Camping in Oklahoma is an experience unlike any other. Often considered a flyover state, the Sooner State is rich with various landscapes, including vast open ranges, rolling mountain peaks, and pine-filled forests. Once you see it for yourself, you’ll understand why more people than ever are camping in Oklahoma year after year.
There are tons of options for camping in Oklahoma. From exploring national and state parks to more unique experiences, like camping in a birdhouse, there’s something for everyone’s needs and style. Let’s dive in and discover everything about camping in Oklahoma, so your next getaway can be more than just OK.
Ways to Camp in Oklahoma
With so many options, finding the best camping in Oklahoma is easy. Whether you’re planning to tent camp under the stars, prefer the amenities of full-service glamping, or want to take a road trip in an RV, Oklahoma is the perfect place to have an amazing outdoor adventure.
Best RV Parks in Oklahoma
There are many options for camping at RV parks in Oklahoma. Whether you have a small conversion van or a colossal motorcoach, there is a place for everyone to set their brakes and enjoy the view. Many luxury RV parks in Oklahoma feature swimming pools, restaurants, Wi-Fi, and dog parks. You can also find basic RV parks in Oklahoma with fewer amenities but usually more space and quiet. Check out the best RV parks in Oklahoma.
Heaven's Gate RV Park and Retreat
Heaven's Gate RV Park and Retreat offers a beautiful remote destination in Muse, OK. Nestled in the stunning Ouachita Mountains, National Forest and adjacent to the ever-changing Billy Creek. Heaven’s Gate offers 13 campsites with electricity and water, plus three creekside primitive sites. Horse pens are available for each campsite.
Water-Zoo Campground
Camp close to Oklahoma's first indoor water park at Water-Zoo Campground. The park features big-rig pull-thru sites with concrete pads and 20, 30, and 50 amp service. Enjoy fast free internet, Cable TV, two-horse corrals, and be just minutes from Water-Zoo Indoor Water Park. Enjoy twisting water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, splash pad, and more!
Waurika Lake Marina & Campground
Waurika Lake Marina & Campground is a full hook-up RV Park located inside Kiowa II Park. The park also has picnic tables, fire pits and a 6 stall complimentary boat dock. You can choose between a waterfront location, a shaded location, 30 or 50 amp. Whether you’re looking to walk trails, camp, fish, enjoy the scenic views or a place to relax during the day Waurika Lake is your place to visit.
Best Tent Camping in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is great for tent camping. With vast open plains and long-distance views, tent campers can revel in the scenery of the Sooner State. Home to one of the largest remote Dark Sky-certified viewing areas, tent camping in Oklahoma brings magical views of the night. Finding tent campsites is easy too! Check out the best campgrounds to make your next camping trip unforgettable.
Kiamichi Valley RV Park
Kiamichi Valley RV Park is located 7 miles west of Big Cedar, OK and just 3 miles from Billy Creek Recreation Area in the Ouachita National Forest. Access is directly off the highway and the hard packed road is usable for motorcycles. If you are looking for a beautiful country side to explore then visit Kiamichi Valley RV and enjoy exploring the beautiful Ouachita National Forest!
Lake Carl Blackwell
Experience America's brightest orange at Oklahoma State University's Lake Carl Blackwell. Offering several different campgrounds and campsites, you'll be able to find the perfect spot for you and your family. Enjoy views of the water, or a secluded spot among the trees. Whatever it is you're looking for, you can find it at Lake Carl Blackwell.
The Dam Place General Store & Campground
The Dam Place a general store and campground that is operated by Help Works, a non-profit organization. Enjoy stress-free packing, because if anything is forgotten the store will have what you need! Bring your RV, Tent or stay in a glamping pod.
Best Glamping in Oklahoma
If you’re looking for something that takes all the work out of camping, then glamping in Oklahoma is an excellent option for a perfect getaway. Aside from the plethora of yurt and teepee glampsites across the state, there are many other unique glamping experiences, from sleeping in a train car to resting on a floating cabin. Check out these other great glamping adventures.
Lake Carl Blackwell
Experience America's brightest orange at Oklahoma State University's Lake Carl Blackwell. Offering several different campgrounds and campsites, you'll be able to find the perfect spot for you and your family. Enjoy views of the water, or a secluded spot among the trees. Whatever it is you're looking for, you can find it at Lake Carl Blackwell.
Marval Resort
Marval Resort is a family campground located on a peaceful haven of 105 acres in the foothills of the Oklahoma Ozarks. The Lower Illinois River runs alongside one side about 5 miles below the Lake Tenkiller Dam and makes for great fishing opportunities. The resort offers various styles of cabins and campsite rentals.
The Dam Place General Store & Campground
The Dam Place a general store and campground that is operated by Help Works, a non-profit organization. Enjoy stress-free packing, because if anything is forgotten the store will have what you need! Bring your RV, Tent or stay in a glamping pod.
Best Family Camping in Oklahoma
Spending time with family while enjoying nature is a great way to relax, unwind, and reconnect with loved ones. Fortunately, there are many great options for family camping in Oklahoma. Check out some of these options.
Water-Zoo Campground
Camp close to Oklahoma's first indoor water park at Water-Zoo Campground. The park features big-rig pull-thru sites with concrete pads and 20, 30, and 50 amp service. Enjoy fast free internet, Cable TV, two-horse corrals, and be just minutes from Water-Zoo Indoor Water Park. Enjoy twisting water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, splash pad, and more!
Xtreme RV Resort
Xtreme RV Resort is a beautiful RV resort and amphitheater with indoor and outdoor pools, event center, liquor store and general store. With everything you could want or need available right on the property, you'll be able to relax and enjoy your stay. If you're looking for more to do, exploring Eufaula, OK is a great adventure.
Marval Resort
Marval Resort is a family campground located on a peaceful haven of 105 acres in the foothills of the Oklahoma Ozarks. The Lower Illinois River runs alongside one side about 5 miles below the Lake Tenkiller Dam and makes for great fishing opportunities. The resort offers various styles of cabins and campsite rentals.
National Park Camping
Oklahoma annually draws 1.4 million visitors to its seven national parks to experience its natural beauty. With miles of hiking and biking trails, several artificial lakes for water activities, excellent rock climbing locations, and 84 archaeological sites to explore, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the Sooner State.
Most Popular National Parks
There are six great national park campgrounds in Oklahoma, all of which are in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, the most popular national park in the state. Fees for camping in Oklahoma’s national park campgrounds range from $20 to $50 per night, depending on the type of site you choose. Although reservations are strongly recommended, on-site, first-come, first-served options exist.
State Park Camping
Oklahoma has 36 state parks and plenty of campgrounds to hike, fish, and explore. You can find unique parks with salt plains to dig for selenite crystals, sleep under the stars on massive dunes, or spend the night in the same caves as folk legends such as Jesse James.
Oklahoma State Park campgrounds feature both dispersed and developed camping opportunities. You can find tent and RV sites with full hookups as well as primitive cabins and yurts. Campsites can be secured by reservation only. Pets are allowed in the park campgrounds but must stay on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Little Sahara State Park
If you’re looking for an experience like none other, camping in Little Sahara State Park will give you that. The views at this park look like they came from a painting, with stunning scenery of dunes that tower 25 to 75 feet into the air!
The state park encompasses over 1,600 acres of dunes formed by the Cimarron River during prehistoric times. The park is located in northwest Oklahoma, near Waynoka. Today, the park is perfect for hiking the dunes, camping under the stars, and off-roading over the dunes. Camping is limited at the park, and there is no shade, so plan accordingly.
Robbers Cave State Park
Another unique find among Oklahoma’s state parks is Robbers Cave State Park. Locals say Jesse James and Belle Star would hide in the natural cave formation in the Sans Bois Mountains. Visitors can spend the day exploring the cave. The park also has plenty of hiking trails, climbing and rappelling locations, and a campground.
Best Time for Camping in Oklahoma
Camping in Oklahoma is best in the spring before the summer humidity and heat set in or in the autumn months before the temperature gets too cool. The weather is generally mild throughout September and even October, making the fall camping season ideal.
While spring camping in Oklahoma is pleasant, you’ll need to be extra careful if you plan a trip from April through June. These months are the peak of tornado season, and with the threat of sudden, dangerous weather, camping outside is not recommended. If you plan to camp during peak tornado season, be prepared with equipment like weather radios, emergency shelters, and a backup plan.
What to Bring Camping in Oklahoma
Because Oklahoma experiences mild weather year-round, opportunities for camping are plentiful throughout the year. You’ll want to bring your camping essentials: food, water, a place to sleep, and a way to keep warm. If you’re planning on camping during tornado season, bring a weather radio and emergency blankets, and, as stated before, a backup plan is also a good idea. Make sure you know what to do if you need to make a quick getaway to avoid extreme weather.
Pro Tips for Camping in Oklahoma
Even the most seasoned campers can find the unfamiliar landscape, unexpected extreme weather, and the Oklahoma prairie intimidating. Getting caught in the wilderness unprepared is never a good idea, even in an unassuming place. Check out these pro tips for planning your next Oklahoma camping trip.
- Always bring an extra day’s ration of food and water.
- Have sunscreen and bug spray on hand if camping during the warmer months.
- Tent campers should store food in bear-proof containers and carry bear spray or an air horn. Although small, there is a black bear population in Oklahoma.
- Fishing and hunting require licenses. You can prepare for these activities by purchasing these online.
- Not all public parks and campgrounds allow pets, especially those with unique geological features. Call before arriving to ensure your pet is welcome.
- Equestrian camping requires all stock to present proof of a recent negative Coggins test and be fed weed-free feed inside the campgrounds.
- Always be prepared for unexpected, extreme weather. Do not camp in the spring without a weather radio and exit strategy. Be on alert for green skies and the sound of a train.
Book Your Next Oklahoma Camping Trip
Use BookOutdoors for a no-stress camping trip in Oklahoma. With tons of available options, you can find the RV, tent, or glamping site of your dreams with just the click of a button. There are no booking or membership fees when you use BookOutdoors, so you know you’re getting the best deal next camping trip in Oklahoma.
