Time to assemble your campfire crew.
A family camping trip is a quintessential summer pastime that never goes out of style. Few experiences allow you to connect with nature as intimately as sleeping under the stars, soaking in every minute of the great outdoors. Oklahoma has many beautiful locations for you to pitch your tent somewhere with a view, be it a gently flowing river or a private nook inside a national park. Check out some of our top campsites to consider when you want to spice up your next getaway.
Lake of the Arbuckles
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Stretching over 3,600 square miles, Lake of the Arbuckles offers a generous amount of shoreline in the Sulphur area. There’s space for everyone from families to avid fishers to sprawl out and set up camp. Facilities here include affordable campgrounds, picnic areas, public restrooms, hiking trails, drinking water, fishing docks and boat ramps. Outdoor fun continues with a short drive to surrounding attractions like the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Turner Falls and the Chickasaw Retreat & Conference Center.
Blue River
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If you love beautiful, unbridled waters, you’ll want to visit the Blue River in Tishomingo. It remains one of Oklahoma’s last streams to flow from its natural source without man-made structures. Traversing through the hills on winding roads to find the perfect spot to relax is half the fun! Whether you come to fly fish for smallmouth bass, roast marshmallows by the shore or wade in its natural pools, the Blue River is a great way to experience the beauty of southern Oklahoma. As you make your way to the Blue River, keep an eye out for the Old Silo Winery, with small-batch wines and tastings available.
Lake Texoma State Park
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The hiking trail you see above is located at one of the highest points at Lake Texoma State Park. Just a few steps away are campsites with panoramic views of the massive reservoir, which are only made more spectacular once the sun starts to set and the light casts a warm glow on the exposed rockfaces. It’s the perfect space to come back to after a full day of exploring the many coves and docks all around the lake. High on our list of campgrounds with a view, Lake Texoma is also a popular destination for boaters, jetskiers, hikers, horseback riders and fishers on the hunt for striped bass.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
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Water that flows from Little Niagara isn’t just cool and refreshing in the heat of summer, it also creates a calming, rejuvenating ambiance to campers in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Visitors from all over the world come to swim and wade through the many natural pools and creeks and to simply enjoy the natural scenery. If you’re lucky, you may get to see a herd of bison grazing on the prairie from the Bison viewpoint on Highway 177. For those who want to spend the afternoon cruising open waters, take a short drive from your campground to the Lake of the Arbuckles.
River Bottom Campground & Tubing
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The lazy days of summer take on a whole new meaning at Davis’s River Bottom Campground & Tubing. Whether you come for an afternoon or stay and camp the whole weekend, a four-mile float down the Washita River is all you need to put your worries behind you. River Bottom will provide everything you need for a fun and safe float, just pack your own ice chest and bring a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. Afterward, adults are welcome to enjoy the River Bottom Bar. Day passes to enjoy the campgrounds are just $5 per person for 24 hours and include primitive camping, grills, picnic tables and clean-up areas. Fishing passes are also available for $5!
Fun Town RV Park
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Whether you’re passing through Thackerville or staying and playing at the World’s Biggest Casino, Fun Town RV Park at WinStar is a fantastic lodging option with all the amenities you need. Primitive campers and RV travelers alike can enjoy the park’s walking trail, outdoor pool, playground, laundry services and more. Located just minutes from the WinStar World Casino Golf Club and the excitement of gaming, dining and shopping at WinStar World Casino and Resort, Fun Town RV Park has a 24-hour shuttle to take you to and from the casino at no cost to you. Now that’s glamping at its finest.
What do you enjoy most about camping in the great outdoors? Let us know down below!
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