Dispersed camping near Overbrook, Oklahoma features primitive sites within Oklahoma wildlife management areas and neighboring Texas Corps of Engineers lands. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional freezing conditions. Most dispersed camping locations lack formal amenities, requiring visitors to prepare for self-sufficient camping with minimal facilities.
What to do
Swimming at waterfalls: Hughes Crossing at Blue River Camp offers waterfall swimming opportunities. "There is a bit of green algae, but it is otherwise clear and refreshing," notes one visitor to Blue River Camp.
Backpacking: The Cross Timbers Trail along Lake Texoma provides a technical hiking experience. "The trail is more technical than most in the vicinity and is a great place to do a gear shake down and train for those longer through hikes in more mountainous regions," according to a camper at Eagle's Roost Campsite.
Fishing: The Blue River area requires fishing licenses but offers multiple spots to try your luck. "The fishing however is not good. We stayed for 3 days and fished the whole time with no luck," reports one camper who visited Blue River Camp.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: Primitive camping along the Blue River offers private access to the water. "The campsite was secluded with several paths that lead down to the river," shares a visitor to Blue River Camp.
Rope swings: Natural swimming areas often include rope swings for added recreation. "There's a really neat little spot south of the dam with a rope swing," mentions a Blue River Camp visitor.
Remote lakeside views: Sites along Lake Texoma offer scenic vistas with wildlife viewing. "It's way up on a wooded peninsula along a spur that overlooks the lake. Birds flock over and it's far enough away from the freeway that it's quiet," explains a camper at Eagle's Roost Campsite.
What you should know
License requirements: Oklahoma wildlife management areas require permits. "To enter the grounds you need a hunting/fishing license or a 3day wildlife conservation passport. The passport is for any activity on the grounds, excluding hunting or fishing and they are $51 currently," explains a camper at Blue River Camp.
Access issues: Some primitive sites have restricted access or unclear boundaries. "The coordinates bring you to what looks like a driveway that has signs for no trespassing and beware of dogs," warns a visitor to 5 Mile Camp Primitive Dispersed Camping.
Trash management: Pack-out requirements are not always followed at these primitive sites. "The only downside was the amount of trash that people had left," reports a visitor to Blue River Camp.
Tips for camping with families
Weekday visits: Dispersed camping areas near Overbrook can become crowded on weekends. "We went on a Tuesday so there wasn't any one else there. We did some awesome exploring up and down the river," mentions a family visiting Blue River Camp.
Multiple camping options: Blue River Camp offers various camping configurations. "There were fire pits and designated camping set up along one side of the parking lot, which seemed a little weird," notes one camper, adding that better sites were available along gravel roads away from the parking area.
Water exploration: Kids enjoy discovering the river environment. "We did some awesome exploring up and down the river. There was so many campsites and they were all well maintained and flat," shares a family visitor to Blue River Camp.
Tips from RVers
Gravel road access: Some dispersed camping areas have rough access roads. "If I had been brave enough to drive my little Mustang down the gravel path that was on the opposite side of the road leading away from the restrooms, I would have found waterfront campsites," notes a visitor to Blue River Camp.
Backup camping spots: Have alternative locations in mind as site availability varies. "Amazing backcountry feel on Lake Texoma shores. Come prepared it's fully primitive but there are spots all up and down the Cross Timbers Trail you can either boat or backpack too," advises a camper at 5 Mile Camp.
Water crossings: Some areas require driving through water features. "What I found to be the best part of this area was Hughes Crossing! It's a waterfall that you can drive over. I did not attempt this in the mustang, but watched several trucks easily pass over," reports a Blue River Camp visitor.
