Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve

Black Mesa is located in Oklahoma's panhandle along the tri-state border with Colorado and New Mexico.  Black Mesa takes its name from the layer of black lava rock that coated the mesa about 30 million years ago.  Visitors can hike to the top of the plateau, Oklahoma's highest point at 4,973 feet above sea level, while in the Black Mesa Nature Preserve.  

The nature preserve is operated by the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department in conjunction with Black Mesa State Park.  The nature preserve consists of approximately 1,600 acres where visitors can hike and enjoy 23 rare plants and eight rare animal species.  The unique area marks the point where the Rocky Mountains meet the shortgrass prairie and many species are at the easternmost or westernmost point of their natural range. Approximately 30 RV sites with water and electric hookups and 20 tent sites are available on a first come, first serve basis at Black Mesa State Park.

Black Mesa is located in Oklahoma's panhandle along the tri-state border with Colorado and New Mexico.  Black Mesa takes its name from the layer of black lava rock that coated the mesa about 30 million years ago.  Visitors can hike to the top of the plateau, Oklahoma's highest point at 4,973 feet above sea level, while in the Black Mesa Nature Preserve.  

The nature preserve is operated by the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department in conjunction with Black Mesa State Park.  The nature preserve consists of approximately 1,600 acres where visitors can hike and enjoy 23 rare plants and eight rare animal species.  The unique area marks the point where the Rocky Mountains meet the shortgrass prairie and many species are at the easternmost or westernmost point of their natural range. Approximately 30 RV sites with water and electric hookups and 20 tent sites are available on a first come, first serve basis at Black Mesa State Park.

Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve are a birder's paradise with golden eagles, scaled quail, black-billed magpies, and pinyon jays frequently spotted.  Other wildlife in the area includes black bear, bobcat, mountain lion, mule deer, bighorn sheep and antelope.

Located about 15 miles from the nature preserve, Black Mesa State Park is adjacent to Lake Carl Etling and offers RV campgrounds, tent campsites, picnic facilities, boat ramps, a mooring buoy, trout fishing in season, a playground, restrooms with showers and a group camp with bunkhouses.

Black Mesa Nature Park is open dawn to dusk only.  Allow at least four hours to hike to the top of the mesa from the parking area and back.  No restrooms are available in the nature preserve and no camping is allowed within its borders.  Hikers need to be prepared for high temperatures during the summer and are advised to bring plenty of water.

NOTE: There is no boat access to Lake Carl Etling at this time. For specific lake conditions, please contact the park office.