Foss State Park

Once the home of the Plains Indian Tribes, the Foss State Park is a stunning 1,749-acre park in western Oklahoma. Centered around the picturesque Foss Lake, the park is the perfect destination for those who enjoy having fun in the great outdoors. Throughout the park, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, camping and picnicking. While the stunning scenery provides an excellent place to disconnect from the pressures of city life, and reconnect with nature. One of 32 designated parks within the Oklahoma park system, if you are looking for a place to rest, relax and celebrate living in the Sooner State, then Foss State Park is as good as any.

Getting There

Foss State Park is a fairly straightforward place to drive to. For many people travelling there will include a trip through the desert, just north of the historic Route 66. For those travelling from Oklahoma City it is an especially straightforward 90 minute drive along the flat I-40 West. While those coming from Amarillo in Texas face a 2 hour and 30 minute journey on the I-40 East. If you will be coming from Wichita in Kansas, you should expect to get to the park within 4 hours and residents of Lawntown in Oklahoma should bank on a two hour transit.

Activities

For the visitor, Foss State Park offers plenty of outdoor recreational activities, which include swimming, boating, hiking, biking, equestrian, birdwatching and picnicking. Throughout the year they also really get into the spirit of certain holidays and events, which is well worth timing your visit for.

Aquatic Activities at Foss State Park

One of the main drawcards within Foss State Park is the shimmering 8,800 acres of Foss Lake. Offering a wide range of aquatic activities for the visitor, the lake is a very popular spot for swimming. With the designated area for it being wide, safe and very well maintained. Boating is also a well practiced activity, especially for kayaking, canoeing, SUP and wind surfing. While jet skis, pontoon boats and other equipment can also be rented out too. The lake is also an excellent spot for a picnic, particularly at sunset, when the hues over the water look spectacular.

Trails at Foss State Park

Throughout Foss State Park there are a number of well maintained trails that are perfect for hiking, biking and horseback riding. One of which, the Great Western Cattle Trail, was created back in the 1880s. The equestrian trails in particular are very good, however you will need to bring your own horse with you, as the onsite camp does not provide a rental service for one.

Fishing at Foss State Park

As you might expect, Foss Lake is a haven for anglers who come from all across America to cast a line in its thriving waters. Both from the shoreline, and on a boat out in the open water, you can expect to catch plenty of channel and flathead catfish, as well as bluegill, crappie and both striped and large mouth bass. So you should not have any problem when it comes to sorting out dinner.

Picnicking at Foss State Park

Through the park, and especially near the lake, there are several picnic areas as well as group picnic shelters. Most of them are equipped with grills and fire rings.

Birding at Foss State Park

During your time at Foss State Park, you should be able to spot a wide range of birdlife, some of which is unique to the area. This includes the likes of diving ducks, Common Loon, Black Scooters, and even Mountain Bluebirds.

Christmas in July

As a salute to America’s veterans and active military personnel, Christmas in July has become a major tradition at Foss State Park. This unmissable weekend event features everything from a boat parade to fireworks. There is also live music, food trucks, crafts and inflatables. Campground bookings at this time are essential.

Trick or Treat at Foss State Park

Halloween is always a fun occasion at Foss State Park. If you plan on visiting at this time you’ll find that most RVs and tent sites decorate for Trick or Treat. There is also a Haunted Egg Hunt, which usually takes place around sunset, and a Haunted Trail that takes place later in the evening.

Pets at Foss State Park

Pets are welcome to join you at Foss State park. However, they must be on a leash at all times, as well as cleaned up after. To find out the full regulations and restrictions it is worth contacting the park’s office.

Camping at Foss State Park

Set across seven campgrounds, which are located on the northern and southern fringes of the lake the Foss State Park Campground provides 110 RV sites, 42 tent sites and an equestrian camp for overnight visitors. Some of these sites come with full hookups, which can be reserved in advance. All of them have 30-amp or 50-amp service as well as water. If you would prefer not to stay in an RV or tent, the park also has two fully furnished cabins for you to reserve, one of which is ADA compliant.

Amenities at Foss State Park

In terms of amenities, the campgrounds offer clean, modern bathrooms and coin operated showers. It also has a dump station too, as well as a marina, lighted boat ramp, boat storage, disc golf, gift shop and a children’s playground. At the lake, the park also has an accomplished floating restaurant called Portside Cafe, which is a good spot for lunch or dinner.

Park Location

Foss State Park 10252 Hwy 44 Foss, OK 73647 Phone: 580.592.4433 Website Reservations

Map

Video

Below is a brief YouTube video showcasing different things to do at Foss State Park:

Explore More Oklahoma State Parks

Foss State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Oklahoma. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Oklahoma guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.