Camping near Bartlesville, Oklahoma centers around the rolling Osage Hills, where elevations range between 700-1,000 feet and moderate seasonal temperatures create ideal conditions for outdoor recreation. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer highs averaging 91°F and winter lows around 26°F. Camping options include traditional campgrounds, RV parks, and glamping close to Bartlesville, Oklahoma with varying levels of amenities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Access Lookout Lake or nearby Skiatook Lake for various fish species. At Spencer Creek, "Mid October Oolagah Lake is in the path of Pelicans migrating south. When you camp mid to end of October the lake with be covered with a white layer of pelicans," notes one camper who visits regularly.
Hiking beyond the park: While Osage Hills offers trails, nearby Bull Creek Peninsula provides alternative terrain with lake views. A visitor mentioned, "The true draw is the lake, which is beautiful and had a nice boat ramp and dock. Might be a good place to spend a little quiet time."
Historical exploration: Discover Civilian Conservation Corps history at nearby campgrounds. At Hawthorn Bluff, visitors can explore "hiking trails, boat launches, plenty of bank to fish from as well as small playground equipment in a few places for the kids," according to a recent camper who found it well-maintained.
What campers like
Seasonal wildlife viewing: Areas around Bartlesville offer exceptional wildlife watching opportunities. As one visitor to Sarge Creek observed, "Clean campsite. Fire pit had recently been cleaned out. Nice little path down to the water from this spot."
Luxury tent accommodations: For upscale glamping close to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, several campsites provide comfort-focused options. According to a visitor to Feyodi Creek, "When we were there, a great pelican migration was going on, and there were thousands of birds flying up the river. It was incredibly beautiful."
Quiet, shaded sites: Most campgrounds in the region feature mature trees. A camper at Bull Creek Peninsula reported, "We stayed at site 31. It was on the side with the bluffs. Beautiful sunset overlooking the lake. Trees separated us from the next campsites."
What you should know
Water availability varies: Some campgrounds have limited water access points. At Hawthorn Bluff, one RVer noted, "We had to buy a 75' hose to put water in our fresh tank. Not a huge deal. #2 complaint is that the site was slanted so much that we could not get level front to back."
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. At Tulsa NE-Will Rogers Downs KOA, staff helps with navigation: "The office called us to get an idea on our ETA. Told us where to park to get our paperwork. It's a bit confusing coming in but we hooked up with someone on a golf cart who took us right to our site."
Seasonal limitations: Some facilities close during winter. A visitor to Feyodi Creek mentioned, "Campground was fairly well maintained, well mowed. Bathhouse was very clean. We had a little luck bank fishing. I think most folks fish for catfish."
Tips for camping with families
Scout for kid-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas and safe swimming. At Hawthorn Bluff, a camper noted, "The swim beach was well kept and easily accessible with free life jacket loaners. The bathrooms were pretty spotless even though they are primitive style toilets only."
Wildlife education opportunities: The region offers excellent wildlife viewing for children. According to one Spencer Creek visitor, "Park has a play area, trail, soccer field, boat ramp and short walk to beach area. We stayed in site 3 which is a spacious site and short walk to beach."
Security considerations: Many campgrounds have on-site hosts or secured facilities. At Settle Inn RV Park, a visitor appreciated that "The campground manager (owner?) was very pleasant and worked with us over several months when we requested reservations almost 8 months in advance."
Tips from RVers
Site selection advice: Choose carefully for level sites and adequate hookups. One RVer at Tulsa NE-Will Rogers Downs KOA reported, "Our site was a pull through level gravel pad with full hookups. The off leash dog park was a small fenced in area with a couple of benches."
Hookup availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A Spencer Creek visitor advised, "If you have accessible All Access Pass from National Park service you get a discount. We usually get 1/2 off. There are water spickets but not at individual sites. There is a dump station. 30 amps."
Spacing considerations: Some RV sites have tight spacing or challenging access. At Settle Inn RV Park, an RVer cautioned, "One caution, the sites are pretty narrow with some overhanging trees on the corners - we pulled two fifth wheels into two sites and both were within inches of the trees and the edges of each roof while pulling into the sites."
