Posted in Oklahoma Nature, On The Water July 10, 2022 by

The Natural Swimming Hole In Oklahoma That Will Take You Back To The Good Ole Days

When the summer sun is beating down on you, there’s nothing like a cool dip in a refreshing, natural swimming hole. Some of the best swimming holes in Oklahoma can be found in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur, and Little Niagara at Travertine Creek in Oklahoma should be at the top of your list. It’s not only known for its crystal clear spring water, but this Oklahoma swimming hole is also ice-cold during the hot summer months, making it the ultimate swimming spot.

Chickasaw National Recreation is known as an oasis in the Oklahoma prairie. It is situated in the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains in south-central Oklahoma just south of Sulphur.
cassield27/Tripadvisor
The most popular swimming hole in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area is the Little Niagra waterfall area on Travertine Creek.
cassield27/Flickr
Travertine Creek is joined by Rock Creek and flows through the district, rising in Antelope Springs and Buffalo Springs at the eastern end of the park.
William W/Tripadvisor
The springs produce 5 million gallons per day of crystal clear water. Plus, the scenery is breathtaking on all sides.
Maureen M/Tripadvisor
The water of Travertine Creek maintains an average temperature of 65 degrees year round, which makes for an invigorating plunge on hot summer days.
TravelOK/Facebook
Travertine Creek tumbles over 75 natural rock falls and down six man-made dams, as it winds along its 2 1/2 mile course from the Travertine Nature Center to Pavilion Springs.
TravelOK/Facebook
There are a number of cold-water mineral springs in the park which give rise to sulfur, bromide, and iron-bearing waters. Many people believe there's something special about these springs... an energy in them that brings healing and youthfulness to all who drink from them.
Jimmy Emerson DVM/Flickr
Whether or not that's the case, if you're looking for the ultimate swimming hole in Oklahoma, then make sure to add Travertine Creek to your list!
Jonathan C. Wheeler/Flickr

Visit the Chickasaw National Recreation Area website to learn more about the park. And feel free to visit our previous article to learn more about the history of Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

Have you visited Travertine Creek in the summer? If so, let us know what you thought!

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Address: Little Niagara Falls, Oklahoma 73086, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Travertine Creek In Oklahoma

July 15, 2022
Meghan Byers

What are some other Oklahoma swimming holes?

The search for the best swimming hole in Oklahoma isn’t a tough one – the Sooner State has plenty of excellent natural swimming holes where you can take a refreshing dip on a hot day. Spavinaw Creek is a favorite in Spavinaw, with water ranging from shallow to deep, a rope swing to jump off of, and beautiful turquoise waters. Boy Scout Hole is popular with families, and has many of the same features as Spavinaw Creek. This hidden gem is located on Barren Fork Creek in Tahlequah. For an especially unique Oklahoma swimming hole, visit Gage Artesian Beach, which is a sort of mix between a natural swimming hole and a pool. It has cement sides like a pool, but the bottom is sandy and the water is natural mineral water that comes from a lake.

Are there any natural lazy rivers in Oklahoma?

The best natural lazy river in Oklahoma is the Illinois River! This gentle, slow-moving river in Tahlequah offers a relaxing floating experience, with plenty of beautiful river banks along the way. There are multiple outfitters along the Illinois River to help you on your river float adventure. You can rent a raft, kayak, canoe, or just a single tube – whatever you’d like. But the Illinois River isn’t your only option. You can also enjoy a laidback river float on the Mountain Fork River near Hochatown.

What are the best lakes to visit in Oklahoma?

Just because Oklahoma is a landlocked state doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a day at the beach. In fact, the Sooner State has the most man-made lakes in the entire United States. Lake Murray, Keystone Lake, and Lake Eufaula are just a few of the lakes that draw families each summer for plenty of lakeside fun. For more, visit our article on the 10 best lakes in Oklahoma.