Tent campsites near Marietta, Oklahoma provide basic camping accommodations with limited facilities. The region features rolling terrain with mixed hardwood forest and open grasslands situated between 700-950 feet elevation. Water levels fluctuate seasonally at Lake Texoma and other local bodies of water, making shore access unpredictable during certain times of year.
What to do
Water recreation at Lake Texoma: Lake Texoma offers boating and fishing opportunities with several boat ramps and access points. Willow Springs provides RV hookups along with tent camping options for families wanting lake access.
Fishing for catfish: Local waters provide good fishing opportunities during certain seasons. As one visitor to Hickory Creek noted, "We used to go here to do some bank fishing and pulled some nice sized catfish."
Explore nearby Chickasaw National Recreation Area: About 30 miles northeast of Marietta, Guy Sandy Campground offers access to Lake of the Arbuckles. A camper mentioned, "Very well kept areas. Lots to see and do and only minutes from town of needed."
What campers like
Affordable camping options: Most primitive tent camping areas charge modest fees. At Guy Sandy Campground, a camper noted, "Sites are well priced at $14 which wasn't bad considering how the campground was set up."
Quiet atmosphere away from crowds: Less developed areas provide tranquil settings. At Joe Benton Park, a reviewer observed it was "the most quiet of the three as well because the majority of those coming out to the lake either want improvements or the larger docks for fishing, and this has neither."
Generous campsite spacing: Joe Benton Park offers tent camping with adequate space between sites. According to one camper, "The area is scattered with camping sites and could accommodate tents only per its posted policy although there are no improvements such as dump stations or electrical hookups."
What you should know
Seasonal water level changes: Water access varies throughout the year. One camper at Hickory Creek stated, "This place can be a bit hit or miss depending on the season because of the water levels."
Limited amenities: Most tent camping areas have minimal facilities. At Joe Benton Park, "There is a restroom available however it is small but serves the purpose of a restroom only. To be honest this restroom was not some place you would want to use unless you had to."
Wildlife encounters: Honey Creek Campground and surrounding areas have active wildlife populations. Secure food properly as local wildlife will investigate campsites. Some areas have seasonal wild hog activity requiring appropriate precautions.
Tips for camping with families
Check campground reviews before arrival: Experiences vary widely between locations. One family at Honey Creek had a negative experience: "We had to rake away all the brush from our campsite, the shower was basically a box in the woods with a garden hose, no trash cans."
Pack essential supplies: No convenience stores exist at most primitive campsites near Marietta. For Joe Benton Park, a camper advises, "Take your own toilet paper. A lot of people come through here because it is the more improved of three campgrounds in this area so they utilize the facilities for day use."
Consider day use options: When camping with children, some locations work better for day trips than overnight stays. Lake Nocona offers picnic areas with tables that are "shaded and close to parking for those wanting to use this park for day use."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV-friendly primitive sites: Most tent camping areas near Marietta lack RV hookups. Guy Sandy Campground accommodates both tents and RVs with "sites large enough to easily accommodate rigs of all sizes or tent campers."
Arrive early for non-reservable sites: Popular camping areas fill quickly during peak season. As one camper at Guy Sandy noted, "These sites are not reservable so it is first come first serve. Arrive early during busy times of year to ensure your space."
Boat registration requirements: If bringing watercraft, ensure proper documentation. A regular at Guy Sandy warns, "If you have a boat, make sure your registrations are cleared by the State of Oklahoma before entering the water, this site is a very active site for game wardens to inspect."
