8 Affordable Destinations In Oklahoma For Budget Travelers

There are several little pleasures you can enjoy without having to spend like a celebrity jet setter. You may not spend the night in a castle fit for a medieval monarch or have an unspoiled island for yourself, but you will still have fun and enjoyable experiences that you will later recall with nostalgia. If anything, the best things in life are free, including sunsets and sunrises, rainbows and wildflowers. The beauty is that Oklahoma is already affordable, meaning you can access most pleasure spots at reasonable price points. Let's take a look at eight of the most affordable destinations for budget travelers in Oklahoma.

McAlester

McAlester is in Oklahoma’s Pittsburg County, about 1.5 hours south of Tulsa. Arrowhead State Park is a short, 25-minute drive from town and offers Lake Eufaula, the largest man-made lake in Oklahoma. The Choctaw Casino-McAlester can make you gain some hard cash, especially if lady luck plays along. You can enjoy a six-ounce sirloin for just $17.99 at Captain John's, McAlester, and catch a reasonably priced show at Apex Cinema McAlester, before spending the night under the wide-open Oklahoma skies at the Valley Inn RV Park. If you can, spend some downtime at Mike Deak Field, a park that's a peaceful place for a relaxed afternoon.

Chickasha

Chickasha — a Washita River town associated with the annual Festival of Light — is among the most affordable destinations for budget travelers. Featuring over 3.5 million twinkling lights, this festival is always ranked among the nation's best holiday light shows. The good thing is that this festival is free to drive through and features fun activities that only cost a trifle. You can enjoy a ride in a monster truck at the Grady County Fairgrounds, sip wine at the Shakespeare Wine Company, and tour Oklahoma's only public liberal arts university, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. After this, sit down to some fried catfish at Mama Carol's Kitchen and then spend the night at the aptly named Budget Inn, where a room can be found for less than $60.

Sulphur

Sulphur — one of the most underrated towns in Oklahoma — was established in 1890 in an area noted for its mineral springs. You can visit the Aaholiitobli' Honor Garden at the Chickasaw Cultural Center, dine at the Aaimpa' Café for less than $20, and buy a unique souvenir at the Aachompa' Gallery Gift Shop. The most exciting part is that there is no admission charge to many of the events at the Aaholiitobli' Honor Garden. After this, you can paddle Veterans Lake or enjoy the quiet beauty of Travertine Nature Center or the nearby Chickasaw National Recreation Area. In the final minutes of daylight, consider spending the night at the Cold Springs Campground for $20 — or the Chickasaw Retreat & Conference Center, where a room with a view looking out toward the Lake of the Arbuckles goes for less than $150.

Woodward

Woodward is near Boiling Springs State Park, which features camping spots, a swimming pool, and several enjoyable hiking trails. You’ll part with just $10 to access the park, which is a small price to pay for what is a true oasis on the plains. Spend some time at the Plains Indians & Pioneers Museum, where written exhibits about some interesting characters of Woodward's past will intrigue you. The museum is free of charge. Alternatively, you can sniff some fresh air at the Walking Trails - Southern Great Plains Research Station, paddle the nearby Fort Supply Lake, or enjoy a delightful range of recreational activities at Crystal Beach Park. Stay at the Northwest Inn for less than $100, a price point that comes with a continental breakfast.

Muskogee

Muskogee — one of the most memorable Oklahoma towns — is conveniently located less than an hour’s drive from Tulsa and, hence, can be a quick getaway. It was founded in the early 1800s, although not officially incorporated until 1898. Visit the Gardens at Honor Heights Park, a 132-acre arboretum and botanical garden with beautiful trails, a recreational area, and an azalea festival. Plus, this park hosts the Garden of Lights, one of the best drive-through light displays in Oklahoma. It runs from Thanksgiving Day through to New Year's Day and features over 1.2 million shimmering lights. Admission is just $10 per vehicle. Besides, the Arkansas River flows through the town, and there are trails along it that are scenic and peaceful. Don’t miss the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, which hosts live music every Thursday night at only $5. Stay at the Muskogee Inn & Suites, especially if you want a clean, cozy room for much less than nearby hotels.

Anadarko

At 40.4%, Native Americans comprise the largest demographic in Anadarko, a small, slow-paced town set along the south bank of the Washita River. Anadarko is a short, one-hour's drive away from Oklahoma City and, hence, can make for a quick escape. You will find the National Hall of Fame for Famous American Indians, a treasure trove of history, especially if you appreciate the place and culture of Native Americans. It was the first Hall of Fame for Native Americans founded in the U.S. and maintains a free admission policy. It is also unique for being an outdoor museum. A few steps away is the Southern Plains Indian Museum, which is also free of charge — and the Anadarko Heritage Museum, conveniently located on Main Street. You can start with a hearty breakfast at Darko Grill, one of the most budget-friendly options in town. Finally, for about $70, get a comfortable room at Castle Inn & Suites-Anadarko, so you can feel well-rested.

Stillwater

Stillwater is a one-hour dash from Tulsa on Interstate 51, and it's home to Oklahoma State University, an iconic institution founded on Christmas Day in 1890. Boomer Lake Park features a lovely, waterfront trail for walking or jogging. Not to be outdone, Sanborn Lake takes the cue and also offers lovely views and trails. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum, which charges just $7 for admission, is not to be missed either. Sweet-toothers, however, will enjoy tasty treats at one of the popular Braum's Ice Cream & Dairy stores, while avid disc golfers can play the afternoon away at the Hoyt Grove Disc Golf Course. Visitors can then spend a peaceful night at the Cottonwood Inn Bed and Breakfast, a rustic property close to campus, where tired patrons can enjoy clean and cozy rooms for about $135.

Ponca City

Founded in 1893, Ponca City is another nice, affordable destination in Oklahoma for budget travelers. Kaw Lake, which boasts more than 160 miles of shoreline, offers several recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping. You can visit Marland Mansion, too; for just $12, you'll learn the fascinating story of the Marland family as you appreciate one of the town's architectural marvels. There is also the shimmering Lake Ponca, which gives the city its name, Lake Ponca Mountain Bike Trails (no motorized vehicles permitted!), and Lew Wentz Golf Course, an 18-hole municipal course on Lake Ponca's eastern shore. Stay at the aptly named Cowboy Camp Upscale RV Park or Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Stillwater, a reasonably priced facility on East Hall of Fame Avenue.

The Takeaway

Visiting small, well-planned museums to learn about local history and culture; rafting shimmering lakes; floating down noisy rivers; and hiking picturesque trails — these are all things that should not set one back thousands of dollars. Fortunately, the Sooner State is among the most affordable in the nation, and that translates to many other aspects, including its recreational landscape. If in doubt, check the options we have highlighted here. We're sure you'll find something to love in one of these eight affordable destinations in Oklahoma for budget travelers.