Equestrian camping near Park Hill, Oklahoma presents limited options specifically designed for horse owners. Located in the northeastern part of Oklahoma, this area sits at approximately 850 feet elevation in a region characterized by wooded hills and lake access. Most campgrounds permit standard vehicles but lack dedicated horse facilities, with primitive camping areas often providing the best accommodation for those traveling with horses.
What to do
Fishing access points: Taylor Ferry Campground offers boat ramp access to Fort Gibson Lake. "Great place to camp and boat. Good fishing spots as well," notes Tyler H. Anglers can expect to catch catfish close to shore as Elizabeth B. shares: "We caught some catfish right off the rock peer."
Scuba diving opportunities: At Chicken Creek Campground, Lake Tenkiller provides underwater exploration. "Lake Tenkiller is an amazing location to scuba dive. It's waters are clear and cool from a distance of 8 to 28 feet. A diver will have the opportunity to investigate a sunken airplane fuselage, school bus, helicopter and two boats," according to one reviewer.
Hiking trails: Devil's Den State Park Campground in Arkansas (about 55 miles from Park Hill) features multiple hiking paths. "I highly suggest hiking the Yellow Rock trail just outside of the campground. The large rock 'mountain' it leads you too are so much fun to play on. They have tiny caves and are incredibly easy to craw around on," suggests Cj C.
What campers like
Spacious lakeside sites: At Chicken Creek, campers appreciate the waterfront access. "We had a great spot located 200 yards from the lake. Also had the boat dock just on the other side of us," shares Ashley T. Sites provide covered sitting areas, grills, and picnic tables.
Kid-friendly facilities: Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA includes recreational options. "Lots to do here at this conveniently located spot. Basketball hoop, pool and hot tub, pond with kayaks, and more," mentions Ben P. The campground also offers a playground area and tiny home rentals around a fishing pond.
Quiet, maintained grounds: Taylor Ferry Campground receives praise for its tranquility. "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," states Shawn L. The north section features a private shower house and remains open year-round.
What you should know
Limited seasonal availability: Many campgrounds near Park Hill have restricted schedules. Chicken Creek operates from "Peak Season April 01 to September 30" with "First-come, First-served October 01 to November 30," according to one reviewer.
Wildlife encounters: Local areas support diverse fauna. Elizabeth B. reports at Taylor Ferry: "I saw some really interesting paw prints and found a bunch or fish skeletons. One was an Alligator Gar and the rest were catfish of different types."
Water level variations: Lake conditions can change. "We were told that 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," notes Elizabeth B.
Cell service considerations: Devil's Den State Park Campground has connectivity limitations. "There's no cell service whatsoever but Wifi (paid) is offered by the park," shares Gonzo A.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Devil's Den State Park Campground provides water recreation beyond lakes. "Pool, great trails, and the creek/river kept my kids entertained and worn out!" reports Melissa M.
Playground access: Claremore Expo RV Park offers recreational facilities. "Access to the Expo rec center is nice and our kids had a lot of fun in the pool. The really enjoyed the climbing wall and diving board!" says Lisa H., though others note the playground may need maintenance.
Educational activities: Nearby attractions provide learning opportunities. Jennifer D. mentions, "Within walking distance there's the expo center (you can go in and pet horses) and a Rec center with a pool. You can go to Will Rogers Museum, JM Davis fun museum, RSU has a nice little hiking trail as does the Lake."
Tips from RVers
Gate schedules: At Chicken Creek Campground, timing matters. "Gates going in locked at 10:00 p.m. and open at 6:00 a.m.," advises Mark J., important for those planning late arrivals or early departures.
Site selection: Devil's Den offers premium spots. "If you want the best experience - grab one of the sites along the ridge (83, 85, 87) - these have a great view off the back and offer incredible space," recommends Gonzo A.
Route planning: For larger vehicles, approach matters. "If you have a large rig - make sure to take the West Fork exit off I-49 vs. the south exit (Winslow)," Gonzo A. adds about accessing Devil's Den State Park Campground.
Water quality: Taylor Ferry Campground may require filtration. "I do advise having a water filter system on your rig," suggests Elizabeth B. at Taylor Ferry, a practical tip for maintaining clean drinking water.
