Boiling Springs State Park

Boiling Springs State Park is located in western Oklahoma, not far from the city of Woodward. At one time the fresh water springs in the area were so vigorous they gave the park its name. They still produce about 30 gallons of water a day, although they do not appear to be boiling over in recent years.

Boiling springs is best known for its group accommodations. There are two different large group campsites. One can sleep up to 150 guests in ten bunkhouses. This site also has an air conditioned community building where everyone can gather. The second only sleeps 120 but has additional accommodations that make it quite desirable as an office retreat. The first is that some of the bunk houses are Americans with Disabilities Act compliant. The bathroom accommodates those with mobility restrictions and has both central heat and air. This second site also has a chef’s quarters so the businessmen on retreat do not have to rely on their own cooking.

Other amenities available for larger groups include picnic pavilions. These pavilions can seat nearly 50 people and come equipped with tables, fire grills and drinking water. The pavilions also have electric outlets so those who need to keep food at a certain temperature can use their electric stoves and coolers.

For smaller groups like families or friends, there are individual campsites. Some are accessible to recreational vehicles, some are designed for more primitive campers. Primitive campers who pitch tents in recreational vehicle spots will be charged the higher rates, so be careful where that tent peg goes. Some of the recreational vehicle sites have full hookups, others are only semi-modern. It is wise to call ahead and determine which site best suits the recreational vehicle and group of travelers. Waiting for arrival may leave one without the accommodations one wants or needs.

Boiling Springs State Park does have some cabins for those who prefer something between the previous two extremes. There are a limited number, so reserve one early. Each cabin overlooks Lake Shaul and comes fully equipped with a furnished living area, fireplace and television. The kitchen has the most modern appliances and is stocked with cutlery, cookware, dishes and the all-important coffee pot. Although the park accommodates those who cannot do without television reception, telephones are not available in the cabins, so communication addicts had better hope for a cell phone tower within range.

Although water sports enthusiasts must travel to nearby Fort Supply Lake for boating or fishing fun, Boiling Springs State Park has an indoor swimming pool built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corp. The building also houses a changing area and a snack bar that is open to serve summer visitors.

Hikers will find that Boiling Springs State Park has three trails to choose from. None of them are very strenuous and the longest of them is less than two miles in length. However, the Scout Interpretive Nature Trail is a mile and three-quarter long pathway through some of the area’s signature plants like hackberry, chinaberry, oak or elm trees. If one looks carefully and walks quietly one may see wild turkeys, white-tail deer or even a coyote. Other animals that call the park home include badgers, beavers, opossums and raccoons, so keep an eye on the food storage containers. The River Nature trail is a short loop that allows one to visit the bank of the North River and Burma Road trail is an ideal mile and a half exercise for hikers or bikers.

An unusual offering for most state parks is the golf course located right beside Boiling Springs State Park. Also named after the spring’s roiling attributes, Boiling Spring Golf Course is a full 18 hole course that is ranked among the ten best in the entire state. The pro shop is fully staffed and stocked to assist the traveling golfer with anything forgotten, whether it be a club, a tee or a swing.

Boiling Springs State Park is a small but lovely park that provides many modern amenities in peaceful and low-stress surroundings. The fresh waters drew Indians of the plains, weary cowboys and now modern travelers to rest beside bubbling springs. Enjoy it.