Blue Creek Campground at Oologah Lake offers equestrian camping near Claremore, Oklahoma from April through September. The campground features designated sites for horse owners in the group camping area (sites 54-61) where horses are permitted. Trails connect directly to broader riding routes around the lake, making it convenient for riders to explore the area without trailering between rides.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: At Hawthorn Bluff, visitors can access trails and shorelines for outdoor recreation. "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!" notes Jennifer D.
Visit historic sites: The Dog Iron Ranch & Will Rogers Birthplace offers cultural experiences alongside camping. "There's lots of animals to pet and lots of history to learn. You can tour the birthplace for free, there's an old barn to explore, you can go hiking, there's horse trails as well," shares Jennifer D.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple access points around Oologah Lake provide fishing options. At Blue Creek, campers can fish directly from shore. "We camped in a spot near the water. The lake was beautiful at sunset," reports Elizabeth L.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Taylor Ferry Campground provides well-maintained spaces. "The campsite itself wasn't the best but the whole experience was amazing. The weather was beautiful, water was warm, and the sounds of the highway was soothing," writes Shawn L.
Clean facilities: Visitors appreciate well-maintained bathrooms. At Taylor Ferry, a camper noted: "We stayed on the north end which has a private shower house. Gate keepers were wonderful and very helpful."
Lake views: Lakefront sites are popular among campers. "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 Hawthorn Bluff.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Lake conditions can vary throughout the year. At Sheppard Point, "We spent four nights here in the heat of the summer. 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."
Site quality varies: At some campgrounds, site levelness can be an issue. "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," reports one camper at Sheppard Point.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking. At Dog Iron Ranch, "You can rent a spot for $25 to RV camp with a maximum of 3 days. You have to apply for it as well."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds offer designated swim zones. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, "We enjoyed the quiet side of the park closest to railroad tracks. Yes, we did have trains at all hours, but living in a community with a similar issue, we had no problem sleeping through it."
Playgrounds and activities: Some parks offer recreational facilities for children. "We enjoyed this campground. Has some really nice sites- some shaded and some by the water. The pool and slides are really nice and great for kids of all ages. My toddler loved the slides," explains Brittany J. about Jellystone Park.
Safety considerations: Be aware of site locations when camping with children. At Hawthorn Bluff, one camper warned: "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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Blue Creek campground has limited full-service sites. "Sites are level and have full hook ups. We didn't try the bathrooms or laundry rooms and stayed only 3 nights," reports Brittany M. about the Claremore Expo RV Park.
Pull-through accessibility: Some sites offer easier access. "Our site was a pull through level gravel pad with full hookups," notes a camper at Will Rogers Downs KOA.
Extension hoses needed: Water access points may require additional equipment. "The site did not have a dedicated water hook up. We had to buy a 75' hose to put water in our fresh tank," explains Ron K. at Hawthorn Bluff.