Where is River of Love Located, and What's Nearby?

River of Love is nestled on 60 private wooded acres in Thackerville, Oklahoma. We're located 10 minutes from WinStar World Casino, 25 minutes from Lake Murray State Park, 45 minutes from Turner Falls Park, 45 minutes from Lake Texoma, 20 minutes from historic downtown Gainesville TX, and 25 minutes from Ardmore OK.

Rates vary by cabin and season. Visit riveroflove.com to view current availability and pricing.

How do reservations and payments work?

A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance will automatically be charged to the card on file 7 days prior to arrival. Reservations made within 7 days of arrival require payment in full at the time of booking.

What is your cancellation policy?

Reservations canceled 10 or more days before arrival will receive a refund of the deposit less any processing fees. Cancellations within 10 days of arrival will forfeit the 50% deposit unless trip insurance was purchased. Day-of cancellations or no-shows are charged the full reservation amount.

Do you offer trip insurance?

Yes! During the booking process you can purchase third-party trip insurance to protect your vacation investment in case of illness, severe weather, or other unexpected circumstances.

Is there a minimum stay required?

Single nights are now available during the weekdays.

What are your check-in and check-out times?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM. As soon as your cabin is ready we'll send you a text with your gate code, cabin door code, and everything you need for a smooth check-in.

Do your cabins have Wi-Fi or cell service?

River of Love Cabins is intentionally designed as an off-grid escape. There is no Wi-Fi and cell service is extremely limited. We encourage guests to unplug and reconnect. In the event of a true emergency we will make every reasonable effort to personally deliver a message.

What should we bring?

Bring comfortable clothes, your favorite person, and anything you'd like to eat or drink. We recommend a swimsuit for the hot tub, bug spray in summer, firewood for multiple fires, and downloaded playlists or movies since there is no Wi-Fi.

We welcome up to two dogs at Creekside Cottage only. A pet fee of $100 for the first dog and $50 for the second applies. Cats are not permitted. Pets are not allowed in any other cabin.

How do the romantic packages work?

Choose from fresh flowers, chocolate-covered strawberries, charcuterie boards, champagne, anniversary decorations, birthday surprises, honeymoon packages, and more. Packages can be added during booking or by contacting us before arrival.

How private are the cabins?

Our cabins are spread throughout 60 wooded acres with each cabin thoughtfully positioned for a peaceful, secluded experience. Your hot tub, fire pit, and outdoor living spaces are designed to feel completely private and surrounded by nature.

Can I surprise my significant other?

Absolutely! We love helping with proposals, anniversaries, honeymoons, and surprise getaways. Use a private email when booking and note it's a surprise on your reservation. We'll keep it hush-hush and have everything set up before you arrive.

Are children allowed?

Most cabins are couples-only retreats. Creekside Cottage is our family-friendly cabin welcoming children of all ages with two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Do the hot tubs work year round?

Yes! Every cabin except the Greenbriar features a private hot tub maintained year-round and cleaned between every stay.

Are the roads paved to the cabins?

Paved roads lead to the final stretch where well-maintained gravel roads take you into the property. No four-wheel drive necessary.

Are the cabins equipped with air conditioning and heat?

Yes! All cabins are fully equipped with both air conditioning and heat year-round.

Things to Do Near WinStar Casino Besides Gambling

WinStar World Casino is one of the largest casinos in the world, and for good reason — it's an incredible destination all on its own. But if you're making the drive from Dallas, Oklahoma City, or anywhere in between, there's a whole lot more to experience in the area than just the gaming floor.

Whether you're traveling with someone who isn't into gambling, looking to balance a big casino night with some outdoor adventure, or simply want to make a full weekend out of the trip, here are the best things to do near WinStar that have nothing to do with cards or slots.

1. Stay at a Private Cabin in Thackerville

Before anything else — where you stay makes all the difference. Instead of a hotel room inside or near the casino, consider booking a private cabin at River of Love just 15 minutes away.

Waking up in a hand-built log cabin beside a spring-fed creek, or on the rooftop deck of a luxury shipping container cabin under an Oklahoma sky, is a completely different experience than a hotel checkout line. It gives your WinStar weekend a home base worth coming back to.

Browse Our Cabins →

2. Explore the Red River

The Red River forms the Oklahoma-Texas border just minutes from WinStar, and it's one of the most underrated natural destinations in the region. The river and its surrounding landscape offer a peaceful contrast to the energy of the casino floor.

Take a drive along the river, find a quiet spot to watch the sunset, or simply park and walk the banks. It's the kind of simple, unhurried experience that reminds you why getting out of the city matters. In the warmer months, the river bottoms are also popular for fishing — bring a pole and spend a quiet morning on the water.

3. Visit Lake Murray State Park

About 30 minutes north of Thackerville, Lake Murray State Park is one of Oklahoma's most beloved outdoor destinations. With over 5,700 acres of water and surrounding woodland, it's ideal for:

Fishing and boating
Hiking and nature trails
Picnicking with scenic lake views
Swimming and kayaking in warmer months
Birdwatching and wildlife photography

Lake Murray is a perfect half-day trip that pairs beautifully with a cabin stay — head out in the morning, explore the park, and return to your hot tub by evening. The park also features Tucker Tower, a historic stone castle overlooking the lake that's worth a visit for the views alone.

4. Catch a Live Show at WinStar

WinStar isn't just about gaming — it hosts some of the biggest live entertainment events in the region. The Global Event Center regularly features major country, rock, and pop acts, as well as comedy shows and special events throughout the year.

Check the WinStar entertainment calendar before your trip and plan your cabin stay around a show you've been wanting to see. A private cabin 15 minutes away beats fighting for a hotel room on a concert night every time — you get the show and the peaceful morning after.

5. Explore Ardmore, Oklahoma

About 30 minutes north of Thackerville, Ardmore is a charming small city worth an afternoon of exploration. You'll find:

Local restaurants and authentic Southern cooking
The Eliza Cruce Hall Doll Museum (a surprisingly fascinating stop)
The Charles B. Goddard Center for Visual and Performing Arts
Shopping and local boutiques downtown
The Greater Southwest Historical Museum
Ardmore's Veterans Lake for a peaceful lakeside walk

It's a genuine taste of small-town Oklahoma life and a refreshing change of pace from the casino atmosphere.

6. Day Trip to Sulphur and the Chickasaw National Recreation Area

About 45 minutes northeast of Thackerville, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur is one of the most underrated natural gems in Oklahoma. The park features:

Natural mineral and freshwater springs
Travertine Creek for wading and swimming
Buffalo and bison viewing at the nearby Chickasaw Cultural Center
Hiking trails through cypress and blackjack oak forest
The Chickasaw Cultural Center — one of the finest tribal cultural museums in the country

It's an easy day trip and a beautiful contrast to the WinStar experience — nature, history, and genuine Oklahoma character all in one stop.

7. Dine at Local Restaurants Near Thackerville

You don't have to eat at the casino every meal. The area around Thackerville and Gainesville, Texas — just across the Red River — has some solid local dining worth exploring:

Montana Mike's Steakhouse — A local favorite for a hearty steak dinner
Local BBQ spots — Southern Oklahoma does barbecue right and there's no shortage of options
Gainesville, TX dining — Just 10 minutes south across the border, Gainesville has a solid restaurant scene for a small Texas town with options ranging from Mexican food to classic American diners

8. Relax at River of Love's Zen Den

If the whole point of the trip is to unwind, don't overlook what's right on the property. River of Love's on-site Zen Den offers private massages that can be booked as part of your cabin stay.

After a night at WinStar, a morning massage at the cabin before checkout is the kind of ending a good weekend deserves. Pair it with coffee on the porch and a slow checkout and you'll leave feeling genuinely restored.

Explore Packages & Add-Ons →

Plan Your WinStar Weekend the Right Way

The area around WinStar has more to offer than most visitors realize. With a private cabin as your home base, you can build a weekend that balances excitement and relaxation — casino nights, outdoor adventure, local dining, and genuine rest all in one trip.

Check Cabin Availability →

River of Love Cabins | Thackerville, Oklahoma | 580-276-6502

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