Last weekend (July 12-14), my partents, my boyfriend and I all went camping at Robbers Cave State Park. This park was given its name after the Civil War left the area with an inadequate police force, which made it rather easy for robbers, such as Jesse James, the Dalton Gang, Belle Starr, and others to hide out in the area. Another little tidbit... Belle Starr was killed on the premises after being shot in the back by a still unknown man some believe to have been her son, but I don't want to get too far into the history of the place.
Oklahoma is normally rather flat, however, Eastern Oklahoma is not at all like this. It is my understanding that Oklahoma is the most diverse state in the country and, after seeing this, I can understand why.
We arrived on Friday evening in time to set up camp, but spent Saturday hiking through the mountains. If anyone is looking for a rather difficult hike, I recommend the mountain trail with its rocky inclines and declines that make you sit down to reach the next rock. Just pay aattention as the trail isn't clearly marked in spots or the markings are hidden behind trees or you as you pass.
Saturday night's dinner was insanely delicious. We all pitched in and made a paella. Mom's paella pan isn't quite small enough for the oven but is great for a camp fire. The only problem is that paellas are meant to be shared by A LOT of people. Despite this, it still have us all something to contribute and added to the conversation and overall experience of the camping portion of the trip.
On Sunday, after taking down camp in anticipation of the rain that was to follow, we visited the famous Robbers Cave.
The cave itself isn't that large or deep, but being inside it one can see how it would have been appealing as a hide out.
I took this picture from the very back of the cave, squatting rather uncomfortably, but not far from where I was, a person could easily have leaned against the stone.
Before Robbers Cave became a state park, it was Oklahoma's largest Boy Scout camp. This particular piece of trail has been there since the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) put the park together. Since then, however, rocks have fallen making the path nearly impassible. In order to make it through the opening above, one must enter from above and gently lower themselves through. This is not recommended for larger individuals, though there is a path leading around, which is the smarter option.
Overall, I recommend Robbers Cave for anyone seeking a good camping experience without backpacking. Wilburton is really close and has a wonderful grocery store, the state park includes paddle boats, miniature golf, and a swimming hole, there is both difficult and easy hiking available, places to put your horse if you so choose, and, of course, a piece of history in the cave itself. Just don't go in the middle of the summer. Oklahoma typically remains in the high 90's-lower 100's though July and August. We were lucky to be there when the temperature was in the low 90's.
We arrived on Friday evening in time to set up camp, but spent Saturday hiking through the mountains. If anyone is looking for a rather difficult hike, I recommend the mountain trail with its rocky inclines and declines that make you sit down to reach the next rock. Just pay aattention as the trail isn't clearly marked in spots or the markings are hidden behind trees or you as you pass.
Saturday night's dinner was insanely delicious. We all pitched in and made a paella. Mom's paella pan isn't quite small enough for the oven but is great for a camp fire. The only problem is that paellas are meant to be shared by A LOT of people. Despite this, it still have us all something to contribute and added to the conversation and overall experience of the camping portion of the trip.
On Sunday, after taking down camp in anticipation of the rain that was to follow, we visited the famous Robbers Cave.
The cave itself isn't that large or deep, but being inside it one can see how it would have been appealing as a hide out.
I took this picture from the very back of the cave, squatting rather uncomfortably, but not far from where I was, a person could easily have leaned against the stone.
Before Robbers Cave became a state park, it was Oklahoma's largest Boy Scout camp. This particular piece of trail has been there since the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) put the park together. Since then, however, rocks have fallen making the path nearly impassible. In order to make it through the opening above, one must enter from above and gently lower themselves through. This is not recommended for larger individuals, though there is a path leading around, which is the smarter option.
Overall, I recommend Robbers Cave for anyone seeking a good camping experience without backpacking. Wilburton is really close and has a wonderful grocery store, the state park includes paddle boats, miniature golf, and a swimming hole, there is both difficult and easy hiking available, places to put your horse if you so choose, and, of course, a piece of history in the cave itself. Just don't go in the middle of the summer. Oklahoma typically remains in the high 90's-lower 100's though July and August. We were lucky to be there when the temperature was in the low 90's.
