Black Mesa State Park Campground is situated in the Oklahoma panhandle, featuring a mix of tent and RV sites with covered picnic areas. Sites are well-spaced with limited shade, making early morning activities advisable during summer months. Campground roads are accessible for vehicles of various sizes, with both reservation and walk-in options available depending on the season. The nearby river trail offers excellent bird watching opportunities among cottonwood trees, while the park's location near Oklahoma's highest point provides access to hiking trails of varying difficulty.
What to do
Stargazing at dark sky sites: Black Mesa State Park offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities with minimal light pollution. The park includes a designated dark sky viewing area above the campground. One visitor noted, "Very quiet and dark for star gazing. Amazing trails!"
Bird watching along river trails: The cottonwood-lined paths provide ideal habitat for diverse bird species. According to a visitor at Black Mesa State Park Campground, "Walk along the river trail is filled with more bird varieties. Camp Host is very friendly and pet friendly. The store she runs is well stocked."
Hike to Oklahoma's highest point: The trail to the highest elevation in Oklahoma starts near Black Mesa State Park. "I came to this area to summit the high point of Oklahoma. This is a very well kept place with clean bathrooms and showers. There is a mix of tent and RV sites," reports one hiker.
Explore historical Santa Fe Trail: Cimarron National Grassland preserves sections of this historic route. "The Sante Fe Trail follows the original path of the old wagon trail through the plains, biking and other motorized recreational vehicles are allowed in certain areas," explains one camper.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region supports diverse wildlife populations in varied ecosystems. A visitor at Black Mesa State Park Campground reported, "Upon entering the park we were greeted by a small herd of pronghorn deer bouncing along the road. We also ran into a herd of mule deer in the park that were quite accustomed to people."
Peaceful seclusion: The remote location provides genuine solitude rarely found at more accessible campgrounds. One camper at Cimarron Campground shared, "This place was wonderful. Clean, quiet, remote, beautiful. It does not seem to be rigorously overseen, yet it is in fine shape: water pumps, toilets, trash cans all working and clean."
Accessibility of facilities: Despite the remote location, campgrounds maintain clean, functional amenities. "The campsite is $7 a night and was a nice quiet spot. The dirt road to get there is very rough," notes one Cimarron visitor.
Distinctive landscape transitions: The area showcases ecological boundaries between different regional ecosystems. According to one camper, "Black Mesa lies in the panhandle or no man's land (OK) and is somewhat of a hidden gem in the rough. The park itself has some nice options and amenities."
What you should know
Limited services nearby: Prepare for limited access to supplies and services. A Black Mesa visitor advised, "The nearest town where you can get supplies and gas is Boise 36 miles east of the park." Another noted, "If you want to be off the grid, this is the place to come."
Weather preparation essential: Temperature variations can be significant. "I had zero cell service in the area, which was fantastic, but be sure to plan for it! Plan for heat and take plenty of water if you go on the High Point hike," recommends one camper.
Road conditions vary: Access roads to some sites may be challenging. A Cimarron camper stated, "The dirt road to get there is very rough."
Seasonal pest considerations: Insects may be prevalent during certain periods. One Cimarron National Grassland visitor observed, "Flies were a bit bad in the early afternoon but settled down at night."
Tips for camping with families
Plan around limited shade: Most glamping in Campo, Colorado area has limited natural shade. "Not a ton of shade overall so it can get warm fast," notes one Black Mesa visitor, recommending morning activities when temperatures are cooler.
Visit nearby educational sites: Several historical and geological features enhance family trips. One camper mentioned, "Take a drive north and view the beautiful scenery including the Black Mesa site. Near the trail head is also 3-corners, and fossilized dinosaur footprints."
Utilize accessible recreation options: Some facilities accommodate various physical abilities. A Cimarron Campground visitor noted, "One pond has ADA access. Small playground nearby. Hiking on flat ground."
Cell service considerations: Prepare for limited connectivity. "I had zero cell service in the area, which was fantastic, but be sure to plan for it!" advises a family who visited the region.
Tips from RVers
Height clearance awareness: Watch for low-hanging branches at campground entrances. One RVer at Cimarron warned, "Before you get to site 1, there are 2 trees the one on the left has the scars to show the damage it has done to taller vehicles."
Generator noise considerations: In non-electric sites, generator use affects campground atmosphere. A camper noted, "Sites are separated but you will hear generators from nearby neighbors."
Leveling preparation: Bring leveling equipment for uneven sites. "Level sites, water available, and restrooms," reported one RVer at Cimarron, though conditions vary across sites.
Water conservation planning: While water is available, sources may be limited. "Vault toilets and potable drinking water are available all year round, we just had to wait for the faucet to thaw after freezing up overnight," shared one experienced RVer.
