Tent camping options near Butler, Oklahoma consist primarily of primitive sites along creeks and riverbanks. The region's terrain features Ozark foothills with elevation changes that create natural springs and creek systems throughout the area. Summer temperatures typically range from 80-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions for campers seeking outdoor recreation.
What to do
Hiking trails: Fort Crowder Conservation Area offers 11 miles of multi-use trails for hikers, bikers and equestrians. The trails provide access to Gibson Spring Back Country Site, which one camper notes is "a short hike to the campsite from the closest trail head (took me only seven minutes)."
Creek swimming: Flint Creek features natural swimming holes with varying depths. According to a visitor, they have a "nice, Expansive swimming and wading area all along the creek. There are deep pools and shallow wading areas to fit all ages and abilities."
Wildlife viewing: The conservation areas surrounding Butler provide habitats for native wildlife. One visitor to Elephant Rock Nature Park mentioned it's a "good for hiking and Bigfoot looking" and provides "photogenic area, to say the least."
What campers like
Natural water features: Most tent sites in the region are positioned near creeks or rivers. A camper at Flint Creek noted there is "a gorgeous little natural waterfall right under the highway so you can see when you drive by."
Seclusion from crowds: While some areas get busy during peak season, campers can find quieter alternatives. At Highwater Camp, campers appreciate that "the campsites are large and open with lots of shade trees and could easily accommodate much larger groups if needed."
Accessibility for beginners: The area offers entry-level backpacking opportunities. Gibson Spring Back Country Site "would be great for someone just getting in to backpacking as it is a short hike to the campsite from the closest trail head."
What you should know
Seasonal maintenance issues: Several tent sites have reported maintenance concerns during peak growing seasons. At Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Area, one camper warned the area is "overgrown with tall brush. Difficult to find a spot to set up camp" while another suggested visitors "might want to bring a weed wacker."
Water safety concerns: Riverside camping comes with flooding risks. A camper at Highwater Camp noted "Be careful when camping, as it is near the river and if the water gets high, you will need to move up to the higher bank."
Limited facilities: Most tent sites offer minimal amenities. At Gibson Spring, "your water source is the spring itself, remember to treat the water" and there are "no toilets at the site."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas for children: When tent camping with kids near Butler, seek locations with water features suitable for different ages. One camper described Flint Creek as a "great little place to swim with the kiddos" because it has "deep pools and shallow wading areas to fit all ages and abilities."
Early reservations: Secure spots ahead of time, especially for holiday weekends. Highwater Camp fills quickly as noted by a visitor who advises to "Book early as it fills up fast and they do not offer more than one or two spaces per day."
Kid-friendly views: Heavenly Hollow provides scenic opportunities for children to experience nature. A visitor to nearby Elephant Rock noted it has "beautiful breathtaking views. Especially sunsets and rises" and is a "kid friendly area."
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Most tent sites near Butler have limited RV accessibility. Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Area has a "small donut shaped clearing" where one camper reported "my 20' trailer and truck and someone in a van are camping here and its cramped."
Navigational difficulties: Many camping areas lack clear signage. At Fort Crowder Conservation Area, a visitor noted the "trail head can be tricky to find as no signs on the road indicate the turn."
Limited hookups: While some tent sites offer minimal electric options, full hookups are scarce. Flint Creek provides "electric hookups" but lacks water hookups and sewage disposal facilities, requiring self-contained operation.
