Fort Gibson Lake offers several RV camping options in eastern Oklahoma within a 45-minute drive of Tulsa. The lake spans 19,900 acres with 225 miles of shoreline at normal pool elevation. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F between June and August, with milder spring and fall camping conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Marval Camping Resort is located near the Illinois River, offering excellent fishing access. "It's on the Illinois river and is very well kept. Full hookups. Nice staff. Beautiful," notes a camper.
River floating: Echota Village Store & RV Park provides direct access to river floating activities. "Right across from floating the River. Is tucked between two hills that protect you from wind and weather," mentions a reviewer.
Family activities: Many campgrounds near Fort Gibson Lake offer organized events, especially during holiday weekends. "Activities all weekend and through the week!" reports a camper about Marval Camping Resort.
Pet-friendly trails: Several campgrounds provide walking paths for pets. At Sasquatch RV Park, "three or four trails in the back with a basketball goal and a teepee... and a great field just at the end of one of the trails for pups to run free."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Chouteau Moto RV Park gets praised for its maintenance. "Hot water showers, bathrooms, laundry room, wifi, this place has it all," notes one reviewer.
Quiet settings: Some campgrounds offer peaceful environments outside peak season. One reviewer notes about Echota Village, "Off season is amazing as it's quiet with very few people there."
Well-maintained grounds: Campers appreciate RV parks with attentive staff. At Crossroads RV Park, a camper mentioned, "Great sites, quiet campground. Wooded, grass, fenced in dog area, clean grounds."
Marina access: Proximity to boat launches makes some rv sites near Fort Gibson Lake particularly attractive. "This property is located a half mile from the Barnicle Bills Marina and boat ramp. Perfect place to rest after a day of water fun!" notes a reviewer about Tenkiller Bluff RV Park.
What you should know
Seasonal crowds: Waterfront camping areas become extremely busy during summer months. "It was beyond crowded (my son couldn't even ride his bike because of the constant amount of cars)," cautions one Marval Resort visitor.
Mixed cell coverage: Beyond the Verizon coverage mentioned in existing descriptions, some campgrounds report issues with T-Mobile. One camper noted, "We have T-Mobile, and the signal was just not that good. Bars were plentiful, 3-4, but it felt like there was a lot of interference keeping the quality and speed down."
Varying site quality: Not all sites offer the same amenities or level surfaces. A Marval Resort reviewer noted, "Sites are close together, it was beyond crowded."
Reservation policies: Some campgrounds have strict policies about prize redemption and reservations. A camper shared disappointment when "told by the general manager that I was given the wrong information by her staff" regarding redeeming a prize certificate.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Choose campgrounds with dedicated children's facilities. At Marval Resort, a visitor shared, "This place has everything, movie theater, horse riding, a train that goes around the park, golf carts, tons of activities for the entire family... Swimming pool and all..."
Spacious sites: For families with children, look for campgrounds with adequate space. One camper at Crossroads RV Park noted, "The park is well-maintained and the sites are spacious and clean."
Budget considerations: Some campgrounds charge additional fees for guests. One Marval visitor cautioned, "they charged everyone that wanted to enjoy her [daughter's birthday] day $10 not a carload A PIECE."
Off-peak timing: For more relaxed family camping at RV sites near Fort Gibson Lake, consider non-holiday weekends. "Fall tends to be less crowded than summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly," notes a frequent visitor to the area.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Be prepared for uneven surfaces at some rv parks near Fort Gibson Lake. Crossroads RV Park offers pull-through sites, but preparation is key. "The pull-through sites and big rig friendly features were a definite bonus for those with larger vehicles," notes a camper.
Hookup reliability: When booking, confirm the exact hookups available. A reviewer at Marval noted, "Full hookups. Nice staff," while others reported inconsistent experiences with site assignments.
Laundry facilities: For extended stays, some campgrounds offer on-site laundry. Sasquatch RV Park provides "two washers and two dryers (@ $2.50 each that's cheaper than the local laundry mat)."
Weather considerations: The region experiences seasonal storms. Echota Village Store & RV Park provides natural protection, being "tucked between two hills that protect you from wind and weather."
