Best Campgrounds near Pawhuska, OK

We called ahead and clearly explained we needed a full hookup site to test out our motorhome before a major trip. We were also told they had a playground and asked to be placed as close to it as possible. We confirmed that checkout was at 11 AM and were told if we needed a late checkout, it would be an additional$20.

 When we arrived, we were one of the only guests there, yet they still insisted on charging a late checkout fee. Even worse— the site they gave us had only 30 amp electric hookup— no water, no sewage hookup— despite what we were promised over the phone. The“playground” was a complete joke: no swings, no slides— just a small metal structure with a few steps. Nothing like what is pictured or advertised. When we asked for a refund because the site was not what we were promised, the older woman at the front desk laughed and said,“It’s raining, the kids can’t play anyway,” and refused to refund us. 

She offered a“credit toward a future stay,” which we obviously declined. There are only THREE sites in the entire park with full hookups, and they are right at the front gate next to the train tracks. As a military family(my husband is a disabled combat vet), it’s also worth noting they do not offer any military discount. Between the poor service, false advertising, and complete lack of accommodations, this place is wildly overpriced and absolutely not worth the three-hour drive we made to get there.

 0/10 recommend. Save your money and go somewhere else. We left and stayed down the road by Pier 51 instead— a much better experience.

This is the old city lake outside of Pawhuska. It is not Bluestem Lake (Bluestem is a couple miles north). The Old city lake is smaller and quieter and has no improvements beyond a few picnic tables and a toilet only the desperate would consider using. To reach the camping area you drive across the damn to the west boat dock area. There is a dirt road/trail that heads up to a few camping spots. Most of the camping areas have been abandoned to time but some of them are still maintained. The lake is a no wake lake and is great for kayaking. They used to stock it with trout. Near the east boat ramp is a pretty cool table top rock feature. Below the damn you can find a trail and some bluffs that are fun to explore. On top of the bluffs is an old abandoned camping area.

Once arriving at the camp site, I discovered that the sites near the lake were very sloped making it a little difficult to find a flat spot to set up a tent. 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. I paid for my campsite as the website did not state this. I'm not upset by this because I know the fees will help maintain the park. However, this makes for some very interesting campers. The couple next to our site were having a domestic dispute where the lady sped off in her car after cussing her partner out for some time. She returned later with an 18 pack, one in her hand, and thankfully they seemed to have made up. This was hard to explain to my young kids who witnessed the whole exchange. Since they were not charging for campsites during my stay, the showers were locked and not opened as well as another restroom. There was only one opened restroom on the opposite side of the park and it had beer cans and other trash in it. 

Nice views of the lake, but I think I'll cross this one off my list for next time.