Camping sites near Catoosa, Oklahoma generally offer convenient access points within 30 minutes of major urban centers. The region sits at approximately 600 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate that creates mild winters and hot summers. Average summer temperatures reach into the 90s from June through August, with spring and fall providing more moderate temperatures in the 60-80°F range.
What to do
Water recreation on Lake Oologah: Several campgrounds offer direct water access for boating and fishing. At Blue Creek, "Right off the water. Clean bathrooms/showers. Quiet place to camp," notes Matt K. The lake provides multiple activity options as Lee D. mentions, "Aside from fishing and boating, there are many activities you can enjoy here including volleyball, horseshoes, bean bag toss, and basketball."
Wildlife viewing and hiking: The region offers opportunities for nature observation. At Tall Chief Cove, campers can access multiple natural areas. Bonnie A. reports they "stayed in B39 with a lake view and saw lots of bird wildlife." The Skiatook area features "multiple areas to hike, kayak, fish, or boat in the area," according to Vance D.
Gaming and entertainment: Some campgrounds provide proximity to casinos and entertainment venues. Several RV parks cater specifically to visitors attending local events. Robert O. noted about Tulsa NE-Will Rogers Downs KOA, "Nice clean campground, level sites FHU. Everything worked as expected. Easy friendly check-in. Would definitely stay here again."
What campers like
Waterfront proximity: Many campers value sites that offer direct water views or access. Hannah C. describes Blue Creek as having a "gorgeous setting" and mentions, "view of the lake was gorgeous. Will definitely be back!" Similarly, Randy S. recommends site A22 at Tall Chief Cove since "it's right on the water with a place for a boat and great area for swimming."
Spacious sites: Former mobile home parks converted to RV sites offer unusually large camping areas. Richard G. comments about Cherry Hill Mobile Home & RV Park, "The RV sites are spacious as they are former mobile home sites converted to RV parking. Mostly back in but with the size of the lots it isn't difficult."
Convenient amenities: Campers appreciate facilities that provide comfort during their stay. At Honcho RV Park, Alexis P. reports, "The facilities are absolutely incredible. The nicest bathrooms I've seen on my cross country trip. A little pricey at $67 per night, but they make it worth it with the excellent facilities."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Many waterfront campgrounds have limited seasonal availability. Blue Creek operates "April 1 to September 30" while Lee D. notes, "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)."
Site selection challenges: Not all sites are created equal within campgrounds. Lee D. shares their experience at Blue Creek: "Site 55 was not going to work for us. It had a very short sloping half-circle drive and after 10 minutes of maneuvering, it was obvious there was no way we were going to be level."
Urban vs. rural experiences: Some camping options near Catoosa function primarily as overnight stops rather than nature retreats. Jennifer D. clarifies about Expo Square RV Park, "This is a great place for Rv's but it's not for camping. People stay here when there are events in town at the expo center such as huge horse shows, gun shows, the fair etc."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety preparation: When camping at lakeside locations, bring appropriate safety gear. Lee D. observed at Blue Creek that "we saw a few people kayaking," and several sites mention swimming areas. At Tall Chief Cove, Randy S. recommends site A22 for its "great area for swimming."
Activity supplies: Many campgrounds offer recreational facilities but require equipment. At Blue Creek, Lee D. notes, "When the gate attendant is there, you can check out supplies for these activities." This includes "volleyball, horseshoes, bean bag toss, and basketball."
Facility research: Check ahead about bathroom conditions for family comfort. JULIE A. warns about Claremore Expo RV Park, "However only one shower was working and the two toilets are not enclosed. It was okay for the one night that we stayed but we won't go back."
Tips from RVers
Water hookup planning: Some sites require advance preparation for water access. Randy S. advises about Tall Chief Cove site A22: "The only inconvenience is this site is farthest from the shared water source. They do however allow a splitter valve. Best to fill your tank before heading out, bring 200' of hose, or bring a couple water containers."
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at certain campgrounds. Liz R. from Tall Chief Cove mentions, "We have camped here several times with friends and share the same site, with spots for two campers; right on the lake." However, Dennis P. notes, "Didn't care for the slope of our site, but there were only a couple available when we booked it."
Security considerations: Assess campground security before making reservations. Bianca B. warns about Bluff Landing: "Pretty sure the people who tend to this are thieves. My family's camper was broken into and our truck was stolen from this place. The people did not care or offer any help because they run a scam."
