Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Oklahoma
62

Oklahoma State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Oklahoma
Western Region
Salt Plains State Park
start slideshow
Salt Plains State Park Crystalized ground © Shelley Sierka
Closeup of salt crystals
Salt Plains State Park View from viewing deck © Shelley Sierka
Looking out over the salt plains
Salt Plains State Park Salt Plains Natl Wildlife Refuge © Shelley Sierka
Sign at viewing deck
Salt Plains State Park Closeup of ground w/horizon © Shelley Sierka
Camera set on ground for long view
Salt Plains State Park Clouds crystal patches © Shelley Sierka
Sky and ground seem mirrored
Salt Plains State Park Great Salt Plains dig area © Donita Dupslaff
Digging for selenite crystals at Great Salt Plains park in April, 2017.
Salt Plains State Park Great Salt Plains restricted area © Donita Dupslaff
After a morning rain in April, 2017,a shallow stream that will dry up before the day is over.
Salt Plains State Park Great Salt Plains Lake © Donita Dupslaff
Cloudy afternoon in April, 2017. The far shore line of the Great Salt Plains Lake divides the sky from the still waters.
Salt Plains State Park A New Dawn © Western Doughty
Shot during sunrise.
Salt Plains State Park © Kathy Nelson
Salt Plains State Park Contemplation © Western Doughty
Shot as the sun rises.
Salt Plains State Park icy days © debbie
this is two days after the 2009 christmas blizzard.
Salt Plains State Park © debbie
Salt Plains State Park © debbie
Salt Plains State Park © debbie
Salt Plains State Park below the spillway © debbie
water level low
Salt Plains State Park © debbie pornaras-gorby
Salt Plains State Park © debbie pornaras-gorby
Salt Plains State Park Great Salt Plains © Chris Walters
Lakeside view
Salt Plains State Park Great Salt Plains © Chris Walters
A view from the dam out to the lake
Salt Plains State Park Great Salt Plains © Chris Walters
A view across the dam toward the lake
Salt Plains State Park © debbie pornaras-gorby
Salt Plains State Park © debbie pornaras-gorby
Salt Plains State Park © debbie pornaras-gorby
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
SALT PLAINS STATE PARK
SALT PLAINS STATE PARK
23280 S. Spillway Dr
Jet, Oklahoma   73749
(lat:36.743 lon:-98.1329) map location

Phone: 580-626-4731
Email: park email button icon
Recreational opportunities at Great Salt Plains State Park include boating, camping, picnicking, swimming, hiking, mountain biking and exploring. The Great Salt Plains Lake is located at the park and covers 8,690 surface acres with 41 miles of shoreline and is a shallow, salty lake with fishing opportunities for catfish, saugeye, sandbass and hybrid striper. Personal watercraft are not recommended. The park has RV and tent sites, comfort stations with showers, cabins, picnic sites, group shelters, swimming beach, playgrounds, boat ramps, fishing dock and equestrian trails. Horse rental is not available. The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge sits adjacent to the park and offers great bird watching and fall foliage viewing opportunities. The refuge is the only spot in the world where crystal enthusiasts can dig for hourglass selenite crystals, a rare and fragile form of selenite, which is a form of gypsum. Digging times are available from April 1 through October 15. **Notice** Selenite crystal digging at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge resumed on April 25, 2009.
History of the Area
Located in Alfalfa County, Oklahoma, the area was designated a national wildlife refuge by President Herbert Hoover in 1930. The park is known for its unique salt flat landscape and crystal digging opportunities. It became popular among tourists due to bird watching activities and hunting seasons regulated by U.S Fish & Wildlife Service rules. In addition to these attractions, it also offers camping facilities since the mid-20th century.

Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There is access to the Great Salt Plains Lake, where guests can enjoy sailing and motorboating activities. The lake also has boat ramps available for use by those who bring their own boats. Canoeing or kayaking on the river that runs through the park are other popular choices among visitors.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in the Great Salt Plains Lake, known for its catfish and sand bass. Saugeye is also common here. Other species include hybrid striped bass and crappie. The lake covers 8,690 acres providing ample space to fish from a boat or shoreline.


Location
Salt Plains State Park is

Picnicking
Salt Plains State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables and grills. Some sites have covered shelters for larger gatherings.
Trails
1. Salt Plains Trail: This is a 0.8-mile trail that offers scenic views of the salt plains and wildlife, including birds like sandpipers and plovers.

2. Great Salt Plains Lake Loop: A moderate difficulty level loop trail spanning approximately 3 miles around part of the lake; it provides beautiful vistas over water bodies with opportunities for bird watching.

3. Birding Trail: As its name suggests, this path is perfect for avid bird watchers as many migratory species stop here during their journey; exact length varies depending on chosen route within designated area.

4. Wildlife Refuge Walking Path: Although not strictly defined in terms of distance or direction due to being located within an open refuge zone, visitors can enjoy leisurely walks while observing various animal species native to Oklahoma's grasslands.

5. Selenite Crystal Digging Area Trails: These are informal trails leading from parking areas towards selenite crystal digging spots across vast salt flats; distances vary but typically involve short hikes under one mile each way.

6. Campground Paths: Several small paths connect different camping sites throughout park providing easy access between facilities such as restrooms and picnic tables ; lengths range from few hundred feet up to half a mile long per individual pathway section.
Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy over 300 species of birds, including the endangered whooping crane. The park offers guided birding tours and has a dedicated observation tower for enthusiasts. It's also home to migratory shorebirds during spring and fall seasons.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
July 30 Great State Park Visit by Joel_S
park review stars; one to five We had a great weekend family trip at this park. It was extremely hot, but we still enjoyed this place and all it had to offer and we will be back. Digging for crystals was a great experience and we found plenty. Melissa Robell, a local Ranger, stopped by and provided much information to us. She was very knowledgeable and friendly. It is an amazing place
September 6 Unfortunately by Shaun
park review stars; one to five Great place to go.
April 5 Bucket List Park by Donita Dupslaff
park review stars; one to five Wonderful state park, we stayed in the park cabins and were very pleased with the amenities.
write a review read more reviews
Share On

Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Great Salt Plains State ParkRt 1 Box 28Jet, OK 73749

8 miles N of Jet on Hwy 38. Approximately 45 minutes NW of Enid.

state route ranger badge
Oklahoma
62

Oklahoma State Parks

X