Places to stay in Davis

The state of Oklahoma is home to 39 federally recognized sovereign nations, and the Chickasaw Nation’s territory starts in central Oklahoma just south of the state capital, stretching all the way to the Texas border. Davis lies in the heart of Chickasaw Country, abutting the Arbuckle Mountains. A hotbed for outdoor fun, the mountains, which extend 35 miles, may be the region’s centerpiece, but they’re hardly the only playground in town. Davis also lays claim to Turner Falls, the largest waterfall in Oklahoma; the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Oklahoma’s oldest national park; and Arbuckle Wilderness, a 200-acre expanse of land where exotic animals roam free. In summer months, the Lake of the Arbuckles is the place where anglers cast their lines hoping to reel in catfish, crappie, bass, and perch, while families bring out powerboats, waterskis, paddleboards, and other sports equipment to explore the 2,350-acre domain.

Close to the Texas border, Davis enjoys mild temperatures for much of the winter as well as balmy springs and falls, which are great seasons to truly take advantage of the outdoors. Summers in Davis can be scorchers, not to mention jam-packed with people fleeing the cities for the area’s many water features. But the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October usually are warm enough to go for a dip. Though winter in Davis can get cold, it’s also devoid of crowds and prime time for fishing. Many Davis attractions like Turner Falls Park are open year-round.

Turner Falls

Dropping 77 feet, Oklahoma’s most impressive waterfall is the central attraction at Turner Falls Park, which boasts bath houses, natural pools, picnic sites, beaches, and three caves. You can also see the falls from atop the 777 Zip zipline. This family-friendly destination attracts swimmers looking to escape the heat in the sweltering summer months, as well as licensed anglers, who fish for trout from November to March.

The Lake of the Arbuckles

Adjacent to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, the Lake of the Arbuckles is a wildly popular spot for every water sport under the sun, but it’s also heavily used by anglers and, perhaps surprisingly, scuba divers, who flock to the reservoir for its crystal-clear waters.

Washita River

If high-energy sports aren’t your thing, a leisurely float down the Washita River might do the trick. In warmer months, you can rent tubes — including 50-quart cooler tubes for your beverages to float alongside you — from River Bottom Campground and take your time drifting this four-mile run down the river.