Tent camping at John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake offers access to the Arkansas River system at elevations between 400-500 feet. The lake sits within a transitional zone between the Ozark Plateau and Arkansas River Valley, creating varied shoreline topography with both rocky outcroppings and sandy beaches. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide milder conditions between 50-75°F.
What to do
Fishing access: Multiple locations around COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Springhill Campground provide bank fishing opportunities. "Great bank fishing! Friendly staff," reports Jerry R., who found success fishing directly from camp.
Mountain biking: Trails from Springhill Campground accommodate riders of various skill levels. Jennifer L. notes, "There are great trails on site for mountain biking or hiking. I saw deer, a snake, and what looked like a coyote on the trail."
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer prime wildlife spotting at Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area. Rachel R. shares, "It is a bird watcher's paradise, and we saw a lot of people fishing. I was able to see multiple species of Oklahoma's woodpeckers, some birds of prey, and many songbirds."
What campers like
Waterfall white noise: The cascades at Natural Dam create ambient sound that masks nearby traffic. "Quiet evening without disturbance. It was chilly in the morning, so the fog off the waterfall was eerily gorgeous," writes James F.
Private riverside sites: For those seeking seclusion, Riverfield Acreage provides isolated camping along the White River. "Kids loved having the rock bed and river right beside us. Saw more stars than I have seen, ever. No WiFi or service so we got to completely relax and enjoy nature!" says Lacey T.
Spacious campsites: Tenkiller State Park offers tent sites with room to spread out. Mason M. reports, "Quiet as there weren't many campers there that night where we were. Beautiful view of the lake in the morning."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Flash flooding can occur after heavy rains near Natural Dam. Michelle T. advises, "It stormed at night but we were on the right side of the dam in case it flash flooded."
Accessibility challenges: Some primitive sites require high-clearance vehicles. At Jack Creek Recreation Area, Daisee Mae S. notes, "It's on a loop so it's hard to maneuver into a spot. They are super close together, but mainly people keep to themselves."
Changing regulations: Check current camping rules before setting up at Horseshoe Bend. "We did camp there in a tent for one night, but were politely told by a game warden the next day that, though it used to be open for that, it is no longer allowed," Rachel R. warns.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming holes: Jack Creek Recreation Area features a natural swimming area suitable for children. Robert S. shares, "Primitive, but thats the best part about it. You got the creek for water play, bathrooms and picnic tables. Very peaceful and great place to recharge. Kids love it."
Playground access: Springhill Campground includes playground facilities in both camping loops. Laura M. confirms, "There were showers, bathrooms, picnic tables, fire pits and a pole with a hook to keep the critters out of your stuff I'm guessing, also a dump station and water and a playground."
Educational opportunities: Gates Nature Preserve offers guided nature walks for children. Daisy K. mentions, "Jill was so welcoming and warm, and she even showed us around some of the beautiful trails (which are definitely 'hidden' gems)."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: At Springhill Campground, many sites in B Loop require leveling equipment. Nancy W. explains, "One major downside of this park is that only about half the sites (in Loop B) were not flat enough for us to get level without having the wheels off the ground. Smaller RVs or trailers that use blocks instead of automatic leveling jacks should be able to get level."
Reservation requirements: Online booking through Recreation.gov is required even for same-day stays. Laura M. advises, "You need to make a reservation on recreation.gov in order to pay for a spot. We didn't know this in advance but were able to find a spot, log in and pay for the site we picked."
Cell service coverage: Reliable connectivity varies by location and provider. At Springhill Campground, Laura M. reports, "Cell service was excellent with AT&T and Verizon," while Michelle T. found "Starlink and Verizon very spotty" at Natural Dam.
