Editor’s Note: The Bathtub Rocks are located on private property within the preserve, making it closed to the general public. In order to protect this natural feature, we ask that you do not trespass onto the area to view it.

Oklahoma has a handful of beautiful swimming holes, but they’re widely known and usually crowded during the summer months. There’s an underrated spring in northeastern Oklahoma that’s tucked away in a nature preserve that’s not only great for a refreshing dip but it’s also a little geological waterpark. Check it out below.

The J.T. Nickel Preserve is home to 17,000 acres of astounding beauty and environmental protection areas that are filled with spring-fed creeks, forests, woodlands, prairies, wildlife species and so much more. It is located northeast of Tahlequah in the Ozarks.
nature.org
Hiding inside this preserve is an area known as Bathtub Rocks - a group of smoothed over rocks that form pools and slides with the fresh water that flows over them.
Louie Hatler/Google Photos

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This natural waterpark is located at a creek crossing along a gravel road inside the preserve. There is parking right by the creek crossing, so you don't have to walk far to access the slides.
Sandra Godsey/Google Photos
The rocks have been cut deep and some holes are deep enough to jump into and get fully submerged. You can slide down the rocks or sit back and relax in the cold water.
nickelpreserve/Facebook
There is no charge to visit this natural waterpark, and to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting during the week.
Sandra Godsey/Google Photos

Watch the video below to learn more about Bathtub Rocks:

The J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve was formed in 2000 and is located in the beautiful town of Tahlequah. It’s open to the public and the perfect place to go for hiking, exploring and bird watching. Your adventure in this beautiful land will take you to places you never knew existed in the Sooner State – including a majestic waterfall. Click here to read more about this stunning place.

Address: Tahlequah, OK, 74464

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