Camping spots near Prue, Oklahoma center around Keystone Lake, with the Arkansas River below the dam creating additional recreation options. The region features clay banks along the shoreline that can become muddy after rain, while summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with limited shade at many sites. Campers often mention the cool lake breezes helping offset the heat during peak season.
What to do
Kayaking on Keystone Lake: Visit Keystone State Park Campground where paddlers can access multiple coves. "The cove stays pretty calm since it's, well, a cove and due to it being a no wake zone because of the marina. If you head north on the water about a mile or so from the cove and go around the point you'll find a nice sandy beach across the way," notes Brian B.
ATV riding: Appalachia Bay offers direct access to the designated ATV area. "Weekend it gets full of atv riders due to the huge atv island thay sits off the shoreline of the bay," explains Jason, making this a popular spot for off-road enthusiasts.
Fishing opportunities: The lake offers excellent bank fishing from multiple spots. "Great clean and modern toilets and showers with heating and air near the marina. There is a camp shop near the entrance and a short nature trail with some great views," writes James K. about his Keystone State Park experience, noting the amenities available to anglers.
What campers like
Lake access: Tall Chief Cove on Skiatook Lake gets praise for its waterfront sites. "Our favorite is A22 since it's right on the water with a place for a boat and great area for swimming. The only inconvenience is this site is farthest from the shared water source," explains Randy S.
Swimming options: COE Lake Skiatook Twin Points offers well-maintained facilities with water access. "The lake itself is massive. Had no idea just how big until we saw from a distance. Wish we had a boat to take advantage. We had plenty of areas for walking the dogs. Overall we enjoyed this COE more than others mainly because of the upkeep," shares Craig E.
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common at several campgrounds in the region. "They are now ran by Army corps of engineers. Lots of deer," notes Jenna M. about her experience at Walnut Creek Recreation Area Campground, highlighting the wildlife viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Gate closure times: Some campgrounds lock entrance gates overnight, requiring campers to plan arrivals accordingly. "Locks the gate in from 10 pm to 6 am. Keystone dam view," Jo L. explains about Brush Creek.
Water hookup challenges: Several campgrounds have shared water spigots that require extra equipment. "You'll want to bring at least 50' of water hose (probably more), as the spigots mostly seemed to be quite a distance from the pads. Also, bring a water hose splitter. Many sites share a single faucet," advises Travis W. at Twin Points.
Bathroom variations: Facility quality varies widely between campgrounds. "The bathrooms are okay but haven't been updated but you don't have to worry about vault toilets. I would suggest bringing soap," says Tom K. about Keystone State Park, providing practical advice for campers.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly spots: Look for areas with easy access and basic amenities for first-time campers. "This has always been a good spot for bringing our beginning camping friends to get them introduced to camping before any longer camping trips," recommends Tom K. about Keystone State Park.
Playground access: Several parks feature updated playground equipment. "Also, the playgrounds were all new equipment, which is great compared to lots of the other OK state parks," notes Richard about Walnut Creek Recreation Area Campground.
Swimming safety: Lakeshores can have rocky or muddy areas, so water shoes are recommended. "The swimming area and a couple of good areas to launch/land a kayak. The cove is pretty rocky but there is a swimming area," Brian B. mentions about Keystone State Park.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Most RV sites throughout the region have concrete pads. "The fully modern sites have nice, level concrete pads with picnic tables and grills. However, they are close together and the little strip of grass in between each site is kinda scrubby," explains Brian B. about Lake Country campground at Keystone.
Utility hookups: When booking, verify exactly which hookups are available at your chosen site. "New weekend-- new lake! Took a couple of extra days and spent an extended weekend at Lake Keystone State Park about 30 minutes west of Tulsa. The park has two campgrounds with full hookups... Green Country and Lake Country," shares Brian B.
Cell coverage: Connectivity is generally good at developed campgrounds around Prue. "Stayed in site #9 among oak trees. Partial view of the lake behind the site. No campsite to the right. Good separation between sites," notes Fred S. about his experience at The RV Park at Keystone Lake.
