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Best Tent Camping near Bartlesville, OK

236 Reviews

Tent campsites near Bartlesville, Oklahoma provide access to several primitive and established sites, particularly along nearby water features. Huge Great Bus Camping offers two primitive tent sites about 6 miles west of Ramona, while Verdigris River campground provides tent camping options with picnic tables and trash service. Caney Bend at Copan Lake provides year-round primitive tent camping with opportunities for wildlife viewing and water access.

Most tent camping areas near Bartlesville feature minimal services, with primitive facilities predominating. Several locations allow fires when conditions permit, though many sites lack drinking water and require campers to bring their own supplies. Tent campers should verify seasonal availability and pack essential gear accordingly. Verdigris River campsites allow tent camping with drive-in, walk-in, and boat-in access options. Sites may be situated close together, especially in established areas, with more secluded options available at the outer sites near wooded areas. During summer months, water access becomes particularly important for tent campers seeking relief from Oklahoma heat.

Oologah Lake offers tent campers scenic water views and fishing opportunities in several locations around the reservoir. Smaller tent-only campgrounds provide peaceful retreats for backcountry campers seeking solitude. Newt Graham Lock and Dam area attracts anglers and hikers, with tent sites requiring some walking to reach. Many locations feature wildlife viewing opportunities, including birds, small woodland animals, and occasionally reptiles. A camper described Caney Bend as offering "a great amount of wildlife such as birds, woodland critters and even a lizard," noting the "gorgeous night sky" as a highlight of primitive tent camping in the area. Three Ponds Community receives positive reviews for its secluded tent camping experience, with one visitor describing it as "peaceful, serene, secluded."

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Best Tent Sites Near Bartlesville, Oklahoma (12)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Bartlesville, OK

2 Photos of 12 Bartlesville Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Bartlesville, OK

236 Reviews of 12 Bartlesville Campgrounds

  • Analia F.
    Oct. 31, 2018

    Bluestem Lake

    Blast!

    This campground was super cool because it was a little "out dated" but it made it cozy! So many beautiful trees and walking paths that it made the stay great. We would get up in the morning and do a short hike that was nearby, and then finish it off with one of the walking paths around the campground, then had breakfast. It was a great way to start the day. They offer RV sites as well as small cabins you can rent. My family and I took our RV, and had a blast. The sites were big enough for the RV and had a picnic table and fire ring within the site. We didn't feel like we were right on top of our neighbors either which was nice. There is a lake within walking distance, so we would head down there during the day. Dogs are allowed, but need to be on leashes. We brought our dog and he had a blast in the lake. They have a volleyball court set up as well as horse shoes which was fun! You can also rent stand up paddle boards from the front desk to take down to the lake. They also have a club house that has a pool table, although we didn't partake in this. There is an area where you can do laundry too, which we thought was pretty cool. This is definitely considered "glamping" to us :) There is also a boat launch if you need that too. We caught some really awesome weather while we stayed here which made the trip amazing! We will definitely be back.

  • Karen T.
    Oct. 22, 2022

    Bull Creek Peninsula

    Quiet, lots of shade, easy to get to, great roads

    First time here, absolutely love it! The roads look like they've recently been blacktopped. Very easy to get to. Lots of shade, but there's sun if you want it. Beautiful lake view from my site. Clean vault toilet. No water available anywhere tho, which lowered my review to 4. No electric or dump station, so come prepared.

  • Craig E.
    Aug. 24, 2023

    Bluff Landing

    Quiet, fishable, secluded

    Peaceful area outside of Tulsa metro on the outskirts of Broken Arrow near Coweta. 25min drive into Tulsa. 10min drive to Walmart and fast food. Checkout Smokies BBQ nearby for great food. Sites were pretty level using gravel. A few were completely shaded but most were barely shaded. Shoreline really close to campsites with boatdock and fishable shoreline. Restrooms were clean but very hot. Showers available but did not use. Fire ring, picnic tables and lantern hooks available. Dump station is clean and easily manageable. Grass needed to mowed especially since several snakes were seen. Whole area was pretty clean and peaceful.

  • Richard
    May. 1, 2021

    Osage Hills State Park Campground

    Osage Hill

    We tent camped here at Tent Hill site C. Had a grassy site which was nice. It was kind of close to D but we had good neighbors. Also, one of the benches at the picnic table was gone. Maybe it was an ADA site. Had a fire ring and lantern pole. Just across the road from the bathroom.

    There are some good trails here. But they are in the process of making some changes and the maps are only partially accurate for the time being. We hiked to the old CCC camp and saw some old buildings and stuff.

    There is a playground at the bottom of the hill. It’s a bit of a trek back up.

    I suggest hiking down to the “waterfalls” on the river and spending some time.

  • Tom K.
    Jun. 24, 2018

    Keystone State Park Campground

    Close to town; main spot for boaters

    As a typical Oklahoma State Park, this campground is what you would expect. Built in the 50's and very few upgrades, it remains as a mostly RV/ Boaters park. Many family's go here for the shore line swimming and boating opportunities. The bathrooms are okay but haven't been updated but you don't have to worry about vault toilets. I would suggest bringing soap. Since we tent, it is fairly easy finding a level spot but they do not have platforms or any premade sites to set up. Some sites do have fire rings but most do not but they do have tables. This has always been a good spot for bringing our beginning camping friends to get them introduced to camping before any longer camping trips.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2022

    Blue Creek

    Enjoy many activities!

    General: Blue Creek is one of four campgrounds operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers on Oologah Lake (the others are Spencer Creek, Red Bud, and Hawthorn Bluff). It is divided into three sections: one with electric hookups (Sites 14-35) and two without (Sites 1-11 and 36-61, with Sites 54-61 that can be used as a group area). On a weekday in early May, the section with electric was full but we had the section with sites 36-61 entirely to ourselves. Sites 1-11 are good for boaters as they are near the boat ramp, however, the sites are not as well delineated (the picnic tables have the site numbers on them and cars park wherever). Since COVID, reservations are required but as with all other CoE campgrounds, the fees are extremely reasonable ($20 for electric,$16 for non-electric and half-price for seniors). 

    Site Quality/Facilities: It is often impossible to determine the best site when reserving but after arriving, we discovered that Site 55 was not going to work for us. It had a very short sloping half-circle drive and after 10 minutes of maneuvering, it was obvious there was no way we were going to be level. It was also rocky so it would be challenging for tents. This site is the furthest away but near the spot where many fish so it will not be as quiet as you might expect. Fortunately, we were able to switch sites (no one else was there!) and Site 42 was much better and like many others, had a large semi-circular drive. Many sites had a covered concrete pad with a large concrete picnic table, utility table, and lantern hook. There was a dump station, but it was coned off when we were there; we did not need it so I did not ask when/if it would be available. 

    Bathhouse: The sections without electricity have vault toilets, which were clean, but the flush toilets/showers are within a reasonable walking distance. These were very clean. Soap but bring your towel. 

    Activities/Amenities: Aside from fishing and boating, there are many activities you can enjoy here including volleyball, horseshoes, bean bag toss, and basketball. When the gate attendant is there, you can check out supplies for these activities. There is also a hiking trail. We saw a few people kayaking. Horses are allowed in the group camping section (Sites 54-61). 

    Perhaps it is because we had an entire section to ourselves, but we had a relaxing and peaceful stay here and would definitely return.

  • B
    Mar. 17, 2025

    Hawthorn Bluff

    Had to adapt

    Once arriving at the camp site, I discovered that the sites near the lake were very sloped making it a little difficult to find a flat spot to set up a tent. I talking to one passer-by, who was unfortunately house-less at the time, who explained that Hawthorn Bluff does not charge for camping until April 1st. I paid for my campsite as the website did not state this. I'm not upset by this because I know the fees will help maintain the park. However, this makes for some very interesting campers. The couple next to our site were having a domestic dispute where the lady sped off in her car after cussing her partner out for some time. She returned later with an 18 pack, one in her hand, and thankfully they seemed to have made up. This was hard to explain to my young kids who witnessed the whole exchange. Since they were not charging for campsites during my stay, the showers were locked and not opened as well as another restroom. There was only one opened restroom on the opposite side of the park and it had beer cans and other trash in it. 

    Nice views of the lake, but I think I'll cross this one off my list for next time.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2017

    Birch Cove

    Birch Cove Recreation Area

    This is a nice, newer feeling recreation area with a large lake for boating, fishing and water sports. The campground is large with several loops and sites on and off the lake. Most of the sites on the lake were taken by RV'ers, with most tent campers choosing sites up the hill away from the lake (and lake noise). I was in site 44 which backs up to the woods (making it easier to gather downed wood for my fire and cooking). I thought I was going to have the back end of the loop all to myself, but lucky me, someone with a camper decided to be my next-door neighbor. Sigh. It was a fairly nice site with a paved parking pad, picnic table, grill, and fire ring, with plenty of level space for my tent and trees for my hammock. The trees provided a nice wind break from the relentless Oklahoma winds. The shower house on my loop (there was one on each loop and it seemed like a few spare mixed in) was clean and maintained daily. The actual shower portion had two stalls, one handicap accessible, and both with a few resident spiders. Speaking of wildlife, there were plenty of deer in the field in the evening and several turtles and snakes hanging out in the late afternoon. All sites had electric and there was a shared water pump for every two sites. The Recreation Area had a manned gate house and the campground host manning it was very nice and helpful. There weren't any hiking trails in the campground, but then again, its main claim to fame is the lake. If you are looking for things to do in the area, Pawhuska is home to Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman from the cooking channel. Her store and restaurant are in Pawhuska and its a pretty good place to get breakfast or lunch.

  • Wil B.
    Aug. 22, 2016

    Osage Hills State Park Campground

    Osage Hills State Park Camping Review

    Osage Hills State Park is tucked away in the rolling hills and tall grass prairies of NE Oklahoma, and home to over 1100 acres of forest, lakes, creeks, trails, and fun. The park offers 20 fully-outfitted RV campsites, 8 rustic cabins, and over a dozen designated tent-camping sites. Advance reservations are recommended, but not required (if the designated camping areas are not full). The park also has a swimming pool, ball field, tennis courts, and an abundance of heavy concrete picnic tables available.

    For the more adventurous, the park has easily-accessible lakes and creeks, hiking trails (easy-to-moderate in difficulty for the average, able adult), mountain biking trails, and scenic overlooks.

    Wildlife is abundant throughout the park, but in my many experiences, have never been invasive of the camping areas. Depending on the season, ducks, geese, wild turkey, deer, squirrels, and many other forms of wildlife can be seen in proximity, with relative ease. Fishermen will enjoy the park's waterfronts, at Lookout Lake & Sand Creek, where plentiful bass, perch, crappie, and catfish can be had.

    My family and I have made many great memories at Osage Hills over the years, it's a great place to get away for a weekend & enjoy nature. My favorite time of year to go would be early-mid fall, as the foliage can be truly brilliant & breathtaking. Highly recommended!

Guide to Bartlesville

Tent campsites near Bartlesville, Oklahoma encompass sites across several waterways and rural locations. The region features prairie landscapes with elevations ranging from 700-850 feet, creating distinct camping microclimates. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, while spring and fall typically offer more moderate conditions for camping with highs in the 70s-80s.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: At Newt Graham Lock and Dam, visitors can explore shoreline fishing spots, though access requires some preparation. "Getting to it is sketchy, the road turns to dirt and there are areas that people unfortunately dump trash but once you get to the dam (have to walk a little ways) it is beautiful and fun to explore the rocks, hike and for sure go fishing," notes Jennifer D.

Kayaking access: The Verdigris River offers water recreation for tent campers willing to bring their own watercraft. "You can put a boat in the river on this side or kayak up and down," according to Jennifer D., who describes the Verdigris River camping area.

Lake exploration: Historical connections to Oologah Lake provide memorable experiences for campers. Ella K. recounts: "The year was 1977. Just got married in Miami, Ok. Rode in our primer gray '69 Mustang Fastback. Took my Uncle with us and headed out to Oologha Lake from Claremore. What a camp area!"

What campers like

Night sky viewing: Campers frequently mention stellar views after sunset at sites around Bartlesville. The dark skies and minimal light pollution create optimal stargazing conditions throughout the camping season.

Wildlife encounters: Three Ponds Community offers secluded camping with natural habitat preservation. "The land is beautiful and firewood is provided for a small fee. The Outdoor show is a nice touch too," reports jaleesia C.

Wooded seclusion: End sites at camping areas provide more privacy than central locations. At Verdigris River, "the camping sites are very close together unless you get the very last one. It's near a wooded area. The first 2 are out in the open, by the roads."

Historical nostalgia: Older established campgrounds maintain traditional camping experiences. "Built a fire and cleaned him. Wrapped in foil and cooked with fried potatoes and corn on the cob!! Best dinner ever and then slept out on the ground under the stars!! Beautiful lake. Quiet and peaceful!!" reminisces Ella K.

What you should know

Road conditions: Access to several camping areas requires navigating unpaved roads that may become challenging during wet weather. Jennifer D. warns about Newt Graham Lock and Dam: "Just make sure to not get stuck! There's washed out areas but cars can make it."

Limited facilities: Most tent camping sites offer minimal amenities, requiring self-sufficiency. At Huge Great Bus Camping, Ken R. describes the setup as "Primitive but upgrades coming. Tents, campers, cars, and RVs allowed."

Site spacing: Campsite proximity varies significantly between locations. One reviewer notes about Verdigris River campsites: "do a cartwheel and you are in the next camping spot."

Weather considerations: Oklahoma's variable weather patterns affect camping comfort. At Redbud Bay, Ellen P. recounts: "We camped once there when it was extremely cold and the water lines froze. But they were right on top of it getting it fixed."

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: Huge Great Bus Camping provides natural water recreation without crowds. Ken R. highlights the "Swimming hole and woods" as key features.

Wildlife education: Natural areas provide opportunities for children to observe native species safely. Jennifer D. notes: "Watch the rocks on the right side of the damn when the weather is nice bc snakes like to hide out in them. They won't bother you."

Nature exploration: Shorelines offer fossil and artifact hunting opportunities for children. "Last time I went we found lots of old cow bones along the river which was cool," shares Jennifer D. about Newt Graham Lock and Dam.

Short hiking routes: Tent campers with children can access appropriate trails for family exploration. Lisa H. mentions: "Oologah Lake is beautiful and the hiking trails are beautiful!"

Tips from RVers

Cabin alternatives: For RV campers seeking hard-sided accommodations, Redbud Bay offers options. "We have camped at Red Bud Bay marina a few times. Love their cabins," shares Ellen P.

Site selection: Strategic positioning away from main camping areas provides more privacy. Jennifer D. advises seeking "the very last one" at Verdigris River for better seclusion since most sites are "very close together."

Small campground navigation: Campgrounds designed primarily for tent camping may present challenges for larger vehicles. Lisa H. describes Verdigris River as a "Small Tent Only Campground" that is "perfect if you are tent camping and need a quick place to stop and rest for a day or two."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bartlesville, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bartlesville, OK is Huge Great Bus Camping with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Bartlesville, OK?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Bartlesville, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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