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Best Campgrounds near Cherokee, OK

69 Reviews

Campgrounds within northern Oklahoma provide access to several unique ecosystems in the Cherokee area, including salt plains, lakes, and river areas. Salt Plains State Park Campground features diverse accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options along the shores of Great Salt Plains Lake. Cherokee City RV Park offers electric, water, and sewer connections for travelers needing convenience, while Sandy Beach provides lakefront access with picnic tables. Salt River Road offers a more rustic dispersed camping experience with walk-in and hike-in access within the broader natural area.

Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though amenities and accessibility can vary significantly by season. Salt Plains State Park has several camping areas including Sandy Beach and River Road campgrounds, with the latter offering more shade and proximity to the river. Electric and water hookups are available at multiple locations, while primitive camping is limited to designated areas. Cell service can be spotty, particularly for T-Mobile users, so advance planning is essential. The crystal digging area at Salt Plains is only accessible from April through October due to bird migration patterns. A visitor noted, "Crystal digging is only available from April 1 to October 15 due to the area being a migration stop for whooping cranes."

Campers consistently highlight the peaceful atmosphere and natural attractions that make the area worth visiting. The campgrounds along rivers receive particularly positive feedback for their shade and bird watching opportunities. The Salt Plains area provides a distinctive landscape with selenite crystal digging opportunities that appeal to families. According to one reviewer, "This is a really great park in Major County, Oklahoma. Very close to other natural sites like, Little Sahara and the Gloss (Glass) Mountains." Several visitors mentioned the campgrounds are rarely crowded, offering a quiet retreat. Campgrounds with river access provide excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for catfish, walleye, and striper. Visitors should be prepared for potentially windy conditions, especially at lakeside sites where protection from trees may be limited.

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Best Camping Sites Near Cherokee, Oklahoma (33)

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Recent Camping Photos near Cherokee, OK

8 Photos of 33 Cherokee Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Cherokee, OK

69 Reviews of 33 Cherokee Campgrounds

  • Dana H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Big Bend Park

    Very Nice

    On the west side of the lake. The campground is open to the public and considered private. Gated with well-maintained roads, old-growth trees, landscaping, ample sized back-in sites with asphalt, covered picnic tables with prep area, and grills. Some tent sites with water. Each r.v. site has a spigot and shore power. Some are 50 amp and others are 30 all with 15. Each site has a view of the lake. Playground and public toilets. Boat ramp. Convenience store at corner. Very nice, we will be back.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Salt Plains State Park Campground

    Beautiful spots next to the river

    This is our second time staying here and it’s always so peaceful and quiet. Several spots are butted up right against the river with lots of shade trees. There are 30 and 50 amp spots and all the spots have water. There are plenty of tent camping spots as well. Showers and flushing toilets and a playground are nearby. Great hiking and great birdwatching. You do have to make reservations online or go to the Ranger station to pay.

  • Dana H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Canadian

    Classic

    Large, well-kept campground. A and B sections. We stayed in A section which is newer due to tornado damage. Cement pads, covered picnic tables, drive-thru, and back-up sites. 50, 30, 15 amp shore power, water spigot. Dumpsters are easy to get to, dump station on site. Playground. Bathrooms with showers. Boat ramp.

  • h
    May. 20, 2025

    Cherokee City RV Park

    Overnight stay

    Little RV park, has what you need with electric, water and sewer hookups. Walking distance to the restaurant.

  • M
    May. 13, 2025

    Medicine Lodge City Park

    Great place

    There are a few spots by the bathroom, across from the baseball field. Bathrooms have flush toilets and a shower. Besides the baseball players, we're the only ones here.

  • Korina D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 14, 2025

    Salt Plains State Park Campground

    Great weekend at Great Salt Plains

    Beautiful campsites. I stayed at tent sites on South Spillway and North Spillway. Hiking was awesome. Views from top of the spillway are unbelievable. Lots of fishing going on. Restrooms near campsites are very clean. Showers are new and nice.

    WiFi is available at office.

    Verizon service works good throughout the park.

    Two years ago when I visited I was using T-Mobile, and it hardly work at all. Very bad signal.

    I know many locals use AT&T and seem to have a good signal.

  • Dana H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 12, 2025

    Alabaster Caverns State Park Campground

    Slept in cave...

    Many years ago, I decided I wanted a real adventure, so I heard Alabaster Caverns would let you sleep in a cave. I don't know if they still do it, but it was a wild adventure. You have to hike down into the canyon to a make-shift campsite near a cave opening. There was a table, a fire pit off to the side, and a little obstacle course of tree limbs to get to the cave mouth that overlooked a straight drop to the ground. Inside the cave were rocks flattened on the top to be made to be beds. They are close to the cave ceiling (important). In the back of the cave was a little waterfall. Now, while you are lying down, yes, bats can come in and out. It's cool. They aren't interested in you. It was a great adventure.

  • Dana H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 9, 2025

    Salt Plains State Park Campground

    Pure peace

    I've been many times. Each time, even during the summer season, I have to say this is the quietest lake I've ever been to. Now, I can't say it's always that way, but it was when I was there. I've been in June, August, and November, and the beautiful, natural setting is so refreshing. If you're looking for a lazy, laid-back time, this is your place. If you're looking for a lot of amenities, not so much. Might also be the only lake in Oklahoma that has salty water (not like ocean, though). Catfish are abundant and LARGE. Lake is fairly shallow. Wonderful hiking.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 8, 2025

    Alabaster Caverns State Park Campground

    Adorable

    Small park with a little bit rough hiking trails but if you are into caves, I think this is a great place for you. Two campgrounds...one for RVs and one for more primitive camping. Both are nice.

Guide to Cherokee

Camping near Cherokee, Oklahoma, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the outdoors: The Salt Plains State Park Campground is a great spot for hiking and enjoying nature. One camper mentioned, "The park is very big and lots of different areas to explore."
  • Fishing and boating: At Big Bend Park, you can enjoy fishing and boating activities. A visitor shared, "The large lake looks like a great place for boating activities."
  • Crystal digging: The Salt Plains State Park Campground is famous for its crystal digging. One family noted, "The kids had a great time digging at the salt flats."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Roman Nose State Park. One reviewer said, "The bathrooms and showers are new and very nice."
  • Scenic views: Many enjoy the beautiful views at Alabaster Caverns State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "You could see alabaster everywhere, beautifully exposed."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Campers often mention the peacefulness of places like Spring Hill Campground. One camper noted, "We were there during Thanksgiving week and there were only two other campers."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Kingman State Fishing Lake, have minimal facilities. A camper pointed out, "Most people would not consider a body of water where you can see the bottom as a lake, that would be a pond."
  • Seasonal access: Big Bend Park is open from April 1 to October 31, so plan your trip accordingly. A visitor mentioned, "The check-in process was a bit annoying."
  • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings, especially at Roman Nose State Park. One camper shared, "I saw turtles, a copperhead, a little lizard and several hawks."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and trails, like Spring Hill Campground. A parent noted, "Several playground areas within the park."
  • Plan for meals: Bring your own food and cooking supplies, as some campgrounds don’t have markets nearby. One camper advised, "Wal-Mart is 40 miles away, get whatever you need before you get there."
  • Stay hydrated: Make sure to bring plenty of water, especially during hot months. A visitor at Alabaster Caverns State Park Campground mentioned, "I could only get cold water in the shower."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds, like Kingman State Fishing Lake, have limited space for larger RVs. A reviewer said, "About 10 drive-through sites requiring a turning radius my 20-foot trailer could hardly manage."
  • Be ready for rough terrain: Some sites may have gravel or uneven ground. One camper noted, "Sites are gravel and maybe a little rutted, some more gravel would help level things up."
  • Use generators wisely: If you're at a campground without hookups, like Kingman State Fishing Lake, be prepared to use a generator. A visitor shared, "Used a Honda inverter generator just enough for the coffee maker and microwave."

Camping near Cherokee, Oklahoma, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Cherokee, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, Cherokee, OK offers a wide range of camping options, with 33 campgrounds and RV parks near Cherokee, OK and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Cherokee, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cherokee, OK is Salt Plains State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 24 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cherokee, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Cherokee, OK.

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