Best Equestrian Camping near Pawhuska, OK

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.

I grew up in Oologah and frequented the birthplace often. 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, you can go hiking, there’s horse trails as well. It’s very close to Oologah lake so you could go swimming for the day, rent seados or a boat etc. You can rent a spot for $25 to RV camp with a maximum of 3 days. You have to apply for it as well. No smoking is allowed and you can only drink past 5 pm (wine and beer only) if that’s your thing. It is such a beautiful place, rich in history and I highly recommend visiting at least once!

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 place is awesome for hot summer days. Fun for all ages especially kids. The camping includes the floating inflatables, paddle boards, kayaks, air-conditioned outdoor pool with water slides and splash pad. Everything is new, clean and well kept. Employees are all very nice and helpful. The only bad thing is the tent sites are next to the waters edge and can get flooded out. The RV sites are the best for they have shade trees. The price is a little higher but considering that there is free fun for everybody.  Rather it's playing on the floating obstacle coarse in the lake or swimming at the water park which is included in camping fee, fishing or just relaxing at the campsite. Plus it's close to other attractions like the state park, museums, and great fishing at the Kestone Dam. Also its really close to shopping and restaurants. There is a lot to do in Sand Springs which is a close drive. Keystone lake is a beautiful clean lake for boating and fishing. The obstacle coarse floating in the lake was so much fun and I'm 59 years old plus the awesome really cold swimming pool with big waterslides that was never crowded.

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.