Tent site 5

Introduction / Overview

For Oklahoma residents and visitors seeking a truly unique outdoor experience, the campground associated with the Zip Code 73749 area—Salt Plains State Park—offers an unparalleled adventure. Located near the community of Jet, this state park is the gateway to one of Oklahoma’s most remarkable natural features: the Great Salt Plains. This landscape is a vast, barren expanse of salt leftover from a prehistoric ocean, creating a beautiful and almost lunar environment.

While the specific designation “Tent Site 5” points to an individual, numbered location within the park’s camping facilities, it represents a commitment to providing comfortable, accessible camping options right in the middle of this natural wonder. Salt Plains State Park Campground offers a variety of accommodations, making it an excellent choice whether you prefer a rugged tent experience or the convenience of a modern cabin or RV spot.

Campers here are drawn not only by the clear air and stunning scenery but also by the world-famous opportunity to dig for selenite crystals—the only place on earth where the unique hourglass-shaped crystals can be found. A stay here means direct access to Great Salt Plains Lake, a saltwater body of water approximately half as salty as the ocean, and the nearby Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge. This is more than just camping; it’s a deep dive into Oklahoma's ecological and geological history.

Location and Accessibility

Salt Plains State Park is a jewel of North/Central Oklahoma, easily reachable for those across the state. The park is located in Alfalfa County, near the Kansas border, offering a perfect regional escape.

Address: 23280 S Spillway Dr, Jet, OK 73749, USA

The park's specific address places it along the south side of the Great Salt Plains Lake.

Directions and Local Area:

The park is generally situated west of Interstate 35. You can find the main access points approximately 8 miles north of the small town of Jet, Oklahoma, off Highway 38. The nearby communities, such as Jet and Cherokee, offer basic services and supplies, ensuring you can quickly restock on essentials. The remote location is key to its appeal, minimizing light pollution for excellent stargazing and maximizing the chance to view local wildlife.

Note on Crystal Digging: The famous selenite crystal digging area, which attracts thousands of visitors annually, is managed by the adjacent Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge. It is located southwest of the lake and is accessible via roads a few miles west of Jet or south of Cherokee. This unique natural attraction is a short, essential side trip for all campers in the area.

Services Offered

Salt Plains State Park Campground—which includes the area of Tent Site 5—is dedicated to providing a comfortable and convenient experience for all types of visitors, from tent campers to RV enthusiasts.

• Designated Tent Sites: The park offers numerous tent sites, which are essential for those seeking a traditional outdoor adventure, like the individual Tent Site 5.
• RV Accommodations: While primarily a tent area, the park also features RV spots, including at least one full hookup site (water, electric, sewer), with online reservations available for all sites.
• Cabin Rentals: For those seeking more comfort, the park offers six renovated, eco-friendly cabins, each furnished with amenities including a bed, refrigerator, and stove. Pets are permitted in select cabins for a small nightly fee.
• Comfort Stations: Modern, well-maintained comfort stations with clean showers and bathrooms are conveniently located near the tent and RV sites for all campers.
• Outdoor Amenities: Campers can take advantage of picnic pavilions and outdoor grills perfect for meal preparation and group gatherings.
• Reservations: To ensure your spot, online reservations are required for all RV and tent campsites.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed in the camping and park areas, subject to standard state park rules and fees for cabins.

Features / Highlights

A stay at Salt Plains State Park places you in the middle of Oklahoma’s most extraordinary recreational and ecological sites.

• Selenite Crystal Digging (Seasonal): This is the ultimate highlight. From April 1st to October 15th, visitors can dig for the unique hourglass-shaped selenite crystals, a geological marvel found nowhere else in the world.
• Diverse Recreational Water Activities: The adjacent Great Salt Plains Lake, a unique body of saltwater, offers opportunities for swimming and boating, providing a cool relief during the warmer months.
• Equestrian Trails: Horse enthusiasts can bring their animals to enjoy designated horseback riding trails that wind through the beautiful, rugged landscape.
• Wildlife and Bird Viewing: The proximity to the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge means the area is home to over 300 species of protected birds, making it a premier destination for bird watchers.
• Hiking and Nature Trails: Numerous nature trails and a diverse trail system are available for hiking and biking, allowing you to explore the forested plains and unique geological features of the area.
• Quiet, Clean Facilities: Recent upgrades to the park facilities, including new bathrooms and showers, have been highly praised by campers, ensuring a clean and pleasant stay.

Contact Information

For the most current information on site availability, rates, reservations, and specific park rules related to Tent Site 5 or other accommodations, please use the contact information below.

Address:

23280 S Spillway Dr, Jet, OK 73749, USA

Phone:

(580) 626-4731

Email:

Greatsaltplains@travelok.com

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing a spot like Tent Site 5 at Salt Plains State Park is worth it for the Oklahoma adventurer who seeks a highly active, educationally rich, and visually unique camping trip.

This park is not just a place to sleep; it is a destination centered on one of the state’s most incredible natural resources. You should choose this location if you want your camping experience to include:

• The Thrill of the Dig: The opportunity to actively participate in the world’s only dig for hourglass selenite crystals provides a once-in-a-lifetime activity for families and geology enthusiasts.
• A Central Location for Oklahoma’s Wildlife: As a base camp near a major National Wildlife Refuge, it is unparalleled for birding and observing the unique ecology of the salt plains.
• Uncommon Scenery: The semi-arid, salt-crusted landscape offers a stunning visual break from the typical wooded Oklahoma campgrounds, providing incredible photography opportunities and a true sense of open space.

With modern comforts like renovated bathhouses and the option of water/electric hookups nearby, even traditional tent camping here provides a convenient gateway to an unforgettable Oklahoma adventure. The blending of rugged outdoor activity with unique natural history is why Salt Plains State Park is a mandatory visit for any true Oklahoma explorer.