What’s there to do in Oklahoma? Go caving at Alabaster Caverns State Park!
We recently visited Alabaster Caverns State Park and had a wonderful time. However, there are a few things we wish we would have known before we embarked on this adventure.
What is Alabaster Caverns State Park and why should you visit?
First off let me give you a quick rundown of Alabaster Caverns State Park. Alabaster Caverns is a truly remarkable place in Oklahoma.
It is one of the largest natural gypsum caves in the world.
It is the only gypsum show cave in the United States of America and one of three caves in the world with rare black alabaster. It’s so rare it has only been found here in Oklahoma, China and Italy.
Also Alabaster Caverns State Park was one of the State Parks that almost got shut down due to state budgets and could possibly be shut down in the future.
So start planning a trip to Alabaster Caverns State Park to enjoy such a rare and special Oklahoma experience, but before you do check out our helpful list below.
Here’s our List of 5 Things you Need to Know Before you Visit Alabaster Caverns State Park.
5. The Specifics on the Cavern Tour
The cavern tour is probably what attracts most people’s visit to Alabaster Caverns. The Cavern Tour is not free and does consist of walking up and down many steps. A lot of the ground was slick. Our family made it up and down the steps without any problems and the price for the standard tour is $10 for 13 to 61 years old, $7 for 6 to 12 years old and free for 0 to 5 years old. They also have discounts for Seniors and Active-Duty Military at only $8.
If you want to take photos or videos you must contact two weeks in advance and pay extra for a photo tour. I really wish I knew about this. I was not able to take any photos or videos during our tour. (We still had fun though)
4. How to camp in a cavern
You can actually camp in a cavern at Alabaster Caverns State Park. We did not because I wasn’t sure about camping in a cavern with my 3 year old, but we hope to go back on an adult trip or when the boys are older.
If you are ready to camp in the cavern you need to contact them in advance to obtain a permit and be sure to have the proper gear. (Which can be purchased on site)
3. How to go wild caving or spelunking
If you would like to explore a cavern by spelunking you can attain a permit at the park office as long as you have proper gear. You can purchase some of the gear at the office if you don’t already have some.
There are 4 caves maintained for wild caving.
You can only go wild caving after March 31 and before October 1st due to the bat hibernation.
2. They do not sell firewood.
(At least they didn’t during our visit) We were surprised to find they did not have firewood for sale but thankfully, staff directed to where we could collect some free firewood. It was a hike away and we could not drive our car to the pile. It’s important to use local firewood when you go camping because wood from out of the area can contain kill treeing insects and diseases. (I will have an article with more info on the Don’t Move Firewood Movement soon.)
1. Limited Campsites
Unlike many state parks Alabaster Caverns has only 11 reservable RV sites and 12 tent sites (first come first serve).
During our visit, we were the only tent campers there. We called in advance and they said they didn’t plan on being busy. But if you show up and they don’t have a camp site don’t worry there are multiple nearby state parks that are wonderful and have campsites. You could always enjoy the cavern then head over to a nearby park.
Overall thoughts on Alabaster Cavern State Park
Overall we loved visiting Alabaster Caverns. It had been on my Oklahoma bucket list for quite some time. We loved the campground, the cave and the trails. We will be visiting again to camp in a cave, do the photo tour and we also plan to go wild caving.
Where is Alabaster Caverns State Park?
You can find Alabaster Caverns State Park in Freedom, Oklahoma and see how to navigate to with on the map below.
Nearby State Parks
While visiting Alabaster Caverns check out some nearby Oklahoma State Parks.
Crystal Digging at the Great Salt Plains
Related Articles
Check out the full list of Oklahoma State Parks. (Coming Soon)
Nearby Hotels
So you want to visit Alabaster Caverns but are not sure about camping. Find a nearby hotel in the map below. (The map does contain affiliate links where at no extra charge to you I may receive a small commission. Thanks for your support)
Thank you for reading, I hope this helps you on your own adventure to Alabaster Caverns State Park.
If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Also please follow us on social media and share this article. It really means so much to us.
Thanks, Dylan K Myers and family from Family Travel Go LLC