McGee Creek State Park campground offers tent sites with varying levels of privacy across multiple camping areas. Tent Hill provides more secluded options with only four sites in this section, while Buster Height campground features multiple sites positioned closer together. The park includes a playground, pavilion, swim beach, fishing docks and climate-controlled lake huts built in the 1940s by the WPA. Lake Texoma's camping areas provide access to multiple recreational activities with several campgrounds located on peninsulas extending into the water.
What to do
Trout fishing in Blue River: Visitors to Blue River Campground need an Oklahoma fishing license even if not planning to fish. "Great place to camp. Stayed during Thanksgiving, after Blue River was stocked with Trout, fishing was awesome. Great family camping and fishing," notes Hope F. This natural aquifer offers clear flowing waters over rock ledges with pools between.
Explore hiking trails: Chickasaw National Recreation Area offers well-maintained trails with varying difficulty levels. "We hiked the Bromide Hill and Bison Overlook trails for some really nice views," shares Jasmine M. The park contains multiple swimming areas, including Little Niagara and Travertine Creek, which get crowded during peak hours.
Equestrian experiences: Platter Flats includes a dedicated equestrian camping area with trails connecting to Lakeside Park. "We ended up about halfway down on campsite 1... There are great hiking trails and beautiful views. We had two kids with us and we loved walking around the campground and seeing all the horses," reports Rachael H. Non-horse owners can also camp in the equestrian area when regular sections fill up.
What campers like
Lake access: McGee Creek State Park campground offers sites with direct lake access. "We met the camp host who assisted us in finding our spot. We had a site far from anyone else and had a lakeside camp spot. This made our site feel huge," says Jo L. Many campers appreciate the sunrises over the lake, often with fog rolling across the water in early morning.
Stargazing opportunities: Several campgrounds in the Coleman area provide excellent night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "This place is really dark at night and some campsites are very private. You can see so many stars," writes Paul T. about McGee Creek State Park. The park features gravel campsites, each equipped with a grill and table.
Well-maintained facilities: Lake Texoma State Park provides clean camping areas with amenities. "Great sites with picnic tables and grill/ring. Great fishing-local guides available," notes Keri F. The park offers boat launch facilities, making it convenient for visitors bringing watercraft.
What you should know
License requirements: Blue River Campground requires every visitor to hold an Oklahoma fishing license regardless of planned activities. "Luckily our friends in the area knew about this spot and the restrictions: you need to have an OK fishing license to camp (or visit) here," explains Dan N. The license serves as your entry permit even if you don't plan to fish.
Limited services at some sites: Primitive camping areas have fewer amenities. "There is no electric, water faucets, picnic tables, or grills. The bathrooms are primitive as in no flushing toilets. No showers," mentions Melanie W. about Blue River. Some campgrounds feature pit toilets in certain areas with proper bathrooms requiring a walk or drive.
Seasonal crowds: Swimming areas become extremely busy during summer months. "Nearby swimming areas at Little Niagara and Travertine Creek were very packed during the day, so we only visited during the early morning when the water was very cold," reports Jasmine M. Early morning or off-season visits provide more solitude.
Tips for camping with families
Water safety precautions: Eisenhower State Park Campground features a swimming area accessible via a trail. "The swim area in this park is down a pretty steep gravel trail that I had a hard time navigating," notes Dude R. Parents should supervise children on trails leading to water areas and bring appropriate footwear.
Wildlife awareness: Blue River campers should watch for native wildlife. "Hiking is great but watch out for snakes on the ground along trails. I saw a few. There are many snakes such as rattlesnakes and copperheads," warns Melanie W. Teaching children to stay on established paths and examine surroundings helps ensure safety.
Food storage practices: Wildlife may disturb camp areas if food isn't properly secured. "The raccoons can be aggressive, keep your food put up in your car or a cooler and throw away your trash nightly unless you want to pick it up in pieces the next day. They may rip your tent to get to food," advises Tracy C. about Blue River Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Choctaw RV Park offers level concrete pads with full hookups. "Very clean KOA right next to Choctaw casino. They have a shuttle that comes right to your spot to take you to the casino. Cable tv and a great pool as well!" shares Chris P. The campground provides amenities for extended stays.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant leveling equipment. "Just beware if you are camping in an RV, the site is VERY unlevel! We were in a pop-up camper and had one tire up off the ground at least 6 inches with our Baleveler," warns Gina H. about Buckhorn Campground at Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
Utility access variations: Lake Texoma offers different hookup options based on location. "The RV section has both full hookups and water/electric hookups. The prettiest sites are the ones without sewer, and the next time we go for just a weekend we'll pick one of those," advises Brian B., noting that "most of the RV sites have nice, level concrete pads."
