About CHISHOLM TRAIL RIDGE
Overview Chisholm Trail Ridge Park lies along the scenic shore of Waurika Lake in the Great Plains Region of southern Oklahoma. The area offers many recreation activities, including fishing, boating and hunting. Waurika Lake encompasses 10,100 acres of water and about 12,000 acres of land, which provide ample space for visitors to enjoy the outdoors. It is about six miles northwest of the city of Waurika and lies in portions of Jefferson, Cotton and Stephens Counties. This facility is named after the Chisholm Trail, a trail used to transport cattle from Texas ranches to Kansas railroads in the late 1800s. Recreation Waurika Lake provides excellent opportunities for fishing and hunting. Anglers seek out channel and flathead catfish, largemouth bass, white bass, hybrid striper, crappie, walleye and sunfish. Approximately 6,040 acres of land around the lake are managed for game. Sought-after species include white-tailed deer, bobwhite quail, mourning dove, wood duck, mallard, pintail, teal, canvas back, cottontail rabbits and wild turkey. Boating and skiing enthusiasts play on the large areas of open water and along the the scenic shoreline. There are four large embayments and a number of smaller coves that make boating on the lake a pleasure.Facilities Chisholm Trail Ridge has 95 campsites that all feature electric and accessible water hookups. Families with children enjoy the open space, playground and swimming areas. Boaters have the convenience of an accessible dock and boat ramp.Natural Features The large shade trees, gently sloping shoreline and expansive lakefront views of the horizon invite the visitor to relax and take in the scenery. Grassland prairies, farms and forests surround the lake area. Wildlife such as white-tail deer, ducks, rabbits and wild turkey graze the landscape. Nearby Attractions Additional services and supplies are available in Waurika, Oklahoma.
How to Get There
From Waurika, Oklahoma, take Highway 5 northwest for 5 miles. Turn right onto Advent Road and proceed 3 miles. Turn left on Chisholm Trail Road and drive one mile to the park entrance.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to CHISHOLM TRAIL RIDGE
Heading to CHISHOLM TRAIL RIDGE? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for CHISHOLM TRAIL RIDGE?
No central reservation system listed for CHISHOLM TRAIL RIDGE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233458) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to CHISHOLM TRAIL RIDGE?
From Waurika, Oklahoma, take Highway 5 northwest for 5 miles. Turn right onto Advent Road and proceed 3 miles. Turn left on Chisholm Trail Road and drive one mile to the park entrance.
How do I contact CHISHOLM TRAIL RIDGE?
You can reach the park at phone: 580-439-8040.
References & Official Resources
