Great Salt Plains State Park, developed as a state park in 1952, is perhaps the most unique of all Oklahoma State Parks. It is a shallow, salty lake — about 1/3 to 1/2 as salty as the ocean. Great Salt Plains has intrigued vacationers and rock hounds from all over the globe.

Great Salt Plains State Park boasts the only spot in the world where people can dig for “hourglass” selenite crystals. The crystals emerge from the enormous salt flats and are found just beneath the surface. The crystals are quite fragile and require a shovel or hand spade for their retrieval. The digging is seasonal, from April 1 through October 15.

Great Salt Plains State Park is your gateway to one of Oklahoma’s most fascinating natural wonders. The Salt Plains are literally a sea of salt. They offer selenite crystal digging in season and outstanding bird watching all year long. Great Salt Plains Lake is located at the park and covers 8,690 surface acres with 41 miles of shoreline and is a shallow, salty lake — about 1/3 to 1/2 as salty as the ocean — with fishing opportunities for catfish, saugeye, sandbass and hybrid striper.

Personal watercraft not recommended. Other recreational activities include boating, camping, picnicking, swimming, hiking and exploring. We have RV, tent, equestrian trails with campsites, cabins, picnic sites, group shelters, swimming beach, playgrounds, boat ramps, fishing dock, comfort stations with showers, and a community center building.

The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge sits adjacent to the park and offers great bird watching and fall foliage viewing opportunities. The refuge is the only spot in the world where crystal enthusiasts can dig for “hourglass selenite” crystals, a rare and fragile form of selenite, which is a form of gypsum. Digging times are available from April 1 through October 15.

8 miles N of Jet on Hwy 38.
Approximately 45 minutes NW of Enid.

Rt 1 Box 28

Jet, OK 73749

Phone: (580) 626-4731

Fax: (580) 626-4730

Email: greatsaltplains@oklahomaparks.com