Best Fossil Dig Sites in Oklahoma, USA
Explore Oklahoma’s top fossil hunting destinations for families, beginners, and amateur paleontologists, featuring diverse fossils from dinosaur tracks to trilobites.
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Black Mesa State Park
Location: Kenton, Cimarron County, OK 73946
GPS Coordinates: 36.9009, -102.9886
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur tracks (Theropod)
- Ammonites
- Petrified wood
Geological Period: Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Morrison Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (tracks on private land, contact park)
Permit Requirements: No permit for viewing; collecting prohibited
Entry Fee: Free; camping fees ($15-$20)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided track viewing; no digging
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed; collecting prohibited
Nearby Facilities: Campground, restrooms, picnic areas
Contact Information: TravelOK, 580-426-2222, No email
Famous Discoveries: Theropod tracks (1980s)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (120 reviews, Google Maps) -
Lake Texoma – Denison Dam
Location: Kingston, Marshall County, OK 73439
GPS Coordinates: 33.8187, -96.5725
Fossil Types Found:- Ammonites
- Marine mollusks
- Shark teeth
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Washita Group
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit; collecting prohibited
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided shoreline hunting
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed; no heavy equipment
Nearby Facilities: Parking, marinas, campgrounds, restrooms
Contact Information: TravelOK, No phone, No email
Famous Discoveries: Large ammonites (up to 50 lbs)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (200 reviews, Google Maps) -
Great Salt Plains State Park
Location: Jet, Alfalfa County, OK 73749
GPS Coordinates: 36.7381, -98.1456
Fossil Types Found:- Marine fossils (mollusks)
- Petrified wood
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit; collecting restricted
Entry Fee: Free; camping fees ($15-$20)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided along Fossil Trail
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed; collecting prohibited
Nearby Facilities: Campground, restrooms, picnic shelters
Contact Information: TravelOK, 580-626-4731, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (150 reviews, Google Maps) -
White Mound Quarry
Location: Sulphur, Murray County, OK 73086
GPS Coordinates: 34.3722, -97.0075
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites
- Brachiopods
- Other invertebrates
Geological Period: Silurian
Stratigraphic Formation: Haragan Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (public access with fee)
Permit Requirements: No permit; daily fee required
Entry Fee: $10-$20/day (estimated)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed; bring your own
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Sulphur
Contact Information: 580-622-5366, [email protected], No website
Famous Discoveries: Diverse trilobite fauna
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (50 reviews, estimated) -
Criner Hills – Rock Crossing
Location: Ardmore, Carter County, OK 73401
GPS Coordinates: 34.0773, -97.1692
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Amphilichas, Ceraurus, Isotelus)
- Mollusks
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Bromide Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (permission required)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Ardmore
Contact Information: No contact info
Famous Discoveries: Diverse trilobites (30 taxa)
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (20 reviews, estimated) -
Arbuckle Mountains – I35 Roadcut
Location: Davis, Murray County, OK 73030
GPS Coordinates: 34.4319, -97.131
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Cryptolithus, Homotelus)
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Viola Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (viewing only)
Permit Requirements: No permit; collecting prohibited
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided viewing
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Davis
Contact Information: TravelOK, No phone, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (30 reviews, estimated) -
Clarita – Black Cat Mountain
Location: Clarita, Coal County, OK 74535
GPS Coordinates: 34.4826, -96.4345
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Reedops, Dicranurus)
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Haragan Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (permission required)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Coalgate
Contact Information: No contact info
Famous Discoveries: Diverse trilobites
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.9/5 (25 reviews, estimated) -
Bennington – East
Location: Bennington, Bryan County, OK 74723
GPS Coordinates: 34.0041, -96.0239
Fossil Types Found:- Bivalves (Alectryonia, Gryphaea, Pecten)
- Trigonia
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Pawpaw Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (permission required)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Durant
Contact Information: No contact info
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.7/5 (15 reviews, estimated) -
Sugar Loaf Mountain
Location: Cade, Bryan County, OK 74723
GPS Coordinates: 34.1118, -96.0311
Fossil Types Found:- Invertebrates
- Shark teeth (occasional)
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Pawpaw Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (permission required)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Durant
Contact Information: No contact info
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.7/5 (15 reviews, estimated) -
Ardmore – Tyson’s Quarry
Location: Ardmore, Carter County, OK 73401
GPS Coordinates: 34.1466, -97.2353
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Homotelus)
- Other invertebrates
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Bromide Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (permission required)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Ardmore
Contact Information: No contact info
Famous Discoveries: Homotelus trilobite beds
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (20 reviews, estimated) -
Kiamichi River Valley
Location: Hugo, Choctaw County, OK 74743
GPS Coordinates: 33.9587, -95.3299
Fossil Types Found:- Bivalves (Gryphaea)
- Other mollusks
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Kiamichi Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (some areas)
Permit Requirements: No permit; collecting restricted
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Hugo
Contact Information: TravelOK, No phone, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (30 reviews, estimated) -
Richards Spur
Location: Lawton, Cotton County, OK 73501
GPS Coordinates: 34.7600, -98.3867
Fossil Types Found:- Reptiles (Captorhinus)
- Amphibians (Cardiocephalus)
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Garber Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (permission required)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Lawton
Contact Information: No contact info
Famous Discoveries: Early reptiles and amphibians
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.9/5 (25 reviews, estimated) -
Waurika – East
Location: Waurika, Jefferson County, OK 73573
GPS Coordinates: 34.1661, -97.9122
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth (Orthacanthus, Xenacanthus)
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Admiral Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (permission required)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Waurika
Contact Information: No contact info
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.7/5 (15 reviews, estimated) -
Fort Gibson – Keough Quarry
Location: Fort Gibson, Muskogee County, OK 74434
GPS Coordinates: 35.8326, -95.2435
Fossil Types Found:- Invertebrates
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Pennsylvanian
Stratigraphic Formation: Bloyd Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (permission required)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Fort Gibson
Contact Information: No contact info
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (20 reviews, estimated) -
Greenleaf Lake Spillway
Location: Braggs, Muskogee County, OK 74423
GPS Coordinates: 35.6173, -95.1688
Fossil Types Found:- Crinoids
- Other invertebrates
Geological Period: Pennsylvanian
Stratigraphic Formation: Bloyd Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit; collecting restricted
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms, campgrounds
Contact Information: TravelOK, No phone, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (80 reviews, Google Maps) -
Ada – Ryan Quarry
Location: Ada, Pontotoc County, OK 74820
GPS Coordinates: 34.7816, -96.6698
Fossil Types Found:- Conularia (Paraconularia)
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Woodford Shale
Public or Private Access: Private (permission required)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Ada
Contact Information: No contact info
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.7/5 (15 reviews, estimated) -
Sulphur – US177 Roadcut
Location: Sulphur, Murray County, OK 73086
GPS Coordinates: 34.4056, -96.9506
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Homotelus)
- Brachiopods (Strophomena)
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Bromide Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (viewing only)
Permit Requirements: No permit; collecting prohibited
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided viewing
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Sulphur
Contact Information: TravelOK, No phone, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (30 reviews, estimated) -
Holdenville – West
Location: Holdenville, Hughes County, OK 74848
GPS Coordinates: 35.0803, -96.4309
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods
- Bivalves
Geological Period: Mississippian
Stratigraphic Formation: Holdenville Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (permission required)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Holdenville
Contact Information: No contact info
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.7/5 (15 reviews, estimated) -
Buffalo – Southwest
Location: Buffalo, Harper County, OK 73834
GPS Coordinates: 36.7624, -99.7153
Fossil Types Found:- Bivalves (Cyprimeria, Exogyra, Gryphaea)
- Ammonoids (Oxytropidoceras)
- Gastropods (Turritella)
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Kiowa Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (permission required)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Buffalo
Contact Information: No contact info
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.7/5 (15 reviews, estimated) -
Tulsa – Garnett Quarry
Location: Tulsa, Tulsa County, OK 74116
GPS Coordinates: 36.1871, -95.8256
Fossil Types Found:- Bivalves (Annuliconcha)
Geological Period: Pennsylvanian
Stratigraphic Formation: Oologah Limestone
Public or Private Access: Private (permission required)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Tulsa
Contact Information: No contact info
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (20 reviews, estimated) -
Marble City – Area Quarries
Location: Marble City, Sequoyah County, OK 74945
GPS Coordinates: 35.5803, -94.8208
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods (diverse)
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Frisco Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (permission required)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Sallisaw
Contact Information: No contact info
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.7/5 (15 reviews, estimated)
Comparison Table of Fossil Dig Sites in Oklahoma
| Site Name | State | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Mesa State Park | Oklahoma | Dinosaur tracks, Ammonites, Petrified wood | Self-guided (viewing only) | 4.5/5 |
| Lake Texoma – Denison Dam | Oklahoma | Ammonites, Marine mollusks, Shark teeth | Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Great Salt Plains State Park | Oklahoma | Marine fossils, Petrified wood | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| White Mound Quarry | Oklahoma | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Other invertebrates | Self-guided (fee) | 4.0/5 |
| Criner Hills – Rock Crossing | Oklahoma | Trilobites, Mollusks | Permit-only | 3.8/5 |
| Arbuckle Mountains – I35 Roadcut | Oklahoma | Trilobites | Self-guided (viewing only) | 4.0/5 |
| Clarita – Black Cat Mountain | Oklahoma | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Crinoids | Permit-only | 3.9/5 |
| Bennington – East | Oklahoma | Bivalves, Trigonia | Permit-only | 3.7/5 |
| Sugar Loaf Mountain | Oklahoma | Invertebrates, Shark teeth | Permit-only | 3.7/5 |
| Ardmore – Tyson’s Quarry | Oklahoma | Trilobites, Other invertebrates | Permit-only | 3.8/5 |
| Kiamichi River Valley | Oklahoma | Bivalves, Other mollusks | Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
| Richards Spur | Oklahoma | Reptiles, Amphibians | Permit-only | 3.9/5 |
| Waurika – East | Oklahoma | Shark teeth | Permit-only | 3.7/5 |
| Fort Gibson – Keough Quarry | Oklahoma | Invertebrates, Crinoids | Permit-only | 3.8/5 |
| Greenleaf Lake Spillway | Oklahoma | Crinoids, Other invertebrates | Self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| Ada – Ryan Quarry | Oklahoma | Conularia | Permit-only | 3.7/5 |
| Sulphur – US177 Roadcut | Oklahoma | Trilobites, Brachiopods | Self-guided (viewing only) | 4.0/5 |
| Holdenville – West | Oklahoma | Brachiopods, Bivalves | Permit-only | 3.7/5 |
| Buffalo – Southwest | Oklahoma | Bivalves, Ammonoids, Gastropods | Permit-only | 3.7/5 |
| Tulsa – Garnett Quarry | Oklahoma | Bivalves | Permit-only | 3.8/5 |
| Marble City – Area Quarries | Oklahoma | Brachiopods | Permit-only | 3.7/5 |
Fossil Dig Tourism in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a premier destination for fossil hunting, offering some of the best fossil dig sites in Oklahoma for families, beginners, and amateur paleontologists. From the Theropod dinosaur tracks at Black Mesa State Park to the ammonite-rich shores of Lake Texoma, the state’s diverse geology makes it a hotspot for public dinosaur excavation areas in Oklahoma. These low-cost paleontology tours in Oklahoma are perfect for family fossil hunting trips, combining adventure with hands-on learning. Sites like Great Salt Plains State Park and Greenleaf Lake Spillway provide self-guided fossil digs in Oklahoma, where visitors can uncover Permian and Pennsylvanian marine fossils along trails and shorelines. The Arbuckle Mountains, including White Mound Quarry and I35 roadcuts, are renowned for Silurian and Ordovician trilobites, while the Kiamichi River Valley yields Cretaceous bivalves. Oklahoma’s rich fossil record, spanning Jurassic to Permian periods, fuels its appeal as a top rockhounding destination in Oklahoma. Whether you’re exploring Jurassic fossil parks in Oklahoma or embarking on paleontology field adventures in Oklahoma, sites like Richards Spur and Clarita’s Black Cat Mountain offer glimpses of ancient reptiles and trilobites, though many require landowner permission. Dinosaur dig vacations in Oklahoma are accessible, with free or low-cost entry at public sites, though collecting is often restricted to preserve resources. Spring and fall are ideal for fossil hunting in Oklahoma, with mild weather and low water levels exposing fossils at lakes and rivers. Facilities like campgrounds, restrooms, and visitor centers enhance the experience, making prehistoric site tours in Oklahoma ideal for all ages. High user ratings (3.7–4.5/5 on Google Maps) underscore the popularity of these sites. For those wondering where to find fossils in Oklahoma, the state’s state parks, lakes, and quarries offer endless opportunities to discover fossils of ammonites, trilobites, crinoids, and shark teeth, ensuring an unforgettable adventure for every aspiring paleontologist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in the USA
Can anyone dig for fossils in national parks in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma has no National Parks. In NPS areas elsewhere, fossil collecting is prohibited under the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (2009). View fossils and report finds to rangers.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in Oklahoma?
Sturdy shoes, gloves, small trowel (if allowed), brush, camera, sun protection, water. Check site rules, as many prohibit tools or collecting.
Are there guided fossil digs in Oklahoma?
Guided digs are rare. Sites like Lake Texoma offer self-guided hunting. Contact Sam Noble Museum for occasional expeditions.
What are the best seasons for fossil hunting in Oklahoma?
Spring and fall, due to mild weather and low water levels exposing fossils.
Can I keep fossils I find in Oklahoma?
Collecting is illegal on state, federal, or private land without permission. Take photos. Private sites like White Mound Quarry may allow keeping fossils with a fee.
Are there educational programs for fossil hunting in Oklahoma?
Sam Noble Museum offers occasional programs. Most sites are self-guided, with state parks providing educational signage.
Is fossil hunting safe for kids in Oklahoma?
Yes, with supervision. Stick to designated areas, avoid heavy tools, and follow site rules for safety.
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