Rustic camping near Copan, Oklahoma offers access to multiple dispersed camping areas across the Oklahoma-Kansas state line. Located in a region with humid subtropical climate, summer temperatures average 85-95°F with moderate precipitation year-round. Winter camping requires preparation for nighttime temperatures that can drop below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Montgomery State Fishing Lake provides multiple gravel shorelines for bank fishing. According to Spicy M., the lake offers "free spots on a State fishing lake. Nice view well kept. Spots all around lake. Pit toilet, 1 trash can if you can find it."
Kayaking excursions: Pawhuska Lake supports non-motorized water activities in a calm environment. Curtis L. notes, "The lake is a no wake lake and is great for kayaking. They used to stock it with trout."
Wildlife observation: Dawn and dusk provide optimal viewing hours for local wildlife at most area lakes. James B. reported his experience: "Saw several deer across the lake at dusk, eating grass. Beautiful spot not far off Highway 75."
What campers like
Proximity to town: Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed sits within easy driving distance of supplies. Mela R. appreciates that "it's so quiet and peaceful. Very close to town so you never have to miss anything you may have forgotten. And heck its free!"
Clean grounds: Despite minimal maintenance at some sites, campers often find the areas surprisingly well-kept. James B. observed, "No toilets or trash pickup. The area was actually very clean."
Reduced crowding: Many dispersed sites remain uncrowded even during peak seasons. Sean M. shared his July experience at Pawhuska Lake: "I'm here in July and nobody else is here."
What you should know
Minimal facilities: Moline North Lake provides basic amenities for campers but lacks running water. Eben O. explains, "There are fishing access piers and a well-maintained road to them, as well as shelters, picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet... There are few services, and no running water."
Variable maintenance: Seasonal upkeep varies significantly across camping areas. Sean M. cautions about Pawhuska Lake: "It looks like it hasn't been mowed at all this year. Some of the sites would be hard to get to with all the tall grass."
Restroom conditions: Facilities at most sites range from basic to unusable. Sean M. notes, "The toilets are just OK. One has the water level pretty high so I wouldn't use that but the other one would be OK."
Tips for camping with families
Pack essential supplies: Montgomery State fishing lake offers primitive camping without immediate access to supplies. Spicy M. indicates, "Free spot on a State fishing lake. Nice view well kept. Spots all around lake. Pit toilet, 1 trash can if you can find it."
Verify current regulations: Local rules may change without notice at municipal properties. Eben O. recommends, "We suggest calling the city office to determine current policy and status of the area, but we had no problems."
Plan bathroom alternatives: Most sites have unreliable or non-existent facilities. Curtis L. describes Pawhuska Lake's amenities as "no improvements beyond a few picnic tables and a toilet only the desperate would consider using."
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Some camping areas have unmarked or unmaintained access roads. Curtis L. explains how to reach Pawhuska Lake camping: "To reach the camping area you drive across the damn to the west boat dock area. There is a dirt road/trail that heads up to a few camping spots."
Site selection: Carefully assess potential camping spots before committing. Sean M. advises about Pawhuska Lake, "I camped on the back part and it was easy enough to get to."
Location scouting: Some previously established camping areas may be abandoned or overgrown. Curtis L. notes, "Most of the camping areas have been abandoned to time but some of them are still maintained."
