ROBBERS CAVE STATE PARK
Take a horseback ride along the scenic bluffs, fish to your heart's content, wake up to the view from Belle Starr View Lodge, explore the beauty that is Robbers Cave State Park.
Robbers Cave State Park is located in the scenic, hilly woodlands of the San Bois Mountains of southeast Oklahoma. A favorite of rappellers, cave explorers, equestrians, hikers and outdoor lovers, Robbers Cave enjoys notoriety as a former hideout for outlaws. The park and adjoining wildlife management area offers acres of discovery and enjoyment including caves, trout fishing in season, boating, hunting, trails for hikers and horses, sandstone cliffs for climbing and rappelling, and fall foliage viewing. RV and tent campsites, and equestrian campsites are also available. Lodging facilities include the Belle Starr View Lodge, cabins and two group camps. Picnic tables, comfort stations with showers, boat ramps, a swimming beach, swimming pool with bathhouse, playgrounds, miniature golf, hiking trails, paddleboat rentals, and a nature center with naturalist programs/exhibits round out the park's facilities.
Located in Oklahoma, the park was established in 1935. It is named after a cave historically used by outlaws for hiding. The Civilian Conservation Corps developed it during the Great Depression era under President Roosevelt's New Deal program. In addition to its natural beauty and outdoor activities, it also hosts an annual fall festival that attracts thousands of visitors each year.
1. Robbers Cave State Park offers two designated swimming areas in Lake Carlton and Coon Creek.
2. Both locations are ideal for family-friendly water activities during the summer months.
3. Swimming is not allowed around boat docks or launch ramps to ensure safety.
4. No lifeguards are on duty, so visitors swim at their own risk within marked boundaries.
5. The park also provides paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks rentals for additional aquatic fun near the swimming areas.
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. Lake Carlton, Coon Creek Lake and Wayne Wallace Reservoir are all available for no-wake boating activities such as canoeing or paddleboating. Canoe rentals are also offered on-site to facilitate these water-based adventures. Fishing boats with trolling motors can be used in the lakes too but personal watercrafts like jet skis aren't allowed due to safety reasons.
Largemouth Bass ? Smallmouth Bass ? Crappie ? Sunfish ? Channel Catfish ? Rainbow Trout
Robbers Cave State Park is
1. Robbers Cave State Park offers numerous picnic tables and grills throughout the park.
2. There are three reservable group picnic shelters available for larger gatherings.
3. Picnic areas offer stunning views of Coon Creek Lake, Belle Starr View Lodge, or cliffs surrounding the cave area.
4. Some sites also have playgrounds nearby to keep children entertained while adults relax and enjoy their meals outdoors.
5. Visitors can choose a scenic spot near hiking trails or fishing spots for an adventurous outdoor meal experience.
Biking enthusiasts can explore 8 miles of mountain biking trails. Be aware, these paths are rugged and challenging.
The park's terrain is hilly with rocky outcroppings; caution should be exercised while cycling to prevent accidents.
There's also a paved road for those preferring less strenuous rides but watch out for vehicular traffic on this route.
Riders must always wear helmets as safety measures due to the rough nature of some tracks in the area.
Remember that all bike routes aren't marked clearly so it's easy to get lost if you're not careful enough.
Ensure your bicycle is well-equipped with lights since certain sections may lack sufficient illumination especially after dusk.
Lastly, keep an eye on weather conditions before heading off because sudden changes could make riding dangerous or impossible at times.
1. Lake Carlton Trail: This is a 3-mile loop trail that circles around the beautiful Lake Carlton, offering scenic views of the lake and surrounding forest.
2. Mountain Trail: A challenging yet rewarding hike, this 6-mile long trail takes you through rugged terrain with panoramic vistas from atop sandstone cliffs.
3. Rough Canyon Loop: At approximately one mile in length, this short but steep path offers stunning canyon views and opportunities to spot local wildlife such as deer or turkey vultures.
4. Coon Creek Bridge & Lookout Point Trails: These two interconnected trails total about three miles together; they offer hikers an easy walk along peaceful creekside paths leading up to picturesque lookout points over Robbers Cave State Park's valleys.
5. Deep Ford Campground Loop: An easier option for families or novice hikers at just under a mile round trip - it winds its way past campgrounds before looping back towards starting point via woodland scenery.
6. Outlaw Nature Trail: Just half-a-mile long nature interpretive trail where visitors can learn more about Oklahoma's flora and fauna while enjoying their leisurely stroll amidst serene surroundings.
7. Robber's Cave History Hike: It is not only popular among history buffs due to historical significance related with infamous outlaws like Jesse James but also attracts adventure seekers because of rock climbing options available on natural formations throughout less than a mile-long route.
8. Cattail Pond Walkway - Wheelchair Accessible Route: Specially designed keeping accessibility needs in mind, this quarter-of-a- mile paved pathway leads straight down into Cattail pond area providing breathtaking water-side view without any strenuous effort.
9. Old Two Toes (Equestrian)Trail: A unique equestrian-friendly hiking experience spanning nearly six miles across diverse landscapes including forests, creeks, and meadows making it perfect choice for horse riders seeking outdoor adventures within park boundaries.
10. Lake Wayne Wallace Trail: This 2-mile long trail offers a peaceful hike along the shores of Lake Wayne Wallace, providing ample opportunities for bird watching and fishing.
The park offers birdwatchers a variety of species, including woodpeckers, hawks and warblers. Birding trails are available for exploration. The area is especially popular during migration seasons due to its diverse habitats attracting different birds. A checklist can be obtained from the nature center to help identify local avian life.
Robbers Cave State Park
Hwy 2 N
Wilburton, OK 74578
5 miles N of Wilburton on Hwy 2.