March 24, 2026
Oklahoma is seeing increased oil and gas drilling activity, with momentum clearly centered in the Anadarko Basin as operators continue to focus on high-return plays.
The latest Baker Hughes Rig Count shows the state added 2 rigs, bringing the total to 46 active rigs. The increase came entirely from the Cana Woodford, reinforcing its position as the core growth engine in the region.
Oklahoma Rig Count Rises as Anadarko Basin Activity Expands
The Cana Woodford added 2 rigs to reach 23 active rigs, making it the most active play in the state. Known for its liquids-rich production and stacked formations, the Cana continues to attract capital from operators targeting both crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGLs).
The Granite Wash also posted a gain, adding 1 rig to total 15 active rigs, signaling steady development in the western Anadarko.
Meanwhile, activity declined elsewhere:
- Ardmore Woodford lost its remaining 2 rigs and is now inactive
- Arkoma Woodford held steady at 3 rigs
- Mississippian remains inactive with no reported rigs
This shift highlights a continued trend: operators are consolidating activity in core, high-performance zones while scaling back in less competitive formations.
Top 5 Operators – Oklahoma Rig Report
| Operator | Rig Count | Contractor & Rigs |
|---|---|---|
| Mewbourne Oil Company | 6 | Latshaw 15, Patterson 576, Patterson 291, Patterson 294, Patterson 301, etc. |
| Camino Natural Resources, LLC | 4 | Cactus 154, Cactus 168, Cactus 166, Cactus 160 |
| Validus Energy | 4 | H&P 459, H&P 388, H&P 300, H&P 649 |
| Continental Resources | 3 | H&P 544, Patterson 589, Cactus 170 |
| Devon Energy Corporation | 2 | Cyclone 40, Cyclone 43 |
Operator & Contractor Insights
The operator breakdown provides a clear view into how drilling activity is being executed on the ground:
- Mewbourne Oil Company leads all operators with 6 active rigs, utilizing a diversified contractor base including Patterson and Latshaw. This suggests a broad and flexible drilling program across multiple locations.
- Camino Natural Resources shows a concentrated contractor strategy, relying heavily on Cactus rigs, which may indicate operational efficiency and pad development focus.
- Validus Energy is consistently active in the Cana Woodford, deploying multiple Helmerich & Payne (H&P) rigs—highlighting a preference for high-spec rigs in core acreage.
- Continental Resources maintains a balanced presence with a mix of H&P, Patterson, and Cactus rigs, aligning with its long-standing footprint in Oklahoma resource plays.
- Devon Energy remains selective with a smaller rig count, utilizing Cyclone rigs, which may reflect capital discipline or targeted development programs.
What This Means
The data reinforces several key trends shaping the Anadarko Basin:
- Capital concentration in the Cana Woodford continues to drive overall state activity
- Operator consolidation favors core acreage with stronger economics
- Contractor alignment suggests increasing efficiency and repeat drilling programs
- Inactive plays like the Mississippian and Ardmore Woodford highlight reduced competitiveness in the current price environment
Overall, Oklahoma’s drilling activity is not just increasing—it is becoming more focused, efficient, and strategic, with operators doubling down on their best-performing assets in the Anadarko Basin.
Author: phinds
