Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to know to go boating in Oklahoma?
To operate your boat on an Oklahoma lake, it must first be registered in your home state. Oklahoma regulations also require you to have on board a fire extinguisher, throw cushion or flotation device, an oar and life jackets for each person on board. Children 12 and under MUST be wearing their life jackets. For more information contact the Oklahoma Lake Patrol at (405) 425-2143.
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Do Oklahoma State Parks Offer Senior and Disabled Discounts?
Oklahoma State Parks offers a $2.00 off per night discount to anyone over age 62. All you have to provide is an ID verifying that you are over 62. There are no residency restriction at this time.
Oklahoma residents (with proof) age 62 and older are eligible for a waiver of the $3.00 day-use or entrance fees when entering a fee based area at the following parks: Little Axe at Lake Thunderbird, Cisco Road Gatehouse at Lake Murray and the main entrance at Natural Falls State Park.
Totally disabled. Oklahoma State Parks offers a totally disabled discount of 50% off the base camping rate per night. The full utility rate is charged per night per site. Appropriate forms of verification of your eligibility are:
A Medicare or Medicaid card showing that you began receiving benefits prior to age 62 (of course, we will request an ID verifying your current age).
A certificate issued by the Oklahoma Tax Commission showing that you are exempt from sales tax based on disabled veterans status.
An ID issued by the Veterans Administration indicating total disability.
A fishing/hunting license for the disabled issued by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conversation.
A letter from your physician verifying your total disability.
Our State Parks do not sell and do not honor the America the Beautiful Passport, formerly known as the Golden Age or Golden Access Passport. The passport card is good at federal facilities only, not at Oklahoma State Parks.

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What is the difference between a storm watch and a storm warning?
The National Weather Service issues a storm watch when conditions are favorable for a storm to develop. A storm warning is issued when a storm is in progress.
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What do I do in case of a tornado?
If you believe you are in the path of a tornado, seek cover in a low place such as a ditch. Do not stay in your vehicle. If indoors, go to a basement if possible or the center part of the structure, such as a closet, bathroom or hallway. Stay clear of windows and, if possible, cover yourself with a mattress. Oklahoma State Park Rangers will make every effort to alert park visitors in the event of a tornado however, because of the speed in which these storms sometimes develop, it is not always possbile to reach every visitor in time. Park visitors should be alert for changing conditions during severe storms.
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What are your motorcycle helmet laws?
Anyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet if riding on a motorcycle. Some city ordinances also require that headlights be on at all times.
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What is the highway emergency cell phone number?
When traveling on U.S. highways and interstates, you can dial *55 (star 55) on your cell phone and be connected with highway patrol and other emergency services.
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Can I take my pet to an Oklahoma State Park?
Yes, pets are welcome in Oklahoma State Parks, subject to the following conditions.
1. Pets are not allowed in public buildings, on designated swim beaches, or other areas determined by the park manager.
2. Pets must be kept in a cage or a crate, or restrained with a leash which does not exceed 10 feet in length. Simply put, pets cannot be allowed to run free.
3. Pets may not be left unattended in a manner that may result in harm to the pet.
4. Pets may not make noise that disturbs other visitors. The park manager or park ranger will determine relevant factors, such as location, time of day, or impact upon park visitors.
5. Owners must provide proof that their pet has a current, valid rabies inoculation.
6. Owners must retrieve and properly dispose of pet excrement.
7. Some cabins and lodge rooms may be declared off-limits to pets at the park or lodge manager’s discretion.
8. A pet deposit may be required for some cabins and lodge rooms.

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Can I reserve a park pavilion for a reunion or event?
Absolutely! Simply contact the park manager for details.
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Can a tent camper rent an RV site?
Tent campers may rent an RV site but will pay the RV rate.
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Do I have to bring my own linens to a park cabin?
No. All Oklahoma State Park cabins are stocked with bed linens, bath and kitchen linens, cooking utensils and cleaning supplies. This does not apply to lake huts, where you must supply your own linens.
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Can I feed the deer?
Please do not feed the wildlife. Feeding wildlife can make them dependent upon handouts and they soon forget how to find their own natural sources of food. Animals that lose their fear of man can sometimes become dangerous. It is not a good idea to approach wild animals. In some designated wildlife watching areas, the park may have feeders which allow you to watch wildlife without putting yourself or the creature in danger.
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Can I keep the arrowhead or fossil I found?
State law prohibits the removal of cultural or archeological resources from state parks. Park nature centers and office welcome the donation of these finds on park property for use in educational exhibits.
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Can I bring a metal detector to the park?
Visitors who wish to use a metal detector in an Oklahoma State Park must obtain a use permit from the park office.
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Is it legal to shoot fireworks in Oklahoma State Parks?
No. Fireworks are prohibited in state parks unless they are a part of a sanctioned event and are handled only by trained and licensed professionals.
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Do Oklahoma State Parks have quiet hours?
Yes. Visitors are encouraged to keep the volume down on radios, CD players, and boom boxes during the daylight hours, but audio equipment must be turned off between 11:00pm and 6:00am.
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How can I get a lake map?
Visit this website. http://www.owrb.ok.gov/news/publications/wa/wa.php
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Is lodging available at Lake Texoma?
Yes. Even though Lake Texoma Lodge has closed, there is other lodging available near Lake Texoma State Park. This website can help you plan your trip. http://www.destinationtexoma.com/
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How far in advance can I book an online room or cabin reservation?
You can book up to 11 months in advance of your visit. Advance reservations are subject to availability, and some restrictions apply. You may also cancel a reservation online. Standard cancellation rules and terms apply to all online reservations.
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions