Oologah Lake campsites spread across northeastern Oklahoma's prairie landscape at approximately 650 feet elevation. The lake spans over 29,000 surface acres with 209 miles of shoreline, creating diverse camping environments from wooded areas to open waterfront sites. Water levels frequently fluctuate based on Corps of Engineers dam operations, affecting shoreline access and boat launch conditions throughout different seasons.
What to do
Hiking trails nearby: At Hawthorn Bluff, visitors can explore the rocky shoreline and nearby hiking paths. "The hiking trails are nice although I have been a couple of times and had a TON of ticks but not very often. There a lot to do!" says Jennifer D., who grew up in the area.
Bird watching opportunities: Mid-autumn brings unique wildlife viewing when pelicans migrate. "Mid October Oolagah Lake is in the path of Pelicans migrating south. When you camp mid to end of October the lake with be covered with a white layer of pelicans," notes Cheryl T. at Spencer Creek.
Dam fishing spots: The area below Oologah Dam offers different fishing conditions than the main lake. "This side of the dam isn't known much for camping, people tend to camp on the other side where you can hike and boat. This side of the dam is for fishing," explains Jennifer D. about Verdigris River Park.
Water recreation rentals: Visitors without their own equipment can still enjoy water activities. "You can rent all kinds of water crafts even kayaks. There's a island in the middle called goat island that is fun to check out," according to Jennifer D. about the options at Redbud Bay.
What campers like
Ridge-top views: Several campsites sit elevated above the water level. "We had a great site on the bluff overlooking the lake. It was close to the restroom that was very clean and convenient," reports Ann L. about her experience at Hawthorn Bluff.
Family-friendly swim areas: Many campgrounds provide designated swimming locations with safety features. "The swim beach was well kept and easily accessible with free life jacket loaners," notes Stephen R. in his review of Blue Creek.
Clean facilities: Despite being Corps of Engineers campgrounds without full amenities, many visitors note the maintenance quality. "The bathrooms and showers were always clean and fresh," according to Sherly C. at Hawthorn Bluff, though she cautions "the only downside is that they don't have water hookups at the sites."
Historic attractions: The lake area includes noteworthy cultural sites. "You can tour the birthplace for free, there's an old barn to explore, you can go hiking, there's horse trails as well," says Jennifer D. about Dog Iron Ranch & Will Rogers Birthplace, which offers limited camping options.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close during winter months. "Sites 1-11 are good for boaters as they are near the boat ramp, however, the sites are not as well delineated," says Lee D. about Blue Creek, which operates from April 1 to September 30.
Off-season limitations: Facilities may be reduced outside peak season. "Hawthorn Bluff does not charge for camping until April 1st... since they were not charging for campsites during my stay, the showers were locked and not opened as well as another restroom," reports Blake B.
Site levelness challenges: Many lakeside sites feature sloping terrain. "Once arriving at the camp site, I discovered that the sites near the lake were very sloped making it a little difficult to find a flat spot to set up a tent," notes Blake B. about Hawthorn Bluff.
Public fishing access: Some campsites may experience fishing traffic. "There is a man-made path directly behind where a camper/rv parks that leads down to the shore/lake, that is heavily used by those who fish," warns Mary H. about Spencer Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Beach areas for children: Some campgrounds feature kid-friendly swimming zones. "The grounds were well kept, clean and spacious. They offer fishing docks, boat launches, plenty of bank to fish from as well as small playground equipment in a few places for the kids," Stephen R. shares about Hawthorn Bluff.
Cliff safety concerns: Certain sites require extra vigilance with children. "Lake side spots are not advisable if you have little ones, the bluffs are very close to the fire pits and have about a 30ft drop," cautions Douglas about Hawthorn Bluff.
Spacious gathering sites: Some areas accommodate larger family groups. "The site that we had was more than enough room for 4 adults, 3 kids and a dog. We had 2 cars, two tents, a canopy and the dog on a tie out leash and still had plenty of room for the kids to play," according to Stephen R.
Tips from RVers
Extra-long water hoses needed: RV campers should prepare for distant water connections. "The site did not have a dedicated water hook up. We had to buy a 75' hose to put water in our fresh tank," advises Ron K. about Spencer Creek.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require additional equipment for comfortable setup. "We moved a couple of times and tried all combination of stacking lumber under the tongue jack but still had to sleep with our heads at the foot end of our bed," Ron K. shares about his stay at Spencer Creek.
Fishing-focused campgrounds: Some areas cater specifically to anglers. "This is a great short or long term RV spot for those that are wanting to have possibilities of great fishing," notes Mike B. about Allens Point R.V. Park, which he describes as "mainly structured to attract older campers."
