These Oklahoma Campgrounds Are More Than Just OK

Oklahoma's varied topography, great fishing, and fascinating natural and Native American history make it a gem for outdoorsmen. In Oklahoma, you'll find beautiful lakes and rivers, enchanting forests, and of course some of the most beautiful sunsets you'll ever see.

Where to Camp in the Sooner State

Oklahoma boasts more coastline than the east and west coasts of the US combined, and is home to some of the best fishing in the country. The state enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a camper's paradise (though travelers should know that the weather can get a little volatile in the spring and early summer.)

Here are our picks for the best campgrounds in Oklahoma.

1. Beaver's Bend State Park – Broken Bow

Beavers Bend State Park is located in the mountainous region of southeast Oklahoma along the shores of Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River.  Guests traveling down the winding roads through the forests of pine and hardwood trees will find adventure, beautiful scenery and plenty of activities inside this state park.  The scenic beauty of Beavers Bend & Hochatown State Park makes it one of Oklahoma's most popular areas. Learn more.

2. Horse Haven Ranch – Talihina

Horse Haven Ranch 32 RV sites including shady trees and breathtaking views of the mountains and forest. Several oversized sites for larger horse trailers and/RV motor homes so you can park with ease. Learn more.

3. Chickasaw National Recreation Area – Sulphur

Springs, streams, lakes-whatever its form, water is the attraction at Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Little Niagara and Rock Creek beckon waders and swimmers. Relax in the coolness of shaded streams or take a dip in a swimming hole. Veterans Lake calls anglers to test their skills. Lake of the Arbuckles provides excellent motor boating, skiing, fishing and swimming. Learn more.

4. Greenleaf State Park – Braggs

Tucked away in the hills of eastern Oklahoma, Greenleaf State Park offers spectacular scenery and is a family-friendly state park. The park includes Greenleaf Lake as well as cabins, campgrounds, family recreation facilities and nature hiking trails. The lake cabins and other facilities at Greenleaf State Park were built in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The original buildings, constructed of native stone, remain a lasting and beautiful tribute to those who built them. Learn more.

5. Tenkiller Ferry Lake – Muskogee

Recreation opportunities abound in the Lake Tenkiller area. Nestled in the Cookson Hills of eastern Oklahoma, this body of water is known as “Oklahoma's Clear Water Wonderland” and its reputation is well deserved.

The lake is well known by fisherman, pleasure boaters and scuba divers as the best place for water-based activities. Just the fact that there are 10 marinas and over 20 launching ramps here should tell you something. Camping is also big on Tenkiller with 14 campgrounds operated by the Corps, State of Oklahoma, and concessionaires.

6. Kaw Lake – Ponca City

Kaw Lake is the best Recreation paradise awaiting your discovery. The 11,000-foot long dam and spillway rise 121 feet above the riverbed, creating a 38-mile long lake with more than 170 miles of shoreline encompassing over 16,000 acres.

Located in north-central Oklahoma, Kaw Lake beckons you with boating, skiing, hunting and fishing, picnicking, and camping opportunities. A Corps of Engineers lake, Kaw Lake’s beauty is like a beacon urging you to romp and play in nature’s playground. Learn more.

7. Keystone Lake – Tulsa

Keystone Lake's blue-green water and the natural beauty of its setting — wooded shoreline, sandy beaches, high bluffs, grasslands, and low rolling hills — make it a visual treat the year round. The lake meanders into small valleys, creating many arms and land fingers. A network of county, state, Federal highways invites sightseers into many points overlooking the lake. The lake is on the Arkansas River 15 miles west of downtown Tulsa.

8. Sequoyah State Park & Lodge – Hulbert

With over 19,000 surface acres of water and 225 miles of shoreline, the park attracts boaters as well as those who just enjoy relaxing on the swim beach. Visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, guided horseback trail rides and Western-themed activities as well as wildlife watching, golf and disc-golf, fishing and camping

9. Oologah Lake – Tulsa

Filled with a rich history and surrounded by horse country, Oologah Lake offers what I consider to be the best of the natural pleasures of life. On the east side of the lake, the Will Rogers Country Centennial Trail winds around the shore from the Spillway to Blue Creek Park totalling 18 miles. This journey can be enjoyed by hiking or horse back riding.

10. Robbers Cave State Park – Wilburton

Robbers Cave State Park is located in the scenic, hilly woodlands of the Sans Bois Mountains of southeast Oklahoma.

This park is a favorite of rappellers, equestrians, hikers and outdoor lovers.  The park and adjoining wildlife management area offers acres of discovery and enjoyment including trout fishing in season, hunting, miles of hiking and equestrian trails, rugged cliffs for climbing and fall foliage viewing. Learn more.

Do you have a favorite camping spot in Oklahoma that wasn’t included on this list? Let us know in the comments!