Best Tent Camping near Muldrow, OK

Tent campers looking for established campgrounds near Muldrow, Oklahoma have several options including Tenkiller State Park's dedicated tent areas and primitive sites along the Illinois River. Eagles Point and Hickory Flats campgrounds at Tenkiller offer reservable tent sites with basic amenities including toilets and fire rings. Located within 45 minutes of Muldrow, these tent-specific areas provide access to the lake and surrounding natural areas without requiring RV hookups.

Most primitive tent sites around Muldrow feature dirt or gravel pads with minimal grading. The Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area provides tent camping with direct river access, though recent reviews indicate changing regulations about overnight camping. A review mentioned that "there are several camping spots right alongside the river with trees overhanging your site," though campers should verify current status before planning trips. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply at most sites, with limited facilities available. During summer months, particularly at lakeside tent campgrounds, early reservations are recommended as these areas become popular with local visitors.

Tent campers frequent these areas for the natural water access and relative seclusion. The forested setting at Tenkiller State Park provides shade for summer camping, while the riverside sites offer opportunities for fishing and paddling. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Tenkiller is one of Oklahoma's finest. The sites are well spaced and the lake is fantastic." Primitive tent setups require preparation as potable water is unavailable at many locations. Gates Nature Preserve, another tent-focused option, features walk-in tent sites near a creek with picnic tables and fire pits. The terrain around most tent campgrounds is moderately rugged, making proper tent stakes and rain protection essential, especially during spring and fall when weather patterns can change quickly.

Best Tent Sites Near Muldrow, Oklahoma (17)

    1. COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Springhill Campground

    4 Reviews
    Barling, AR
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 452-4598

    "The campground is set among tall trees adjacent to the John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake and James W. Trimble Lock and Dam of the Arkansas River."

    "Sites are large with flat paved parking pad. I saw a variety of all sizes of rigs and some tents. There are lots of trees, it’s close to the river and very peaceful."

    2. Natural Dam

    5 Reviews
    Natural Dam, AR
    20 miles
    Website

    "We found this quiet spot with a small waterfall on Mountain Fork Creek that has a fairly large (semi-level) gravel parking lot right next to the natural waterfall which gives good noise cover for the road"

    "A little road noise off in the distance but the waterfall all but drowned it out."

    3. Eagles Point — Tenkiller State Park

    3 Reviews
    Monroe Lake, IN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 776-8180

    "The plus to that is despite busy holiday weekends, spring flooding or special event weekends, you can always find a place to pitch a tent. The park rangers are friendly."

    "The sites are well spaced and the lake is fantastic. The facility is clean and there is plenty of hiking opportunities. I come back over and over again."

    4. Hickory Flats — Tenkiller State Park

    2 Reviews
    Monroe Lake, IN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 776-8180

    "Rented a tent site day before through the state website with no trouble, quiet as there weren’t many campers there that night where we were. Beautiful view of the lake in the morning."

    5. Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area

    3 Reviews
    Park Hill, OK
    34 miles

    "Traveling north towards Tahlequah, Oklahoma I caught a glimpse of a brown sign, as we travel on I thought about that sign and made my decision and asked my husband to turn around."

    "There are still signs up showing tent camping, but they are apparently inaccurate. We had a great time and he welcomed us to stick around and hang out for the day, but no more camping."

    6. Gates Nature Preserve

    1 Review
    Monroe Lake, IN
    31 miles

    $25 / night

    "Jill was so welcoming and warm, and she even showed us around some of the beautiful trails (which are definitely “hidden” gems). Our little campsite was so cozy with a table, a fire pit and a grill."

    7. Elk Creek Marina

    Be the first to review!
    Tenkiller Ferry Lake, OK
    29 miles

    8. Elephant Rock Nature Park

    1 Review
    Tahlequah, OK
    42 miles
    +1 (918) 456-4215

    "Right up highway ten in tahlequah."

    9. Burnt Cabin

    Be the first to review!
    Tenkiller Ferry Lake, OK
    30 miles

    10. Jack Creek Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Blue Mountain, AR
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 321-5202

    "No bathrooms or water but there is a trail that goes directly to the day use area. There are changing rooms, no shower or running water. There was a trash can."

    "Primitive, but thats the best part about it. You got the creek for water play, bathrooms and picnic tables. A little further down the road is an outdoor gun range."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Muldrow, OK

566 Reviews of 17 Muldrow Campgrounds


  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2019

    Devil's Den State Park Campground

    Ranger Review of Banner & Oaks Bull Tan Hat at Devil's Den State Park

    Amazing State Park with something for everyone

    I have been to Devil's Den State Park twice now and this is my favorite state park in Arkansas. Devil's Den State park has something for every camper, no matter how you prefer to camp. Tent camping, hike in camping, RVs, cabins, they have it all. Want to bring your horse, you can do that as well. Devil's Den has some great hiking and mountain biking trails, from short to long. If you only do one trail be sure that is the Devil's Den Trail, you won't be disappointed on this 1.5 mile trail. If you want a longer trail there is the 15 mile Butterfield Hiking Trail. Devil's Den campground includes 135 campsites ranging from basic tent sites to full hookups for the RV crowed and horse sites. Campground are all paved with paved parking pads. Individual sites have tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings and a first for me, hooks for hanging your lantern. Flush toilets and showers are included. If you like to swim they even have a pool. Park has a store to provide your food needs. Sites all appeared to be well spaced. If you want complete privacy the word is get one of the walk in sites, you will have a bit of a walk but the reward is complete solitude. Lee Creek runs through the park and a 8-acre lake which allows fishing and boating with canoes and pedal boats. You need to reserve your site before hand or at the visitor center. One thing I do like is if you arrive to late to register at the visitor center, then you can just grab an empty site for the night, you just have to register the next day by 10am.

    Ranger Review of Banner& Oaks Bull Tan Hat

    Got the Bull Tan hat and have been wearing it for about a month now. Hat fits great, looks great. This is a very well made hat with quality materials and made in the U.S.A. It has held up amazing well in all weather conditions, sun, heat, rain and even snow and continues to hold its shape. I have a lot of hats and this one is one of my favorites.

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2018

    Holson Valley Vista

    Holson Valley Vista Shelter + A Room with a View

    I stayed at this campground shelter while hiking the Ouachita Trail.

    The campground and shelter were built by the Friends of the Ouachita Trail and is located at mile market 16.8 of the trail. While the campground is only a few hundred feet from the Talimena National Scenic Byway it is best reached by hiking the Ouachita Trail.

    The shelter is an open air wooden structure with a raised platform, three walls, roof, open air patio, shelf, wall pegs, fire pit and picnic table. Most campers might pop up their tent or just cowboy camp on the raised platform. Our group hung hammocks from the rafters. There were wall pegs that were convenient for hanging and drying our gear or to keep it away from any little critters (mice) that might visit in the night. There are not many amenities at this campground, but it is a nice resting stop and provides some protection from the elements during inclement weather.

    The shelter is located on a gradual sloping rocky hill and has a dramatic overview of the valley when the weather is clear and the foliage is not heavy. There are no waste facilities nearby so it is good to practice Leave No Trace and pack out whatever you pack in. We found and collected water earlier in the day and carried it into camp.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 17, 2024

    Shores Lake

    Quiet stay in a hardwood forest

    Camped in site #10 in mid-November 2024. Site 10 is non-electric; paid $7.50/night with senior pass. Overall clean campground, well maintained and managed, in pretty hardwood forest. Not busy during my stay. Sites have picnic tables, tent pads and clean metal fire rings. Site 10 was level. The campground includes a clean restroom/shower house, one clean vault toilet at the far end of the campground, trash dumpsters and drinking water; all of these facilities and services were available during my stay in November. Campground can accommodate tents, camper vans, car camping and RVs. Some sites are electric. There are no water and sewer hookups. Campground road is paved as well as Highway 215 from I-40 accessing the campground. Sites are mostly shaded, but there is no privacy between sites. Shores Lake trailhead is located in a parking area in the campground. Day use area nearby with good fishing in Shores Lake. Campground hosts Donna and Eddie were wonderful. I really liked this campground.

  • Leslie  N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2020

    Quarry Island Campground — Lake Wister State Park

    Quiet and Beautiful

    We stayed at RV site #3 on Quarry Island. The concrete pad was perfectly level and took no time to set up. There were 5 RV sites with full hook ups on isle, even though #4 and # 5 are so close to each other that slide outs could bump into each other, and 2 very nice RV sites with only water and electric on the isle. There was also a lot of tent camping, flush and vault toilets, dump station, pavilion, 5 cabins, picnic tables with grills, boat ramp and swimming anywhere you wanted except for 150’ of the boat ramp. The ranger station was on the isle, so traffic was high at check in. There were 2 hiking trails that looked very nice, but never hiked because we were kayaking. My parents stayed in cabin #4 on the isle and my brother tent camped at Wister Ridge. The view from both of their places was breathtaking and his tent site was well shaded with maple, oak and pine. Fishing was very good and wasn’t a whole lot of boat traffic. There is also primitive camping which looked very nice, except for a couple of sites where the campers didn’t clean up too well behind themselves.

    Pros: Beautiful area and amazing views. Everyone was very helpful and friendly. Plenty of options for accommodations and outdoor activities. The Heavner Ruinstone and Spiral Mounds are close. Tons of wildlife areas and we even spotted a bald eagle. The campgrounds and cabins were very clean.

    Cons: RV sites can be very crowded and not well spaced, especially at Victor Landing. The Wards would be the least crowded for RVs. The booking website is not very good and not very accurate. The cabins bed was not very comfortable, the shower was small and flooded the bathroom while using and the kitchen light and living room ceiling fan was on one switch, so there was no way to have the fan going without the light on. Not all RV sites have picnic tables.

  • Ashley W.
    May. 1, 2019

    Cedar Lake (Oklahoma) Equestrian Camp

    My favorite!

    This campground is one of my all time favorites!! It has everything you want in a campground and more. Hiking here is definitely the best, because the views are amazing!! The campground is always really well kept as well which I appreciate. The campsite spots themselves are pretty big in size and are separated by trees and bushes. Feels very private. They do have a quiet hour which is after 10pm. This is nice because there aren’t people partying all night long. There are tent spots and also RV. We camped, so I’m not sure if th RV spots are set up for electricity. The lake nearby is great. We brought our kayaks and had so much fun hitting the lake in the morning. It does get busy as the day goes on, especially in the summer on the weekends. Hiking is great, and there are multiple good spots nearby. Again, go early to beat the crowds! Dogs are welcome but must be on leash. Vaulted toilets on site and a place to fill up your water! Can’t wait to come back.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2021

    Winding Stair Campground (Ok) — Ouachita National Forest

    Views for days!!

    Driving from Mena to Talihina along this stretch of highway is a treat when it comes to the spectacular views.   But stopping at places like this campground even further explain just how much of an amazing place this part of Oklahoma really is!   This area was once logged to the point that it was basically worthless before the Forest Service took it over and started to replenish the land and create public spaces like this campground.    It now is a thriving place for recreation and viewing.

    The campground is a series of pull ins and thru sites which vary in size allowing for tent camping with single cars or even some larger rigs.    There are vault toilets centrally located at the entrance in addition to extra picnic tables for those wanting a little extra space to enjoy.    

    A few spigots are around camp that are not in the best of shape, but they do still work, so don't be fooled.

    The roadways through camp and the sites themselves are very well taken care of, however because of recent rains the grass was a bit more wooly than it typically would have been.   Despite this the sites were still clear of grass for the most part.  

    Each site was equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, lantern hooks, grills and prep stations and large spaces for tents, should you have one.  Additionally you can find trash cans around camp in a few places.

    From the campground you can easily access the scenic point which additionally has more picnic tables with a view, definitely suggest checking it out!!  

    Campground is first come first serve and does have a senior discount with the park pass.   Envelopes are provided at the main kiosk.

  • Tom K.
    Jun. 17, 2018

    Devil's Den State Park Campground

    Back country review - Butterfield Trail

    This review is for the Butterfield Trail in Devils Den. You have to hike in to get to theses spots. If you start at the traditional Devils Den and park at the pedestrian bridge you have a nice challenging hike up to the back country portion of the park. You start hiking along a river and after a mile or so you start your upward journey. The trail is generally in good shape but if it has been raining, beware as some of the trail is also used for horses which makes the trail sometimes tough to make it through as it gets pretty mushy. My favorite spot is about halfway through right on a river that flows a blueish color that doesn't make you want to even filter and drink the water. The spots are level and secluded but you sometimes find trash as people don't abide by the leave no trace principle. I bring all my own water on the trail but there are a few spots you can filter. We have found many snakes here and some are poisonous. BEWARE! The geography has is pretty unique and flash flooding is common. Be very aware of your surroundings and watch the river if you are in a rain storm. You must check in at the ranger's station before you do any back country camping in the park. The trail is a pleasant longer trail in the area and is a must but I would recommend trying this trail in the Spring or late fall.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2021

    Webbers Falls City Park

    Country Laid Back

    • Quiet time 10:00 pm to 6:00 am 
    • No firearms Tobacco free Pets on leash 
    • Fees and info call 918-464-2920 grills picnic tables Trash Picnic shelter Camphost Dump station New comfort station Electric Water Primitive sites are available Rates from$7.00 to$15.00

    Webbers Falls is a very small community in Muskogee County Oklahoma with a population of just over 600 people. on the Arkansas River. The park is located right next to the river. Wonderful views of the river and the bridge spanning the Arkansas. The campground is dotted with large mature trees. The grass provides a soft carpet for parking any size rig. There is a circle drive and you will pull thru All sites are good sites with view of the river.

    Hunting, fishing, and wild flowers and colors to keep you entertained. Directions off US 64 turn off at the Webber Falls exit; continue straight onto E1040(Weatherly Drive; keep left to continue on Commercial; turn right onto S. River Road; turn left onto Commercial Street


Guide to Muldrow

Tent campers exploring the area around Muldrow, Oklahoma find a variety of primitive and developed camping options within the eastern Oklahoma region. Located in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains at an elevation of around 500 feet, this area experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, with spring bringing substantial rainfall that affects camping conditions. Many tent sites in the region feature natural elements like riverside locations, rocky terrain, and forested settings that require preparation for changing weather patterns.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: At John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Springhill Campground, campers can access bank fishing along Arkansas River outlets. One visitor noted, "Great area with many spots that back up to an outlet of the Arkansas River. Great bank fishing!"

Mountain biking trails: The trails around Springhill Campground offer challenging terrain for bikers. A reviewer mentioned, "Mountain biking is a big deal here and there is a 10-mile 'fast' trail where experienced bikers race frequently."

Kayaking on Illinois River: The calm sections near Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area provide excellent paddling. A camper described, "Kayakers put in and paddle upstream and float back to boat landing. There is a small parking area for boats and trailers."

Wildlife watching: The riverside camping areas serve as bird watching hotspots. One visitor to Horseshoe Bend shared, "It is a bird watcher's paradise, and we saw a lot of people fishing. I was able to see multiple species of Oklahoma's woodpeckers, some birds of prey, and many songbirds."

What campers like

Natural water features: At Natural Dam, the waterfall creates a peaceful atmosphere. A visitor wrote, "It was chilly in the morning, so the fog off the waterfall was eerily gorgeous."

Wooded tent sites: Gates Nature Preserve offers secluded spots near water. A camper described, "Our little campsite was so cozy with a table, a fire pit and a grill. It was right next to the creek!"

Quiet evenings: Several camping areas provide calm nights with natural sounds. A Natural Dam visitor noted, "Quiet evening without disturbance. Several cars there but no other campers."

Convenient locations: Many sites offer proximity to towns while maintaining a natural setting. A John Paul Hammerschmidt camper mentioned, "The location was great to downtown Fort Smith so you didn't feel isolated if you wanted to go sight-seeing, out to eat, or shopping."

What you should know

Access road conditions: Some primitive camping areas have challenging roads. At Horseshoe Bend, a camper warned, "Warning it is a dirt track and it is severely rutted and potholed. If it has rained prior or while you are camping the road will be a total mess."

Changing regulations: Check before planning overnight stays. A recent Horseshoe Bend visitor noted, "We did camp there in a tent for one night, but were politely told by a game warden the next day that, though it used to be open for that, it is no longer allowed."

Reservation systems: Some campgrounds require advance booking. At Springhill, a camper advised, "You need to make a reservation on recreation.gov in order to pay for a spot. We didn't know this in advance but were able to find a spot, log in and pay."

Leveling challenges: At Hickory Flats — Tenkiller State Park, tent sites may require careful setup. One visitor to the area mentioned, "Only about half the sites were flat enough for us to get level without having the wheels off the ground."

Tips for camping with families

Check noise factors: Some campgrounds have ambient sounds that affect sleep. A Natural Dam visitor mentioned, "A little road noise off in the distance but the waterfall all but drowned it out."

Look for educational opportunities: Elephant Rock Nature Park offers learning experiences. A visitor shared, "Kid friendly area. There's really a rock that looks like an elephant, too!"

Plan for weather variability: Spring camping requires extra preparation for rain. A camper noted about the area's terrain, "If it has rained prior or while you are camping the road will be a total mess and campers will have a difficult time getting in or out."

Pack exploration gear: Many sites offer natural features worth investigating. A Gates Nature Preserve camper shared, "Jill was so welcoming and warm, and she even showed us around some of the beautiful trails (which are definitely 'hidden' gems)."

Tips from RVers

Site length considerations: At John Paul Hammerschmidt campground, large vehicles need specific sites. A reviewer noted, "Many sites are very long with only eleven sites being less than 45' in length (and only seven under 40')."

Leveling requirements: RV sites at many area campgrounds need attention to leveling. One camper observed, "Smaller RVs or trailers that use blocks instead of automatic leveling jacks should be able to get level."

Loop selection matters: Different camping loops offer varied experiences. At Eagles Point — Tenkiller State Park, a visitor explained, "The park is LARGE. The plus to that is despite busy holiday weekends, spring flooding or special event weekends, you can always find a place to pitch a tent."

Utility access varies: Water hookups may not be obvious when booking. A camper at Springhill shared, "When looking at the 'site list' page you will notice no sites have water listed as an 'amenity' but it does list the electric. To find out if a site has water, click on the link for specific details."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Muldrow, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Muldrow, OK is COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Springhill Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Muldrow, OK?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Muldrow, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.