Sprawled across 1,100 acres, Osage Hills State Park is a historic and picturesque state park in northeast Oklahoma.
Established in 1935, it was one of seven parks built in the Sooner State by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
Situated just an hour’s drive from Tulsa, the park is renowned for its stately forests, jagged bluffs and shimmering waters. All of which provide a sensational landscape in which to explore via a range of outdoor recreational pursuits.
One of 32 officially designated public recreational spaces that sit within Oklahoma’s state park system, for those who are in need of an escape from the frenetic pace of city life, this is undoubtedly one of the best of them to visit.
Activities
If you are looking to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy a range of outdoor recreational activities, the park offers plenty to get you active.
While many of these activities revolve around the lake and Sand Creek, hiking, biking and camping are also very popular things to do as well.
Below is some further information about all of these activities.
Boating at Osage Hills State Park
For those who enjoy boating activities, both Lookout Lake and Sand Creek provide excellent opportunities to get out onto the park’s sparkling water.
Whether it be via kayak, canoe, SUP or row boat, you can spend hours enjoying these activities at Osage Hills.
If you don’t own any of this equipment, or forget to bring it with you, don’t worry. Some of it can be hired out at the lake.
Swimming at Osage Hills State Park
Should you visit between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, you will be able to go swimming at the huge outdoor area that is located within the park.
Weather permitting, the pool is open from Wednesday to Sundays, closed only for cleaning and maintenance on Monday and Tuesday.
Should your visit coincide with the pool being closed, you can always go for a dip at Sand Creek or Lookout Lake.
Just be vigilant when you do so, as neither of these spots are patrolled by lifeguards.
Fishing at Osage Hills State Park
Fishing is a popular activity in the park with anglers from all over Oklahoma and the surrounding states coming here, all throughout the year.
Taking place at either Lookout Lake or Sand Creek, many people come here for early morning fly fishing, especially for crappie or bass. Others throw in a heavier line complete with live bait, in the hope of catching one of the massive catfish that the park is well known for.
If you intend to go fishing at the park, be sure to get yourself an Oklahoma fishing license prior to doing so.
Hiking at Osage Hills State Park
If you are into hiking, the park offers five very good trails that range in both difficulty and length.
The shortest and easiest trail is the Falls Trail, which is only a half a mile long. But as it takes you through the woods, to a fabulous waterfall near Sand Creek, it is well worth undertaking.
Arguably the most popular trail is the Tower Lake Loop. This two-mile trek leads you past bluffs, and an amphitheater, to a lookout tower that showcases wonderful views which extend for miles in all directions.
Biking at Osage Hills State Park
Should you prefer to use a bike rather than walk, the Red Trail is probably your best bet to tackle.
Rated as an intermediate trail, on account of its rough terrain, it leads for 3.1 miles and is much loved by extreme sports enthusiasts.
Some of the trails have steep drop-offs, so you will need to wear all the necessary protective gear. Also keep an eye out for buffalo and other wild critters, which you might encounter along the way.
Pets at Osage Hills State Park
Pets are allowed in some of the cabins, as well as throughout the park.
Some restrictions may apply in other areas of it, so you may want to contact the main office to determine what these restrictions might be.
Camping at Osage Hills State Park
Camping is a highly regarded activity at the park, but you will need to make a reservation well in advance as, when compared to other state parks, there aren’t as many options here.
Overall the park offers 20 RV sites which come with electricity hookups and water. In addition, it also has 23 tent sites, as well as two canvas walled tents, eight cabins that were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s, and also a group campground.
Each of the cabins comes with central heating and air-conditioning, as well as a fireplace and a good range of kitchen facilities.
The group camp takes the form of a huge dining hall that has tables that can seat 120 people, as well as accommodating two fireplaces. It also features a commercial kitchen, with an ice machine, walk-in cooler and enough cutlery for 120 people to eat with.
Attached to the dining hall is a bathhouse, while there is also another one near nine bunkhouses that can sleep up to 118 people.
Reservations for the RV sites, tent sites, cabins and other lodging must be made online.
Amenities at Osage Hills State Park
To support this accommodation, the park has comfort stations with restrooms and hot showers, as well as a dump station for the RVs.
There is also an outdoor pool, several picnic areas and a playground for kids to enjoy.
Park Location
Osage Hills State Park
2131 Osage Hills Park Rd
Pawhuska, OK 74056
Phone: 918.336.4141
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Osage Hills State Park:
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