Tucked into the heart of south-central Oklahoma, Turner Falls Park sits below the ancient Arbuckle Mountains — and it packs a surprising amount of adventure into its 1,500 acres. The park’s crown jewel is the 77-foot Turner Falls, widely regarded as Oklahoma’s largest waterfall, which cascades into a natural spring-fed swimming pool on Honey Creek. Families from Oklahoma City, Dallas, and beyond have been making the drive for generations — and it’s easy to see why. Here are 9 exciting things to do in the Arbuckle Mountains, all within Turner Falls Park.
📍 Turner Falls Park — Fast Facts
- Location: 6 miles south of Davis, Oklahoma, on Highway 77 — accessible from I-35 Exit 51
- Distance from Texas border: approximately 45–50 miles north on I-35; about an hour’s drive from the Oklahoma/Texas line
- Distance from Dallas: approximately 2 hours; from Oklahoma City: approximately 1 hour
- Park size: approximately 1,500 acres on three levels
- Status: Oklahoma’s oldest park, operated by the City of Davis since 1919
- Summer hours: 6:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. (buses stop running at 6:30 p.m.)
- Admission: Check the Turner Falls Park website before visiting — prices vary by season and are subject to change. Tickets must be purchased online in advance during peak summer months
- No pets allowed
- Level 3 parking is free; free buses run all day between levels
1. Explore Turner Falls Park
The waterfall is the star, but Turner Falls Park — Oklahoma’s oldest park — offers far more than one attraction. Spread across approximately 1,500 acres on three levels, the park contains swimming holes, caves, hiking trails, picnic areas, a historic castle, campsites, and cabins, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Arbuckle Mountains.
A quick tip from experience: plan your day before you arrive. Look up the park map online and decide which level to park on first, since the attractions are spread out and the terrain varies considerably. Free buses run throughout the day connecting all three levels (last bus at 6:30 p.m. in summer), and Level 3 parking is free. The park’s Facebook page is a good source for current updates on conditions and wait times. Peak summer weekends can mean long entry queues, so early arrival is highly recommended.
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2. Wade or Swim at the 77-Foot Turner Falls
The main event: at 77 feet, Turner Falls is Oklahoma’s largest waterfall, cascading down over the Arbuckle rock face into a natural spring-fed pool below. For first-time visitors, the area immediately around the falls is the most accessible spot to swim or wade — rocky but easy to enter.
Fair warning: the water is genuinely cold, spring-fed even in the height of summer. That said, it doesn’t deter anyone, including small children splashing confidently across to the other side. This part of the park is also the most forgiving for older visitors and toddlers who just want to dip their feet in without committing to a full swim.
All children under age 12 are required to wear a life jacket. Bring your own — rental prices at the park are steep. Water shoes are strongly recommended throughout, as the rocks can be slippery.
3. Set Up a Picnic
Picnicking is one of the most popular activities at Turner Falls, and the park does it well. Dozens of picnic spaces are scattered across all three levels, most equipped with a table and grill. Spots are first-come, first-served, so arrive early on summer weekends to secure a good location — ideally one in the shade of the mountain or under a tree.
A wagon and rolling cooler make the logistics much easier, especially with a large group. If you can’t park near your picnic area, the free park buses have storage space in the rear for bulky items. Beer and other alcohol are permitted as long as they remain at your picnic site. Pop-up shade canopies are also allowed.
4. Cool Off at the Blue Hole Swimming Pool
The Blue Hole is a fan favorite, especially for kids. This natural swimming pool sits downstream from the main waterfall and features a water slide and jump platforms, with a lifeguard on duty during operating hours. The vivid blue-green color of the water makes it one of the most photogenic spots in the park.
The moss on the rocks nearby can be extremely slippery — use caution when moving along the creek bank. A few shaded seating areas near the pool allow parents and grandparents to watch comfortably from the sidelines.
5. Tour Collings Castle
One of the most surprising and memorable things in Turner Falls Park is Collings Castle — a multi-room stone structure built in the early 1930s by Dr. Ellsworth Collings, Dean of Education at the University of Oklahoma, who used it as a private summer home. The design is based on Old English architecture and was constructed entirely from native brick and stone quarried on the property. The castle originally included a main house, two bunkhouses, outhouses, and a stable.
By 1980 it was fully abandoned — and it has never been restored. Today visitors can climb steep steps to reach the ruins, wander maze-like rooms with low ceilings, peer through narrow parapet windows, and work their way to the rooftop for sweeping views over Honey Creek and the surrounding park. There are no guided tours; the castle is open to self-guided exploration during park hours. Watch your footing throughout, and keep children close on the narrow stairways.
6. Explore the Natural Caves
Turner Falls Park has several natural caves tucked above the falls, a little off the beaten path. They take some effort to find and reach — getting down the steps and across the rocks to the first cave is manageable for most visitors, but the second and third caves involve some scrambling that may not suit everyone.
If you’re comfortable on uneven terrain, it’s well worth the explore. Kids especially love hunting for the hidden cave entrances. Just note that there are no marked paths to the caves — the adventure is part of the experience.
7. Hike the Trails
Turner Falls Park offers a two-mile main hiking trail with several branch paths leading off toward the park’s various attractions. It’s a solid half-day hike, and because the park is built on three levels, you’ll encounter meaningful elevation changes throughout. The trail offers lookouts over the falls, the castle, and the surrounding Arbuckle Mountains.
Wildlife is present throughout — white-tailed deer and wild turkeys are regular sightings. Trail difficulty ranges from moderate to challenging, so wear appropriate shoes, bring water, and use the map provided at check-in to orient yourself before heading out.
8. Go Trout Fishing
If you’re visiting in the colder months, trout fishing is available at Turner Falls from late November through early March (dates are subject to change — confirm on the park’s website before planning a trip around fishing). A valid Oklahoma fishing license is required, and daily catch limits apply.
A winter fishing trip combined with a cabin rental is a wonderful off-season way to experience the park — far fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and the possibility of autumn foliage color lingering into early winter.
9. Camp Overnight
Turner Falls offers several overnight options. Cabins with amenities including barbecue grills, picnic tables, and fire pits are available on the two lower levels, along with screened-in shelters. A primitive camping area on Level 3 is available for tent campers. RVs are also accommodated.
Off-season camping — fall in particular, when the Oklahoma temperature drops and the foliage along Honey Creek turns — is arguably the best time to experience Turner Falls Park at its most peaceful. Check the Turner Falls Park cabin rental page for layout, pricing, and availability.
Final Words
Turner Falls Park in the Arbuckle Mountains delivers far more than a waterfall. Between the caves, castle ruins, swimming holes, hiking, fishing, and camping, it’s genuinely a full-day — or full-weekend — destination for families. If ziplining is on your bucket list, the 777 Zip Zipline operates just outside the park on the same road: a sit-down, two-person zip line that requires no reservation. It’s a perfect add-on to a Turner Falls visit, and a great reason to return in the fall when the heat has broken and the camping is superb.
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