Kenton, Oklahoma
This park is located out in the panhandle region of Oklahoma, close to the Colorado and New Mexico borders. Black Mesa is a dark sky park, though not an officially recognized one. I have read some complaints about streetlights when looking at reviews of this park, but I don't know that those are accurate anymore. There are lights, but they were red lights which I believe have less of an effect on your eyes adjusting to the dark. Regardless, if you aren't used to it, this area definitely gets dark enough to feel that you are looking into a void. This place is truly out there with nothing but grasslands for miles and miles around. I would highly recommend that you fill up when you reach the last gas station on your route.
It is important to note that Black Mesa consists of both a State Park and a Nature Preserve that are located about twenty minutes away from each other. Service is spotty in this region, so I would not rely on being able to access anything not saved offline or on paper. I went with a friend who had Verizon (AT&T user myself) and I seemed to have more consistent access to the internet at the LTE level. The park itself is a very cool little place to stay. Near the campground, there is a sand volleyball court, a small playground, and a tetherball area if you're familiar with the game. There is a park area with a gift shop and an area to get fresh coffee in the morning if you need your morning fix. Roads inside of the park are paved, but RV sites are gravel. All sites have a grill and picnic table, but not all sites are created equally. I don't know how to guarantee you end up with a covered picnic table, but Google Earth can be your friend in these matters.
There are a few trails inside the park you can hike on. There are the Vista and Bird Haven trails which are some nice little meandering trails to stretch your legs on. There's also a small path that travels alongside the creek. If I remember correctly, I think there was a bit of a beach area. But I also remember thinking there was no way I would trust that water when I was there. There is a nice little overlook of the lake that you can drive or hike up to. It has some really cool features if you're interested in history.
If you're not there for the dark sky, then you're likely looking into the park because you have plans to hike to the highest point in Oklahoma. This trail is located partially inside of the Nature Preserve and partially on private property, so be careful not to wander off the trail. The trailhead itself is actually pretty easy to miss. I watched at least one vehicle drive past and turn around when I was getting ready to take off. There is a vault restroom here but be prepared with your own toilet paper. From the trail to the monument is about an 8.4-mile hike with a couple hundred feet of elevation gain.
This trail is pretty flat up until you have to hike up to the top of the mesa. After a few steep switchbacks, you make it to the top where it is even flatter than the start of the trail. Once you're on the mesa, there are a ton of trail offshoots to follow and explore, and you can even walk to the Oklahoma-New Mexico border if you want. You will be stopped by a fence, however. Along the way, keep your eyes out for snakes and other wildlife. I won't say this is the most exciting trail I've ever been on, but it was peaceful in how quiet the area was. There were a few other hikers on the trail when I went on a random Saturday in April, but I'd still call it a relatively untraveled area. The trail itself is not dangerous, but I would definitely let somebody know when you think you would be done, usually around four hours to finish the trail.
Camping with Electricity and Water: $26/night
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