Blue River Camp requires visitors to obtain either a hunting/fishing license or a wildlife conservation passport for $51. The area features waterfront campsites along Blue River with multiple well-maintained sites for both tent and RV camping. Dispersed camping opportunities near Tishomingo offer visitors access to natural water features including small waterfalls and swimming holes.
What to do
River exploration: Blue River Camp provides excellent access to water-based activities. Wesley H. notes the camp has "very scenic river water falls" and is easily accessible even for larger recreational vehicles. The natural water features make this location popular during summer months.
Hiking opportunities: 5 Mile Camp Primitive Dispersed Camping connects to the Cross Timbers Trail along Lake Texoma. According to Ryan H., this area provides an "amazing backcountry feel on Lake Texoma shores," making it ideal for visitors seeking hiking-focused camping near Tishomingo, Oklahoma.
Secluded camping: Eagle's Roost Campsite offers private camping along a peninsula overlooking Lake Texoma. One camper describes it as their "favorite campsite on entire Cross Timber's Trail" noting it sits "way up on a wooded peninsula along a spur that overlooks the lake," providing both views and relative quiet.
What campers like
Weekday tranquility: Campsites near Tishomingo are notably less crowded during weekdays. Carrie T. reports about Blue River Camp: "We went on a Tuesday so there wasn't any one else there. We did some awesome exploring up and down the river."
Swimming access: The natural water features at Blue River Camp provide refreshing swimming opportunities. Nancy simply describes the location as "Gorgeous," while other visitors note the clean water and accessibility for recreation.
Training ground: The Cross Timbers Trail near 5 Mile Camp serves as excellent preparation for longer hikes. Kelly G. explains 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."
What you should know
License requirements: There is no free camping near Tishomingo, Oklahoma without proper permits. Lora explicitly warns that Blue River Camp is "Not free camping" and explains "To enter the grounds you need a hunting/fishing license or a 3day wildlife conservation passport."
Access challenges: Some dispersed camping locations have unclear access points. Matt M. cautions that at 5 Mile Camp, "The coordinates bring you to what looks like a driveway that has signs for no trespassing and beware of dogs," suggesting navigation difficulties.
Pack out waste: Visitors should come prepared to manage their own waste when camping near Tishomingo. Some locations suffer from accumulated trash, with one camper noting they made it "a new goal to try to carry out at least one or two grocery bags worth of other people's trash."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible exploration: Blue River Camp offers family-friendly exploration opportunities with relatively flat terrain. Carrie T. reports, "We did some awesome exploring up and down the river. There was so many campsites and they were all well maintained and flat."
Swimming locations: Families particularly enjoy the natural swimming areas. One area "south of the dam with a rope swing" provides entertainment for older children, while multiple shallow areas along the river accommodate various swimming abilities.
Weather preparation: Oklahoma weather can change rapidly, requiring proper gear. Shane W. mentions staying at 5 Mile Camp "just before a cold front with rain hit" and building a fire with "a long sheet of tent to reflect the heat," highlighting the importance of weather readiness.
Tips from RVers
Clearance considerations: Hughes Crossing at Blue River Camp can be challenging for low-clearance vehicles. While trucks can cross this waterfall feature, standard passenger cars and lower-clearance RVs should avoid this route and use alternative access points.
RV accessibility: Despite its natural setting, some areas accommodate larger RVs. Wesley H. confirms Blue River Camp has "easy access for our class c" motorhome, making it suitable for travelers with medium-sized recreational vehicles looking for camping options near Tishomingo.
