🌤 Weather at Robbers Cave State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41–81 °F | 66–94 °F | 40–86 °F | 30–57 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Wilburton 9 Ene, 10 mi away, elevation 635 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Deep in Oklahoma’s Sans Bois Mountains, Robbers Cave State Park tells the story of outlaws, wilderness, and American history. These rugged sandstone caves and cliffs were once the hideout of legendary desperados like Jesse James, Belle Starr, the Dalton Gang, and the Younger Brothers—all seeking refuge from frontier justice in the untamed mountains.
Today, this beautifully preserved park is one of Oklahoma’s Original Seven state parks, established in 1936 as part of FDR’s New Deal. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the rustic cabins, roads, group camps, and bathhouse—many of which still stand as stunning examples of Parkitecture, the National Park Service’s rustic design aesthetic.
From exploring the actual caves where outlaws hid to staying in a covered wagon or yurt, enjoying the lodge overlooking Lake Carlton, or hitting the ATV and equestrian trails, Robbers Cave offers a treasure trove of adventure for the whole family.
Park Fast Facts
Robbers Cave State Park is located in the Sans Bois Mountains of southeastern Oklahoma.
| 📍 Location | Highway 2, Wilburton, OK 74578 |
| 🗺️ Region | Sans Bois Mountains / Southeastern Oklahoma |
| 📐 Total Area | 8,246 acres |
| 🏛️ Established | 1936 (Original Seven) |
| 📞 Phone | (918) 465-2565 |
Outlaw History
After the Civil War, the remote caves and rugged terrain of the Sans Bois Mountains became a refuge for some of the Old West’s most notorious outlaws.
| Outlaw | Notoriety |
|---|---|
| 🤠 Jesse James | Most famous train robber in American history |
| 👢 Belle Starr | “Queen of the Outlaws” – cattle rustler, horse thief |
| 🔫 Dalton Gang | Bank and train robbers from Kansas |
| 🐎 Younger Brothers | Partners with Jesse James, bank robbers |
| ⚔️ Rufus Buck Gang | Notorious Oklahoma Territory outlaws |
Lodging Options
| Accommodation | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏨 Robbers Cave Lodge | Full-service lodge with restaurant, meeting space |
| 🏠 Rustic Cabins | CCC-built, native stone, live-edge cedar siding |
| 🛖 Yurts | Unique glamping experience |
| 🛞 Covered Wagon | Old West glamping adventure! |
| 🐴 Equestrian Campground | Horse-friendly camping |
| ⛺ Old Circle Campground | CCC-designed, wooded sites |
| 🌊 Campground by Dam | Family-style near water |
| 🦅 Eagle’s Nest | Quiet, secluded sites |
Camping & RV
| Camping Type | Amenities |
|---|---|
| 🔌 Full Hookups | Water, electric, sewer |
| ⚡ Electric Sites | 30 and 50 amp available |
| ➡️ Pull-Through Sites | Easy RV access |
| ⛺ Tent Sites | Multiple campground options |
| 👥 Group Camp | Available for large groups |
| 🚿 Restrooms | Showers, restrooms throughout |
| 🚐 Dump Station | Available for RVs |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| 🥾 Hiking | Explore caves and sandstone bluffs |
| 🏔️ Cave Exploration | Climb through historic outlaw hideouts |
| 🚗 ATV Area | Designated off-road vehicle trails |
| 🐴 Horseback Riding | Equestrian trails and camping |
| 🎣 Fishing | Lake Carlton fishing |
| 🛶 Paddling | Canoe and paddleboat rentals |
| 🏊 Swimming | Pool and swim beach |
| 🥏 Disc Golf | Course on-site |
| 🚴 Biking | Mountain biking trails |
CCC & Parkitecture
Robbers Cave showcases stunning Parkitecture—the rustic design aesthetic developed by the National Park Service and executed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
| CCC Legacy | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 CCC Established | July 12, 1933 (Company 1825) |
| 🏗️ Built | Cabins, roads, bathhouse, group camp, shelters |
| 💧 Lake Carlton | Created by damming Fourche Maline Creek |
| 🏛️ Design Features | Native stone, live-edge cedar, hand-cut metal signs |
Wildlife & Nature
Robbers Cave SP — 8,246 acres in the Sans Bois Mountains. Named for the caves used as hideouts by outlaws including Jesse James and Belle Starr. The park’s sandstone formations, mountain forest, and lakes support black bears, wild turkeys, and timber rattlesnakes. The sandstone caves and rock formations are spectacular.
Nearby Attractions
Wilburton — adjacent. Latimer County — surrounding. Ouachita Mountains — surrounding.
Why is it called Robbers Cave?
Robbers Cave gets its name from the legendary outlaws who used the sandstone caves as hideouts after the Civil War. Famous outlaws including Jesse James, Belle Starr, the Dalton Gang, and the Younger Brothers all reportedly used these caves to escape from law enforcement.
Can you explore the actual caves?
Yes! Visitors can hike to and explore the actual sandstone caves where outlaws once hid. The caves and surrounding rock formations are accessible via hiking trails. Be prepared for some climbing and scrambling—sturdy shoes are recommended.
Can you stay in a covered wagon?
Yes! Robbers Cave offers unique covered wagon lodging for a true Old West glamping experience. The park also offers yurts, rustic CCC-built cabins, and the full-service Robbers Cave Lodge.
Is Robbers Cave one of Oklahoma’s oldest state parks?
Yes! Robbers Cave is one of Oklahoma’s Original Seven state parks, established in 1936 as part of FDR’s New Deal. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built many of the park’s structures beginning in 1933, including the rustic cabins, roads, and Lake Carlton.
Can you bring ATVs to Robbers Cave?
Yes! Robbers Cave has a designated ATV area with off-road vehicle trails. The park also features equestrian trails and an equestrian campground for visitors with horses.
Is there swimming at Robbers Cave?
Yes! The park has both a swimming pool and a swim beach on Lake Carlton. Lake Carlton was created by the CCC when they dammed Fourche Maline Creek in the 1930s.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Eufaula State Park (a short drive away) and Red Rock Canyon Park (within about an hour’s drive).
Step Into Outlaw History
Explore the caves where Jesse James hid, stay in a covered wagon, and experience Oklahoma’s legendary Sans Bois Mountains. Book your outlaw adventure today!
Explore More Oklahoma State Parks
Robbers Cave 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.
⛺ Camping at Robbers Cave State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 217 sites — Numerous loops (Ballfield Area, Bobcat Crossing, CCC Camp Area, Cattail Pond, Coon Creek, Deep Ford, Dogwood, Eagles Nest, Equestrian Campground, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Carlton, Lake Wayne Wallace, Lost Lake, Old Circle, Old Quarry, Pine Trails, Pool Area, Redbud, Rocky Top, Thundering Pines, Whispering Pines, Youngers Bend). Tent: 97 sites. RV Equestrian: 45 sites. RV Semi Modern: 47 sites. RV Modern: 20 sites. Tent Equestrian: 5 sites. RV Premium: 3 sites. Most standard sites lack electrical hookups; RV Premium sites have water hookups. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 26 cabins with full kitchens, fireplaces, bathrooms and park views. Also available: 2 yurts, 1 hut, and 1 covered wagon as specialty overnight stays. |
| Reservations | Online via TravelOK.com/ReserveAmerica. Standard sites bookable same-day up to 11 months ahead (1-day minimum advance); group facilities up to 12 months ahead. Nightly rate: $16 tent/RV/shelter; $88-$95 yurt/hut; group camping $16-$275. |
| Special sites | Equestrian campground and trails along scenic bluffs; horses available to rent. ATV area. Renovated lodge, nature center, gift shop, canoe/paddleboat rentals, miniature golf, swim beach and pool. |
Camping questions about Robbers Cave State Park
Can you camp at Robbers Cave State Park?
Yes. Robbers Cave State Park has 217 campsites. Numerous loops (Ballfield Area, Bobcat Crossing, CCC Camp Area, Cattail Pond, Coon Creek, Deep Ford, Dogwood, Eagles Nest, Equestrian Campground, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Carlton, Lake Wayne Wallace, Lost Lake, Old Circle, Old Quarry, Pine Trails, Pool Area, Redbud, Rocky Top, Thundering Pines, Whispering Pines, Youngers Bend). Tent: 97 sites. RV Equestrian: 45 sites. RV Semi Modern: 47 sites. RV Modern: 20 sites. Tent Equestrian: 5 sites. RV Premium: 3 sites. Most standard sites lack electrical hookups; RV Premium sites have water hookups.
How do you reserve a campsite at Robbers Cave State Park?
Online via TravelOK.com/ReserveAmerica. Standard sites bookable same-day up to 11 months ahead (1-day minimum advance); group facilities up to 12 months ahead. Nightly rate: $16 tent/RV/shelter; $88-$95 yurt/hut; group camping $16-$275.
Are there cabins at Robbers Cave State Park?
26 cabins with full kitchens, fireplaces, bathrooms and park views. Also available: 2 yurts, 1 hut, and 1 covered wagon as specialty overnight stays.
Source: travelok.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Robbers Cave State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Oklahoma state parks as long as they are kept on a leash, supervised at all times and cleaned up after.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 10 feet required; pets must be under direct physical control unless in a designated fenced pet area
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins for $40 per night per pet; pets are prohibited in lodge rooms ($300 fee assessed if a pet is found in a lodge room)
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $40 per night per pet for pet-friendly cabins; no fee for day use or campsites
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Proof of rabies vaccination required and must be readily available; pets running at large may be impounded
Are dogs allowed at Robbers Cave State Park?
Pets are allowed in Oklahoma state parks as long as they are kept on a leash, supervised at all times and cleaned up after. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via travelok.com. More: Oklahoma state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Robbers Cave State Park
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