nature center. Lodge and cabin accommodations make it an excellent option if you want more comfort than camping.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Just 20 miles east of Turner Falls in Sulphur, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area (managed by the National Park Service) features mineral springs, freshwater springs, streams, and Lake of the Arbuckles. The Travertine Nature Center, Little Niagara swimming area, and extensive trail system make it a fantastic complement to a Turner Falls visit. Entry is free.
Other Oklahoma State Parks to Explore
- Robbers Cave State Park (~120 miles east): Dramatic sandstone formations, legendary outlaw hideout, excellent climbing
- Roman Nose State Park (~100 miles northwest): Canyon scenery, lodge, golf, natural springs
- Beavers Bend State Park (~130 miles southeast): Mountain Fork River trout fishing, dense forest, resort lodge
Turner Falls vs. Oklahoma State Parks: Key Differences
| Feature | Turner Falls (City Park) | Oklahoma State Parks |
|---|---|---|
| Admission | $17/adult, $10/child | Most parks are free to enter |
| Managing authority | City of Davis | Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Dept. |
| Reservations | turnerfallspark.com | travelok.com |
| Alcohol | No alcohol permitted | Varies by park |
| Pets | Leashed pets allowed in some areas | Generally leashed pets allowed |
| Capacity limits | Park closes when at capacity | Generally no capacity limits |
| Wi-Fi/cell service | Limited | Varies; lodges often have Wi-Fi |
Planning Tips for Your Turner Falls Visit
- Arrive early on weekends: Summer Saturday mornings can see the park reach capacity by 10 AM. Gates close when full.
- Bring cash: Some facilities may only accept cash (though card payment is increasingly available).
- No alcohol: Turner Falls Park is a completely dry park—no alcoholic beverages of any kind are permitted.
- No glass: Glass containers are prohibited throughout the entire park for safety reasons.
- Wear water shoes: The creek bed and pool area have rocky surfaces.
- Fall is underrated: October brings stunning fall color to the Arbuckle Mountains with a fraction of the summer crowds.
- Combine with Chickasaw NRA: A two-day itinerary pairing Turner Falls with the nearby Chickasaw National Recreation Area covers two of southern Oklahoma’s best natural areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turner Falls a state park?
No. Turner Falls Park is a city-operated park owned and managed by the City of Davis, Oklahoma. It is not part of the Oklahoma State Parks system. This means it has its own admission fees, rules, and reservation system separate from state parks.
How much does it cost to visit Turner Falls?
Admission is $17 per person for adults (ages 12 and up) and $10 for children ages 6-11. Children under 6 are free. Camping fees are additional.
Can you swim at Turner Falls?
Yes, during the swimming season (approximately May through September). The natural pool at the base of the 77-foot waterfall is open for swimming. There are no lifeguards, so swimming is at your own risk.
How tall is Turner Falls?
Turner Falls is 77 feet tall, making it the tallest waterfall in Oklahoma. The water flows from Honey Creek over ancient limestone formations in the Arbuckle Mountains.
What state parks are near Turner Falls?
Lake Murray State Park is approximately 25 miles south. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area (NPS) is about 20 miles east in Sulphur. Robbers Cave, Roman Nose, and Beavers Bend State Parks are all within a 2-hour drive.
Does Turner Falls close when it gets full?
Yes. During peak summer weekends and holidays, the park frequently reaches capacity. When full, the gates close and no additional vehicles are admitted until others leave. Plan to arrive before 9 AM on busy days.
Can you bring alcohol to Turner Falls?
No. Turner Falls Park is a completely dry park. No alcoholic beverages are permitted anywhere on the grounds.
Is Turner Falls dog-friendly?
Dogs are allowed in some areas of the park on a leash. However, they are not permitted in the swimming areas. Check with park staff for current pet policies.
