Oologah Lake camping areas feature varied terrain with elevation changes creating significant drop-offs near some shoreline sites, particularly at Hawthorn Bluff where bluffs can reach 30 feet. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through August, making waterfront access valuable for cooling off. Winter camping remains available at select year-round facilities including Spencer Creek, where seasonal bird migrations bring white pelicans to the lake in mid-October.
What to do
Fishing from specialized docks: Blue Creek Campground provides dedicated fishing areas with spacious docks that accommodate multiple anglers. "The fishing dock was very spacious and secure for us and the grandkids," notes a visitor to Blue Creek.
Wildlife watching and shell hunting: Search along the rocky shorelines for shells and observe seasonal wildlife. A camper at Hawthorn Bluff mentions "a long rocky shoreline that is fun to explore and hunt shells" among the activities available.
Historical exploration: Visit the Dog Iron Ranch where Oklahoma's famous son was born. A local camper shares that at Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch, "There's lots of animals to pet and lots of history to learn. You can tour the birthplace for free, there's an old barn to explore."
Goat Island excursion: Paddle to the lake's island for a unique day trip. A reviewer from Redbud Bay notes, "There's an island in the middle called goat island that is fun to check out. It's a great little lake for fishing, boating, kayaking, hiking and swimming."
What campers like
Family-friendly shorelines: The sandy beaches and shorelines provide safe areas for children to play. "The swim beach was well kept and easily accessible with free life jacket loaners," writes a camper at Blue Creek Campground.
Spacious campsites for groups: Many sites accommodate larger gatherings with room to spread out. "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 for the kids to play," says a reviewer about Spencer Creek.
Accessible fishing spots: The area features numerous spots to cast a line without a boat. At Verdigris River Park, a reviewer recalls, "Threw a line in and I caught a 12 pound Drum! I was 22 and so proud of that fish!! Built a fire and cleaned him."
Shaded, wooded camping areas: Trees provide relief from summer heat at many campsites near Oologah. According to a camper, "the whole area is wooded which makes for some great shade" at Redbud Bay.
What you should know
Gate closure policies: Some campgrounds lock entrance gates at night, requiring advance planning. At Hawthorn Bluff, campers need to arrange transportation accordingly after 10:00 PM.
Seasonal maintenance schedules: Early season campers may find limited facilities. One visitor to Hawthorn Bluff reported, "Hawthorn Bluff does not charge for camping until April 1st... the showers were locked and not opened as well as another restroom."
Water hookup limitations: Many RV sites lack dedicated water connections. "The site did not have a dedicated water hook up. We had to buy a 75' hose to put water in our fresh tank," notes a camper at Hawthorn Bluff.
Terrain challenges: Some lakeside sites have steep grades making level tent setup difficult. "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," warns a visitor about Hawthorn Bluff.
Tips for camping with families
Utilize free safety equipment: Some swimming areas offer complimentary life jackets. "The swim beach was well kept and easily accessible with free life jacket loaners," notes a visitor to Blue Creek Campground.
Choose sites away from bluffs: Select camping spots away from steep dropoffs when camping with children. A camper advises, "Lake side spots are not advisable if you have little ones, the bluffs are very close to the fire pits."
Take advantage of recreation equipment rentals: Gate attendants at some campgrounds provide activity supplies. At Blue Creek, "you can check out supplies for these activities" including volleyball, horseshoes, and bean bag toss games.
Consider cabin rentals for mixed weather conditions: Cabins offer shelter during unpredictable spring weather. A camper at Redbud Bay shares, "We have camped at Red Bud Bay marina a few times. Love their cabins. We camped once there when it was extremely cold and the water lines froze. But they were right on top of it getting it fixed."
Tips from RVers
Prepare for sloped sites: Many waterfront spots have significant grade changes. A camper at Hawthorn Bluff notes, "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."
Bring extra-long water hoses: RVers need extended hoses to reach communal water spigots. "You can connect your hose to the nearest spigot but you better hope it's long enough," advises a camper at Claremore Expo RV Park.
Research site specifics before booking: Not all sites are equally accessible. At Spencer Creek, a visitor recommends site B10 as an "accessible site. When you back in you have a nice view of lake from front window and living area of RV."
Check seasonal dump station availability: Some facilities close dump stations temporarily. "There was a dump station, but it was coned off when we were there," reports a camper at Blue Creek Campground.
