Beavers Bend State Park and surrounding areas near Eagletown, Oklahoma sit within the Ouachita Mountains at elevations ranging from 500 to 2,600 feet. The region receives about 54 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forests dominated by pine, oak, and cypress trees. Camping options range from developed sites with concrete pads to more primitive areas along the Mountain Fork River, which maintains a year-round temperature of 50-60°F due to bottom-release dam flows.
What to do
Hiking trails: Beavers Bend State Park features multiple trail systems of varying difficulty. The park maintains several well-marked routes through forests and along waterways. A visitor noted, "Enjoyed the hiking in this park. Lots of great cleared trails. Often times I was the only hiker. A real gem is the COE access road that runs along the river past the spillway" at Acorn Campground.
Kayaking: The Mountain Fork River provides excellent kayaking opportunities for beginners and experienced paddlers. Water releases from the dam create varying conditions. One camper at Beavers Bend State Park Campground shared, "We had a great time canoeing on the river. Deer were everywhere in the evening."
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife including deer, otters, and various bird species. A camper reported, "I was entertained by an otter family and ducks daily" while staying riverside at Acorn Campground.
Museum visits: The Forest Heritage Center Museum offers regional history exhibits and nature education. "Great museum and nature centers" according to a visitor who recommended, "With all there is to do, best give yourself time to explore the area."
What campers like
Riverside camping: Sites along the Mountain Fork River are particularly popular for their water access and scenery. A camper at Turkey Circle described their experience as a "Beautiful little hideaway spot, elevated with cozy tree cover, very private, haven't seen anyone the whole 3 days!"
Fall colors: The deciduous forests create spectacular autumn displays, typically peaking in late October. One visitor at Acorn Campground noted, "Late October and the colors were gorgeous. We were so close, but missed peak fall colors by about a week or so."
Quiet weekday visits: Off-peak stays offer a more secluded experience. A camper described Turkey Circle as "A lovely off-peak hours place. Manicured and maintained and was safe with my two working dogs."
Swimming areas: The cool river water provides relief during hot summer months. A visitor at Bluejay reported, "We had the best time a stones throw from the water. The park had some great hiking trails and museum."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Mobile connectivity is extremely limited throughout most camping areas. According to a visitor, "No Verizon service except at the nature center... You can jump on their wifi, or if I walked to the pavilion behind the store I could get one bar on my phone."
Reservation requirements: Advanced bookings are strongly recommended, especially during peak seasons. A camper advised, "We planned our trip and reservation process on the TravelOK.com website which I highly recommend reserving in advance because this place fills up fast."
Dam release sirens: Water releases from Broken Bow Dam are preceded by warning signals. As one camper noted, "There is a water release siren that sounds occasionally and it is loud, but it doesn't happen frequently, or at night, at least not during my stay."
Bathroom quality varies: Facilities differ between campground sections. A camper at Quail Circle observed, "The facilities are a little dated, but generally clean. The showers have plenty of hot water."
Tips for camping with families
Activity variety: The park offers activities beyond standard camping experiences. A visitor noted, "HUGE place. Cabins, a lodge, restaurant, RV campgrounds, tent only campgrounds, fly fishing, kayaks, hiking. When it isn't COVID they have wagon rides, horse riding, pedal boats, paddle board and kayak rentals and miniature golf."
Nature center visits: The park's educational facilities are particularly good for children. "Definitely worth a visit especially if you have kiddos, and the ranger here is fantastic!!" according to one camper.
Premium vs. standard sites: Consider site location when booking with children. One camper at Creekside RV Park advised, "Nice level lots with plenty of room behind to set up tables and games. Clean. Highway noise is a little loud but it does die down at night so no problem sleeping."
Seasonal planning: Summer heat and humidity can be challenging for families. A visitor recommended, "I highly recommend visiting in early spring or fall the humidity is a hash during summer."
Tips from RVers
RV site selection: Premium riverside sites at Acorn Campground accommodate larger rigs. A camper reported, "We had a premium RV site on river in Acorn section that had a level concrete pad with water and 30/50 amp hook up. I definitely recommend this area for large rigs."
Hookup variations: RV sites near Eagletown, Oklahoma offer different utility configurations. At Quail Circle, "The RV spots have 30 amp hookups and water. No sewer," while some areas provide full hookups.
Water hose requirements: Water connections at some sites require extra equipment. Come prepared with adequate length hoses for hookups that may be distant from parking pads.
Dump station access: Multiple dump stations are available, but location and ease of access vary. A camper noted there was "a dual dump site" not far from the Acorn campground area.
