A to Z Guest Ranch is surrounded by several state parks. Next time you come stay at A to Z, consider extending your trip to make time to visit one, or all, of these beautiful state parks located in Southeast Oklahoma’s Choctaw Country:

Arrowhead Area at Lake Eufaula State Park
3995 Main Park Rd. Canadian, OK 74425

Main Attractions: Fishing, swimming, water sports, playgrounds, miniature golf course, mountain biking, hiking trails, petting zoo, and more.

For more information: TravelOK-Arrowhead, StateParks-Arrowhead

Beavers Bend State Park
4350 S Hwy 259A Broken Bow, OK 74728

Main Attractions: Fishing, water sports, river float trips, golfing, tennis, volleyball, hiking, biking, hayrides and train rides, amphitheater, restaurant, Forest Heritage Center, and more. The park also has the Beavers Bend Folk Festival in November and Eagle watches from November to February.

For more information: TravelOK-Beavers Bend, StateParks-Beavers Bend

Clayton Lake State Park
170591 US Hwy 271 Clayton, OK 74536

Main Attractions: Boating and fishing (other watersports prohibited), swimming area, playground, waterfalls, kayaking, and more.

For more information: TravelOK-Clayton Lake

Hugo Lake State Park
Hwy 70 E. Hugo, OK 74743

Main Attractions: Fishing, skiing, boating, pontoons available for rent, several nature trails, hiking, and more.

For more information:  TravelOK-Hugo Lake,  LittleDixie- Hugo Lake, ChoctawCountry-Hugo Lake

Lake Wister State Park
25567 US Hwy 270 Wister, OK 74966

Main Attractions: Biking, boating, skiing, swimming area, water spray park, playgrounds, miniature golf course, hiking trails, and more. Be on the look out for wintering golden and bald eagles during winter months.

For more information: TravelOK-Lake Wister

McGee Creek State Park
5798 S McGee Creek Lake Rd Atoka, OK 74525

Main Attractions: Fishing in one of Oklahoma’s finest trophy lakes, water activities, hunting in the adjacent McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area, and the McGee Creek Natural Scenic Recreation Area, which has over 25 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

For more information:  TravelOK-McGee Creek

Raymond Gary State Park
HC 63 Box 1450 Fort Towson, OK 74735

Main Attractions: Fishing, boating, swimming, playground, and paddleboats, canoes and fishing boats available for rent. The park also hosts an annual Christmas Boat Parade the first weekend in December.

For more information: TravelOK-Raymond Gary, LittleDixie-Raymond Gary, StateParks-Raymond Gary

Robbers Cave State Park
Hwy 2 N. Wilburton, OK 74578

Main Attractions: Adjoining wildlife management area, 20 miles of hiking trails, caves, fishing, boating, hunting, climbing and repelling, swimming beach and pool with bathhouse, playgrounds, nature center, amphitheater, mini golf, hayrides, cave tours, canoe tours, guided hikes, cane pole fishing and more.

For more information: TravelOK-Robbers Cave, ChoctawCountry-Robbers Cave, StateParks-Robbers Cave

Talimena State Park
50884 Hwy 271 Talihina, OK 74571

Main Attractions: Marking the Oklahoma entrance to the Talimena Scenic Drive, Talimena State Park offers beautiful trails through the Ouachita National Forest for hiking, backpacking, dirt biking and ATVing.

For more information: TravelOK-Talimena, StateParks-Talimena, ChoctawCountry-Talimena

Make Choctaw Country your next vacation destination. Come stay with us at A to Z Guest Ranch for an unforgettable getaway unlike any other, and on the way, make sure to visit some of the state’s beautiful parks.

Whether you’re a camping pro, or you’re planning your first camping trip, these tips and tricks will help make your camping experience even better.

REI experts list several camping hacks that will add some fun to your next camping trip:

• Stay warm and cozy at night by 1) filling your Nalgene with hot water and putting it in the bottom of your sleeping bag, or 2) packing the bottom of your sleeping bag with dry clothes.
• Make a lantern by strapping your headlamp to a translucent water bottle or jug with the light shining inward.
• Make sure your things stay dry by lining your backpack with a plastic garbage bag.
• No fire starter? No problem! You can use hand sanitizer or lint to start fires. Trick birthday candles also work as fire starters and matches, plus they are weatherproof!
• Flame-seal sections of plastic drinking straws and fill them with your favorite spices. (Don’t forget to label them!)

Destinationtips.com also lists some helpful camping tricks, including:

• Instead of bath towels, pack microfiber towels, which are much more compact and absorbent.
• Keep mosquitos away by burning sage near your campfire.
• Natural oils such as neem oil rose geranium oil and tea tree oil can be used as tick repellent. Odorless garlic pills are also effective.
• Scrambled eggs make a great outdoor breakfast but packing a carton of eggs is not ideal. Instead, whisk your eggs ahead of time, pour them into a water bottle and store on ice. (Use within a day or freeze.)

Field and Stream lists some great tips for hunting and fishing, as well as camping, including:

• Keep your toilet paper dry by making a toilet paper holder. Cut a long slit into one side of a plastic coffee can and pull the toilet paper through the slit. To hang it, put a hole in the lid and in the bottom of the can and run a string through the holes.
• Keep matches and tinder dry by storing them in plastic tablet containers with watertight lids (such as Airborne).

Tent Camping at A to Z

In addition to our cabins and RV sites, we have two camping sites set up for tents, both with 110 electric and water hookups. So, whether you prefer to sleep in a cabin, an RV, a tent, or right under the stars, A to Z Guest Ranch has accommodations for everyone.

The leaves are changing, and the air is cooling, which means it’s the perfect time to plan an unforgettable Fall getaway at A to Z Guest Ranch. Contact us or make online reservations today!

Oklahoma is home to a variety of game and diverse hunting areas, making it a great destination for all hunters. Whether you prefer hunting with a bow or a gun, enjoy deer hunting or bear hunting, Oklahoma has something for you.  

Hunting Seasons

Oklahoma has hunting seasons throughout the year. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation lists all the hunting season dates that are currently open or upcoming. Many game species have their own species page, where you can find additional information.

Great Places to Hunt in Southeastern Oklahoma

TravelOK.com lists some of Oklahoma’s best hunting areas, including two in southeastern Oklahoma.

1. Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area – Broken Bow: This area covers 203,180 beautiful acres of pine and hardwood forests.

Game species of interest include: quail, black bear, deer, turkey, rabbit, squirrel, coyote, bobcat, opossum, gray fox, beaver, raccoon, dove and waterfowl.

Nongame species you may see include bald eagles and American alligators.

Visit the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Three Rivers page for more information on game species, driving directions, maps, regulations, permit details and more.

2. McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area – Atoka: This area covers 10,000 acres of dense oak-pine forests.

Game species of interest include: quail, deer, turkey, rabbit, coyote, bobcat, raccoon, dove, waterfowl, and squirrel.

Nongame species you may see include bald eagles and numerous species of owls and other birds.

Visit the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s McGee Creek page for more information on game species, driving directions, maps, regulations, and more.

Oklahoma Hunting Resources

For more information on licenses and permits, big game seasons, bird seasons, hunting regulations, public hunting lands and more click here.

For more information on hunting at Oklahoma’s Wildlife Management Areas click here.

For more information on hunting on Corps of Engineers land click here.

Many popular hunting seasons will begin soon, so it’s a great time to plan a hunting trip. Come stay at A to Z Guest Ranch where you can enjoy all the activities the ranch has to offer, as well as the great hunting opportunities available nearby.

Oklahoma has everything you need for an unforgettable RV road trip. Not only is the drive beautiful, but there are several great RV camping spots throughout the state. There are over 24 Oklahoma state parks that accommodate RVs, as well as unique get away spots like A to Z Guest Ranch.

RV Camping at A to Z Guest Ranch

There are 14 RV camping sites available for A to Z guests. All campsites have electric and water hook-ups and general amenities including bath houses, dump stations, a wash station for horses, etc. Three of our sites come with 50-amp services, two of which come with sewer hook-ups as well.

Most of the camping sites come with up to two outside corrals and covered stalls for guests who bring their own horses or ATVs. Additional corrals and covered stalls are available for guests who need them for a small charge.  

Prices for camping sites range from $30 to $50 a night, depending on which services you want. Check out our camp site rates for more information about prices, amenities and services.  

To make a camp site reservation, email atozguestranchzondra@gmail.com with the necessary information, which you can find at the bottom of our camping page.

For check in/check out times and our reservation policy for all our available RV sites and cabins visit our Cabin Policies page.

RV Camping Resources

Before you hit the road, visit TravelOk.com to read their article RV Camping in Oklahoma: The Complete Beginner’s Guide. You’ll find useful information about RVing in Oklahoma, including great tips, other RV hot spots and unique RV sites, and helpful links such as their RV Camping Areas page where you can browse through 391 RV camping areas throughout the state.

For useful maps visit RVparkfinder.com or allstays.com to help you locate RV sites in Oklahoma and to help you plan your trip from start to finish. Another site you may find helpful is rv-camping.org which has useful links and research tools.

Make Oklahoma your next RV road trip destination. Contact A to Z Guest Ranch today to reserve your RV camp site for an unforgettable getaway.

A to Z Guest Ranch offers several fun activities that you can fill your days with, but there’s a lot of fun to be had around the ranch too. Take a look at a few of the area businesses you can visit during your stay, all less than an hour away:

Girls Gone Wine Winery

10216 N. US Hwy 259
Broken Bow, Oklahoma 74728

Located in Broken Bow, and only 40 minutes from A to Z, Girls Gone Wine Winery offers a fun and unique experience. In addition to complimentary wine tastings, guests can make their own custom batch of wine and shop at their funky boutique and gift shop.

Mena Antique Mall

617 Mena Street
Mena, Arkansas 71953

Mena is a small Arkansas town with great shopping, and only about 45 minutes away from A to Z. The Mena Antique Mall offers a fun shopping experience where you can browse through antiques, gifts and collectibles. There are several other antique shops and flea markets in Mena, which can be found with this map.

Whip Poor Will Fudge Factory & Sweet Shoppe

12667 US Hwy 259 N.
Broken Bow, Oklahoma 74728

The Whip Poor Will Fudge Factory is located near Beaver’s Bend State Park and Broken Bow Lake, and only about 35 minutes away from A to Z. They have an assortment of freshly made cream and butter fudge, such as chocolate walnut and chewy praline, as well as seasonal favorites such as pumpkin pie. They also offer other types of sweets, gourmet foods, and unique gifts.

These are only a few of the fun destinations in the area. Several state parks are within an hour’s drive of the ranch, including Queen Wilhelmina State Park and Beavers Bend State Park. You’ll also find quaint country stops like Burton’s Western Store in Broken Bow, and TJ’s Mountain Country Store, which is just 11 minutes from A to Z.

Come experience the beauty and adventure of Southeastern Oklahoma. Make your reservation at A to Z today!

The Talimena National Scenic Byway “winds 54 miles along the crest of Rich Mountain and Winding Stair Mountain in the Ouachita National Forest”. Along the drive, you’ll find numerous vistas and trails, historic sites, and neat towns that are all worth seeing.

Beautiful Scenery and Outdoor Activities

Because the Ouachita Mountains uniquely run east to west, each side of the mountains is home to a different variety of plants and animals. This means you can expect the scenery to be beautiful all year round.

There are several turnouts with beautiful vistas along the way, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the beauty. Use the Talimena Scenic Drive Interactive Map to find vistas, as well as many other destinations located along the drive.

The area is great for enjoying your favorite outdoor activities including:

• Hiking: Numerous trails and recreation areas surround the drive
• Hunting: Hunters may hunt for a variety of the game species native to the Ouachita National Forest.
• Water activities: There are several rivers, streams and lakes that provide excellent opportunities for fishing, canoeing and kayaking.

Historic Sites

There are several historic sites along the byway worth visiting, including:

• Peter Conser Home
• Queen Wilhelmina State Park
• Heavener Runestone Park

Gateway Cities

The gateway towns that surround the byway are rich in history and have fun events all year round.

• Oklahoma towns: Talihina, Poteau, Wilburton, and Heavener
• Arkansas towns: Fort Smith, Waldron, and Mena

The Talimena Scenic Drive is more than just a road that gets you to your destination; it’s a destination itself. Come visit us at A to Z Guest Ranch, and make sure you take a day (or two) to experience the beauty, adventure, and history of the Talimena National Scenic Byway.

Diverse Landscape

Oklahoma is one of only four states with more than 10 ecoregions and features the nation’s most diverse landscape per square mile, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Each of Oklahoma’s 11 ecoregions have distinct features, providing homes for a variety of wildlife, from pronghorn antelope and bison to nearly 500 species of birds.

Diverse Hiking Trails

Such diverse landscape makes Oklahoma a great hiking destination, and there are beautiful hiking trails across the state at all levels of difficulty. Check out TravelOK.com’s list of popular beginner-level trails, intermediate-level trails, and expert-level trails.

Another great resource for finding hiking trails throughout the state is AllTrails.

Beautiful Hiking Trails in Southeastern Oklahoma

Southeastern Oklahoma is one of the most beautiful areas in the state for hiking. Here are a few destinations in the area with great hiking trails and breathtaking scenery:

1. Beavers Bend State Park- Broken Bow

Beavers Bend has five nature trails and approximately 12 miles of hiking trails. Visit the OFS website for a map of all the trails in the park and more information about the length and level of difficulty of each.  

The park’s David L. Boren Trail is one of the best hiking trails in Oklahoma. This expert-level trail has four major trail heads that wind through forested terrain, with beautiful views of the Mountain Fork River along the way.

2. Robbers Cave State Park – Wilburton

Another popular hiking destination is the Robbers Cave Trail System, which features multiple trails that vary in difficulty.

One of the intermediate-level trails there is Rough Canyon, which features rocky terrain and winds through pine trees, around ponds, and through unique rock formations including “Robbers Cave”.

3. Horsethief Springs Trail- Heavener

The Horsethief Springs Trail is a very popular expert-level trail located near the Talimena Scenic Drive that winds through a variety of tree species and streams. Beginning at Cedar Lake, the trail connects to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail to form an 11-mile loop of beautiful scenery. Click here for a map and more information.

Oklahoma is a great hiking destination, and the southeastern part of the state is especially beautiful, where the Ouachita mountains have been attracting hikers for years. A to Z is surrounded by these beautiful trails that put hikers in awe, so come stay at the ranch and hike the nearby trails that will have you “ooh-ing” and “ahh-ing” from beginning to end.

With more than 200 lakes and over 40 documented species of fish, Oklahoma is a great destination for all who love fishing.

Fishing Spots in Southeastern Oklahoma

There are several great fishing spots in southeastern Oklahoma such as Lake Wister, Hugo Lake, McGee Creek Reservoir, and Broken Bow Lake. For a complete list of where to fish in each region of the state, visit the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website.  

The fish attractor locations map is also a great resource that points out all the fishing areas in the state.

Broken Bow Lake

One of the best year-round fishing spots in Oklahoma is Broken Bow Lake and only 30 minutes away from A to Z Guest Ranch. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, this 22-mile long lake is bordered by 180 miles of shoreline and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. You will find a variety of fish species there including:

• Largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, striped, and white bass
• Channel and flathead catfish
• Black and white crappie
• Bluegill and redear sunfish
• Walleye

Mountain Fork River

Mountain Fork River, which flows from the base of Broken Bow Lake and through Beavers Bend state park, is also a great fishing spot near the ranch. It’s a great destination for fly fishing, and one of the best places in the region for trout fishing, where brown and rainbow trout are abundant year-round.

Beavers Bend State Park

Along the shores of Broken Bow and the Mountain Fork River is Beavers Bend State Park. In addition to great fishing, visitors can enjoy boating, water skiing and canoeing, hiking, and other activities.

Didn’t bring your fishing gear? No problem. The Beavers Bend marina has everything you need, from fishing tackle, to boat and jet ski rentals.

If you are looking for an area with great year-round fishing opportunities, southeastern Oklahoma is the place to go. A to Z Guest Ranch provides the perfect getaway for those who really want to get away, and with Broken Bow Lake less than an hour away, it is the perfect destination for all who love to fish.

Horseback trail riding is such a fun ranch activity for family and friends to enjoy together. At A to Z, we have great horses, beautiful trails, and fun trail guides that give guests an unforgettable experience.

Our Horses

We have 14 beautiful horses here at the ranch, and all of them are well trained and perform great on our trails.

Never been on a horse before? That’s ok! We have a horse for every rider. Whether you are a beginner or a horseback riding expert, whether you prefer a gaited horse or a non-gaited one, whether you are 7 or 70, we have the perfect horse for you.

Our horses make it fun for both adults and children. Some of our horses are especially great with children, like Rambo, Buster, Easy, Cowboy, Shorty and Clint, who are some of the kids’ favorites.

Regardless of your age or experience, you can be sure that our horses will give you a fun ride.

Saddling up and Grooming

A to Z staff will always saddle up the horses and make sure the saddles are secure and all the tack is working properly to ensure the safety of our riders.

Riders are more than welcome to come early, before their trail ride time, to help brush the horses before they are saddled up.

Riders may also stay after the ride to help groom the horses and take them back to the pasture.

Trail Rides

We want our guests to have a great time, so we have a great trail guide who knows all about the area. Our trail guide Greta is a Choctaw Indian who loves to tell riders about her tribe, talk about the area, and answer any question you may throw her way.

You can choose from the 1-hour, 2-hour, 3-hour or 4-hour trail ride:

• 1-hour trail ride: $40 per person. Beautiful trails and water crossings (guests love riding in and out of Saddle Rock creek!)
• 2-hour trail ride: $60 per person. Beautiful mountain views, creek crossings, up and down mountain trails.
• 3-hour trail ride: $90 per person. Beautiful mountain views, creek crossings, up and down mountain trails. Includes snack and drink.
• 4-hour trail ride: $110 per person. Beautiful mountain views, creek crossings, up and down mountain trails. Includes lunch, which is eaten at a beautiful spot on the trail with panoramic views of the Kiamichi Mountains. There is also a very large bolder on this trail that looks like a dinosaur laying down sleeping that the kids love to climb on.

Horse Owners

Horse owners are welcome to bring their horses to the ranch with them. Whether you plan to stay at one of our camping sites or in one of our luxury cabins, we have covered stalls and outside corrals available for your horses.

We will provide you with a trail map so you can explore over 1,400 acres of beautiful trails from the back of your own horse, on your own time, at your own leisure.

Family Friendly Trails

We are family friendly, which means we do not allow smoking, cussing or drinking alcoholic beverages on the trail rides. Our rides are all about making family memories and enjoying the land that God has blessed us with!

We are open year-round for trail rides by reservation only. Make your reservation today by calling us at 580-244-3729 or email us today.

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Kiamichi mountains, is to do it from the back of a horse. A to Z Guest Ranch offers horseback trail rides that are guaranteed to be a fun experience for you, your family and your friends.

Before you hit the trail, you may want to familiarize yourself with a few basic horseback riding safety tips. Horse and Rider magazine and HorseChannel.com list some great guidelines that every rider should be aware of:

Approach horses safely

• Approach horses from the side and speak to alert them of your presence
• If you must walk behind a horse, either 1) walk far away, out of kicking range or 2) walk close, touching them, and keeping a hand on their rump as you pass around
• Be aware of a horse’s feet- don’t let your feet get in the way of theirs

Wear proper riding gear

• Wear proper footwear: boots or shoes with a hard toe and a heel are best to prevent feet from slipping through the stirrups
• Wear a helmet

Mount and dismount properly

• Before mounting, make sure the horse is standing still, and have hold of the reins. For inexperienced riders, someone should hold the horse still while the rider mounts and dismounts
• Avoid mounting and dismounting on slopes, or where there are low hanging objects

Practice proper trail etiquette

• Stay on designated trails and riding areas
• Keep one horse-length between you and the horse in front of you
• Approach steep, slick, or rocky terrain slowly and carefully, and stay centered in the saddle.
• Always stay with the group
• Set a pace that everyone in the group is comfortable with, and maintain the same speed as the group
• Do not trot or run (unless all riders are comfortable, and all have agreed to the Ranch’s advanced riding experience option)

We invite you to come to A to Z Guest Ranch for an unforgettable experience of horseback riding and sightseeing. And remember- safety first!