Turner Falls Park
Discover Oklahoma's tallest waterfall, a 77-foot cascade into a natural swimming hole, surrounded by caves and castle ruins.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid weekend crowds
Turner Falls Park
Best Time
Avoid weekend crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Oklahoma's tallest waterfall, a 77-foot cascade into a natural swimming hole, surrounded by caves and castle ruins.
"A beautiful spot with a stunning 77-foot waterfall, but be prepared for crowds and potential maintenance issues."
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
The rocks around the falls are slippery! Water shoes are a must for safe exploring and swimming.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Purchase your admission tickets in advance online to save time and potentially secure your spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Turner Falls Waterfall
Main attraction
Oklahoma's tallest waterfall, a stunning 77-foot cascade plunging into a natural swimming hole.
Collings Castle Ruins
Hiking trails
Explore the intriguing, unfinished stone castle offering a unique historical and photographic element.
Natural Caves
Throughout the park
Discover hidden caves scattered within the park's 1500 acres, adding an element of exploration.
Spring-Fed Swimming
Base of the falls & creek
Cool off in the crisp, spring-fed waters that stay refreshingly cold even in summer.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Prepare for the Terrain & Costs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
The rocks around the falls are slippery! Water shoes are a must for safe exploring and swimming.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Purchase your admission tickets in advance online to save time and potentially secure your spot.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are limited options for purchasing drinks inside.
🗑️ Pack Out Your Trash
Help keep this beautiful park clean by taking all your trash with you.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
The rocks around the falls are slippery! Water shoes are a must for safe exploring and swimming.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Purchase your admission tickets in advance online to save time and potentially secure your spot.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are limited options for purchasing drinks inside.
🗑️ Pack Out Your Trash
Help keep this beautiful park clean by taking all your trash with you.
⏰ Go Early to Beat Crowds
Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy a more peaceful visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Turner Falls Park is praised for its stunning 77-foot waterfall and refreshing spring-fed swimming areas, offering a beautiful natural escape. However, many visitors note that the park can be overcrowded, especially on weekends, and some feel the admission price is high given the maintenance and cleanliness issues observed in certain areas.
"I'd give Turner Falls in Oklahoma 3 stars. While it's a beautiful spot with a stunning 77-foot waterfall, I felt it was overpriced, especially considering the crowds and maintenance issues.
The park's natural beauty is undeniable, with crystal-clear water, lush greenery, and unique rock formations . However, the sheer number of visitors makes it feel more like a theme park than a serene natural oasis. I visited during peak season, and the crowds were overwhelming.
In terms of maintenance, I noticed that some areas of the park could use some TLC. The castle, Collings Castle.
That being said, there are some redeeming qualities. The park offers various outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, and fishing, which are perfect for families and adventure-seekers. The scenic hiking trails, including the Fire Break Trail, Honey Creek Trail, and Two Mile Trail, provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
If you're planning to visit, consider going during the off-season or weekdays to avoid the crowds. Be prepared for the prices, which is about $20 per person, plus extra fees and taxes.. depending on the time of year and your age.
Overall, while Turner Falls has its flaws, it's still a unique and beautiful destination worth visiting – just be aware of what to expect."
Sindhu Kaimal
"Great stay! We were in Bunkhouse 4, which included a private bathhouse just behind us. The bunkhouse and bathrooms were clean, staff were very friendly and helpful. We locked ourselves out at one point and staff was very quick to respond. There was an endless amount of spots to swim and set up picnic. It was pretty crowded during the day, which is pretty normal for a weekend visit, but very quiet and peaceful in the evenings. Would definitely recommend for a family outing. Don’t forget your water shoes! (But if you do, there’s a gift shop with overpriced ones)."
Bre Ross
"Do not come here if you're looking for a pleasant primitive camping and/or hiking experience!! The campsites and most of the facilities are very poorly maintained, most campsites have trash in the firepits and are lacking amenities such as tables and grills. The very few trails there are not worth the cost of admission to the park. Overall absurdly overpriced. Also, several of the people already at the park when we arrived were playing loud music from their vehicles with no regard to those around them. We decided not to stay the night (even though we paid $180 for everything) and instead drove an extra two hours to Wichita Mountains Wildlife Preserve, which was absolutely worthwhile."
Clint
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Turner Falls Park is approximately a 2-hour drive from Dallas, Texas, making it a popular day trip destination.
Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Turner Falls Park. The park is located in Davis, Oklahoma.
While heading to Turner Falls, consider stopping in Davis, OK for a meal at Smokin' Joe's barbecue, a local favorite.
Public transport options are very limited for reaching Turner Falls Park. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
Turner Falls Park is located south of Davis, Oklahoma, with the address I-35 & Highway 77, Davis, OK 73030.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically around $20 per person, though prices can vary by age and season. Be prepared for potential extra fees and taxes.
While tickets can often be purchased at the gate, it's highly recommended to buy them online in advance, especially for weekend visits, to ensure entry and avoid long lines.
Discounts may be available for certain age groups or during off-peak times. It's best to check the official website or inquire when booking online.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official Turner Falls Park website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
Parking is generally free, but it's always a good idea to confirm this when purchasing your admission tickets, as policies can change.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include swimming in the waterfall's pool, exploring caves and the Collings Castle ruins, hiking various trails, and enjoying the natural scenery.
Yes, the water is spring-fed and stays refreshingly cold year-round, typically around 55-60°F, even in the summer heat.
Yes, there are several hiking trails, including the Fire Break Trail, Honey Creek Trail, and Two Mile Trail, offering scenic views of the park.
Absolutely! Swimming is a primary activity at the base of the 77-foot waterfall and in the natural swimming hole.
Bring water shoes, swimwear, towels, sunscreen, plenty of water, snacks, and a trash bag to pack out your waste.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Capture stunning shots of the 77-foot waterfall, the unique Collings Castle ruins, and the natural rock formations. The caves also offer interesting photographic opportunities.
Crowds can make photography challenging, especially during peak times. Visiting on a weekday or early in the morning can provide better opportunities for unobstructed shots.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's essential to check the park's official regulations regarding drone operation before your visit.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a more atmospheric feel.
Yes, the Collings Castle ruins are a popular subject for photographers, offering a unique, slightly eerie backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Beyond swimming, the caves and the Collings Castle ruins add an element of adventure and discovery that kids often enjoy. While the park can get crowded, visiting on a weekday or arriving early can make the experience more manageable for families. Be prepared for the admission cost and consider bringing your own snacks and drinks to manage expenses.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize value, consider visiting during the off-season or on weekdays when crowds are smaller and the experience might feel more relaxed. If the admission cost is a concern, exploring nearby free natural areas or parks might be an alternative, though they won't feature the iconic 77-foot waterfall.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1To get the best shots, aim for early morning or late afternoon light to avoid harsh shadows. Visiting on a weekday or arriving at opening will significantly reduce crowds, allowing for cleaner compositions and more creative freedom. Be mindful of the slippery terrain when setting up shots near the water.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Natural Wonders
The park's 1500 acres are a playground for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that wind through the Arbuckle Mountains, offering scenic vistas and access to different parts of the park. The spring-fed creek that runs through the park provides additional opportunities for wading and enjoying the cool water.
+1While the natural beauty is a major draw, some visitors have noted concerns about litter and maintenance in certain areas. To fully appreciate the park's natural splendor, it's recommended to visit during less crowded times and to practice Leave No Trace principles.
The Intriguing Collings Castle
Exploring the castle ruins offers a glimpse into a past project and provides a different perspective on the park. While it's an intriguing sight, some visitors have noted that it could benefit from better signage and maintenance to enhance the visitor experience.
Despite its unfinished state, the castle remains a memorable landmark within Turner Falls Park, contributing to its unique character and offering a distinct point of interest for visitors.
Navigating Crowds and Costs
+1The admission fee is often cited as a point of consideration, with prices around $20 per person, plus additional fees. Some reviews suggest that for the cost, visitors expect a higher level of maintenance and cleanliness throughout the park.
To make the most of your visit and potentially mitigate the impact of crowds and cost, consider visiting on a weekday or during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) when the weather is still pleasant but visitor numbers are lower.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit