Robbers Cave State Park
Wilburton, OK
Sandstone bluffs and a cave said to have hidden outlaws like Belle Starr, in the forested San Bois Mountains. The short climb to the cave is fun for kids.
Robbers Cave State Park is a state park in the San Bois Mountains of southeastern Oklahoma, near Wilburton. It covers more than 8,000 acres (over 3,200 ha) of forest and hill country with sandstone cliffs used for climbing and rappelling. Three lakes, Lake Carlton, Lake Wayne Wallace and Coon Creek Lake, invite you to swim, fish, canoe and kayak.
The name comes from a cave said to have sheltered outlaws, including Jesse James and Belle Starr. After the Civil War other gangs reportedly sought refuge here too. In 1929 a Boy Scout camp was set up on donated land, and in the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps built cabins, trails and shelters and dammed Lake Carlton. In 1954 Muzafer Sherif's well-known social-psychology experiment took place at the camp.
For overnight stays there are tent, RV and primitive sites, cabins, a lodge and yurts. Backcountry camping requires a permit from the park office. Hiking trails, riding stables and a nature center round out the offer.
- Nearest town
- Wilburton, OK
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 34.9934, -95.3536
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in September and November. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Photo by Volodymyr Grytsiuk on UnsplashThe Talimena Scenic Drive, Oklahoma to Arkansas
© Thomas & Dianne Jones from Okmulgee, USA · CC BY 2.0Sandstone caves, ridge roads and trout water – by camper through the Cherokee hills and the Ouachitas of south-eastern Oklahoma
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Whispering Pines CampgroundMotorhome stopover1 mi from Robbers Cave State ParkMotorhomes
- Old Circle CampgroundMotorhome stopover1 mi from Robbers Cave State ParkMotorhomes
- Red Bud Group CampCampsite1 mi from Robbers Cave State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Red Bud CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Robbers Cave State ParkTentsCaravans
- Pine Trails CampgroundMotorhome stopover3 mi from Robbers Cave State ParkMotorhomes
- Crowder RV ParkMotorhome stopover20 mi from Robbers Cave State Park · 45 pitchesMotorhomesWaste disposal
All campsites in Oklahoma · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Robbers Cave State Park?
Robbers Cave State Park is in Wilburton, OK, at GPS 34.9934, -95.3536. It is about 24 mi from Talihina.
Can you camp near Robbers Cave State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Lake Wayne Wallace Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 17 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Robbers Cave State Park?
Robbers Cave State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: The Talimena Scenic Drive, Oklahoma to Arkansas and Sandstone caves, ridge roads and trout water – by camper through the Cherokee hills and the Ouachitas of south-eastern Oklahoma.
What is there to see near Robbers Cave State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Talimena Scenic Drive (40 mi), Fort Smith National Historic Site (59 mi), Queen Wilhelmina State Park (60 mi) and Beavers Bend State Park (70 mi).
When is the best time to visit Robbers Cave State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)