Camping sites near Sapulpa, Oklahoma provide access to Corps of Engineers lakes, state parks, and RV facilities within 30 miles of town. The area sits at approximately 700 feet elevation and experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September. Winter camping remains available at several year-round facilities, though water hookups may be disconnected during freezing conditions.
What to do
Kayaking and wildlife viewing: At Heyburn Park, visitors can enjoy peaceful paddling with minimal boat traffic. "We love this little lake bc the swimming area rarely has people there and it's a nice long sandy beach. We go kayaking and fishing here too! There aren't very many boats so there is rarely ever a wake to deal with," notes Jennifer D. The park also offers wildlife viewing opportunities including bald eagles, as one camper mentioned: "We actually saw a pair of bald eagles and noodlers while out kayaking!"
Hiking trails: Keystone State Park Campground offers multiple trails suitable for day hikes. "The park features a couple of trails that are good for walking, hiking, and running. Both are connected to the Lake Country campground and one of them will take you to the General Store near the park entrance," explains Brian B. Another visitor mentioned "a short nature trail with some great views" that's accessible from the campground.
Swimming beaches: Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas with sandy beaches. At Tall Chief Cove, "the views in the area are beautiful, especially from the cliffs. There are multiple areas to hike, kayak, fish, or boat in the area." Keystone State Park has shoreline swimming areas, though one camper notes "the cove is pretty rocky but there is a swimming area and a couple of good areas to launch/land a kayak."
What campers like
Waterfront camping spots: Campers consistently rate lakeside sites highest. At Tall Chief Cove, "the best sites need to be reserved as many as 6 months in advance. Our favorite is A22 since it's right on the water with a place for a boat and great area for swimming." At Heyburn Park, "the spots by the water have an amazing view," though one visitor notes "several spots around the park are not very level and the hook ups are on the wrong side."
Uncrowded atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the quieter environment compared to busier lakes. "The park was mostly empty for our stay late October/early November... The area is really pretty and the spots by the water have an amazing view," reports a Heyburn Park visitor. Another camper describes it as "nice and quiet with beautiful surroundings and a smaller, peaceful lake to enjoy."
Fishing opportunities: Lake Sahoma provides dedicated fishing areas. "Lake Sahoma has very few spots to camp and they are right off the main road so cars drive by often. If you love fishing, this is the lake for you. This lake is strictly for fishing," explains one reviewer. Some lakes require special permits, as noted: "There a a few docks for fishing but you have to have a trout license. They do drive by and check to see if you have a fishing license."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: While some campgrounds operate year-round, many have limited services in winter. At Sheppard Point, one camper noted: "I camped in late November so water was shut off but electric worked well." Similarly, at Heyburn Park: "Season ends 10/26-no water but still has electricity. Host was helpful."
Campsite leveling challenges: Multiple reviews mention uneven sites. "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," reported one Sheppard Point camper. At Heyburn Park, visitors have similar experiences: "several spots around the park are not very level and the hook ups are on the wrong side."
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds require advance booking with no walk-up options. At Tall Chief Cove, "reservations only so be sure to plan ahead." During peak season (May-September), waterfront sites at many campgrounds book up months in advance, especially on weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Brush Creek offers "great walking trails and playground" according to a recent visitor. At Heyburn Park, multiple families mention the playground amenities: "Fun playground for the kids. Surrounded by water. Clean bathrooms," and another noted their "9-year-old nephew" enjoyed the "playground [that] was great."
Swimming beaches for children: Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas with gradual entry. "This lake has a great swim beach. The showers were clean and free. Boating and kayaks are fun here," reports a Heyburn Park visitor. Families should note that not all beaches are supervised – bring life jackets for young swimmers.
Group camping considerations: When camping with multiple families, look for campgrounds with pavilions or group sites. At Heyburn Park, one visitor reports: "I camped with a group of 17 Vintage campers around the pavilion. It was well kept." The park also has "group shelters" available for reservation.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: RV sites offer different hookup configurations. At Route 66 RV Park, "some of the sites have hookups on wrong side" which can present challenges depending on your rig's setup. At Brush Creek, "the outside sites only have water and up to 50 amp. The inside circle of the campground has the same but with sewer."
Site spacing: Campgrounds vary significantly in how much room RVs have. At Heyburn Park, there are "plenty of large wooded spots," while Route 66 RV Park offers minimal space between units: "Not a lot of room to open up awnings but for anyone who knows Oklahoma you don't open them up often anyway if you want to keep them."
Electric reliability: Several campgrounds have inconsistent power supply. One camper at Sheppard Point reported: "The power pedestal, from the 120v 20amp receptacle, is putting out 134v. The neighboring spot's pedestal is putting out 103v." During peak summer months when air conditioners run constantly, power fluctuations can occur.
