Between Kansas and Texas in the southcentral portion of the United States, Oklahoma is a state known for its different cultures including its indigenous peoples who lived there since the last ice age. Today, the state has a population of over four million people and an estimated 600,000 dogs.
With a terrain that varies from the mountains of forests to the high plains, it is just as easy to find the lowlands of the Arkansas River as it is to find the great plains in the center of the state. You can visit four mountain ranges here including the Ozark, Wichita, Arbuckle, and Ouachita Mountains. In addition, there are more than 500 rivers and creeks, as well as 200 manmade lakes and countless natural bodies of water.
With so much to do in Oklahoma, you will be happy to know that there are more than 2,500 dog-friendly vacation properties, 600+ pet-friendly restaurants, and 60 off-leash dog parks. There are even a few beaches along some of the rivers and lakes. Some of these include Sunset Beach on Foss Lake, Lake Murray Beach, and Spring Creek Beach. Below, we listed our top 15 vacation destinations for you and Fido to enjoy.
Oklahoma City
Pack up the family, including the dog, and go to Oklahoma City for an exciting vacation of amusement rides and games at Frontier City Park. It has 109 acres of fun with 28 rides, including five roller coasters and three water rides. You will have to leave your pup with a sitter, though, because dogs are not allowed in the park. Vera’s Posh Paws will let your dog play all day and give him a new hairdo.
Afterward, take the kids to the Oklahoma City Zoo to see over 1,900 animals on 130 acres. From chimps at the Great Escape to tigers in Cat Forest, there are more than 500 species to see. They even have a botanical garden! If you want to take your pooch on a ride, take him to Wheeler Ferris Wheel. Dogs are welcome on the 100-foot ride, which you can see for miles.
Then, pick up your pup and take him to run around off his leash, where you can play a game of fetch or toss around a frisbee. Deep Deuce Dog Park is one of the favorites, and it has a special small dog section.
Tulsa
In northeastern Oklahoma, you will find Tulsa, also known as The Gathering Place. But it is not just a gathering place for the 413,000 people who live there. They also have almost 70,000 canine companions in residence. You will not have any trouble finding a hotel because there are 200+ pet-friendly places to stay, including the Post Oak Retreat with 1,000 acres, including a pool, trails, and a fishing pond as well as a spa, gym, and game room.
Speaking of trails, Tulsa has numerous dog-friendly hiking areas including the 3.3-mile Midland Valley Trail that runs from Riverparks West Bank to South Madison Avenue. You will travel over the Arkansas River and past Centennial Park, which has a pond. For something easier and shorter, try the O’Brien Park Trail, which is just under a mile.
Afterward, take your pup to see a movie at Admiral Twin Drive-In Theater. As long as he is on a leash, he is welcome outside the car.
Ouachita National Forest
Although much of it is in Arkansas, the Ouachita National Forest also spreads its beauty into eastern Oklahoma. It is the oldest national forest in the southern US and holds 1.7 million acres that includes the Ouachita Mountains. Inside the forest, you can find hundreds of rivers, lakes, ponds, and creeks for all sorts of water fun like fishing, boating, floating, and swimming. And your fur baby is welcome as long as he is leashed.
Although most of the campgrounds are in Arkansas, the Oklahoma section has 112 campsites in three different campgrounds. Most of them have picnic tables, fire rings, tent pads, and lantern poles and some have showers and running water. Always remember to pack plenty of doggie bags to clean up after your pup.
Bring along some fishing gear and a license if you like to fish because there are hundreds of great fishing spots in the forest, including the Kiamichi River and Mountain Fork River.
Norman
Norman has about 130,000 people and 20,000 pups living there so you are sure to see some of them no matter what time of the year you visit. And one of the best things about the city is its affordability. You can get a room for under $100 at seven different hotels including Days Inn, which is only $59! And La Quinta by Wyndham only charges $75 and they have a pool and fitness center.
The most popular attraction in Norman is Lake Thunderbird State Park with 1,874 acres and the 5,349-acre lake where you can swim, fish, boat, and even go waterskiing. There are two marinas, nine boat ramps, and 200 campsites as well as a seasonal restaurant. Your pup is welcome as long as he is on the leash at all times.
When your pooch needs to run free without a leash, take him to Norman Community Dog Park, with two acres and lots of shaded benches. Or head to Happy Tails Dog Park, where your pupster can play on the agility equipment.
Broken Bow
If you are considering a summer vacation in Oklahoma, Broken Bow is perfect for those who want all the attractions and amenities without all the tourists. There are only 4,120 residents and 680 dogs in town. Right outside of town, Beavers Bend State Park has everything you and your pup need to enjoy the warm weather. With more than 3,400 acres, the park is located at the southern end of Broken Bow Lake, which is a 14,000-acre reservoir with 180 miles of waterfront space.
The park has about 400 campsites and 47 cabins, so you can stay for a few days. That is the only way to fully enjoy all the boating, swimming, fishing, floating, and canoeing, as well as hiking, biking, and picnicking. There is also a golf course, tennis courts, and horseback riding in the park.
While you are there, be sure to stop at Beaver’s Bend Mining Company, where you can do some panning for fossils and gemstones. Your pup is welcome on a leash.
Lake Murray State Park
Those who like ATVs, dirt bikes, and OHVs will love Lake Murray State Park. It has almost 1,000 acres of trails for OHVs and bikes to enjoy. This may not seem like a dog-friendly sport but many dogs enjoy riding along as you maneuver the trails and dunes. The park is located between Ardmore and Marietta and is the largest and oldest state park in Oklahoma, with 12,500 acres of woods, hills, trails, and lakefront.
The 5,728-acre lake is the main attraction for most people as you can enjoy boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, swimming, and fishing. They also have a golf course, volleyball, tennis, and horseback riding. If you have the kids with you, they have playgrounds and a mini-golf park as well.
Like most large parks, it takes several days to enjoy all the fun, so they have campgrounds and cabins available. In fact, there are 10 campgrounds with more than 250 campsites to choose from.
Edmond
When you need a vacation getaway with your best furry friend and you want something peaceful but with a lot of attractions, Edmond may be just what you are looking for. With over 15,000 fur babies living in the town, you know it is a dog-friendly city. It is located in the very center of Oklahoma and has a variety of pet popular places to visit, including Spring Creek Park, where you can enjoy water sports on Arcadia Lake.
If you have the kids with you, be sure to stop by Storybook Forest in the park. Take the trail to let the younguns get candy from storybook characters before going to the campfire to have hot dogs, roast marshmallows, and drink hot cocoa. If you want to stay the night, book one of the 140 campsites in the woods.
After the park, let Fido run off the leash at one of the fun OnCue Dog Parks. These gas station rest stops are better than most dog parks because they have agility courses, toys, fire hydrants, and a separate small dog area.
Yukon
Not far from Edmond, just northwest of Oklahoma City, Yukon is a small town of just 23,630 residents with an estimated 3,500 canine companions. The perfect site for a romantic getaway with your sweetheart, you can take your pooch with you to the Paseo Arts District to enjoy more than 20 dog-friendly galleries. The 80 local artists have two blocks of Spanish architecture and galleries blended with boutiques and eateries. They even provide doggie bags and a bandana for your fur baby.
Then, take everyone to Oliveto Italian Bistro for a delicious lunch of pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and entrees that will delight all three of you on the dog-friendly patio. Afterward, get an extra boost at Starbucks, where your pooch can get his own Puppuccino. You will need it for the dog park.
Edmond Dog Park is located at Bickham-Rudkin Park and features four acres of off-leash fun. There are agility stations with hoops, ramps, and tunnels, as well as a lake, benches, and a small dog area.
Robbers Cave State Park
Take the family to Robbers Cave State Park where everyone can have some fun including your fur baby. Located in southeastern Oklahoma, you and the whole crew can spend a few days here exploring 8,000 acres. The park has miles of trails that you can hike or bike on. In fact, you can even rent horses to ride. They also have mini-golf, playgrounds with slides, swings, and climbing, a swimming pool, and a beach with picnic tables.
Leashed dogs are welcome in all areas of the park except for the swimming pool and some of the cabins. There are 150+ campsites in nine different campgrounds as well as some yurts and cabins you can rent. There are also restrooms with showers, a gift shop, and a small store for your convenience.
Be sure to bring your fishing gear and an Oklahoma fishing license because all three lakes are full of fish, including bass, crappie, catfish, and trout.
Canadian Country
Time for a camping trip? Take Fido to Canadian Country in southeastern Oklahoma, where you can stay at Lake Eufaula State Park. The park has 2,200 acres with 190 campsites in five campgrounds. Most have picnic tables, lantern poles, and fire rings, while others have full hookups for RVs. Your pup will need to be on a leash at all times, and you have to bring your own cleanup baggies to pick up after him.
The park also has a golf course, disc golf, two hiking trails, playgrounds for the kiddos, restrooms, and the largest capacity lake in the state, Lake Eufaula, which has 102,000 acres. There is a marina with a restaurant, a bait store, and boat ramps where you and your canine compadre can go swimming, fishing, boating, waterskiing, and wakeboarding as well.
There are times when your pup needs to run around without a leash to get rid of excess energy. When that happens, take him to Central Bark Dog Park on West Seneca Street in Canadian. It has two acres with waste stations, benches, and picnic tables.
Owasso
The city of Owasso can be found in northeastern Oklahoma near Tulsa. It has about 40,000 people and 6,000 dogs, so you will probably see some of the local fur babies where you are there. First, check-in at one of the pet-friendly hotels like La Quinta, Comfort Inn, TownePlace Suites, Home2 Suites by Hilton, or Quality Inn. Then, stop by Joe Station Dog Park, where your pup can run through tunnels, jump through hoops, and climb over obstacles.
After working up an appetite, you and your cuddly canine can grab a bite to eat at Baja Jack’s Burrito Shack or Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Or you can eat at Emersumnice Brewery where you can also enjoy a brew or two. They have burgers, wings, and sandwiches as well as a dozen different IPA beers.
When the sun starts to set, head for Admiral Twin Drive-In where you can watch a movie with your fur buddy. Leashed dogs are always welcome but bring your own doggie bags.
Natural Falls State Park
One of the most unique state parks in Oklahoma is Natural Falls because of its 77-foot waterfall. And your cuddle buddy is welcome throughout the park on a leash and in some areas off the leash. It is not a huge place with just 125 acres, but it is full of incredible natural wonders like the 18 different kinds of ferns, pawpaw trees, and valleys with acres of space to run around.
Instead of paying high prices for a hotel, why not stay in one of the cabins or yurts at the park? They have over 100 campsites for tents and RVs as well as some dog-friendly cabins and yurts. The yurts are what is called glamping. They can hold six people and have a fridge, microwave, air conditioning, lights, a coffee maker, and a dining table. They also have beds, so you do not have to sleep on the ground.
There are several miles of hiking trails to explore with your pup too. Just keep him on a leash and bring plenty of doggie bags to pick up what he drops.
Midwest City
True to its name Midwest City is indeed in the middle of Oklahoma, just east of Oklahoma City, and is a great place for a winter break. With 58,000 residents, the city also has almost 10,000 fur babies living there. After traveling, let your pooch off the leash for a while at Fred Quinn Happy Tails Dog Park in the northwestern corner of Joe. B. Barnes Regional Park. The two-acre fenced area has an obstacle course with tunnels and bridges as well as benches, water, and waste stations.
When you are ready for a cold brew, you can bring your leashed pup to Prairie Artisan Ales on 8th Street. They have 34 handcrafted ales, stouts, and IPAs with a dog-friendly seating area to relax. They even have a beer garden and pickleball in the building where your pooch can play too.
If you get hungry, S&Bs Burger Joint is nearby where you and your cuddle buddy can have one of their delicious burgers like the Smokin Okie with gouda, bacon, and jalapeno or the Columbian with smashed avocado, salsa, gouda, and a hint of coffee.
Stillwater
Trail lovers and their pups have a lot to do in Stillwater where they have over 30 dog-friendly trails. You will most likely see some of the 48,000 residents and their 8,000 fur babies along these trails, especially during the summer. For beginners or those who just want a nice relaxing stroll, try the Sandborn Lake Look. It is less than a mile and takes you around the whole lake in northwestern Stillwater.
For something more substantial, go to Lake McMurtry Park. It has five trails ranging from the easy 7.1-mile Lake McMurtry East Side Trails to the more difficult 12.3-mile Red Trail. The park also offers kayak fishing, swimming, boating, and camping. Lake Carl Blackwell also has a nicely paved trail around the lake that is about seven miles long. What’s more, this lake has a heated fishing dock, convenience store, and campgrounds.
Schlotzsky’s Stillwater Restaurant is right there in town for when you and Fido get hungry. They serve scrumptious pizza, sandwiches, and salads.
Lake Thunderbird State Park
For a vacation on the lake, check out Lake Thunderbird State Park. The 1,874-acre park lauds fishing, boating, and swimming on the 5,349-acre Lake Thunderbird as well as waterskiing, wakeboarding, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Dogs are always welcome as long as they are leashed at all times. While you are there, you can bring some food for a picnic or get something at one of the marinas.
If you plan to stay, book your spot early because there are only 200 sites, and this is a popular place. There is also an archery range, but that is not a place for dogs, of course. You can explore the park on one of the six trails, including the easy 1.2-mile Clear Bay Short Loop or the more challenging Clear Bay Blue Loop, which is about 6.3 miles. Remember to bring doggie bags and extra water.
Let your pup play off the leash at Ruby Grant Dog Park to get rid of the zoomies before heading back to camp. It has tons of space to run and play fetch.
The Final Woof
Oklahoma is the perfect getaway for pup parents, whether you are taking a vacation during the summer or winter. Midwest City has a lot of indoor activities you can do with your pup when it is cold out. But during the summer, you will find a vast array of opportunities. If you are into camping, some of the best places are Ouachita National Forest, Norman’s Thunderbird Lake, and Beavers Bend State Park in Broken Bow. And Robbers Cave has a lot of trails you and Fido can explore. For a family vacation, Oklahoma City has an amusement park. Also, there are lots of romantic places in Yukon for couples with dogs.
