Oologah Lake sits in northeastern Oklahoma with 29,460 surface acres of water surrounded by over 108 miles of shoreline. The lake maintains a normal elevation of 638 feet and features limestone bluffs along certain sections with oak-hickory forests covering much of the surrounding area. Water levels can fluctuate 10-15 feet seasonally, affecting access points and camping conditions during spring flooding and late summer drawdowns.
What to do
Fishing opportunities year-round: At Bull Creek Peninsula, campers find secluded spots along the bluffs with excellent fishing access. "We stayed at site 31. It was on the side with the bluffs. Beautiful sunset overlooking the lake. Trees separated us from the next campsites," notes David H.
Wildlife viewing during migration seasons: Mid-October brings thousands of pelicans to the area during their southern migration route. According to Cheryl T. at Spencer Creek, "Mid October Oologah Lake is in the path of Pelicans migrating south. When you camp mid to end of October the lake with be covered with a white layer of pelicans."
Boating with multiple access points: Multiple boat ramps provide lake access for watercraft. "The park provides boat ramps for those bringing watercraft," explains Stephen R. from Hawthorn Bluff, noting the grounds are "well kept, clean and spacious."
Shell hunting along shorelines: As water levels fluctuate, interesting shells and rocks become exposed. "There is a nice sandy beach for swimming, a long rocky shoreline that is fun to explore and hunt shells," says Jennifer D. about her experiences at Hawthorn Bluff.
What campers like
Bluff-top camping with views: The elevated camping spots at Hawthorn Bluff provide panoramic vistas, though they require caution. Douglas notes, "Lake side spots are not advisable if you have little ones, the bluffs are very close to the fire pits and have about a 30ft drop."
Clean facilities despite primitive settings: Many campers appreciate the maintenance standards at sites without full amenities. Karen T. at Bull Creek Peninsula reports, "Clean vault toilet. No water available anywhere tho, which lowered my review to 4. No electric or dump station, so come prepared."
Spacious campsites with good separation: Sites often provide enough room for multiple setups. Stephen R. describes his experience at Hawthorn Bluff: "The site that we had was more than enough room for 4 adults, 3 kids and a dog. We had 2 cars, two tents, a canopy and the dog on a tie out leash and still had plenty of room."
Off-season tranquility: Visiting glamping spots close to Oologah Lake during shoulder seasons provides a more peaceful experience. Neil T. describes Hawthorn Bluff as having a "Classic quiet Army Corp park" vibe, noting "Quiet. It was a mid-week stay during the school year."
What you should know
Seasonal differences in management: Campground operations vary by season, sometimes affecting facilities and fees. Blake B. experienced this at Hawthorn Bluff: "I talking to one passer-by, who was unfortunately house-less at the time, who explained that Hawthorn Bluff does not charge for camping until April 1st... However, this makes for some very interesting campers."
Water access varies by site: Not all campsites offer direct water hookups. Ron K. at Hawthorn Bluff notes: "The site did not have a dedicated water hook up. We had to buy a 75' hose to put water in our fresh tank."
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring extra equipment. Ron K. continues, "The site was slanted so much that we could not get level front to back. We moved a couple of times and tried all combination of stacking lumber under the tongue jack but still had to sleep with our heads at the foot end of our bed."
Road noise at some locations: Proximity to highways affects some camping experiences. Matt B. shares about Hawthorn Bluff: "It's close to a busy road and you can hear the vehicles all night. Wildlife is also been a problem here as far as raccoons and skunks go."
Tips for camping with families
Check site safety for children: Some glamping locations near Oologah Lake have potentially dangerous features. Douglas cautions about Hawthorn Bluff: "Lake side spots are not advisable if you have little ones, the bluffs are very close to the fire pits and have about a 30ft drop."
Look for sites with playgrounds: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. Stephen R. mentions that Hawthorn Bluff provides "small playground equipment in a few places for the kids."
Scout bathroom locations before selecting sites: Knowing where facilities are located helps with site selection for families. Stephen R. notes his site "was close to the restroom that was very clean and convenient."
Free life jacket program: Certain swimming areas provide safety equipment. Stephen R. observed that at Osage Hills State Park, "The swim beach was well kept and easily accessible with free life jacket loaners."
Tips from RVers
Length of water hoses needed: When glamping close to Oologah Lake, bring extra-long water hoses. Sherly C. notes about Hawthorn Bluff: "The only downside is that they don't have water hookups at the sites. You can connect your hose to the nearest spigot but you better hope it's long enough."
Site selection for big rigs: Large RVs should look for specific areas. Ron K. at Spencer Creek reports: "The Campground is very shaded and the spot was large and easy to back in to with our 33' TT."
Electric hookup options: Most glamping sites with electrical service offer 30-amp connections. mjsalsman at Flat Rock Creek comments: "The sites are nice, fairly roomy. Sites and patio after paved, but I had to pull the camper up on to levelers."
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds offer designated accessible sites. Cheryl T. points out at Spencer Creek: "Site 10 is an accessible site. When you back in you have a nice view of lake from front window and living area of RV."
