Several good camping options surround Broken Bow, Oklahoma, with Beavers Bend State Park Campground being one of the most popular. This park has clean restrooms and showers, plus hiking trails like the Beaver Creek route that many campers enjoy. Daisy State Park Campground has a nice lake where you can swim during hot days. Both places are easy to reach on good roads. The lakes and rivers in this area are known for good fishing if you want to catch something for dinner. You'll find both developed sites with amenities and more basic camping spots depending on what you prefer. Jeanne A campground gets mentioned often as a favorite spot in Oklahoma's state park system. Weather varies throughout the year - summers get hot while winters cool down considerably, so check the forecast before you go. Broken Bow works well as a starting point since it's close to towns and local attractions. The campgrounds accommodate both RVs and tents comfortably. Pack what you need since some places have limited supplies for sale. Make sure to follow Leave No Trace practices to keep these camping areas in good shape for future visitors.
$20 - $40 / night
"Beavers bend state park is a great place to get away tucked away in the kiamichi mountains of South east Oklahoma along the mountain fork river all kinds of camp sites from full hookup to hike in also"
"Broken Bow area is nestled in and around the beautiful lake that supports many types of activities."
"This site is a back in site with the river directly behind the site. Site consists of 1 fire pit, 1 picnic table and barbecue pit. The hookups consist of water and 30/50 amp electric."
"Site was level with the usual amenities all in working order and not too close to neighbors. The river ran directly behind the site and I was entertained by an otter family and ducks daily."
"I had campsite 15 and it was probably one the prettiest ones on the drive."
"Great hiking, fly-fishing and access to reservoir for boats. We called in and we’re able to reserve the last spot in the park."
$45 - $55 / night
"Easy access off the Highway. Nice level lots with plenty of room behind to set up tables and games. Clean. Highway noise is a little loud but it does die down at night so no problem sleeping."
"Great location near Beavers Bend for hiking, boating, and fishing. Also near the Mountain Fork river for some kayaking!"
"Sewr dump is across the highway so some what inconvenient. 30/50 Amp sites, sites are roomy good spacing. Close to lake and attractions."
"The park had some great hiking trails and museum."
$20 - $40 / night
"Visited here in mid-November, 2025, but did not camp here (camped at a nearby dispersed spot instead)."
"No showers. 1 very short hiking trail... Like maybe 5 or 10 minutes to walk down it, but worth it. It has very beautiful views of the river & a good place to play in it."
$30 - $45 / night
"When searching for a unique camping experience you might check out something a little bit outside of the box."
"Many flock to Broken Bow for their cabins and beautiful outdoor spaces. What better way to take advantage of those spaces than with a trip to Carson Creek!! "
"There are so many camp areas right at waters edge. Electric water showers restrooms and greywater discharge available. 10-15 from store and nice dining!"
RangerMy friend and I visited in October and there was barely anyone else there so it was very peaceful and quite and shocked us with it’s beauty as we didn’t think it would be as pretty as it was but we were wrong
RangerMy friend and I cowboy camped at this location and at dusk the mosquitoes were absolutely terrible and I honestly would compare them to the mosquitoes up in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota then when they went away and pesky Armadillo kept running past us as loud as possible and getting super close to us, I assume he had been fed by backpackers in the past but after about 4 hours he officially left us alone and other than those reasons to hate on the campsite it was good with a good view and a nice breeze from the wind
RangerIt’s a great campsite with some spotty cell service down at the campsite but if you go up to the vista there is better cell service and my only issue with the site is how small the tent spots were when we camped there as they barely fit my Durston X-Mid 1 but other than that it was a great dry camp along the trail
RangerMy friend and I hiked to the top of Tall Peak and slept in the top story of the fire lookout and we hooked up hammocks and slept in them but I guess a front was coming in cause we were getting huge gusts of wind all night and it dropped about 20 degrees overnight but it was way worth it as the sunset was amazing and sunrise as well.
LegendStopped by to see it. There are two camping areas. RV sites in area 2 are much better. Very nice but unless you fish, not much else to do but relax I suppose.
LegendI am so impressed with the forest service management of this area and their campgrounds. They are clean well maintained and just have beautiful views. Unfortunately I couldn't stay. This one was closed, but we hiked about five miles on trails around it and worth it for views in all three hundred and sixty directions.
LegendFrom the Scenic Drive, go down forest road 6014, just near horse leaf Springs and about a 1/2 a mile down the road. There will be a crossing road that has dispersed camping on both sides of it. Easy accessibility, good roads into them and both have amazing views.
LegendThis place genuinely is amazing. If you want to hike, there are more hiking trails and equestrian trails than you could actually accomplish even in fourteen days. The GPS points are all over the map. Essentially, come down to Cedar Lake. And there are two group campgrounds, a spot called shady lane equestrian, campground, and then the campground right on the water, they're all terrific. Most nights there wasn't anybody here. I spent four nights in the equestrian, campground and two nights in shady lane absolutely terrific.
TravelerWe have been coming to Shady Lake for decades and it is one of our most favorite places. It is a good location on the edge of the Ouachita National Forest with plenty of things to do within the recreation area and in the surrounding area as well. There are multiple hiking trails, some with connections to longer trails outside the rec area. Access for hunters and ATVs outside the rec area. Beautiful canoeing (bring your own boat) where you can see otters, eagles, yes- snakes and all kinds of wildlife. I love that this is an older more rustic park, some people have considered that a negative but to me that is a positive (people who like everything shiny and new definitely should look elsewhere). If the cat wasn't already out of the bag on this treasure of a camp, I certainly would not make a post encouraging more people to come here. lol! Sadly they have demolished the A camping loop right at the front and are 'upgrading' it to bring in more people with bigger rigs. the heavy construction has run off a lot of the wildlife for a couple seasons so will see how it turns out in the end. I hope the Bald Eagle and otter family return when it all quiets back down. There are sites with water and electric and tent only sites- some of which are very primitive and if you like to be far from other campers and can do primitive sites- they are a plus! (some will think they are awful, but to others they are a bonus- lol!) If you love getting back nature, peaceful cell phone free beauty and quiet in a rustic camping setting you will love it. Fishing, hiking,, swimming, nearby ATV riding, hunting, easy access to other nearby national forest rec areas, rivers and trails.
Broken Bow's camping areas are nestled within the Ouachita Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma, where the terrain features pine-covered hills and clear waterways. The elevation ranges from 500 to 2,000 feet, creating multiple microclimates and diverse camping experiences. Campgrounds near Broken Bow typically remain open year-round, though seasonal water shutoffs may occur during winter months at certain sites.
Kayaking on Mountain Fork River: Mountain Fork Park offers easy river access for water activities. "There are many places to rent kayaks & go down the river. There are small waterfalls. Kid friendly. Compare companies because rental prices vary," notes Bridgette P. from Mountain Fork Park.
Wildlife watching: Many campsites provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Armadillo Circle — Beavers Bend State Park, campers often spot deer, especially in evening hours. The area around Stevens Gap features abundant wildlife, with one camper reporting, "We had a bald eagle perched across the cove from us for two days, when he wasn't flying up and down the channel."
Fly fishing: The Mountain Fork River provides good fly fishing opportunities throughout the year. Mickey B. from Beavers Bend shares that "even though I didn't catch anything my first time out fly fishing the tranquil scenery made up for it."
Waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate direct water access from their sites. At Stevens Gap, Marlin B. notes, "Fish from your tent pad if you wish because most are within 15 feet from the water." Sites along the water tend to fill first during peak seasons.
Clean facilities: Newer campground sections offer updated amenities. Bonnie B. at Acorn Campground — Beavers Bend State Park reports, "Buckeye campground is a newly renovated loop. The sites on the water are absolutely beautiful! Easy set up. Plenty of room for our 5th wheel and truck. Level concrete site."
Fall colors: The area transforms in autumn with changing foliage. Jeff R. mentions, "Late October and the colors were gorgeous. We were so close, but missed peak fall colors by about a week or so." Weekends during fall color season require reservations well in advance.
Cell service varies: Coverage can be spotty throughout the area. Susan L. from Acorn Campground notes, "No Verizon service except at the nature center. You can jump on their wifi, or if I walked to the pavilion behind the store I could get one bar on my phone."
Campsite accessibility challenges: Some campgrounds have tight turns and steep approaches. At Armadillo Campground - Beavers Bend State Park, Jason M. shares, "We found the one-way paths very tight, very curvy. I don't know how longer campers or bumper-pulls do it. Our site is in a tight turn and you must back up a steep grade."
Water releases: Campers near the dam should be aware of scheduled water releases. Susan L. mentions, "There is a water release siren that sounds occasionally and it is loud, but it doesn't happen frequently, or at night, at least not during my stay."
Water activities for kids: The swimming areas provide safe places for children. Victoria D. from Beavers Bend State Park Campground shares, "The swimming area is river water so it's great in the hottest part of summer because it's nice and cool. We even rented a boat one year and it wasn't even super expensive."
Wildlife encounters: Children often enjoy seeing the local animals. Sherry S. notes, "Deer were everywhere in the evening," making wildlife spotting a popular evening activity for families.
Nature center visits: The nature center offers educational opportunities. Susan L. recommends, "The nature center is definitely worth a visit especially if you have kiddos, and the ranger here is fantastic!"
Site selection matters: RVers should research specific sites before booking. Aaron D. from Tiny Town Oklahoma advises, "The campground itself is very nice, but it is very winding with all the trees and spots slotted together. If you get a spot in the front near the road, there is a lot of through traffic."
Hookup variations: Different campground sections offer varying amenities. John R. explains, "We had a premium RV site on river in Acorn section that had a level concrete pad with water and 30/50 amp hook up. I definitely recommend this area for large rigs."
Dump station locations: Know where facilities are located before arrival. Aaron D. points out, "The dump site was directly across the street from the campground but you have to go down the road and either make a tight left turn or go further down and turn around."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there camping spots near Broken Bow Lake?
Armadillo Circle — Beavers Bend State Park offers excellent camping options near Broken Bow Lake, with winding roads through towering trees and sites near Lakeside Lodge. For those wanting a different experience, Turkey Circle — Beavers Bend State Park provides both drive-in and walk-in options that accommodate larger RVs while maintaining proximity to the lake. Fern Campground inside Beavers Bend is particularly noteworthy for its location between Broken Bow Lake and the Lower Mountain Fork River, making it perfect for water activities. Most lakeside campgrounds offer easy access to fishing, boating, and swimming, with many campers particularly enjoying fly fishing in Spillway Creek below the lake.
What are the best RV parks in Broken Bow, Oklahoma?
For RV camping in Broken Bow, Creekside RV Park offers full hookups and is conveniently located for accessing area attractions. RV enthusiasts also enjoy Tiny Town Oklahoma, which provides unique amenities alongside traditional RV sites. For those seeking a more natural setting with RV accommodations, Beavers Bend State Park offers several loops with full hookups, though sites are arranged close together in wooded, hilly terrain. Most RV parks in the area provide easy access to Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River, making them ideal basecamps for water recreation.
Where can I find tent camping sites in Broken Bow?
Ouachita National Forest Cedar Lake Recreation Area offers excellent tent camping with numerous trails accessible directly from the campsites, making it a favorite spot for tent campers in Oklahoma. Carson Creek Campground in Beavers Bend State Park provides a more secluded tent camping experience slightly removed from the main park areas. The campground features charming sites with beautiful outdoor spaces perfect for families. Both locations offer tent campers the natural beauty of the Broken Bow region with easy access to activities like hiking, fishing, and water recreation. Most tent sites include standard amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities.
What campgrounds are available in Broken Bow, Oklahoma?
Broken Bow offers diverse camping options for all preferences. Beavers Bend State Park Campground is the centerpiece of the region's camping scene, featuring multiple camping areas from full hookup RV sites to hike-in primitive spots, all nestled among towering trees. The park has several distinct camping loops including Armadillo Campground, which offers back-in sites amid dense forest. Beyond the state park, Mountain Fork Park provides additional camping options with toilet facilities. The area also features numerous private campgrounds and cabin rentals for those seeking alternative accommodations, all within easy reach of Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River.
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