Pet-friendly camping options surround Catoosa, Oklahoma, situated at about 600 feet elevation in the rolling northeastern Oklahoma hills. This area features a mix of lakes, rivers, and public lands where temperatures range from summer highs in the 90s to winter lows below freezing. Seasonal considerations are crucial as wildlife activity, including ticks and snakes, increases during warmer months across Catoosa's camping destinations.
What to do
Fishing access: Hawthorn Bluff offers excellent shoreline fishing spots with convenient access. "The fishing dock was very spacious and secure for us and the grandkids," notes Ron K. about nearby Hawthorn Bluff.
Kayaking: Blue Creek campground provides direct lake access for paddlers. "We saw a few people kayaking. Horses are allowed in the group camping section (Sites 54-61)," reports a camper at Blue Creek, which sits on Oologah Lake.
Swimming beaches: Many campgrounds feature designated swimming areas with sandy shores. "The swim beach was well kept and easily accessible with free life jacket loaners," notes Stephen R. about one local lake, adding that the grounds were "well kept, clean and spacious."
Local attractions: Explore nearby museums and cultural sites when taking breaks from camping. "There are many local attractions and things to do (Claremore Expo, Will Rogers Museum, J.M. Davis Gun Museum, etc.) and all of the shopping and vintage stores," mentions one reviewer about the Claremore area.
What campers like
Lake views: Many sites offer direct water views for beautiful sunrises and sunsets. "We camped in a spot near the water. The lake was beautiful at sunset," shares Elizabeth L. about her stay at Blue Creek, mentioning that their "spot had a covered picnic table, grill and fire ring."
Spacious campsites: Tall Chief Cove features larger than average sites with room to spread out. "We have camped here several times with friends and share the same site, with spots for two campers; right on the lake," explains Liz R., highlighting the social camping possibilities.
Security features: Campgrounds implement various security measures to protect guests. "Bathrooms were locked and secure and passcode was required to enter. Passcode was provided upon check in," reports Renee H., noting that this added to her comfort during her stay.
Wildlife viewing: Natural habitats around Catoosa campgrounds support diverse wildlife. "Stayed in B39 with a lake view and saw lots of bird wildlife," mentions Bonnie A. during her camping experience, appreciating the natural setting despite being relatively close to urban areas.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Many campgrounds close during colder months. "Blue Creek is one of four campgrounds operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers on Oologah Lake... Since COVID, reservations are required," explains a reviewer about Cherry Hill Mobile Home & RV Park, noting the scheduling requirements.
Site selection: Choose campsites carefully as terrain varies significantly. "It is often impossible to determine the best site when reserving but after arriving, we discovered that Site 55 was not going to work for us. It had a very short sloping half-circle drive," warns one camper, explaining they moved to a better site.
Water hookups: Not all sites offer direct water connections. "The only downside is that they don't have water hookups at the sites. You can connect your hose to the nearest spigot but you better hope it's long enough," cautions Sherly C., advising campers to come prepared.
Booking windows: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "The best sites need to be reserved as many as 6 months in advance. Our favorite is A22 since it's right on the water with a place for a boat and great area for swimming," advises Randy S.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play equipment for children. "The grounds were well kept, clean and spacious. They offer fishing docks, boat launches, plenty of bank to fish from as well as small playground equipment in a few places for the kids," shares Stephen R.
Recreation centers: Claremore Expo RV Park provides access to additional facilities. "Access to the Expo rec center is nice and our kids had a lot of fun in the pool. They really enjoyed the climbing wall and diving board!" explains Lisa H., highlighting indoor options for rainy days.
Safety considerations: Be prepared for wildlife encounters during warmer months. "Campsite had scorpions at night so be prepared for that 🦂," warns Jenny about her experience, underscoring the importance of teaching children about local wildlife awareness.
Free amenities: Look for campgrounds with included activities. "When the gate attendant is there, you can check out supplies for activities," notes one camper, mentioning volleyball, horseshoes, bean bag toss, and basketball equipment available at no extra cost.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RVers should research site terrain before booking. "We didn't care for the slope of our site, but there were only a couple available when we booked it," shares Dennis P. about his stay at Expo Square RV Park, highlighting the importance of advance planning.
Extended stays: Some parks offer good weekly rates for longer visits. "Stayed here for a week after we got our rv for the first time," mentions one camper who gave their experience five stars, indicating satisfaction with their extended stay arrangements.
Urban proximity: Many RV parks offer convenient access to city amenities. "We stayed in our 39' trailer for AKC National Agility Championship. Very convenient to fairgrounds events," explains Lori C., adding that "Private bathrooms and showers were clean with code entry."
Utility details: Check specific hookup information when booking. "Space 719 was just long enough for trailer but we were allowed to park our truck in the space next to it. Wifi was strong where we were parked," reports a camper, noting the practical arrangement that made their stay more convenient.
Legend
