Lake Sahoma sits at an elevation of approximately 770 feet in northeastern Oklahoma, where camping options range from waterfront tent sites to full-hookup RV parks. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-90s, making water access important for campers seeking relief from the heat. Proximity to Tulsa provides convenient access to urban amenities while still offering natural settings for overnight stays.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Sahoma specializes in fishing with restrictions on other water activities. "Lake Sahoma has very few spots to camp and they are right off the main road so cars drive by often. If you love fishing, this is the lake for you. This lake is strictly for fishing," notes Jennifer D. about Lake Sahoma.
Water recreation: Nearby Heyburn Park offers more diverse water activities than other dog friendly campgrounds near Jenks. "The lake has a great swimming beach area - this seems to be a fishing lake, only a few jet skis were out besides fishing boats. Sandy bottom lake near swim beach," explains Megan B. from a summer visit.
Hiking trails: The wooded areas surrounding Heyburn Lake provide trail access for nature enthusiasts. "Really enjoyed this camp ground. It was very clean and well maintained. The beach was great and there are some Really nice trails for hiking or horseback riding," comments Jacinda V. about her experience.
Wildlife viewing: The lake environments attract various bird species and occasional larger wildlife. One camper at Tall Chief Cove mentioned "Stayed in B39 with a lake view and saw lots of bird wildlife," highlighting the natural viewing opportunities available at lakeside sites.
What campers like
Community atmosphere: Some campgrounds foster social connections among visitors. At Lake Sahoma, Angela F. shares, "Shannon and Dustin are the best! Everyone's like family there. Even have cook outs with them and campfires to. Best time ever."
Spacious RV sites: Cherry Hill Mobile Home & RV Park provides unusually large camping spaces. "The RV sites are spacious as they are former mobile home sites converted to RV parking. Mostly back in but with the size of the lots it isn't difficult," explains Richard G., highlighting the generous site dimensions.
Clean facilities: Several pet-friendly campsites near Jenks maintain well-kept facilities. At Honcho RV Park, a recent visitor noted, "The facilities are absolutely incredible. The nicest bathrooms I've seen on my cross country trip. A little pricey at $67 per night, but they make it worth it with the excellent facilities."
Waterfront access: Direct lake access ranks high among camper preferences. Randy S. recommends specific sites at Tall Chief Cove: "Our favorite is A22 since it's right on the water with a place for a boat and great area for swimming."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have significant terrain variations. At Sheppard Point, a camper reported, "My RV spot is so unlevel it's almost unusable. Front to back there is 2 feet in elevation difference and a foot from side to side."
Seasonal water access: Water systems often shut down in colder months. "We were here in early March. There was no water hook up but they did have 30 amp. Very quiet as we were the only ones there," notes Jill W. about Sheppard Point.
Road noise: Several camping areas near Jenks experience traffic sounds. At Lake Sahoma, Lee F. mentions that "a main road runs through the park so you do get the road noise."
Limited camping duration: Some campgrounds restrict extended stays. Lake Sahoma "Only allows up to 14 days in tents with a 7 day off period in between," according to a reviewer, which affects planning for longer visits.
Cash-only policies: Prepare payment methods accordingly. One Lake Sahoma review noted "Cash only accepted" as an important consideration for visitors.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Jenks feature recreation areas for children. "Fun playground for the kids. Surrounded by water. Clean bathrooms," reports Jennifer M. about her family's experience at Heyburn Park.
Swimming beaches: Safe swimming areas provide essential recreation for families. A visitor to Heyburn Park shared, "We love this little lake bc the swimming area rarely has people there and it's a nice long sandy beach."
Kid-friendly fishing: Youth fishing opportunities exist at several lakes. Jose A. mentions Lake Sahoma, saying "Clean and beautiful lake. I take my kids there every summer for camping and fishing."
Group camping areas: Expo Square RV Park works well for multi-family gatherings. Though primarily serving events, one visitor noted, "Huge campground, level concrete pads, clean and 50 bucks for 30 amp, showers and restrooms."
Tips from RVers
Location convenience: Warrior Campground provides strategic placement for RVers visiting the Tulsa area. Christopher D. describes it as "Right in the middle of Tulsa" with "Nice with all the amenities."
Utility challenges: Electrical service varies significantly at some campgrounds. At Sheppard Point, a camper documented concerning voltage irregularities: "The power pedestal, from the 120v 20amp receptacle, is putting out 134v. The neighboring spot's pedestal is putting out 103v."
Reservation necessities: Many lakefront sites require substantial advance planning. Randy S. advises about Tall Chief Cove: "Reservations only so be sure to plan ahead. The best sites need to be reserved as many as 6 months in advance."
Water supply planning: Some sites have limited water access. For certain spots at Tall Chief Cove, one camper suggests: "The only inconvenience is this site is farthest from the shared water source. They do however allow a splitter valve. Best to fill your tank before heading out, bring 200' of hose, or bring a couple water containers."
