Equestrian camping near Butler, Oklahoma centers around Oologah Lake where multiple recreation areas offer access to riding trails. The region features rolling plains with elevations ranging from 600-800 feet and experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September. Winter camping remains available at select locations while others operate seasonally with closures from October through March.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: At Blue Creek, riders can enjoy designated paths suitable for various experience levels. "Horses are allowed in the group camping section (Sites 54-61)" notes Lee D., who adds that "there are many activities you can enjoy here including volleyball, horseshoes, bean bag toss, and basketball."
Fishing opportunities: Oologah Lake provides excellent fishing conditions, particularly during weekdays. "We camped in a spot near the water. The lake was beautiful at sunset," reports Elizabeth L. about Blue Creek. At Round Hollow Public Access Area, anglers can find less crowded shoreline access.
Casino entertainment: Tulsa NE-Will Rogers Downs KOA offers proximity to gaming for evening activities. "This place is a casino and a dog track. Very busy place," explains Roxanna L., who appreciated the convenience. "Horse track and casino were well within walking distance from the camp sites," confirms Renee H.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Butler area horse camps feature sites designed for trailers and equipment. "Many sites had a covered concrete pad with a large concrete picnic table, utility table, and lantern hook," writes Lee D. about Blue Creek. "Many sites had a large semi-circular drive" that accommodates larger rigs and horse trailers.
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms. "The bathhouse was very clean. Soap but bring your towel," reports Lee D. At Tulsa NE-Will Rogers Downs KOA, Renee H. found "restrooms and showers were also clean. Bathrooms were locked and secure and passcode was required to enter."
Seasonal solitude: Many equestrian campers appreciate the tranquility during off-peak times. "On a weekday in early May, the section with electric was full but we had the section with sites 36-61 entirely to ourselves," notes a Blue Creek visitor. Another camper at Beaver Lake Hide A Way shared, "When we camped here (beginning of March) it was very quiet."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Due to post-COVID protocols, many sites now require advance booking. "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)," explains Lee D.
Site selection challenges: At Beaver Lake Hide A Way, terrain can impact tent setup. "Very beautiful water, campground was good, lots of room to tent. The only downfall was it was very rocky so it was hard to find a spot to put the tent," reports Faith B.
Seasonal closures: Several equestrian facilities near Butler have limited operating seasons. Blue Creek operates from April 1 to September 30, while others remain open year-round. KOA facilities like Tulsa NE-Will Rogers Downs typically maintain all-season availability.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Families can combine horse camping with swimming during summer months. At Rivers Edge RV and Stables, proximity to water provides cooling options during hot Oklahoma summers. At Beaver Lake Hide A Way, one visitor mentioned "They had kayakes to rent and jet skies. Fishing is good as well."
Wildlife viewing: Children often enjoy observing local animals around Butler area campsites. Faith B. reported seeing abundant "Owls, lizards, tons of birds, deer, and foxes" during their Beaver Lake stay.
Recreation amenities: Seek out campgrounds with additional activities for non-riders. Blue Creek offers multiple recreation options, as Lee D. notes: "When the gate attendant is there, you can check out supplies for these activities."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Several equestrian campgrounds have unusual utility layouts. At Rivers Edge RV Park, one visitor needed "to buy an extra sewer hose to connect to sewer, as it was placed so far toward entrance of the site, rather than toward rear of site where electric and water were appropriately placed."
Cell service considerations: Connection quality varies significantly between locations. Hannah C. reported Blue Creek "had good signal with verizon" while David B. found at Rivers Edge RV Park that "Verizon signal was good at 3 jiggers; and stronger than their wifi."
Weather access issues: Winter conditions can impact road access at several equestrian sites near Butler. Even facilities with year-round operations may have limited accessibility during ice or snow events, particularly on access roads with significant elevation changes.
