The Best Camping in Oklahoma

1. Chicksaw National Recreation Area

Sulphur, OK

Chicksaw National Recreation Area is located on Lake of the Arbuckles.

There are 3 different campgrounds, each with multiple sites: The Point, Guy Sandy, and Buckhorn.

Some of these sites have showers, comfort stations, and electricity, while others are more primitive tent sites. This makes Chicksaw the perfect place for both families and hardcore solitary campers to go camping in Oklahoma.

During the day, there’s plenty to do. Enjoy spring-fed swimming holes and creeks and mineral springs. Go hiking or mountain biking and appreciate outstanding views of the scenic bluffs and even catch a glimpse of the buffalo herd that lives here.

Swim or head out by boat. Lake of the Arbuckles is known for having some of the best fishing in the state, perfect for fishing enthusiasts looking for Oklahoma campgrounds.

2. Sequoyah State Park

Hulbert, OK

Situated on Fort Gibson Lake, Sequoyah State Park is surrounded by water on 3 sides.

If you’re seeking a quiet and peaceful place to set up camp, Sequoyah State Park is for you.

Choose from The Creek, Paradise Cove, and Choctaw campgrounds. There are water and electric hookups, showers, and shelters available to visitors.

Keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife that frequents the park, including deer and turkeys. The nature center is a great place to learn about all the park’s critters.

Boat ramps are available as well as paddle boat rentals, and a swimming beach is a perfect spot to relax in the sun.

There’s even a stable located within the park that offers trail rides if you’re looking for more adventure.

And if you need a touch of creature comfort, the park lodge has a pool and restaurant. Don’t miss the golf course complete with equipment rentals and a pro shop.

3. Beavers Bend State Park

Broken Bow, OK

Broken Bow is home to Beavers Bend State Park, located on the Lower Mountain Fork River near Broken Bow Lake.

Stay at one of the 4 tent camping sites: Grapevine, Hickory, Elm, and Dogwood. Each one has stunning views right from your tent. These campgrounds have picnic areas, playgrounds, and vault toilets available. You also have the option to choose a more isolated site if that’s more your speed.

Go down the river in a rented paddleboat, canoe, or kayak, or take a leisurely walk to the beach and take a refreshing dip.

Get the history of the area at the Forest Heritage Center, play a round of mini golf, or go for a train ride through the park. Head to the riding stables to explore on horseback for an unforgettable Oklahoma campground experience.

4. Boiling Springs State Park

Woodward, OK

Boiling Springs State Park is one of Oklahoma’s first 7 state parks.

Don’t miss the bubbling, “boiling” spring as you enter the park at the welcome center and head to White Tail Campground or Spring Hill Campground. There are options for RVs, tent sites, and group camping.

This prairie oasis has spectacular hiking and wildlife. Hiking trails are well maintained and you can access trailheads from all of the campsites. Boiling Springs definitely has some of the best camping in Oklahoma.

5. Black Mesa State Park and Nature Preserve

Kenton, OK

Head to Kenton for a camping experience at Black Mesa State Park and Nature Preserve.

There are tent and RV sites with electricity and water hookups, plus bunkhouses for group camping. Enjoy bathrooms with showers, a rarity for most campsites!

You’ll fall in love with the incredible landscape views. Push off the boat ramp to fish for trout, then have lunch at one of the picnic areas while your kids romp on the playground.

Best of all, Black Mesa State Park and Nature Preserve boasts one of the darkest night skies on public land in the entire country. With no light pollution, you’ve never seen the stars quite so bright. Get there in August to catch the Perseid meteor shower from this idyllic Oklahoma campground.

6. Greenleaf State Park

Braggs, OK

Greenleaf State Park is located in the mountains of Bragg along Greenleaf Lake and is perfect for families with kids.

Available campgrounds are Trailhead Point, Gobbler Ridge, Lakeview, and Eagle’s Nest. Luxuriate in a hot shower and wait in the comfort station while you do a load of laundry.

You can take a seat in any of the picnic areas for lunch in the fresh open air, and kids can enjoy nature programs and a playground at this Oklahoma campground.

There’s plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails, plus a nature hut to get your fill of wildlife. Jump in the lake for a swim or take a free pontoon tour. Boat ramps let you go out on your own vessel.

When you’ve had your fill of the lake, play a round of mini golf with the whole family.

7. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Lawton, OK

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is the ideal place to enjoy Mount Scott.

The Doris Campground has spots for tent and RV camping, and some sites have electricity. All sites have a fire ring, grill, and picnic table. There’s also a comfort station with toilets and showers for your convenience.

This is a perfect place for wildlife and outdoor activity enthusiasts to camp in Oklahoma. Go hiking, rock climbing, fishing, mountain biking, and birding.

Wildlife frequently spotted at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge includes elk, deer, buffalo, longhorn cattle, and prairie dogs as well as dozens of species of birds. Don’t forget your binoculars for a closer look!

8. Ouachita National Forest

Hot Springs, AZ and parts of OK

Hodgen hosts the 352,000 acres that make up Ouachita National Forest.

Take your pick from Billy Creek, Cedar Lake, Winding Stair, and Cedar Lake Equestrian campgrounds. There are sites ranging from modern and comfortable to rugged and sparse.

Choose a backpacker’s campground or bring your horse and enjoy amenities such as corrals, hitching posts, and wash racks for your equine friend.

Some sites have picnic tables, water spigots, fire pits, grills, toilets, and showers. The experience you have is totally up to you.

While you’re visiting Ouachita National Forest, you can go hiking, hunting, biking, fishing, boating, horseback riding, and even hang gliding. You won’t find another place to camp in Oklahoma quite like this.

9. Illinois River

Tahlequah, OK

The Illinois River is for campers who want as much time on the water as possible when they go camping in Oklahoma.

Campsite options include tent and RV camping as well as backcountry overnight canoe trips, and many of the campsites have hammocks for visitors to lounge in.

The Illinois River is designated as Class II, perfect for both expert white water rafters and beginners alike. The crisp, clear water features mild rapids with plenty of shady spots.

You can choose your river adventure by canoe, kayak, or raft and paddle away as long as you like. Stop by the fishing holes to see what you can catch.

10. Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park

Hinton, Oklahoma

Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park is very convenient to Oklahoma City for an easy place to go camping in Oklahoma.

This park is all about the amazing landscape and topography. Gaze at the towering prehistoric red rock cliffs and imagine yourself back in time to the 1800s. The California Road Nature Trail follows the original path of Gold Rush prospectors.

You can also go rock climbing, hiking, fishing, and birding. Enjoy a picnic lunch, or jump in the pool after a long hike.

11. Robbers Cave State Park

Wilburton, OK

Robbers Cave State Park is another fascinating piece of Oklahoma history.

Famous for being an outlaw hideout, you can camp next to Lake Wayne Wallace or Lake Carlton or go inland to the Deep Ford and Dogwood campgrounds.

Choose from tent sites, modern RV sites, rustic yurts with beds, or load your horses up in the trailer and being them along too. Regular sites have water, sewer, and electric hookups, and equestrian sites are outfitted with corrals and pens plus space for your trailer.

Don’t miss the spectacular views overlooking the foothills of the San Bois Mountains.