Fort Gibson Lake forms the heart of camping spots near Hulbert, Oklahoma, with 225 miles of shoreline and water levels that fluctuate seasonally due to its role as a flood control lake. The eastern side of the lake features spring-fed creeks, creating clearer water for recreational activities. Campgrounds in this area range from primitive lakeside spots with vault toilets to full-service RV parks with concrete pads.
What to do
Fishing from shore: At Taylor Ferry, campers can easily access prime fishing spots directly from the campground. "We caught some catfish right off the rock peer," reports one visitor who stayed at the north end.
Water recreation: Fort Gibson Lake provides opportunities for various water activities with multiple boat ramps. At Blue Bill Point, "there's a nice swimming area and a beautiful spot for SUP boards and kayaks. If you have a boat, it can be anchored by the beach."
Hiking: Greenleaf State Park offers several well-maintained trails for day hikes. "The trails at greenleaf are well maintained and marked. Their primitive camping is accessible and well kept," notes a reviewer who appreciates the park's hiking opportunities.
Wildlife viewing: The area hosts diverse wildlife, particularly during less crowded seasons. "We observed a pack of turkeys quietly making their way down the ridge. It was magical," shares a camper who visited during Thanksgiving.
What campers like
Off-season tranquility: Visiting during non-peak times transforms the camping experience. At Sequoyah State Park, "We stayed in the north end of the Choctaw Campground, nearest the converted cabin and heated showerhouse. We were the only tent visitors until our last night when two additional campers arrived."
Shoreline access: Many campgrounds provide direct lake access with rocky or sandy beaches. "The rocky beach and how wooded all the sites were!" stands out as a favorite feature for visitors to Blue Bill Point.
Fall colors: Autumn brings visual rewards for campers willing to brave cooler temperatures. "We went to enjoy hiking & fall colors and we're not disappointed," shares a Greenleaf State Park visitor who camped during Thanksgiving.
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate no-cost sites. At Wahoo Bay, "You can stay up to 14 days for free at this location. The campsites are very specious and most if not all of them overlook the lake."
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Each campground has different policies. At Dam Site Campground, reservations may not be required, while others like Cherokee Landing State Park require advance booking through their online system.
Water level fluctuations: Fort Gibson Lake serves as a flood control lake, meaning water levels change throughout the year. "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."
Showers require quarters: Several campgrounds in the area have pay showers. "The showers will cost you, so bring quarters," advises a visitor to Sequoyah State Park.
Seasonal closures: Some areas restrict access during winter months. "Campground closes December 8 and reopens March 31," reports a visitor to Cherokee Landing State Park who visited during fall.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated family areas: Some campgrounds separate family camping from louder sections. At Eagle Bluff Resort, "The park is set up in several sections. There is the family campground which we were in, and the late night campground, which is intended for late night drinking and music."
Splash pads available: Water features offer entertainment 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."
Fall weekends feature activities: Special seasonal events enhance family camping experiences. "In October, they do trick or treating every weekend - which is fun!" notes a Sequoyah State Park visitor.
Beach conditions vary: Swimming areas differ between locations. "The swim area is perfect for our toddler grandsons, as it's a slow decline," mentions a Blue Bill Point visitor, highlighting its family-friendly shoreline.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Not all sites provide equal experiences for RVs. "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."
Concrete pads available: Some areas offer premium surfaces for larger rigs. "Choctaw camping area has full hookups, nice concrete pads & concrete picnic tables. Limited amount of shade."
Extra hose length needed: Water connections sometimes require additional equipment. "At our site we needed 50 ft of water hose and I would suggest bringing a 'y' water connector."
Dump stations limited: Most campgrounds offer electric and water but lack sewer connections. "The campground is great except no sewer connections. Great views of the lake and plenty of trees most sites are shaded."
