Best Tent Camping near Broken Bow, OK

Tent campsites in the Broken Bow region of southeastern Oklahoma provide access to both developed state park sites and more remote forest camping options. Beavers Bend State Park offers several tent-only camping areas, including Bluejay and Coyote Drive campgrounds with riverside locations. Grasshopper Campground within the same park system provides a more dispersed camping experience, though reviews indicate it's not truly free camping despite its dispersed classification.

Most tent sites feature fire rings, picnic tables, and basic pit toilets, though drinking water is not available at these locations. Campers need to bring all necessary water or filtration systems, particularly important during summer when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. The campgrounds are typically drive-in with parking near or adjacent to sites, though some locations like Coyote Drive require campers to park 15-50 feet away from their actual tent location. Site surfaces vary from packed dirt to gravel, with some reviews noting difficulty in securing tent stakes in harder surfaces.

Tent camping near Broken Bow provides convenient access to water activities, with many sites positioned within walking distance of the water. Most campgrounds offer significant tree cover providing welcome shade during hot Oklahoma summers. For those seeking more seclusion, Pigeon Creek Dispersed camping area offers free primitive camping opportunities approximately 25 miles northeast of Broken Bow along the Kiamichi River. Visitors should be prepared for potentially rough access roads, as one camper noted, "The road in was a little bumpy, take it slow and you'll be fine." The riverside locations throughout the region make these tent sites popular destinations during summer months, with reviews indicating weekends can become crowded with boaters and fishermen using the waterways.

Best Tent Sites Near Broken Bow, Oklahoma (14)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Broken Bow, OK

244 Reviews of 14 Broken Bow Campgrounds


  • Janna R.
    May. 22, 2019

    Billy Creek

    5 Stars are not enough for this campground!

    We camped at Billy Creek in March 2019.  We were the only ones there which made it fabulous!  We set up camp right above the river and got to hear the river going over the rocks the whole time.  There was a easy and short little trail down to the river and lots of large rocks to hang out on.  The campsite has tons of big trees.  Each site has a fire ring, picnic table and grill.  Water is available, but not at each spot.  No electricity, no flushing potties, no showers, no sewer hookups, no wifi.  There are latrine bathrooms (2) in a small building near the entrance. There is an abundance of hiking trails, 4 wheeler/motorcycle trails and many trails that a full size SUV can do.  Lots of forest service roads to explore.  We stayed 3 nights and only saw people one day that came in to meet up and ride 4 wheelers.  We will definitely go back!

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2018

    Holson Valley Vista

    Holson Valley Vista Shelter + A Room with a View

    I stayed at this campground shelter while hiking the Ouachita Trail.

    The campground and shelter were built by the Friends of the Ouachita Trail and is located at mile market 16.8 of the trail. While the campground is only a few hundred feet from the Talimena National Scenic Byway it is best reached by hiking the Ouachita Trail.

    The shelter is an open air wooden structure with a raised platform, three walls, roof, open air patio, shelf, wall pegs, fire pit and picnic table. Most campers might pop up their tent or just cowboy camp on the raised platform. Our group hung hammocks from the rafters. There were wall pegs that were convenient for hanging and drying our gear or to keep it away from any little critters (mice) that might visit in the night. There are not many amenities at this campground, but it is a nice resting stop and provides some protection from the elements during inclement weather.

    The shelter is located on a gradual sloping rocky hill and has a dramatic overview of the valley when the weather is clear and the foliage is not heavy. There are no waste facilities nearby so it is good to practice Leave No Trace and pack out whatever you pack in. We found and collected water earlier in the day and carried it into camp.

  • M
    Jun. 2, 2021

    Armadillo Campground - Beavers Bend State Park

    Beautiful. Simply, beautiful!

    This place is terrific! Awesome view, abundant wildlife (we had a bald eagle perched across the cove from us for two days, when he wasn’t flying up and down the channel) and very peaceful. Fish from your tent pad if you wish because most are within 15 feet from the water.

    We are seasoned tent campers so my review is based off of the Bluejay Tent Camping Loop at Stevens Gap. Each site is directly on the lake and has a level tent pad, a fire ring, a picnic table on a concrete slab, a barbecue grill and a lantern hanger. We were there the day after Memorial Day and the weather stayed in the mid 60’s to mid 70’s. Perfect hammock weather! Plenty of pines and even some oaks for shade. The marina is about a half mile to the East but all of the big boats go East from there so there was hardly any boat traffic except for a few kayaks and canoes. The only downside was the vault toilets, which I normally don’t mind, were terrible. Maybe because of the holiday weekend previous, but nonetheless, they were foul. The ones about a mile up the loop were fine so I don’t know why. I would have given four stars if not for that.
    Town is just 10 minutes away with food and entertainment so it was very conveniently located. We hope to return there soon!

  • Vanessa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2021

    Cossatot Falls Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area

    Nice to camp without RVs

    There are six large, improved sites which are first come first serve cash pay only. Vault toilets, no water and no electricity. Each site has enough room for three tents and has a grill, fire pit, table, and bear pole. There is easy access to the falls and hiking trails.

  • Ashley W.
    May. 1, 2019

    Cedar Lake (Oklahoma) Equestrian Camp

    My favorite!

    This campground is one of my all time favorites!! It has everything you want in a campground and more. Hiking here is definitely the best, because the views are amazing!! The campground is always really well kept as well which I appreciate. The campsite spots themselves are pretty big in size and are separated by trees and bushes. Feels very private. They do have a quiet hour which is after 10pm. This is nice because there aren’t people partying all night long. There are tent spots and also RV. We camped, so I’m not sure if th RV spots are set up for electricity. The lake nearby is great. We brought our kayaks and had so much fun hitting the lake in the morning. It does get busy as the day goes on, especially in the summer on the weekends. Hiking is great, and there are multiple good spots nearby. Again, go early to beat the crowds! Dogs are welcome but must be on leash. Vaulted toilets on site and a place to fill up your water! Can’t wait to come back.

  • Ana A.
    May. 28, 2018

    Sandbar Area Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area

    Memorial Weekend

    This place is a beautifull forested remote area and you have to drive over 4.5 miles to get to the campsite, its a two lane dirt road, lookout for deer and other critters crossing. We stayed at the walk in campsites, they have those and a few where you can park next to your site, don’t expect very much privacy, you can’t make reservations, they are all first come first serve and you pay at your site. All are tent only. we stayed at #20 with a short walk from the parking area but a little bit too close to #21, 18 and 19 seem to be the ones with more privacy. We did have a nice shaded site with a fire ring, a barbecue grill, a picnic table and nice surface for your tent. the camping area is just a short walk to the sandbar where you can enjoy the cool floating water. The bathrooms are adequate but no running water, therefore don’t expect showers. We camped with our dog Lulu, the sites are pet friendly and she had fun in the water too. There is an abundance of wild life, keep an eye for snakes and thicks!

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2019

    Tiny Town Oklahoma

    Centralized Cabins, Tent & RV Camping

    When searching for a unique camping experience you might check out something a little bit outside of the box. Offering tent sites and RV sites Tiny Town might seem normal on paper but when you were arrive they have a lot of options which might be considered a little bit different. 

    I pulled into Tiny Town I noticed right away the unique experience which they offer. Though RVs were parked in the front and on the right I noticed a community of tiny homes just beyond the bounds. Many tiny homes were under construction however a few options were already up and running in a variety of floor plans ideal for any traveler visiting the area. 

    The property it’s self is small but does offer a few amenities including a restroom and laundry as well as a small play facility. The big draw to this area is the quick and easy access to beavers Bend State Park and other attractions around the Broken Bow area. 

    The offering of cabin rentals varies from humble three person dwellings all the way up to a 20 person“Deck-A-Saurus”. Cabins are all equipped with standard furniture including couches and beds, making it ideal for those who just want to pullin and immediately jump into comfort. The RV area it’s self accommodate 17 spaces in three various sizes. Each side includes full hook ups, and barbecue pits. The larger areas have private fire pits as well as picnic tables. 

    When I visited I noticed that the area was a little void of large trees. However the area is currently working to re-landscape and provide better shade accommodations along the perimeter’s which would be very beneficial to tent campers. While they do not market the smaller sites as tent only facilities I did notice there were several people staying in vans or tents in these sites along the outer border. 

    The facility itself is very clean and well-maintained. You can really tell there is attention to detail at this location and that as it continues to grow and be developed that this will be a continued point of interest. 

    Standard nightly rates run between $30 and $45 depending on the site for RV or tent camping. They do also offer both weekly and monthly rates but do impose strict guidelines for those who are staying long-term to keep the facility clean and not looking unkept. 

    The Broken Bow Area offers beautiful unique attractions. If you like fishing, hiking,canoeing or trying something a little new this area is perfect. This park offers easy access to not only the outdoor features but also the nice Intown features such as restaurants making it a perfect place to stop if you’re in the area.

    The only downside I could see to this campsite is that it is not as remote as some.    While it does provide great amenities and access points to everything around with easy pull ins for RV traffic, it does lack that in the woods feel that many other campsites provide.   You will be a little close to your neighbors here.

  • Rick G.
    Nov. 20, 2022

    Lost Rapids

    Nice Campground Next to Lake

    This campground is next to a large lake. It has tent sites with picnic tables. Some have lantern poles, fire pits and/or grills. The RV sites have water and power with same assortment of other things. The lake has a boat ramp with a small dock/fishing pier. This is a good place to take a telescope or just stargaze. Some of the sites need minor repair. The restrooms will clean. The restrooms nearest the RV area have showers.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2021

    Winding Stair Campground (Ok) — Ouachita National Forest

    Views for days!!

    Driving from Mena to Talihina along this stretch of highway is a treat when it comes to the spectacular views.   But stopping at places like this campground even further explain just how much of an amazing place this part of Oklahoma really is!   This area was once logged to the point that it was basically worthless before the Forest Service took it over and started to replenish the land and create public spaces like this campground.    It now is a thriving place for recreation and viewing.

    The campground is a series of pull ins and thru sites which vary in size allowing for tent camping with single cars or even some larger rigs.    There are vault toilets centrally located at the entrance in addition to extra picnic tables for those wanting a little extra space to enjoy.    

    A few spigots are around camp that are not in the best of shape, but they do still work, so don't be fooled.

    The roadways through camp and the sites themselves are very well taken care of, however because of recent rains the grass was a bit more wooly than it typically would have been.   Despite this the sites were still clear of grass for the most part.  

    Each site was equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, lantern hooks, grills and prep stations and large spaces for tents, should you have one.  Additionally you can find trash cans around camp in a few places.

    From the campground you can easily access the scenic point which additionally has more picnic tables with a view, definitely suggest checking it out!!  

    Campground is first come first serve and does have a senior discount with the park pass.   Envelopes are provided at the main kiosk.


Guide to Broken Bow

Tent campsites near Broken Bow, Oklahoma sit within the Ouachita Mountains, where elevations range between 500-2,500 feet. The region receives approximately 54 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forested conditions around camping areas. Many primitive camping spots require preparation for variable terrain with both rocky and sandy soil conditions depending on proximity to waterways.

What to do

Hiking opportunities: At Cossatot Falls Campsites, campers can access multiple trail systems. "We parked at the visitor center and hiked the 5-6 miles to the state park. Beautiful moderate hike. If you go right after some heavy rain, all the falls along the trail will be flowing at full blast," notes Nicki M.

Rock exploration: The rocky river formations provide natural play areas for adventurous visitors. "It's not for the faint or heart or people avoiding physical activity because trekking the huge river boulders is not easy. But the beauty is worth it. The water is crystal clear and you can watch fish swim by," reports Cindy W. about exploring the water features.

River swimming: Many tent sites provide access to swimming areas. At Sandbar Area Campsites, "the camping area is just a short walk to the sandbar where you can enjoy the cool floating water," explains Ana A., making it ideal for summer heat relief.

What campers like

Shaded camp locations: Tent sites at Bluejay offer natural cooling. "Nice spot well shaded," Jeremy A. writes, which makes a significant difference during hot Oklahoma summers when overnight temperatures can remain above 70°F.

Waterfront proximity: Being close to water ranks highly among camper preferences. Gerald S. appreciates that at Bluejay, campers are "a stones throw from the water. The park had some great hiking trails and museum."

Spacious tent pads: The region offers unusually large camping spaces. "The tent pads were huge and the waterfall area was beautiful. Our children enjoyed climbing on the rocks and splashing in the river," explains Lindsey P. about her experience at Cossatot Falls.

What you should know

Drinking water access: Most tent sites lack potable water. This requires planning ahead, as Ana A. explains about Sandbar Area Campsites: "The bathrooms are adequate but no running water, therefore don't expect showers."

Road conditions: Forest access roads can present challenges. At Pigeon Creek Dispersed, Jessica W. advises, "The road in was a little bumpy take it slow and you'll be fine."

Tent setup challenges: The terrain affects equipment setup. "The terrain is rocky so use a thick mat or hammock but you will love it," recommends Jessica W. about Pigeon Creek Dispersed camping area, while Vanessa M. notes each campsite at Sandbar "has a picnic table and a fire pit."

Tips for camping with families

Shelter advantages: Some camping areas offer structures that benefit families. Holson Valley Vista provides "an open air wooden structure with a raised platform, three walls, roof, open air patio, shelf, wall pegs, fire pit and picnic table," according to Troy W., making it easier for families to organize gear and stay comfortable.

Water safety: Children need close supervision around water features. "Our children enjoyed climbing on the rocks and splashing in the river," shares Lindsey P., highlighting both the fun and need for caution around the region's waterways.

Wildlife awareness: The region has diverse wildlife requiring family education. Ana A. warns, "There is an abundance of wild life, keep an eye for snakes and thicks!" when camping with pets and children in the area.

Tips from RVers

Parking logistics: At Coyote Drive Campground, David T. notes, "no parking at campsite for coyote but can park about 15-50ft away," requiring planning for equipment transport from vehicle to tent site.

Alternative accommodations: Some campgrounds offer both tent sites and other options. Elm Campground includes yurt accommodations for those wanting a middle ground between tent camping and cabin rental.

Generator noise: For tent campers seeking quiet, be aware that some campgrounds permit generators. Summer H. explains, "They did allow generators which is unfortunate because the river is so close. Part of what we love about camping is being in nature and hearing the sounds around us."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Broken Bow, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Broken Bow, OK is Bluejay — Beavers Bend State Park with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Broken Bow, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.