Tent camping near Jenks, Oklahoma offers sites within 20-40 miles of town, with most locations situated along the region's numerous lakes and rivers. The terrain consists primarily of gently rolling hills with oak and hickory forests providing partial shade at most campgrounds. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making water access particularly valuable for tent campers seeking relief from Oklahoma's humid continental climate.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Verdigris River, campers report excellent catches. "I caught a 12 pound Drum! I was 22 and so proud of that fish! Built a fire and cleaned him. Wrapped in foil and cooked with fried potatoes and corn on the cob," shares one camper.
Boat access: Several sites permit easy boat launching. "You can put a boat in the river on this side or kayak up and down," notes a Verdigris River visitor, making it convenient for water recreation directly from your campsite.
Wildlife viewing: Jackson Bay Recreation Area provides natural habitat for local wildlife. The area has limited development, creating spaces where animals frequent the shoreline. One visitor mentioned the "beautiful view over the lake at sunrise," a prime time for spotting wildlife.
Rock exploration: The area near Newt Graham Lock and Dam offers interesting geological features. "Once you get to the dam it is beautiful and fun to explore the rocks, hike and for sure go fishing," a visitor reports, though they caution, "Watch the rocks on the right side of the damn when the weather is nice bc snakes like to hide out in them."
What campers like
Privacy options: Three Ponds Community offers secluded hike-in tent camping. A recent visitor described it as "Peaceful. Serene. Secluded. This has been a great experience. Especially for a solo trip." The property includes A-frame structures and beautiful land.
Free camping: Jackson Bay Recreation Area provides no-cost camping with a 14-day limit. "Amazing free campground, you can stay here for 14 days. No amenities, but it's well taken care of. Some spots have grills and picnic tables," shares one visitor.
Waterfront views: Many campers appreciate the lakefront settings. At Jackson Bay, one camper noted it was "So beautiful...When I was there nobody else was...The water was gorgeous and the site was peaceful."
Nostalgic experiences: Some campgrounds preserve traditional camping experiences. A Verdigris River camper reminisced, "Threw a line in...Built a fire and cleaned him...Best dinner ever and then slept out on the ground under the stars!! Beautiful lake. Quiet and peaceful!!"
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds lack modern amenities. At Huge Great Bus Camping, a visitor notes it's "Primitive but upgrades coming. Tents, campers, cars, and RVs allowed."
Trash management: Several sites require pack-in, pack-out practices. At Jackson Bay, a visitor observed, "No Trash cans means more responsibility....and some people just can't handle it. I want to like this place, but most people seem to be abusing this public area."
Road conditions: Access to some sites requires careful driving. Regarding Jackson Bay, a camper mentioned, "The road leading to the campground is mostly gravel, but it's manageable."
Site selection matters: At Verdigris River, a reviewer warns that "The camping sites...... they are very close together unless you get the very last one. It's near a wooded area. The first 2 are out in the open, by the roads."
Tips for camping with families
Cabin alternatives: For families not ready for tent camping, Redbud Bay offers cabin options. "We have camped at Red Bud Bay marina a few times. Love their cabins," reports one visitor, noting the staff responsiveness when facilities needed repair.
Swimming options: Look for designated swimming areas when camping with children. At Huge Great Bus Camping, the site features a "Swimming hole and woods" making it suitable for families wanting water recreation.
Off-season considerations: Be prepared for seasonal challenges. A Redbud Bay visitor mentioned, "We camped once there when it was extremely cold and the water lines froze. But they were right on top of it getting it fixed."
Bathroom planning: Many sites have minimal or no bathroom facilities. At Okmulgee State Park, a visitor noted, "The bathroom facilities are outdated and in need of renovation but they are functional," which is important information for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
RV size limitations: Most tent camping areas near Jenks have limited space for larger rigs. Okmulgee State Park has been described as "off the beaten path" with "many shade trees for campers," which can present challenges for larger vehicles navigating between trees.
Hookup availability: Few tent camping areas offer RV hookups. At Okmulgee State Park, a camper noted, "Facilities are limited but any types of needed goods or services can be found within a 25 minute drive (town of Okmulgee)."
Dump station access: Plan ahead for waste disposal. Many sites lack this amenity, requiring travel to nearby facilities. One visitor to Jackson Bay recommended having "more responsibility" due to the lack of facilities.
