Once again, I am discovering the hidden gems of the world. This time: A dog-friendly trip to Broken Bow, Oklahoma
Okay, okay, I know you are thinking…“Why would anyone want to go to Oklahoma?!Would I love to be admiring the pyramids in Egypt? Yes! Would I be thrilled to be canoeing in beautiful Lake Louise? Yes!
Butttt, I am determined to be happy in each and every given circumstance. No matter what is going on in the world, or what opportunities I have. I am very fortunate to have a full-time job that I love, a husband who will always travel with me, and the means to occasionally see the world.
And honestly, I was pleasantly surprised with all the things to do in Broken Bow (honestly all of Oklahoma in general).
Sooo, this brings me to this month’s weekend trip: Broken Bow, Oklahoma. And trust me, it is a REAL HIDDEN GEM.
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Table of Contents
Where is Broken Bow?
Broken Bow is located in Southeastern Oklahoma.
Distance from Oklahoma City: 3 hours 43 minutes
Distance from Dallas, TX: 3 hours 2 minutes
(If you are looking for ideas for a Dallas Staycation, check this post out!)
When is the best time to visit Broken Bow?
Broken Bow Average Temperatures in Fahrenheit
- Winter (Dec-Feb): 56/33
- Spring (March-May): 75/51
- Summer (June-August): 92/70
- Fall (September-November): 77/62
Other weather-related things to note: May is the rainiest month with an average of 8 days. You can expect peak fall foliage from early to mid-November.
As you can see there really isn’t a bad time for a Broken Bow Getaway with mild to hot temperatures all year!
Where to stay?
We stayed in a cabin at Whip Poor Will campground in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. It was perfect and so cozy!
When I first started to look for cabins, I found many beautiful choices, but they were SO expensive (like 500 dollars a night…).
I was thrilled to find a cozy, cute cabin for a fraction of the cost.
The cabins at Whip Poor Will resort have a full kitchen, wood fireplaces (inside and out), comfy beds, showers, a porch (with a picnic table), a grill, and they are all DOG-FRIENDLY (best part…)
There is a pond where you can fish right on site. And there is even a candy store…with home-made fudge.
Cost: 130 dollars per night
Tip:: If you are new to Airbnb, use this link to save up to 65 dollars on your perfect getaway cabin in Broken Bow, Oklahoma!
Other dog-friendly cabins in Broken Bow:
OR check out this post for a detailed list of the BEST DOG-FRIENDLY cabins to rent in Broken Bow!
What to eat?
I love to pack food to save a bit of money. Since you can drive your own car for weekend trips, it’s the perfect chance to pack a cooler. Here’s what I packed 🙂
Friday:
- Dinner: BBQ (Bacon cheeseburgers, potato salad, and baked beans)
Saturday:
- Breakfast: Blueberry Pancakes and left over bacon from dinner
- Lunch: Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches and Cheese its.
- Dinner: Ordered Pizza to pick up from Grateful Head Pizza Oven
Sunday:
- Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs and Toast
- Lunch: Turkey and Cheese Sandwiches
Tip: Grab this FREE TRAVEL PLANNER (complete with a packing list) to be the most prepared for your weekend getaway.
Things to do in Broken Bow, OK
Swim:
We started out our weekend getaway by heading to Broken Bow Lake. It is a beautiful lake with 180 miles of shoreline.
It was quiet, clean, and beautiful.
We drove to Eagle Drive Day use area, which was the perfect spot to let our dog swim for a bit. There was plenty of parking, and plenty of room to spread out from other people.
If it were a few degrees warmer, it would be the perfect spot for humans to swim as well!
Tip:: If you are traveling with a group, there are many boat rental companies to rent a pontoon, jet ski, or speed boat for the day! It looked like the perfect lake for an all-day boat day!
Boat Rental Companies in Broken Bow
You may also be interested in this cozy cabin getaway in Sulphur, Oklahoma!
Hike!
My favorite part of every trip is always exploring different hikes. During this weekend getaway, we tried out three different hikes in Beaver’s Bend State Park.
1. Lookout Mountain Trail
According to All Trails, this is supposed to be a 2.9-mile loop trail. We turned it into a 5-mile hike (and did not come out at the same spot).
So even though this trail is well-maintained, it was a bit confusing. Or maybe just poor planning on our end?
Side note:::I get lost everywhere. It does not matter if I have been there 100 times, I will still use my GPS. So when I hike, it’s no surprise I often find myself lost. But, that’s all part of the adventure, right???
Anywayssss, it was an awesome hike with some great views.
After about 1.2 miles, you will see the “lookout point” You may have to search a bit to find an area that is not covered with trees.
Once you continue down the trail, you will come across a beautiful little river. You can walk up the river a bit and find small waterfalls. Make sure to wear your Keens (or hiking shoes that are comfy when wet) for further exploring!
We ate a snack and continued on the trail. We ended up coming out at the Nature Center, and had a .5 mile walk back to our car.
2. Cedar Bluff Nature Trail
This was a super quick (1 mile) hike to a beautiful lookout!
The trail steadily ascends, but you can make it to the top within 15 minutes.
We went before sunset, but I could tell it would be a BEAUTIFUL spot to watch the sun go down!
If you are able, grab some snacks and a drink and plan this hike around sunset. Bring your hammock and find the perfect place to relax and enjoy the view!
If you are looking for a longer hike (and challenge) you can continue down the trail to Skyline trail (9.5 mile loop). We didn’t try this one, so I can’t share any personal experience with it.
3. Friends Trail Loop
This 1.5-mile trail was a great way to end our trip. It was well-maintained and easy to follow.
And also led to a waterfall and great views!
I definitely was the most tired during this hike. The first part is pretty steep, but it does level out. Do not forget your waterpack to stay hydrated! (The linked backpack is my FAVORITE).
You then hike along the river for a bit and get to admire the beautiful views!
Beaver’s Bend State Park Quick Facts:
- Camping: You can book campsites HERE
- Hiking: 26+ miles of trails
- Swimming: 180+ miles of shoreline
- Cost: Free to enter and park
Fire and Smores
No camping trip is complete without a good campfire and smores! It’s the perfect way to relax after a day of hiking.
Non-Hiking Things to do in Broken Bow:
I know that Hiking isn’t for everyone…although I do highly recommend that you try it someday 🙂 Check out this list for some United States Hiking Inspo!
I did put together a list of other things to do in Broken Bow, Oklahoma for the non-hikers.
We did not try these things because…
- 1. We wanted a completely dog-friendly weekend
- 2. Hiking is free and
- 3. Social Distancing…but they do look extremely fun!
- Zipline
- Horseback Riding
- Old Time Photos
- Dog-Friendly Brewery
Packing List:
In addition to packing your hiking clothes and food here are some other must brings!
- Board Games! (my favorite two player games below!)
- Hiking backpack (with a water bladder). No need to carry a water bottle and worry about running out.
- Hiking Shoes (Keens are perfect for the river crossings and wading in the river)
Check out these other Weekend Trips!
Dog-friendly Weekend Trips from DFW
ULTIMATE Weekend in Fredericksburg, TX–Do NOT miss this one!
Have you visited Broken Bow? What else would you add to this Broken Bow Getaway? Did I miss any exciting things to do in Broken Bow? Let me know below!
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