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Oklahoma’s biggest free gym is the one its two largest cities paved. Oklahoma City has nearly 100 miles of multi-use trails [2], and Tulsa’s River Parks trails run for miles along both banks of the Arkansas River [4]. The state parks cost a little more to visit than they used to: two dozen of the busiest ones now use a parking pass [1]. Oklahoma plates get a discount, and Oklahoma seniors over 62 and honorably discharged Oklahoma veterans can get in free [1].
At a glance
- State park parking pass, 1 day
- $8 with an Oklahoma plate; $10 out of state [1]
- Annual pass
- $60 with an Oklahoma plate; $75 out of state [1]
- Free for
- In-state seniors over 62 and honorably discharged in-state veterans [1]
- OKC multi-use trails
- Nearly 100 miles [2]
- Tulsa River Parks east bank trail
- 9 miles, 11th Street to 101st Street [4]
Oklahoma State Parks: the parking pass
Oklahoma State Parks started the parking pass program after a 2019 review found park funding had fallen well short of what it takes to keep facilities safe and usable [1]. With a few exceptions, such as golf courses and some concessionaire-run areas, every area of a participating park needs a valid pass [1].
The parks in the program include Beavers Bend, Lake Murray, Lake Thunderbird, Robbers Cave, Sequoyah, Quartz Mountain and Natural Falls, among others. The department’s 2025 sales figures list 24 parks [1]. Not every state park is in the program, so check the park’s page or the signs at the entrance before you go [1].
| Pass | Out-of-state vehicle | Oklahoma or Oklahoma tribal plate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day | $10 | $8 |
| 2 days | $20 | $16 |
| 3 days | $25 | $20 |
| 7 days | $35 | $28 |
| 14 days | $70 | $56 |
| Annual (up to 3 vehicles) | $75 | $60 |
Who pays less, or nothing
- Oklahoma and Oklahoma tribal license plates: 20% off, applied automatically when you buy [1].
- Oklahoma seniors over 62: 100% off, on up to two vehicles, usually as an annual pass [1].
- Honorably discharged Oklahoma veterans: 100% off on one vehicle, after Oklahoma State Parks verifies eligibility [1].
- Disabled visitors: 50% off the full, non-discounted price, so a disabled annual pass is $37.50. It can’t be combined with the in-state discount [1].
So yes, out-of-state visitors pay more: $10 a day or $75 a year, compared with $8 and $60 for Oklahoma plates [1].
Oklahoma City: nearly 100 miles of trails
OKC Parks lists nearly 100 miles of multi-use trails, plus two off-road cycling areas [2]. A few of the longest paved ones [2]:
- Bert Cooper Trails (formerly the Lake Hefner Trails): 9.8 miles of asphalt and concrete around Lake Hefner.
- Oklahoma River Trails: 13 miles along both banks of the river.
- Lake Stanley Draper Trail: 13.5 miles of wide, ADA-compliant asphalt.
- South Grand Trail: 11.1 miles.
For dirt, Bluff Creek Park has 3.5 miles of single-track trail, and the Lake Stanley Draper mountain bike trail has about 12 miles in three loops, which requires a permit [2]. Questions about trail closures go to (405) 297-2945 [2].
Indoors: the city’s Willa D. Johnson Recreation Center has a gymnasium, a fitness center and a pool [3]. OKC Parks also runs two municipal gyms [3]. Call ahead for hours and fees.
Tulsa: River Parks and the city’s community centers
The River Parks east bank trail runs 9 miles, from 11th Street near downtown south to 101st Street [4]. The west bank trail runs from 11th Street and Southwest Boulevard south to 71st Street and Turkey Mountain, where miles of dirt trails are open for hiking and mountain biking [4]. The trails are lighted and open to non-motorized use except during curfew, 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. [4].
Tulsa Parks runs nine community and specialty centers, including Hicks Park, Lacy Park, Owen Park, Reed Park and Whiteside Park [5]. The city describes their fitness facilities as having weight machines, cardio equipment and open gym space [5]. The city doesn’t post prices on that page, so call 311 to ask what a visit or pass costs at the center near you [5].
YMCA help in Oklahoma City
The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City offers a Membership Access discount on a sliding scale based on household income and the number of people in your household [6]. If you think you qualify, stop by your local Y. The Y says it can consider special circumstances that financial records don’t show [6]. Ys in other Oklahoma cities run their own programs, so ask yours.
Oklahoma summers: train around the heat
Oklahoma summers are hot. The CDC’s advice for exercising in heat [7]:
- Work out early in the morning or in the evening, and limit midday activity.
- Drink more water than usual, before you’re thirsty.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing, and keep reapplying sunscreen.
- Start slowly and build up. Treat muscle cramps as an early warning, and if you feel faint or weak, stop, get somewhere cool, and get medical help.
On the hottest days, a rec center gym beats the trail.
How much to aim for
The CDC says adults need 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, such as brisk walking, plus muscle-strengthening activity on at least 2 days [8]. A 30-minute walk on the Bert Cooper Trails or the River Parks five days a week, plus two strength sessions at a community center, covers it.
Gear that helps
You don’t need equipment for any of the workouts above. If you want a little help, these are inexpensive and widely used. We chose them from the makers’ listings; we haven’t tested them ourselves.
Best for: Strength work at home or in a park
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
Five color-coded 12-inch loop bands, from extra light to extra heavy, that add resistance to squats, bridges and arm work at home or in a park, and fold into the included carry bag. [9]
- 5 bands, 5 resistance levels (extra light to extra heavy) [9]
- 12-inch loops [9]
- Carry bag and illustrated exercise guide included [9]
- Made of latex [9]
Watch out: Latex: skip these if you have a latex allergy.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Floor exercises and stretching
Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
A thick foam mat that cushions knees and wrists for floor exercises, stretching and core work on a hard floor or in the grass, with a strap to carry it to the park. [10]
- 1/2 inch thick NBR foam [10]
- About 74 x 24 inches [10]
- Elastic carrying strap [10]
- Hand wash only [10]
Watch out: Thick and soft, so it is less stable for balance-heavy yoga poses.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Early-morning and evening walks and runs
Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
A light, adjustable reflective sash that makes you easier for drivers to see on early-morning and evening walks, runs and bike rides. [11]
- Cross-body design, reflective all the way around [11]
- Two pads for clip-on LED lights (lights not included) [11]
- Adjusts from XS to XL [11]
- Quick-release buckle [11]
Watch out: Reflective only: add a clip-on light if you walk or run where there are no streetlights.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Hot-weather walks and workouts
FROGG TOGGS Chilly Pad Pro Soft Microfiber Cooling Towel
Wet it, wring it out and wear it on your neck to help you stay cooler on hot-weather walks and outdoor workouts; re-wet it when it warms up. [12]
- 33 x 10.5 inches [12]
- 100% polyester microfiber [12]
- UPF 50 listed [12]
- Machine washable [12]
Watch out: A towel doesn't replace water, shade or skipping the hottest hours of the day.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Sources
- Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, Oklahoma State Parks Parking Pass Program (presentation to the Oklahoma Senate, October 2025)
- City of Oklahoma City, OKC Parks: Trails
- City of Oklahoma City, OKC Parks: Recreation Centers
- River Parks Authority, Trails
- City of Tulsa, Community and Specialty Centers
- YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, Financial Assistance
- CDC, Heat and Athletes
- CDC, Physical activity guidelines for adults
- Amazon listing: Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
- Amazon listing: Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
- Amazon listing: Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
- Amazon listing: FROGG TOGGS Chilly Pad Pro Soft Microfiber Cooling Towel
Common questions
Do Oklahoma state parks charge an entrance fee?
Two dozen of the busiest state parks use a parking pass instead. A one-day pass is $10 for out-of-state vehicles and $8 with an Oklahoma or Oklahoma tribal plate. An annual pass is $75, or $60 with an Oklahoma plate. Not every state park is in the program.
Are Oklahoma state parks free for seniors and veterans?
For Oklahoma residents, yes. In-state seniors over 62 get a 100% discount, typically as an annual pass for up to two vehicles, and honorably discharged in-state veterans get a 100% discount on one vehicle after eligibility is verified. Disabled visitors get 50% off the full price.
Do out-of-state visitors pay more at Oklahoma state parks?
Yes. The 20% discount applies only to vehicles with Oklahoma or Oklahoma tribal plates, so out-of-state vehicles pay $10 a day or $75 a year at parks in the parking pass program.
How many miles of trails does Oklahoma City have?
The city says it has nearly 100 miles of multi-use trails, including the 9.8-mile Bert Cooper Trails around Lake Hefner and 13 miles of Oklahoma River Trails, plus two off-road cycling areas.