We've gathered all the latest news and updates about Oklahoma state parks right here as a handy referencefor you. From extreme water levels to updates on new facilities in our parks, here's all the latestbuzz.
Due to significant storm damage to the park's utility infrastructure, the park will be closed for repairs.
Due to major repairs needed on the drain system, the pool at Boiling Springs will be closed for the summer.
Due to maintenance and part-sourcing issues, the splash pad at the park will be closed indefinitely.
The north end of the park should reopen on May 26th, south end is still underwater, but hoping to reopen by June 1.
Due to mechanical issues, the pool at the Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake State Park will be closed for the 2022 season.
US-60 will narrow to one lane with a pilot car and flaggers directing traffic from SH-35 (the entrance to Osage Hills State Park) to about five miles east of SH-35 in Osage County beginning Monday, March 7, for a pavement reconstruction project. This project, which is part of an ongoing effort to reconstruct the US-60 corridor between Pawhuska and Bartlesville, is expected to be completed in summer 2024.
Marietta Landing Campground will be closed for renovations through early summer.
Lakeview Lodge at Beavers Bend will be closed for renovation beginning September 15, 2021. The project is expected to last for at least a year.
Several duplex cabins and the lodge at Robbers Cave are currently closed for complete renovations. Construction is expected to be completed by early fall 2022.
Repairs to the Watonga dam began in April 2021 and are expected to continue through the summer of 2022.
1. Why is the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department implementing the Parking Pass Program?
A 2019 analysis of state park facilities and infrastructure found that, for years, funding levels have been well below the amount needed to adequately maintain our state parks at a level that would ensure the safe and enjoyable use of our parklands. In response, the agency developed a multi-pronged strategy to streamline processes, reduce operational costs and increase revenue in order to adequately fund capital reinvestment in our parks. Funding generated by the Parking Pass Program will provide much-needed resources to return park facilities and infrastructure to an acceptable standard and maintain them at that standard.
Parking pass fees from each state park are reinvested into the park where they were generated.
2. When will the Parking Pass Program begin?
The program will begin June 15, 2020.
3. Which state parks are participating in the program?
4. What areas of the parks will require a parking pass?
With some exceptions, all areas of participating parks will require visitors to purchase a parking pass. Exceptions include golf courses and some concessionaire areas, as identified by park management and approved by the Parks Director. Signage will be placed at park entrances and in parking areas to notify visitors of parking pass requirements.
5. Are there any state parks or areas of state parks that visitors can use without the parking pass requirement?
Yes, in addition to the previously mentioned areas approved by the Parks Director, the following state parks will not require parking passes:
Alabaster Caverns State Park
Black Mesa State Park
Bernice Area at Grand Lake State Park
Cherokee Area at Grand Lake State Park
Spavinaw Area at Grand Lake State Park
Little Sahara State Park
McGee Creek State Park
Roman Nose State Park
6. What is the cost of a parking pass?
Parking pass rates are per vehicle, according to the following chart. Vehicles with an Oklahoma or Oklahoma tribal license plate will receive a 20% discount on rates. When purchasing passes, visitors will select the dates and time they want their pass to begin and end. The annual pass is valid for all Oklahoma State Parks; other passes are valid for the individual park selected during the purchase process.
One Day - $10 | Discounted Rate - $8.00
Three Day - $25.00 | Discounted Rate - $20.00
One Week - $35.00 | Discounted Rate - $28.00
Annual - $75.00 | Discounted Rate - $60.00 Good for one year from purchase date.
Buses (per day) - $25.00
7. How will visitors purchase parking passes?
There are several ways to purchase a parking pass:
TextPay - Upon arrival to the park, instructional parking lot signage will direct visitors to text a park-specific code to 504504, which will take them to a website to purchase a pass. The text message also provides visitors the opportunity to download a mobile app. https://www.premiumparking.com/text-pay
TravelOK.com - Each state park page on TravelOK.com contains a link that visitors can use to pre-purchase passes in advance of their visit.
Mobile App - Visitors may download the Premium Parking app from the app store, or at https://www.premiumparking.com/mobile-parking
Pay Machines - Pay machines are located at park offices and other locations within participating parks.
Purchase of Annual Passes - On Premium Parking’s initial screen page, where it requests “address, location or destination” – type in "Oklahoma State Parks". On the second screen page, select a state park (it will receive the revenue from your subscription). Your pass is good at all Oklahoma state parks. Up to three vehicles can be registered on your annual pass account. To pay for your account, click the “Pay for Subscription” button. If you’re an Oklahoma resident, as you enter your Oklahoma car tag number, your account will be credited with the 20% discount at the last step of the subscription protocol.
8. Will visitors that have reserved lodging or campsites be required to purchase a parking pass?
While all passenger vehicles visiting participating state parks will be required to purchase a parking pass, each paid lodging and campsite reservation will include a parking pass for one passenger vehicle that will cover the duration of the reservation.
9. Do I need to purchase a parking pass for my trailer or boat?
No, only wheeled passenger vehicles are required to purchase a parking pass, such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, vans, buses, etc. A parking pass is not required for boats and hauling trailers.
10. Do I need to purchase a parking pass for my RV? What if I am hauling a passenger vehicle behind my RV?
Yes, unless you have a valid lodging reservation with the park (for example, day visitors driving RVs are required to purchase a parking pass). Only one parking pass is required for RVs pulling passenger vehicles (enter your passenger vehicle information during the purchase process).
11. Are discounts available for parking passes?
Yes, the following groups will receive a discount:
State of Oklahoma and Oklahoma tribal license plates: 20% discount on parking passes automatically applied during the purchase process.
Honorably discharged veterans who are residents of Oklahoma: 100% discount with eligibility verification by Oklahoma State Parks. For verification, the following documents are acceptable:
A valid Oklahoma driver license or state photo identification card and military discharge papers (DD Form 214) or similar evidence of an honorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces; or,
A valid Oklahoma driver license or identification card issued by the Department of Public Safety with a flag emblem and the word "veteran" in the upper left-hand corner of the front of the driver license or identification card.
Vehicle tag and registration information.
Oklahoma residents 62 years of age or older, and their spouses: 100% discount with eligibility verification by Oklahoma State Parks. For verification, a driver’s license with an Oklahoma address is acceptable. Applicants will also need to provide vehicle tag and registration information.
Individuals who have been certified as totally disabled under state or federal law, and their spouses: 50% discount with eligibility verification by Oklahoma State Parks. For verification, the following documents are acceptable:
the presentation of a Medicare card issued to an individual prior to their 65th birthday;
a Notice of Award letter from the Social Security Administration; hunting and fishing license that notes total disability;
award letter issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs or a document issued by a retirement or insurance board, commission or administration that attests to the individual's total disability; or,
a physician’s letter, on letterhead stationery, that declares the individual is totally disabled.
Discounts cannot be combined. For example, a totally disabled Oklahoma resident would not receive both a 20% discount and a 50% discount (70%) but would receive the 50% discount.
12. How do I get my discount?
Visitors with Oklahoma or Oklahoma tribal plates will receive the 20% discount automatically at checkout on the Premium Parking app or website.
Visit any state park office and provide the required documentation listed above in question 11. Park staff will assist you in obtaining your parking pass account which will reflect your discount.
13. Will patrons of in-park restaurants be required to purchase a parking pass if they are only visiting the park in order to have a meal?
Restaurants and other concessionaires may offer validations to patrons upon approval of the park manager and Parks Director. Validations are provided via a promo code.
14. What about patrons who have rented boat slips at a marina?
Marina concessionaires will provide one parking hangtag to each slip renter. This tag is good for the park where the marina is located, and must be returned to the marina at the end of the slip lease term.
15. What happens if a vehicle does not have a valid parking pass?
The parking pass requirement is enforced 24/7 by park staff and park rangers. Vehicles without valid passes may be subject to warnings, violation notices, towing and/or other enforcement measures.
16. What if there is a problem with the pay machine or a visitor has a problem with their payment?
Contact our program partner, Premium Parking, for customer service and support, (844) 236-2011.
OK State Parks App
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