Natural Falls State Park
Hidden in a narrow V-shaped valley in the Ozark Highlands of northeast Oklahoma, Natural Falls State Park features one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the state—a 77-foot waterfall cascading through ancient rock formations into a serene, fern-covered grotto below.
The stunning scenery may look familiar to many visitors—scenes from the beloved 1974 film “Where the Red Fern Grows” were filmed right here in the park. Today, the Red Fern Reunion Center hosts group gatherings, keeping the movie’s legacy alive.
Spend the night in one of the park’s five cozy yurts, complete with climate control and modern amenities, or venture to Fox Meadows Campground—a 120-acre primitive backcountry preserve accessible only on foot for experienced campers seeking true wilderness solitude.
Park Fast Facts
Natural Falls State Park is located near the Oklahoma-Arkansas border in the scenic Ozark Highlands region.
| 📍 Location | Colcord, Oklahoma (Ozark Highlands) |
| 🗺️ Region | Northeast Oklahoma / Ozarks |
| 📐 Total Area | 120+ acres (plus Fox Meadows) |
| 💧 Waterfall Height | 77 feet |
| ⏰ Hours | Daily (check seasonal hours) |
| 📞 Phone | (918) 422-5802 |
The Waterfall
The 77-foot waterfall is the park’s main attraction, cascading through rock formations into a hidden grotto at the bottom of a narrow V-shaped valley. The moist environment creates perfect conditions for:
- 🌿 Ferns, mosses, and liverworts
- 🍁 Maples and oak canopy
- 🌸 Flowering dogwood, redbud, pawpaw
Two observation points offer different perspectives—a railed overlook platform above the falls and a seated observation deck at the foot of the falls.
Yurt Accommodations
| Yurt Type | Sleeps | Beds |
|---|---|---|
| 🛖 4-Person Yurt | 4 | 1 Queen + 1 Futon |
| 🛖 6-Person Yurt | 6 | 2 Bunks (Queen/Twin each) |
All yurts include: AC/heat, microwave, dorm fridge, K-cup coffee maker, ceiling fan, electrical outlets, dining table, 4 chairs, broom/dustpan. Outside: picnic table, charcoal grill, fire ring, deck, lantern hanger. Bring linens or rent from park. Pets welcome (fee).
Fox Meadows Primitive Camping
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 📐 Size | 120 acres preservation area |
| 🥾 Access | Hike-in ONLY (no vehicle access) |
| 🏕️ Style | True primitive wilderness camping |
| 🚿 Facilities | NONE — no restrooms, no water |
| 📝 Permit | Required (approved permits only) |
| 🐕 Pets | Allowed (leash required, clean up) |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| 🥾 Hiking | 4.5 miles of trails |
| 🥏 Disc Golf | 18-hole wooded course |
| 🎣 Fishing | Catch and release |
| 🏐 Volleyball | Court available |
| 🏀 Basketball | Court available |
| 🎯 Horseshoes | Pits available |
| 🦅 Wildlife Watching | Diverse forest wildlife |
| 🌸 Formal Garden | Landscaped garden area |
“Where the Red Fern Grows”
The park’s stunning natural beauty caught Hollywood’s attention—scenes from the beloved 1974 film “Where the Red Fern Grows” were filmed here. The movie, based on Wilson Rawls’ classic novel about a boy and his two hunting dogs in the Ozarks, used the park’s waterfall and forested valleys as a backdrop. The Red Fern Reunion Center honors this legacy and is available for group functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is the waterfall at Natural Falls?
The waterfall at Natural Falls State Park is 77 feet tall, making it one of the most impressive waterfalls in Oklahoma. It cascades through rock formations into a hidden grotto at the bottom of a V-shaped valley in the Ozark Highlands.
What movie was filmed at Natural Falls State Park?
Scenes from the 1974 film “Where the Red Fern Grows” were filmed at Natural Falls State Park. The movie is based on Wilson Rawls’ beloved novel about a boy and his hunting dogs in the Ozarks. The park’s Red Fern Reunion Center honors this connection.
What are the yurts like at Natural Falls?
The park has 5 yurts that sleep 4-6 people. Each includes AC/heat, microwave, dorm fridge, K-cup coffee maker, ceiling fan, electrical outlets, dining table, and chairs. Outside you’ll find a picnic table, charcoal grill, fire ring, and deck. Bring your own linens or rent from the park.
Can you swim at Natural Falls State Park?
No, swimming is not allowed in the park to protect the waterfall ecosystem. However, there are several public swimming areas available within a short distance of the park if you’re looking to cool off.
What is Fox Meadows Campground?
Fox Meadows is a 120-acre primitive backcountry preserve separate from the main park. It’s designed for experienced campers seeking true wilderness—accessible ONLY by foot with no restrooms, running water, or facilities. You need an approved permit to camp there.
Is there disc golf at Natural Falls?
Yes! Natural Falls has an 18-hole disc golf course winding through the wooded terrain. The park also offers basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, 4.5 miles of hiking trails, and catch-and-release fishing.
Discover Oklahoma’s Hidden Waterfall
Experience a stunning 77-foot waterfall, stay in cozy yurts, explore 120 acres of wilderness backcountry, and walk where “Where the Red Fern Grows” was filmed!
Explore More Oklahoma State Parks
Natural Falls 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.
The 77-Foot Waterfall
Natural Falls’ centerpiece is a 77-foot cascade that drops into a lush, fern-draped grotto within a limestone and sandstone canyon. The waterfall is fed by a spring-fed creek that maintains flow even during dry periods, ensuring year-round beauty. A paved, ADA-accessible observation deck at the canyon rim provides a dramatic overlook of the falls and the densely forested canyon below. For a closer experience, a trail descends into the canyon via a series of switchbacks and stairways (approximately 0.5 miles one way), delivering visitors to a lower viewing platform where the mist from the falls creates a cool microclimate even on the hottest Oklahoma summer days.
Ozark History and Recreation
Natural Falls became an Oklahoma state park in 1990, but the site was previously a privately operated tourist attraction since the 1940s, when it was known as “Dripping Springs.” The park gained national attention when portions of the 1974 film “Where the Red Fern Grows” were filmed at the waterfall. The 120-acre park offers 44 RV/tent campsites with electric and water hookups, a swimming pool, playground, and several miles of hiking trails through Ozark hardwood forest. The park is located near the town of Colcord in Oklahoma’s far northeastern corner, an area of rolling Ozark hills, clear creeks, and thick forests that bears more resemblance to Arkansas than the Great Plains most associate with Oklahoma.
Flora and Fauna
The Ozark Plateau ecosystem surrounding Natural Falls supports one of the most diverse hardwood forests in Oklahoma. The canyon microclimate created by the 77-foot waterfall maintains cooler temperatures and higher humidity than the surrounding ridges, fostering lush growth of ferns, mosses, liverworts, and wildflowers that would be more commonly found in the southern Appalachians. The forest canopy includes American beech, sugar maple, white oak, hickory, and shortleaf pine, with an understory of dogwood, redbud, and serviceberry that produces spectacular spring bloom displays. The creek and canyon support an array of wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, box turtles, numerous songbird species, and several species of salamanders that thrive in the moist canyon environment. Indiana bats, a federally endangered species, have been documented roosting in the canyon’s limestone overhangs.
Regional Ozark Exploration
Natural Falls sits in Oklahoma’s Ozark corner — a small but scenically rich region that contrasts sharply with the state’s plains and prairie landscape. The nearby town of West Siloam Springs offers restaurants, shops, and access to the Illinois River corridor, one of Oklahoma’s premier float trip destinations. The Arkansas border is just minutes away, providing access to Beaver Lake, Devil’s Den State Park, and the Ozark Highland Trail for extended outdoor adventures. War Eagle Mill (across the border in Arkansas) hosts a famous annual arts and crafts fair each October, and the artisan community of Tahlequah (Cherokee Nation capital, 45 minutes south) offers cultural attractions including the Cherokee Heritage Center and the Trail of Tears drama.
Planning Your Visit
Natural Falls State Park is open year-round, with the waterfall accessible in all seasons. Spring (March-May) offers peak water flow and wildflower displays. Summer provides swimming pool access and the coolest canyon temperatures. Fall foliage typically peaks in late October, transforming the hardwood canopy into a brilliant display of orange, gold, and crimson against the blue-gray limestone of the canyon walls. Winter visits offer solitude and the occasional frozen waterfall spectacle after sustained cold periods. The park entry fee is $10 per vehicle, and camping reservations can be made through the Oklahoma State Parks reservation system. The park is located approximately 90 miles east of Tulsa via US-412 and Highway 100.
