Devil’s Den State Park

On June 10, 2026, we took a four-night trip to Devil’s Den State Park with John and Lynda, Parker, and two other couples. We reserved campsite #97 at the end of Loop E. The site wasn’t on Lee Creek, which I would have preferred, but it was very secluded, with no one behind the trailer. All of our camping friends were scattered around Loop E, just a short walk away.

Ronnie Chillin' in Site #97

John and Lynda in Site #77

Donna Chillin' in Site #97

I took an afternoon walk from the campsite to the day-use area. I followed the Woody Plant Trail along Lee Creek and crossed the creek at the swinging bridge. I walked through the day-use area to the gift shop, stopping for some air conditioning and a cold bottle of water. The Lake Devil Dam had a good amount of water flowing over it, making for some pretty photos below.

The next morning, Parker and I hiked out from the Area A tent camping loop on the Fossil Flats Trail and returned to the campground via the Devil’s Racetrack. Both trails were very well-maintained multi-use trails. I was glad we were hiking rather than mountain biking, as the trails looked pretty advanced to me.

Caged Crevice in the Bluffline

As is typical with this group, we had a guys-versus-girls game night. We played a trivia game until after dark. On this occasion, the guys actually beat the girls!

 

 

The campground was overrun with squirrels. It didn’t help that I was feeding them some of my Diamond lightly salted almonds. I guess I’m getting soft in my old age. After years of fighting with squirrels, I’m now feeding them!

We enjoyed the week with family and friends in the great Arkansas outdoors. Life is Good!

Natural Falls State Park

The week of March 23rd 2026 we camped with John and Lynda at Natural Falls State Park. Located near the Oklahoma/Arkansas border in the scenic Ozark Highlands region of northeast Oklahoma, Natural Falls State Park features a 77-foot waterfall cascading through rock formations and creating a hidden, serene atmosphere at the bottom of a narrow V-shaped valley. A railed observation platform allows hikers to overlook the falls and another observation deck with seating is located at the foot of the falls offering two vantage points to enjoy one of the most scenic wonders in the state. The beautiful scenery looks familiar to many visitors because scenes from the 1974 movie, "Where the Red Fern Grows" were filmed in the park.

Natural Springs State Park Visitor Center

John & Lynda's Campsite

Ronnie & Donna's Campsite

Inside the park is the Dripping Springs Scenic Waterfall.  The park was originally known as Dripping Springs Park before it became an Oklahoma state park. We hiked the walkway down to the base of the falls. John and I ventured down the Dripping Springs Branch and back up to the campground.

Landscaped Garden Area at the Dripping Springs Scenic Waterfall Trail

Tribute to the Movie Where the Red Fern Grows

Rental Yurts Across the Valley

Fire Pit Cutout Cabin Design

We took a road trip to Tulsa Oklahoma on Wednesday. John treated us to tickets to the Oklahoma Aquarium. The Oklahoma Aquarium is home to the world's largest exhibit of bull sharks which you can explore in the unique, walk through tunnel. You can also see their loggerhead sea turtles, zebra sharks, and humphead wrasse. The aquarium has more than 500 species and 10,000 animals.

Bull Shark Walk Through Tunnel

The Illusive Chillin' Johnny 

You don't need to go very far into the Cherokee Nation to find a cascino. As a matter of fact, all you have to do is cross the Arkansas state line to find Cherokee Hotel & Casino in West Siloam Springs.