Fort Gibson Lake spans 19,900 acres in eastern Oklahoma with 225 miles of shoreline. Water levels vary significantly throughout the year, sometimes fluctuating over 25 feet between winter and summer. Fort Gibson Lake campsites offer varying degrees of privacy with some areas featuring dense tree cover while other campgrounds provide more open settings with panoramic lake views.
What to do
Fishing from docks: At Tullahassee Loop Recreation Area, anglers can fish directly from the shoreline or designated docks. "Small, quite, clean camp ground. Perfect for one on one time with yourself or spouse to really spend time with each other," notes Donald M.
Explore historical sites: The area around Fort Gibson Lake contains historical landmarks relating to Oklahoma's territorial days. "The east side of the lake is spring fed creeks and therefore cleaner and clearer. I grew up on this lake and it can be a fun place," explains David M.
Water sports in summer: Water levels determine accessibility for boaters and other water recreation. "Great place to fish and do all kinds of water sports," states Bianca B. about the conditions at Sequoyah State Park.
Winter hiking: Off-season hiking provides quieter trail experiences. "If you dig the crowds and the splash park scene and the loud music... hit it in the summer. But if you like it quiet and peaceful check it out in the winter or early spring," recommends ShaneB at Greenleaf State Park Campground.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing at certain waterfront locations. "The campground is great except no sewer connections. The boat ramp is fantastic, great views of the lake and plenty of trees most sites are shaded," notes Royce A. about Taylor Ferry.
Free camping options: Multiple recreation areas around Fort Gibson Lake offer free camping. "You can stay up to 14 days for free at this location. We will return next time we are passing through!" reports UnnamedAdventures about Wahoo Bay.
Well-maintained facilities: Campground upkeep receives positive mentions across multiple sites. "The campground is well maintained. Park Host are very nice people. There is a pavilion and corn hole game setup, bring your own bags," shares Todd R. about Blue Bill Point.
Off-season tranquility: Lower crowds during non-peak times create a different camping experience. "We stayed in the north end of the Choctaw Campground, nearest the converted cabin and heated showerhouse. All facilities (water, toilets, info) were open and working," explains Leni K. about November camping at Sequoyah State Park.
What you should know
Flooding affects sites: Due to Fort Gibson Lake's role as a flood control reservoir, campgrounds sometimes experience closure or limited access. "When we visited it had recently flooded and the trails were covered. It is a decent family park with several different areas to camp," reports Tom K.
Seasonal bathroom availability: Facilities vary across seasons. "Bathrooms could stand to be updated. There is a marina where you can rent canoes and kayaks and buy supplies," notes Richard about Jackson Bay Recreation Area.
Lake access challenges: Water levels impact boat ramps and water access points. "Amazing free campground, you can stay here for 14 days. No amenities, but it's well taken care of. Some spots have grills and picnic tables. The road leading to the campground is mostly gravel, but it's manageable," explains Katharina D.
Varying shower conditions: Shower quality differs between campgrounds. "Plus, the ones we saw looked like they had black mold all around. Needless to say, we did not use the showers," warns Phil W. about Cherokee section facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Splash pad access: Greenleaf State Park offers water recreation beyond the lake. "The absolute best part of this park is the splash pad. It was the best splash pad we've been too. They had a cool slide and we had a blast," shares Richard.
Nature center activities: Educational opportunities exist year-round. "Nature Center staff were more helpful than the info center, on top of a super educational and fun tour they held even in the chilly wind," reports Leni K.
Playgrounds and amenities: Several campgrounds feature child-friendly facilities. "There is a pavilion and corn hole game setup, bring your own bags. Boat ramp is large and plenty of parking," explains Todd R.
Halloween activities: Special seasonal events make fall camping memorable. "This park offers full hookup sites and has many hiking trails. In October, they do trick or treating every weekend - which is fun!" notes Jenny about Sequoyah State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: RVers recommend researching specific sites before booking. "The RV FHU sites in the Deer Run campground are on top of one another. We had a neighbor's picnic table maybe a foot or two at best from the slide out side window," warns Gonzo A. about one section of Greenleaf State Park.
Varying hookup options: Different campgrounds offer different levels of RV service. "Choctaw camping area has full hookups, nice concrete pads & concrete picnic tables. Limited amount of shade. Water access is a short distance away," explains Christine N.
Water connection preparation: Some sites require extra equipment. "In our site we needed 50 ft of water hose and I would suggest bringing a 'y' water connector," advises Kassi S.
Backing challenges at waterfront sites: Premium lakefront locations sometimes require advanced maneuvering skills. "This particular site is beautiful, shaded, has a lake view, and is within 100 yds of a nice swimming area. IMO this site was moderately difficult to back in the trailer so if you don't have good backing skills this isn't the site for you," cautions Stephani K.
