Park Regulations & Safety
Water Craft Regulations
KNOW AND PRACTICE THE "RULES OF THE ROAD"
Copy of current boat/motor registration on vessel at all times. Numbers on both sides of the bow 3" block characters - contrasting color to hull.
Required safety equipment on board:
1. Wearable PFD's (life jackets) must be in good condition, proper size, available, and readily accessible for EACH passenger on board. Children 12 and under must wear PFD's when underway. Every vessel must carry one Type IV throwable device. All PFD's must be USCG approved.
2. All vessels must carry a USCG approved fire extinguisher in good working order.
3. All vessels must carry a horn, whistle, or sound producing mechanical device.
4. All vessels used between sunset and sunrise, must show a red/green light combination facing forward and a white light at the stern when underway; and a white light at the stern when anchored.
NO PERSON SHALL OPERATE A PERSONAL WATERCRAFT FROM SUNSET TO SUNRISE UNLESS EQUIPPED WITH PRESCRIBED LIGHTS.
When towing a skier there must be an observer at least 8 years old, or the vessel equipped with an efficient wide angle convex rear view mirror. Skiing is allowed only between sunrise and sunset.
All vessels must be equipped with a muffler system, in good working order, which cannot be modified to increase the noise level.
No person under 12 years of age may solely operate a Personal Watercraft.
A vessel may not operate within 150' of any person, dock, anchored or moored vessel at a speed greater than "idle or slow steerageway speed."
All vessels must comply with "NO WAKE" and "NO BOAT" designated areas of the lake.
Operating a vessel within 150' of a divers down flag is prohibited.
Operating a vessel in excess of the loading or horsepower limits (capacity plate) is prohibited.
Riding in or on trailered vessel except while actually loading or launching is prohibited.
It is your responsibility to know and comply with the boating regulations.
Refer to the current Oklahoma Boat & Water Rules, Regulations, and Safety Laws pamphlet for rules and regulations. These pamphlets are available from the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, Lake Patrol Division, 3600 Martin Luther King, Oklahoma City, OK 73136-0415. Phone: (405) 425-2143.
Camping and Park Regulations
These regulations will help you to have a safe and enjoyable visit to your national park and leave it unimpaired for others to enjoy.
- Unless otherwise posted alcoholic beverages are permitted only in picnic areas and campgrounds. They are prohibited in all other areas.
- Pets are welcome in most areas and must be on a leash at all times. Pets are not permitted on trails east of Travertine Nature Center, in swimming areas, or in the backcountry. Pets should not be left unattended in campsites.
- Fires are allowed in designated areas only. Grills and fire grates are provided and must be used. No ground fires are permitted.
- Camp and picnic in designated areas only.
- Lantern hangers have been provided for your use. Please use them and protect the trees from damage.
- All wildlife, flowers, and plants are protected. Be careful - animals may bite and certain plants are poisonous.
- Keep all vehicles on maintained roads only. Park your vehicles and trailers within campsite driveway to protect vegetation. ATVs and off-road motorcycles are not permitted in the park.
- Dead and down wood can be collected near the campground. Trees should not be cut or damaged.
- One-way roads and speed limits are posted for your safety. Remember small children may be playing in the area.
- Quiet Hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. No generators, radios, stereos, or musical instruments please. Only registered campers and guests are permitted in the campground. Checkout time is 12:00 noon for the Platt District Campgrounds and 5:00 p.m. for the Arbuckle District Campgrounds. There is a 14-day stay limit.
- Two vehicles and/or 10 people are permitted per campsite. If you have a larger group, contact a Ranger about group campsites. Reservations may be made in advance for group campsites.
- For everyone's safety, roller skates, roller blades, and skateboards are prohibited in the park.
- Fishing is permitted in all of the small lakes throughout the park including Veterans Lake by hand held rod/pole only. A state-fishing license is required. No trotlines, jugs, yo-yo's or sail lines are permitted in these small lakes. Ask about our annual children’s fishing clinics.
It is your responsibility to be familiar with National Park Service regulations. If you need assistance contact any Park Ranger for information.
For Information call (580) 622-3165:
8:00am - 5:00pm (Labor Day through Memorial Day)
9:00am - 6:00pm (Memorial Day through Labor Day)
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS:
911
Sulphur Police Department
(580) 622-2000
Fishing Regulations
Fishing within the Chickasaw National Recreation Area is regulated by the State of Oklahoma. All persons must have an appropriate Oklahoma fishing license. Fishing licenses are NOT available on-site.
Refer to the current Oklahoma Fishing Regulations pamphlet for license requirements. These pamphlets are available from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, State Game Rangers, Chickasaw NRA Ranger Stations, and license sales outlets.
Length Limit Regulations
All black bass (large-mouth, spotted, and small-mouth) between thirteen (13) and sixteen (16) inches in total length must be returned to the water unharmed immediately after being taken from the Lake of the Arbuckles.
Restricted Areas
Fishing is allowed in Rock Creek, Lake of the Arbuckles, and Veterans Lake.
NO FISHING is allowed in Travertine Creek or within the Flower Park Area in the Travertine District.
Turtle Regulations
Shooting of turtles on federal reservoirs is prohibited and in accordance with federal regulations on firearm usage.
NO shooting of turtles is allowed within Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
Special Regulations
Trotlines or juglines may NOT be used at Veterans Lake. Their use at the Lake of the Arbuckles must be in accordance with Oklahoma Fishing Regulations.
The use of bows and arrows or spearguns is NOT ALLOWED in the Platt District.
Travertine Creek and Flower Park ponds and streams are closed to all non-commercial netting and seining for any fish. Seining or dip netting bait for personal use is permitted in Rock Creek, Lake of the Arbuckles, and Veterans Lake.
Safety
Diving and swimming from boat courtesy docks is NOT PERMITTED. Veterans Lake has a no-wake speed limit and water skiing is not permitted.
Oklahoma State and Federal Boating Regulations must be followed at Lake of the Arbuckles and Veterans Lake.
Disposition of Fish and Remains
Disposition of fish remains or dead fish on land or in waters within 200 feet of boat docks or designated swimming beaches or within developed areas is prohibited.
Special Park Use Permits
Special Park Use Permits are required for activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large. In addition special events usually require some degree of management from the National Park Service staff in order to protect park resources and the public interest. Some examples of special events that may require a permit are sporting events, festivals, concerts, weddings, cultural programs, and large group picnics. Regulations covering special events can be found at 36 CFR 2.50.
The goal of the park in issuing a permit is to ensure that the permitted activity does not interfere with the enjoyment of the park by other visitors and that the natural and cultural resources of the park are protected.
Please use the application below to apply for a special event permit. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis up to one year in advance. Please provide the park with as much notice as possible to consider your request. Fill in the information requested on the form as completely as possible and send it to:
It may be necessary for park staff to contact you for further information while considering your request. The permit application must be accompanied by an application fee of $30.00, which reimburses the park for costs incurred in processing your request. There may be additional charges for large events that require additional NPS personnel for public safety or traffic control, site cleanup, trash removal, or property damage.
Boat Permit
Each vessel that uses the Lake of the Arbuckles will require a permit. Permits are available at the Point, Buckhorn and Guy Sandy launch ramp fee machines. The costs are $4.00 for a daily permit or $30.00 for an annual pass.
The annual pass receipt and boat registration must then be taken to one of the following locations to be redeemed for the official decal:
- Point Ranger Station
- Buckhorn Ranger Station
- Travertine Nature Center
- Visitor Information Station
- Park Headquarters Building (Hassens Building)
Chickasaw In Depth
News from the Parks
State Pushing its Plan to Thin Federal Elk Herd
January 7, 2009 - 3:39pm
Unhappy with federal alternatives, the State Game and Fish Department is pushing its own plan to thin an overpopulated elk herd at North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
January 7, 2009 - 3:39pm
Unhappy with federal alternatives, the State Game and Fish Department is pushing its own plan to thin an overpopulated elk herd at North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Northwestern Hawaiian Isles Might Met U.N. Designation
January 7, 2009 - 3:11pm
The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands could become the second United Nations World Heritage site in Hawaii, joining Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
January 7, 2009 - 3:11pm
The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands could become the second United Nations World Heritage site in Hawaii, joining Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Full Slate of Activities this Month at Saguaro National Park
January 7, 2009 - 3:09pm
A series of programs are under way at Saguaro National Park. Explore the natural and cultural history of the park. Come along on a naturalist-led evening walk or join a local expert for a presentation in the visitor center. Programs will be offered at both districts. There is no charge for interpretive programs, but park entrance fees apply.
January 7, 2009 - 3:09pm
A series of programs are under way at Saguaro National Park. Explore the natural and cultural history of the park. Come along on a naturalist-led evening walk or join a local expert for a presentation in the visitor center. Programs will be offered at both districts. There is no charge for interpretive programs, but park entrance fees apply.
Park Service Rolls Out Bike Sharing
January 7, 2009 - 3:08pm
About 300 National Park Service employees have the opportunity to get around D.C. in an environmentally-friendly way. In a one-year demo program between the NPS and Lousiville, Ky.-based Humana Inc., the health-benefit company is giving 30 bikes to NPS employees to help them cut down on auto gas emissions.
January 7, 2009 - 3:08pm
About 300 National Park Service employees have the opportunity to get around D.C. in an environmentally-friendly way. In a one-year demo program between the NPS and Lousiville, Ky.-based Humana Inc., the health-benefit company is giving 30 bikes to NPS employees to help them cut down on auto gas emissions.
A Plan for Stimulus Money: National Parks
January 7, 2009 - 3:05pm
There are any number of things that could be done with the upcoming, huge stimulus package to put Americans back to work and and improve infrastructure. About $2.5 billion of that could go to our national parks, says the National Parks Conservation Association, and they have a plan.
January 7, 2009 - 3:05pm
There are any number of things that could be done with the upcoming, huge stimulus package to put Americans back to work and and improve infrastructure. About $2.5 billion of that could go to our national parks, says the National Parks Conservation Association, and they have a plan.
