Camping spots near Burbank, Oklahoma center primarily around Kaw Lake, situated at approximately 1,010 feet elevation in the rolling hills of Osage County. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 90°F during peak camping months and winter lows regularly dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in this area feature uneven terrain with limestone outcroppings and post oak trees providing natural boundaries between sites.
What to do
Fishing from shore: At Osage Cove - Kaw Lake, anglers can access prime shoreline spots. "Kaw Lake dam is a short drive from the dam and can be an excellent striped bass or hybrid striped bass fishing area," notes camper Nate C.
Wildlife viewing: Several camping areas offer wildlife observation opportunities. "On the west side of the dam there is a field with lots of prairie dogs. You can pull over and watch them," shares Melanie W. about her Osage Cove experience.
Hiking trails: The Eagle View Trail begins at Osage Cove. According to camper Nate C., "Osage cove also includes the southern trailhead for the Eagle View Trail," making it convenient for campers to access directly from their sites.
Canoe/kayak rentals: Osage Hills State Park Campground offers boat rentals on their small lake. One visitor noted, "There is a pretty little lake near the entrance that you can rent canoes to take a spin around the lake."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Coon Creek Cove receives positive feedback for site sizing. As Bob M. observed, "Large sites, not too close together. Quiet place, fisherman's delight I bet."
Ranger presence: Safety monitoring is appreciated at certain campgrounds. One visitor to Coon Creek Cove mentioned, "We did like the fact that the Park Ranger was present and making rounds frequently."
Waterfront views: McFadden Cove offers prime water views. "Right down the way is a campground with maybe 16 RV spots. They are kind of close together camp spot 9 and 11 are the closest to the water," notes Julie H.
Clean facilities: Regular maintenance is noted at certain locations. A visitor to Coon Creek Cove stated, "The shower house since they don't have full sewer hook up. It was kept clean and you could see a crew once a day cleaning the bathroom/shower."
What you should know
Water hookup limitations: At Sarge Creek, accessing utilities can require planning. "There's not a lot of privacy but it's right on Kaw lake, is clean and all maintained, and even has showers," reports Katherin.
First-come camping options: Not all campgrounds accept reservations. At McFadden Cove, camper Deanna S. discovered "it says you cannot reserve a spot. It's first come first serve there were several spots $18.00 per night includes electric and water."
Maintenance schedules: Lawn care timing can affect camping experience. A Coon Creek visitor mentioned, "They recently mowed and there was clumpy grass all over the place which made the bugs bad."
Shower facility variations: Bathroom quality differs between campgrounds. At Sarge Creek, one camper reported, "They have a brand new shower house, but it is very nasty and ill maintained. No place to put your clean clothes without getting them wet."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lake Ponca Campgrounds offers camping near recreational facilities. According to Joyce R., "New restrooms/showers and electric RV sites with shared water for $25. Park RV on asphalt facing campsite."
Tent placement: Rules vary about where tents can be placed. A Lake Ponca visitor noted, "Signs everywhere saying 'No tent camping in this area.' But if you pay online for RV site, you can use tent or RV but not both (per Ranger Joe)."
Seasonal swimming: Some locations offer swimming during summer months. "There is a shallow area with a few small 'rapids' where kids can play and explore," mentions one Osage Hills State Park visitor.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for potential wildlife sightings. A visitor at Sandy Park observed, "We saw white tail deer, armadillo, & wild Turkey," adding educational value to family camping trips.
Tips from RVers
Utility access: At Sandy Park — Kaw Lake, hookup options are reliable. "Water and electric available in each site. The bathrooms are clean and very well situated," notes Overland 1.
Site selection: Some campgrounds offer specific sites with better features. At Osage Cove, Brittany G. shared, "There is no water hookup, unless you have a long hose & are close to any of the bathrooms. Perfect lake views, beautiful sunset, very quiet & peaceful."
Dump station availability: Bear Creek Cove provides essential services for longer stays. According to Dana H., "Grounds has its own dumpstation. Trash. Playground. Showers and public toilets. Water and electricity hookups."
Road conditions: Access routes vary in quality. One camper at Bear Creek Cove remarked, "Although you will travel the countryside and down a gravel road, you will enjoy the quiet and lovely grounds that Neal takes such good care of."
