9 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Fort Gibson Lake offers limited options for camping with horses near Oklahoma's eastern region. None of the reviewed campgrounds in the area specifically advertise horse-corrals or dedicated equestrian facilities. Taylor Ferry Campground provides water and electric hookups with spacious sites that could accommodate horse trailers, but lacks specific equestrian amenities. The campground features shaded sites, picnic tables, and access to the lake where some visitors have reported seeing wildlife tracks along the shoreline. Blue Creek Campground similarly offers electric hookups and adequate space for larger vehicles but does not list horse-specific facilities among its amenities.
Most campgrounds in the Fort Gibson area maintain pet policies that allow animals but do not specify accommodations for horses. Visitors seeking equestrian-friendly camping may need to arrange private facilities or contact campground managers directly about horse accommodation possibilities. Many campsites do feature open areas, picnic tables, and fire rings that could potentially serve horseback riders. The primitive camping areas may offer more flexibility for those traveling with horses, though water access and waste management would require additional planning. Most campers report clean grounds and helpful staff at area campgrounds that might assist with special requests for horse accommodations.
"Hauling our new camper home and Fort Gibson was a convenient mid point. Dialed up campgrounds and chose this one on CBC a whim."
"It is close to Hwy 51 but you really can’t tell. Gate keepers were wonderful and very helpful I saw some old oyster mushrooms all over the place possibly some lions mane 💓 I had a great time."
"Store outside gate. Gates going in locked at 10:00 p.m. and open at 6:00 a.m."
"We had a great spot located 200 yards from the lake. Also had the boat dock just on the other side of us. Great place to stay, friendly staff!"
from $10 - $50 / night
Check Availability"They also have normal cabin rental and tiny home rentals that were perfectly positioned around campground and fishing pond. My only complaint would be that the sites are really compact."
"Also hiking trails. Also some tent sites. There is a whole new section for Class A and large 5th wheel campers now."
"Horse track and casino were well within walking distance from the camp sites. Quiet location, just off the highway. Highway could not be heard from inside our camper."
"Lots of restaurants close by."
from $42 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $14 - $28 / night
Check Availability"This is a great location for RVers that want the conveniences and/or are wanting to see the local area."
"We camped in a spot near the water. The lake was beautiful at sunset. The bathroom was clean, our spot had a covered picnic table, grill and fire ring."
"General: Blue Creek is one of four campgrounds operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers on Oologah Lake (the others are Spencer Creek, Red Bud, and Hawthorn Bluff)."
from $16 - $50 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $14 / night
Check Availability
ScoutHauling our new camper home and Fort Gibson was a convenient mid point. Dialed up campgrounds and chose this one on CBC a whim. Spent a week here and during that time scouted out all the other government sites in the area. This one is the best gov site in the area.
TravelerWe camped in a spot near the water. The lake was beautiful at sunset. The bathroom was clean, our spot had a covered picnic table, grill and fire ring. And hiking/equestrian trails can be accessed from the group camp or park entrance.
RangerI wouldn’t say this is camping. The people that usually stay here are in town for events at the Expo or driving thru. There is a lot to do nearby. TWithin walking distance there’s the expo center (you can go in and pet horses) and a Rec center with a pool. You can go to Will Rogers Museum, JM Davis fun museum, RSU has a nice little hiking trail as does the Lake.
RangerSpent one night at this campground. Grounds were clean, restrooms and showers were also clean. The check in office was inviting and pleasing. We didn’t use the laundry facility while we were there, but they are available should the need arise. Bathrooms were locked and secure and passcode was required to enter. Passcode was provided upon check in. Our site was a pull through level gravel pad with full hookups. The off leash dog park was a small fenced in area with a couple of benches. Horse track and casino were well within walking distance from the camp sites. Quiet location, just off the highway. Highway could not be heard from inside our camper.
LegendPeak Season April 01, 2021- September 30, 2021
First-come, First-served October 01, 2021- November 30, 2021
All campsites are equipped with electric hookups, and the group shelters have electricity, too.
flush toilets, hot showers, water hydrants, a swim beach, playground, dump station and a boat ramp complex playground
Lake Tenkiller is an amazing location to scuba dive. It's waters are clear and cool from a distance of 8 to 28 feet. A diver will have the opportunity to investigate a sunken airplane fuselage, school bus, helicopter and two boats. In some areas of the lake divers can see the remains of homesteads. The underwater terrain ranges from gently sloping hills to rocky cliffs. The water ranges in depth up to 165 feet.
Tenkiller Ferry Lake is often referred to as "Oklahoma's clear water paradise." The 12,500 acre lake is fed by the Illinois River and the Baron Fork . It is nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in the northeastern part of the state. This area, known as Green Country, is surrounded by dense oak-hickory forests, tall bluffs, and rolling hills. The lake has 130 miles of shoreline with plenty of wildlife such as deer and turkey. It serves as one of the flyways of migratory birds, including bald eagles, common loons, and white pelicans.
Water skiing, boating, fishing, hiking, and swimming and even sailing. Scuba divers enjoy the lake's high visibility and the beautiful clear waters. Fish for black bass, white bass, striped bass, crappie and catfish. The trout stream below the dam is one of only two year-round trout fisheries in Oklahoma, and is regularly stocked with rainbow trout. Hunting is also permitted in parts of the lake area, in accordance with federal and state laws.
Latitude 35° 40' 54.0001" N Longitude 94° 57' 46.0001" W
Directions: From Gore, Oklahoma, go 17.5 miles northeast on Highway 100, take the turn left and go 1.5 miles northwest on the paved access road. Follow signs into the campground.
Check-out time: 3:00 pm. Check-in time: 6:00 pm. Quiet hours: 10:00 pm- 6:00 am.
Entrance gate will be closed during this time.
Grey water and sewage must be properly disposed of in the provided dump station receptacle.
Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site.
Group shelters are for day use only. Fireworks are prohibited. Fishing and hunting are regulated by federal and state laws.
LegendGeneral: Blue Creek is one of four campgrounds operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers on Oologah Lake (the others are Spencer Creek, Red Bud, and Hawthorn Bluff). It is divided into three sections: one with electric hookups (Sites 14-35) and two without (Sites 1-11 and 36-61, with Sites 54-61 that can be used as a group area). On a weekday in early May, the section with electric was full but we had the section with sites 36-61 entirely to ourselves. Sites 1-11 are good for boaters as they are near the boat ramp, however, the sites are not as well delineated (the picnic tables have the site numbers on them and cars park wherever). Since COVID, reservations are required but as with all other CoE campgrounds, the fees are extremely reasonable ($20 for electric,$16 for non-electric and half-price for seniors).
Site Quality/Facilities: It is often impossible to determine the best site when reserving but after arriving, we discovered that Site 55 was not going to work for us. It had a very short sloping half-circle drive and after 10 minutes of maneuvering, it was obvious there was no way we were going to be level. It was also rocky so it would be challenging for tents. This site is the furthest away but near the spot where many fish so it will not be as quiet as you might expect. Fortunately, we were able to switch sites (no one else was there!) and Site 42 was much better and like many others, had a large semi-circular drive. Many sites had a covered concrete pad with a large concrete picnic table, utility table, and lantern hook. There was a dump station, but it was coned off when we were there; we did not need it so I did not ask when/if it would be available.
Bathhouse: The sections without electricity have vault toilets, which were clean, but the flush toilets/showers are within a reasonable walking distance. These were very clean. Soap but bring your towel.
Activities/Amenities: Aside from fishing and boating, there are many activities you can enjoy here including volleyball, horseshoes, bean bag toss, and basketball. When the gate attendant is there, you can check out supplies for these activities. There is also a hiking trail. We saw a few people kayaking. Horses are allowed in the group camping section (Sites 54-61).
Perhaps it is because we had an entire section to ourselves, but we had a relaxing and peaceful stay here and would definitely return.
GuideWe didn't know what to expect. This place has absolutely everything you could need. Full Hookups, level sites (mostly gravel but level), shop with souvenirs and RV gadgets. The office also has a gameroom, pantry, and propane. We didn't get to use the playground area this visit as pool and hot tub were closed for the year. They also have normal cabin rental and tiny home rentals that were perfectly positioned around campground and fishing pond. My only complaint would be that the sites are really compact. Plenty of room for your RV but so close that you can hear and smell your neighbors. Nearby Walmart and restaurants were handy.
LegendThis was our second stop at the KOA in Fort Smith AR. They have many improvements since out last stay. The campground is convenient to I-40. It’s far enough away to not have traffic noise. The sites are level, there is a pool, Propane, fishing pond, and camp store. Also hiking trails. Also some tent sites. There is a whole new section for Class A and large 5th wheel campers now. The are located behind a highway department facility, and last visit the smell of the treated power line poles was overwhelming. No problem this time. This is one of the few campgrounds I’ve been to that have a storm shelter!
GuideWe stayed here for two weeks we stayed on the north end which has a private shower house. We caught some catfish right off the rock peer. It is close to Hwy 51 but you really can’t tell. Gate keepers were wonderful and very helpful I saw some old oyster mushrooms all over the place possibly some lions mane 💓 I had a great time. Bait and a Dollar General were right down the road. The only thing is we were told that the lake would be low for the next two years for reconstruction of the dam. Because of the low water you can walk very far into the water from where we we’re staying. The north side we were on will close for the winter soon. I do advise having a water filter system on your rig we Will totally be returning anytime of year because this COE stays open all year. Two dump stations!
Equestrian camping options near Fort Gibson, Oklahoma are scattered across the region's diverse landscape where the Ozark foothills meet the plains. The area sits at elevations ranging from 550 to 750 feet, with summer temperatures typically averaging 90°F during peak camping seasons. Several campgrounds feature wide, level sites that can accommodate horse trailers, though specialized equestrian amenities remain limited.
Fishing at multiple access points: At Taylor Ferry Campground, the lake provides excellent fishing opportunities. "Great place to camp and boat. Good fishing spots as well," notes Tyler H. in his review. The campground offers direct lake access where "many fish so it will not be as quiet as you might expect."
Scuba diving at Lake Tenkiller: Chicken Creek Campground serves as a gateway to underwater exploration. "Lake Tenkiller is an amazing location to scuba dive. It's waters are clear and cool from a distance of 8 to 28 feet. A diver will have the opportunity to investigate a sunken airplane fuselage, school bus, helicopter and two boats," according to one visitor. The water visibility makes this a standout destination for underwater activities.
Multi-use trails: Horse riders can access trails near Blue Creek where "hiking/equestrian trails can be accessed from the group camp or park entrance," as Elizabeth L. mentions. These trails accommodate both hiking and horseback riding, providing varied terrain for equestrian enthusiasts with modest hills and some wooded sections.
Spacious campsites for equipment: Blue Creek Campground offers sites that can accommodate larger setups. "Spots are mostly level & friendly hosts," notes Corey P. The campground's layout works well for those bringing horses, with one section specifically allowing horses: "Horses are allowed in the group camping section (Sites 54-61)."
Extended stay options: Taylor Ferry Campground provides longer-term camping possibilities. "We stayed here for two weeks we stayed on the north end which has a private shower house," shares Elizabeth B., who adds that the "gate keepers were wonderful and very helpful." This makes it suitable for equestrian campers needing more time to explore the area trails.
Secluded camping areas: For those seeking quieter equestrian camping experiences near Fort Gibson, some campgrounds offer isolation. At Blue Creek, one camper noted, "On a weekday in early May, the section with electric was full but we had the section with sites 36-61 entirely to ourselves." This separation helps when camping with horses that need more space and distance from other campers.
Seasonal availability affects facilities: Many campgrounds in the region have limited operating seasons. "Peak Season April 01, 2021- September 30, 2021. First-come, First-served October 01, 2021- November 30, 2021," reports one camper about Chicken Creek Campground. Outside peak seasons, services may be reduced.
Lake level fluctuations: Water access can change throughout the year, affecting shorelines used by horses. "We were told that the lake would be low for the next two years for reconstruction of the dam. Because of the low water you can walk very far into the water from where we we're staying," notes Elizabeth B. about Taylor Ferry.
Gate hours restrict movement: Some campgrounds limit nighttime access. At Chicken Creek, "Gates going in locked at 10:00 p.m. and open at 6:00 a.m.," according to Mark J. Equestrian campers should plan their trail riding schedules accordingly.
Recreation facilities: The Claremore Expo RV Park offers family amenities beyond camping. "Within walking distance there's the expo center (you can go in and pet horses) and a Rec center with a pool," shares Jennifer D. This provides alternative activities for family members who aren't horseback riding.
Playground access: Some campgrounds include play areas for children. At Blue Creek, "there are many activities you can enjoy here including volleyball, horseshoes, bean bag toss, and basketball. When the gate attendant is there, you can check out supplies for these activities."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Families can enjoy nature observation alongside equestrian activities. At Taylor Ferry Campground, Shawn L. reported, "Saw some really interesting paw prints and found a bunch or fish skeletons. One was an Alligator Gar and the rest were catfish of different types." These discoveries create educational opportunities for children.
Limited equestrian hookups: Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA offers full hookups but with close quarters. "Plenty of room for your RV but so close that you can hear and smell your neighbors," notes Craig E. Horse trailers require careful positioning at most sites.
Site selection for larger rigs: Taylor Ferry Campground has some sites better suited for equestrian setups. "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," according to Royce A. RVers with horse trailers should request specific sites with adequate parking space.
Water quality considerations: For long-term equestrian camping, water filtration may be needed. "I do advise having a water filter system on your rig," warns Elizabeth B. about Taylor Ferry Campground. This affects both human consumption and water for horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Fort Gibson, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Fort Gibson, OK is Taylor Ferry with a 4.4-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Fort Gibson, OK?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Fort Gibson, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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