Best Equestrian Camping near Pawhuska, OK

We camped in a spot near the water. The lake was beautiful at sunset. The bathroom was clean, our spot had a covered picnic table, grill and fire ring. And hiking/equestrian trails can be accessed from the group camp or park entrance.

I wouldn’t say this is camping. The people that usually stay here are in town for events at the Expo or driving thru. There is a lot to do nearby. TWithin walking distance there’s the expo center (you can go in and pet horses) and a Rec center with a pool. You can go to Will Rogers Museum, JM Davis fun museum, RSU has a nice little hiking trail as does the Lake.

General: Blue Creek is one of four campgrounds operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers on Oologah Lake (the others are Spencer Creek, Red Bud, and Hawthorn Bluff). It is divided into three sections: one with electric hookups (Sites 14-35) and two without (Sites 1-11 and 36-61, with Sites 54-61 that can be used as a group area). On a weekday in early May, the section with electric was full but we had the section with sites 36-61 entirely to ourselves. Sites 1-11 are good for boaters as they are near the boat ramp, however, the sites are not as well delineated (the picnic tables have the site numbers on them and cars park wherever). Since COVID, reservations are required but as with all other CoE campgrounds, the fees are extremely reasonable ($20 for electric,$16 for non-electric and half-price for seniors). 

Site Quality/Facilities: It is often impossible to determine the best site when reserving but after arriving, we discovered that Site 55 was not going to work for us. It had a very short sloping half-circle drive and after 10 minutes of maneuvering, it was obvious there was no way we were going to be level. It was also rocky so it would be challenging for tents. This site is the furthest away but near the spot where many fish so it will not be as quiet as you might expect. Fortunately, we were able to switch sites (no one else was there!) and Site 42 was much better and like many others, had a large semi-circular drive. Many sites had a covered concrete pad with a large concrete picnic table, utility table, and lantern hook. There was a dump station, but it was coned off when we were there; we did not need it so I did not ask when/if it would be available. 

Bathhouse: The sections without electricity have vault toilets, which were clean, but the flush toilets/showers are within a reasonable walking distance. These were very clean. Soap but bring your towel. 

Activities/Amenities: Aside from fishing and boating, there are many activities you can enjoy here including volleyball, horseshoes, bean bag toss, and basketball. When the gate attendant is there, you can check out supplies for these activities. There is also a hiking trail. We saw a few people kayaking. Horses are allowed in the group camping section (Sites 54-61). 

Perhaps it is because we had an entire section to ourselves, but we had a relaxing and peaceful stay here and would definitely return.

This campground was mostly clean and pleasant for a short weekend trip. We did find a lot of cigarette butts all over our site but other than that it was pretty clean. We camped next to some friends which worked out well because our picnic table was very close to the other people camping next to us. The lake has a little swim beach and the water is a bit dirty like most lakes in Oklahoma. There were bathrooms and showers nearby and they were some of the nicer bathrooms that we have come across. There isn’t a lot of shade so be aware of that. We didn’t get a chance to kayak while we were there because it was extremely hot and then we had a storm roll in but the lake seemed pretty nice for kayaking and other small boats.

It has a waterfall feature.

Let’s keep this lake and all other lakes and parks clean. Pick up after yourselves. Practice “leave no trace” leave the area Better than you found it, for the next person can enjoy.

Very nice primitive campsite. Several spots beside The lake or built a little peninsulas surrounded by water on three sides.More spots higher up on the bluff overlooking the lake. Only a couple other campers on the weekday I was there, Very quiet but there was some trash look like there might be some partying on the weekends.

I would definitely stay here again.

Throughout the day, there was about three people fishing. It felt like I had the place to myself. I’m not sure if it was because it’s just March and nothing’s quite green yet, but the lake was peaceful.

At the time I was there, the waterfall was dried up and I was able to take a trail down to the bottom and see everything up close

I like to rate all of my campgrounds whether I would or wouldn’t camp there again and I can’t wait to take some friends there

Beautiful lake, sites right next to the water.

Nice spot right next to the lake, very pretty and peaceful.

This is not our favorite place. 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.

I love the this campsite! Been going here since I was young! Easy access to everything, close to town, and literally the easiest site at this campsite to give directions to! The couple that runs this is literally the sweetest! ❤️ They've been running it since i was little and they stay ON SITE, so if you have an emergency.. they are there. Love it! 100% recommend 😊

My wife and I had stayed here a couple of years ago, but we didn't get a lot of time to explore the place back then. We got in late and weather forced us out early, as we were not properly prepared. (Were still new to camping at the time) 

Recently our friends suggested this park as a close and easy place to camp as a group and I couldn't have been more pleased! 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 and run without interfering with other campsites. The swim beach was well kept and easily accessible with free life jacket loaners. The bathrooms were pretty spotless even though they are primitive style toilets only. The grounds were well kept, clean and spacious. They offer fishing docks, boat launches, plenty of bank to fish from as well as small playground equipment in a few places for the kids. Definitely one of our "close to home, quick overnight" favorites and we will be back very soon!

We were in site #31 with is right across from the fishing dock and close to a potable water source. The Campground is very shaded and the spot was large and easy to back in to with our 33' TT. The fishing dock was very spacious and secure for us and the grandkids we love everything about the park, except. The site did not have a dedicated water hook up. 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. 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. Still not a huge deal. We'd go back and if #31 is the only site available we'll take it.

Very nice and clean campground. Reserve early though this one fills up fast. We camped here in the middle of the week and they where already at 75%. 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.

We had a great site on the bluff overlooking the lake. It was close to the restroom that was very clean and convenient.

Great location with lots of shade. Also, very close to the playground. Easy spot to back-in and is very level. Only downside is that you must be back in the park by 10:00 PM. They park managers will lock the gate and you either have to walk to your campsite or if you leave a car at the gate you can drive your secondary car while leaving your primary car outside the main gate. We were in town for a baseball tournament. Otherwise we would’ve been back in plenty of time.