State Park Updates

State Park Updates

Lake Carl Etling Algae Bloom

State of Oklahoma Officials have notified Black Mesa State Park of an algae bloom in Lake Carl Etling. Current recommendations for the lake are:

  • Keep children and pets away from water that appears bright green, blue, discolored, or scummy.
  • Do not handle or touch large mats of algae.
  • Avoid handling dead fish that may be present.
  • If you come into contact with an algal bloom, wash thoroughly.
  • Use clean water to rinse off pets that may have come into contact with an algae bloom.

Water levels remain extremely low.

Roman Nose Hiking Trail and Lake Closure

Boecher Lake Dam at Roman Nose State Park has a leak causing the dam to erode and the lake to drain. The State Parks has closed the dam at Two Lakes Campground. The only route to hike the trails is from the lodge. There will not be any more water activities on Boecher Lake.

Due to safety concerns and ongoing deterioration of the affected area, a portion of the Roman Nose Hiking Trail near the General Store trail head will be closed until further notice. Access to and from the Trail and General Store / Two Lakes camping area is closed.

A Portion of the trail along the south west side of Boecher Lake is also closed until further notice. The SW closure does not deny access to the rest of the trails available within the park.

Please plan accordingly when visiting our trails and take every precaution to avoid the areas as they are very dangerous and unstable.

Park staff is happy to help with planning your hike to avoid these closures and maps are available at the Lodge front desk as well as the General Store.

For more information call: 405-295-2770

High Water Release Horns

During high water release for power generation at the Broken Bow Dam, the US Army Corps of Engineers blasts a loud horn to alert campers and anyone on the water that levels may be rising quickly.

Lake Watonga Dam Repairs
Lake Watonga Dam Repairs

Repairs to the Watonga dam began in April 2021 and are expected to continue indefinitely. Trout are being stocked at Lake Boecher by ODWC during the regular winter season.