Camping spots near Butler, Oklahoma primarily center around Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, with multiple state parks and private facilities spanning the shoreline. The elevation in this region averages around 750 feet above sea level, creating moderate terrain suitable for both tent and RV camping. During spring and fall months, temperatures typically range from 50-75°F, providing ideal camping conditions when humidity levels are lower than the often muggy summer season.
What to do
Hiking at Natural Falls State Park: This 77-foot waterfall offers 4.5 miles of trails with varying difficulty levels. As one visitor noted, "There are 4.5 miles of great hiking trails at the park. You can find some great hidden spots along the river and enjoy the quiet." The park entrance fee is $5 per vehicle.
Disc golf courses: Many campgrounds in the area feature extensive disc golf facilities. At Natural Falls State Park Campground, "the park has probably the longest disc golf course I've ever seen," according to a reviewer. Another camper mentioned they "loved the falls, big campsites, hiking trails and 18 hole disc golf."
Wildlife viewing: The lake region offers excellent bird watching opportunities, particularly in less crowded seasons. A camper at Bernice Area — Grand Lake State Park reported, "The lake is gorgeous the campground is clean. On the farthest side from the exit, there is a really nice paved trail with lookouts and various paths to the lake! Lots of ducks, geese and herons."
What campers like
Lake views and access: Many campsites offer direct views of Grand Lake. At Bernice Area, "Most of the sites have a beautiful view of the lake. The pads are really nice level concrete and they have lit power pedestals," according to a recent visitor.
Riverside camping at Spavinaw: The water features distinguish Spavinaw — Grand Lake State Park from other area options. "The River that runs along the campground is really nice. Cool clear water with lots of different fish species to be caught," noted one camper. Another mentioned, "we ended up having our tubes with us so we lucked out... floated down a few times over and over."
Camping during weekdays: Several reviewers recommend weekday visits to avoid crowds. A reviewer at Echo Hollow - Twin Bridges — Grand Lake State Park noted, "Nice, no one camping in December. Mostly set up for RVs with some day use areas. Nice vistas of the Neosho River from the Echo Bluff sites with all the leaves down."
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Maintenance and availability of bathrooms can be inconsistent across campgrounds. At Natural Falls, one camper reported, "Bathrooms were clean and had flush toilets and a shower," while at Spavinaw, another noted, "There was only one bathroom each for women and men and the shower is in that bathroom, so you can wait a loooonnnggg time to use the restroom."
Road noise at some locations: Despite rural settings, highway proximity affects some campgrounds. A Twin Bridges camper mentioned, "busy road that runs next to campground despite the rural setting," and this is common at several locations.
Security considerations: At River Ranch Resort, a reviewer warned about potential security issues: "There was no way to get ahold of the staff, we had to call 911 and it took forever for the cops to get there!" While this is an extreme example, several campgrounds have noted the presence of security patrols.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Several campgrounds feature both lake and pool swimming options. At Pine Island RV Resort, "The kids enjoy the outdoor pool and the lake views from the north side of the property are second to none at Grand Lake," according to a recent visitor.
Kid-friendly campground features: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreational facilities. At Bernice Area, a camper noted, "This kid friendly location offers priceless views of Grand Lake. Great camp host, nature center, and trail."
Consider off-peak timing: School-year weekends offer less crowded experiences. "There weren't any people during the week. It was nice and peaceful. You can put your camping chairs down by the lake and sit," reported one October visitor to Bernice Area.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Many campgrounds accommodate larger RVs but site quality varies. At Grand Lake O' the Cherokees RV Resort by Rjourney, a reviewer noted, "Sites are good size and can accommodate large rigs. Full hookups, nice common area, easy access to launch ramps."
Hookup locations and lengths: Prepare for potentially unusual utility setups. One camper at Eagles Landing Resort mentioned, "The electrical and water hookup for most sites was a strangely long run, so bring a long extension cord and hose."
Concrete pad availability: Many sites feature concrete pads, but not all are created equal. At Bernice Area, a camper noted, "Spots are spacious on back-in concrete pads. Each spot has 50/30/20 power, bbq grill, fire ring, picnic table and light on the power pole."
