Situated in southeast Oklahoma, Lake Wister State Park is one of the Sooner state’s most beautiful public recreational spaces.
Regarded as the gateway to the spectacular Ouachita National Forest, this fabulous destination accommodates five separate camping areas as well as over 115 miles of picturesque and rocky shoreline.
Spread across 3,428-acres, the Oklahoma park also features a gorgeous 7,300-acre lake that is a haven for those who enjoy water based recreational activities. It is also a noted spot for hiking and biking as well as picnicking too.
Strategically placed within relatively easy driving distance from Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Dallas, this park provides a welcome escape from the pressures of city life.
If you are looking for a family-friendly and pet-friendly vacation spot to enjoy a bit of rest and relaxation, this is somewhere you should seriously consider spending a few days at.
Activities
For those who enjoy outdoor recreational activities the park provides plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature.
Whether it’s hiking, biking, boating, fishing, sporting activities or picnicking you enjoy, there are plenty of ways to keep yourself amused.
Here are more details about some of them.
Boating and swimming at Lake Wister State Park
Given the size of the lake it is unsurprising that boating and swimming are very popular activities at the park.
If you own them, be sure to bring your kayak, canoe, SUP or jet-skis, as you will enjoy traversing the lake’s shimmering waters.
There is also a designated swimming area as well, which is a fabulous place to go for a cooling dip during the heat of the summer months.
Fishing at Lake Wister State Park
Fishing is a very popular activity at the park, with anglers from all over America coming here for its abundant opportunities.
Whether you choose to fish from the shoreline, or on a boat out in the middle of the water, you should catch plenty of crappie, bluegill, walleye, striped bass, smallmouth, Redear sunfish and white bass.
Hiking and Biking at Lake Wister State Park
If you want to immerse yourself in the park’s beautiful surroundings there are plenty of trails that you can hike, or mountain bike along.
One of the most popular of them is a six and a half mile trail that will take you to the Ouachita wilderness that flanks the lake. Be sure to take your camera with you as there are plenty of beautiful areas to photograph.
Picnicking at Lake Wister State Park
Across the park you will find several scenic picnic spots, many of which are dotted around the lake itself.
These picnic spots have grills and fire rings, so you can cook up whatever you catch.
If you are in a large group, there are picnic shelters available too.
Wildlife Viewing and Bird Watching at Lake Wister State Park
If you are into wildlife viewing and bird watching, then you will love the opportunity to do both at Lake Wister State Park.
In terms of wildlife the park is home to deer, ducks and snow-white rabbits, while bird species like bald and golden eagles can regularly be spotted too. You can see these regularly throughout the park, and especially along the hiking trails.
Golfing and Volleyball at Lake Wister State Park
Just because you are in the park doesn’t mean you have to leave your love of sports at home.
Whilst there, you can enjoy both mini golf and volleyball, as the park has both facilities onsite.
As well as being a lovely way to relax, these sports facilities also provide opportunities to meet fellow, likeminded campers.
Pets at Lake Wister State Park
The park is pet friendly, so you will be able to bring your dog with you on your trip here.
Dogs are allowed in the cabin as well as several other places around the park. However, some restrictions may apply. So, it is worth contacting the park office for further information.
Camping and Accommodation at Lake Wister State Park
If you are looking to spend a few nights at the park there are a several camping and accommodation options available to you.
These include three campgrounds – the Wards Landing, Quarry Island and Victor Area, that between them house over 75 RV sites. The first two have 18 sites that have water and 30-amp electric hook-ups, while the latter accommodates 57 sites that have 30-amp electricity, water and sewer hook-ups.
Tent camping is allowed at the Quarry Island and the Victor Area, though you can only erect one tent. It is not permitted at the Wards Landing area.
In addition to the RV and tent sites, the park offers 15 well equipped cabins that are flanked by groves of northern spruce, wild cherry and dogwood trees.
Sleeping between four to six guests, they feature queen size beds and sleeper sofas, as well as a complete kitchen, restroom with shower, a 32-inch flat screen TV and air conditioning.
Lake Wister State Park also provides a fully equipped group camp that comes with a proper kitchen and dining hall, that can house up to 100 guests.
The RV and tent campsites, as well as the cabins and lodgings can all be reserved online.
Amenities at Lake Wister State Park
As well as what has been previously mentioned, the park has several comfort stations that feature toilets and warm showers.
It also has a dump station as well as a gift shop, meeting space and playground for children to enjoy.
Park Location
Lake Wister State Park
25679 US Hwy 270
Wister, OK 74966
Phone: 918.581.2965
Map
Video
Below is a brief YouTube video showcasing different things to do at Lake Wister State Park:
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