Black Mesa State Park
Kenton, OK
A remote corner of the Oklahoma Panhandle beside a lava-capped mesa, with dark night skies. The long trail to the state's high point starts at the nearby nature preserve; set out at dawn, carry plenty of water and expect few services.
Black Mesa lies in the far northwest of the Oklahoma Panhandle near the Colorado and New Mexico borders and, at 4,973 feet (1,516 meters), is the highest point in the state, marked by an obelisk about 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall. The nature preserve covers about 1,600 acres (650 hectares) with 23 rare plant species and eight rare animal species. According to the park, the region has some of the darkest night skies on publicly accessible land in the United States.
The trail to the summit is about 8.7 miles (14 km) round trip with an elevation gain of only about 770 feet (230 meters). Allow at least four hours and be aware that rattlesnakes may be present. The preserve is open only from sunrise to sunset; overnight stays there are prohibited. At Black Mesa State Park on Lake Carl Etling, about 15 miles (24 km) away, you will find RV and tent sites.
- Nearest town
- Kenton, OK
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 36.8459, -102.8802
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 June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Lakeview AreaCampsite0 mi from Black Mesa State ParkTents
- youth group campCampsite0 mi from Black Mesa State Park
- Black Mesa State Park CampgroundCampsite0 mi from Black Mesa State Park
- West Canyon AreaCampsite0 mi from Black Mesa State Park
- Picture canyonCampsite14 mi from Black Mesa State Park
- Wild Bill’s RV ParkMotorhome stopover22 mi from Black Mesa State ParkMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Oklahoma · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Black Mesa State Park?
Black Mesa State Park is in Kenton, OK, at GPS 36.8459, -102.8802. It is about 86 mi from Raton.
Can you camp near Black Mesa State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Lakeview Area, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 6 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Black Mesa State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Capulin Volcano National Monument (60 mi) and MidPoint Café (109 mi).
When is the best time to visit Black Mesa State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)