ARDMORE, OK - With record high gas prices hitting certain parts of the country and expected to increase for the months ahead, it's causing some families to reconsider a summer vacation. Amanda Brown shows us how you can find a staycation without breaking the family budget.

AAA Oklahoma says since the average price for of regular gas in southern Oklahoma is close to $4, they predict more families will stay close to home this summer.

"Gas prices are high right now, and you can come down here for just half the cost of going anywhere else or just a quarter of the cost."

Billy Walker lives in Maysville, Oklahoma, and says if you like sandy beaches, natural swimming areas, and want to see the largest waterfall in Oklahoma, then head to Turner Falls located in Davis.

"There's a lot of attractions down here. There's cabins, the view is beautiful, there's castles down here, you can pay $10, $12 to get into. You don't have to drive all over the states looking for a place to go."

Oklahoma has one of the largest populations of Native Americans, and you don't need to be rich to get a rich cultural experience here. With activities going on every weekend in the summer, staycationers are saying the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur has something the whole family will enjoy.

Oklahoma has the largest number of man made lakes, more than any state in the U.S. and with more than 200 in the area, there's plenty of fun under the sun.

Lake Murray in Ardmore boasts fishing, hiking, golf, and even floating cabins. Staycationers say it's one summer hot spot that won't burn a hole in your pocket.

"I've been coming down here since i was a little kid. It's not but about 15 to 20 minutes from the house. You don't have to go very far at all to have a good time. There's all kinds of things to do down here," Sharla Carlile says.

And let's not forget about the several casinos in the area, including the third largest in the world, the Winstar World Casino in Thackerville.

for more help finding a staycation visit:

http://www.travelok.com/article_page/50-free-things-to-do-in-oklahoma
http://www.travelok.com/
http://www.oklatourism.gov/
http://www.nps.gov/chic/index.htm