Osage Hills State Park offers primitive and developed camping options across its 1,100-acre wilderness, with elevations ranging from 750 to 825 feet. The park sits within the Cross Timbers ecoregion, characterized by a mixture of prairie and forest ecosystems that support diverse wildlife. Summer temperatures often reach the mid-90s with high humidity, while spring and fall provide milder conditions for outdoor exploration.
What to do
Hiking historic trails: Osage Hills State Park features several hiking trails where visitors can explore CCC-era structures. According to one reviewer, "You have the ability to see the work they did and even hike to the camp itself. The park consists of approximately 5 miles of trails for hiking and a nice smaller lake for fishing." The trails range from easy to moderate difficulty.
Wildlife watching: Bull Creek Peninsula offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "We saw white tail deer, armadillo, & wild Turkey," reports one camper. The area overlooks Skiatook Lake, providing habitat for various species including migrating pelicans in fall.
Water activities: Swimming spots are available in several locations. At Osage Hills, visitors enjoy the park's pool during summer months. A camper at Spencer Creek mentioned, "Park has a play area, trail, soccer field, boat ramp and short walk to beach area."
Disc golf: Feyodi Creek Park features an 18-hole disc golf course rated 4.4/5 on UDisc, making it a popular destination for disc golf enthusiasts. "The campgrounds have access to Keystone lake, as well as bathrooms and showers. The campgrounds also have a 18 hole disc course that is rated 4.4/5 on UDisc, playgrounds, and gazebos," according to a reviewer.
What campers like
Lake views: Many luxury glamping sites near Pawhuska, Oklahoma, offer scenic water views. At Hawthorn Bluff, "We had a great site on the bluff overlooking the lake. It was close to the restroom that was very clean and convenient." Lake-view sites are especially popular during sunset.
Fishing opportunities: Fishing is popular at several parks in the area. Coon Creek Cove offers "good fishing" according to reviewers, with one noting it's a "fisherman's delight I bet." The various lakes and waterways around Pawhuska provide habitat for bass, perch, crappie, and catfish.
Clean facilities: Settle Inn RV Park maintains well-kept grounds and facilities. "The campground manager was very pleasant and worked with us over several months when we requested reservations almost 8 months in advance. The setting is beautiful, and the atmosphere is very laid back," reports one visitor who found the park convenient for visiting Pawhuska attractions.
Seasonal wildlife: Mid-October brings a special natural phenomenon to Oologah Lake. A camper at Spencer Creek noted, "Mid October Oolagah 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."
What you should know
Site selection matters: At Bull Creek Peninsula, "If you are lucky you can snag a site that is up on the bluff over the lake, the views are amazing (and it was less windy than the sites down on the lakeshore)! But be careful because if you roll out the wrong side of your tent you could end up with a sharp drop into some cold water."
Water access varies: Water hookups aren't available at all sites. One camper at Hawthorn Bluff reported, "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."
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Reserve early though this one fills up fast. We camped here in the middle of the week and they where already at 75%," advised a Hawthorn Bluff camper.
Wildlife awareness: Be prepared for encounters with local wildlife. One camper at Osage Hills warned, "We went in early fall and found a few scorpions - one in my shoe! So be on the lookout."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. A visitor to Coon Creek Cove noted, "Playground, boat ramp, no beach or swim area." Feyodi Creek Park also features playgrounds and gazebos for family gatherings.
Beginner-friendly options: Osage Hills provides excellent opportunities for first-time campers. A reviewer suggested, "I would recommend this park as a great place for family's that are camping with younger children or trying it out for the first time."
Water safety considerations: For glamping near Pawhuska with families, choose sites carefully. "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 Hawthorn Bluff visitor.
Kid-friendly exploration: Look for natural features that appeal to children. At Osage Hills, "There is a shallow area with a few small 'rapids' where kids can play and explore. All in all, a really excellent campground. We plan on this being the campground we take our friends with kids to as there is lots to do, amenities are nice, and trails easy to navigate."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV campers should be aware of access limitations at some parks. At Settle Inn RV Park, "The sites are pretty narrow with some overhanging trees on the corners - we pulled two fifth wheels into two sites and both were within inches of the trees and the edges of each roof while pulling into the sites."
Hookup variations: Electric and water access differs between campgrounds. At Hawthorn Bluff, "We had to buy a 75' hose to put water in our fresh tank. Not a huge deal. #2 complaint is that the site was slanted so much that we could not get level front to back."
Seasonal considerations: Some upscale glamping options near Pawhuska operate year-round, while others have limited seasons. Spencer Creek is open "all year" according to listings, while others like Sarge Creek operate from "April 1 to October 31."
