Sulphur is located in southern Oklahoma in Murray County (of which it is the county seat), north of Ardmore and southwest of Ada along U.S. Highway 177. It lies just off the Chickasaw Turnpike on the northern edge of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

The mineral springs in the area have traditionally been thought of as natural healers and have been used by historically by First Nation peoples. The centerpiece of the area is, of course, Lake of the Arbuckles which is frequented by locals and visitors alike.

The area still boasts the last original bathhouse still standing in the form of Sulphur Springs Inn which was built in 1911. One of the newer spas, Akia, is a "for-women-only" enterprise.

Other recreational opportunities in the area include boating, camping, fishing and picnicking while museum buffs will want to tour the Arbuckle Historical Museum.

The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 4,882, an increase of 58 since 1990.