Skiatook Lake campsites spread across northeastern Oklahoma where the Cross Timbers forest meets tall grass prairie landscapes. The Corps of Engineers manages several campgrounds around this 10,190-acre reservoir with 160 miles of shoreline. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, with higher levels in spring and early summer creating different shoreline camping experiences throughout the year.
What to do
Wildlife watching opportunities: Bull Creek Peninsula provides excellent habitat for deer and wild turkeys. "We saw white tail deer, armadillo, & wild Turkey," noted a visitor to Osage Hills State Park, which offers diverse ecosystems within driving distance of Skiatook Lake.
Water recreation options: Skiatook Lake has separate areas for different water activities. "The cove stays pretty calm since it's, well, a cove and due to it being a no wake zone because of the marina. If you head north on the water about a mile or so from the cove and go around the point you'll find a nice sandy beach across the way," shared a camper at Keystone State Park.
Hiking near camp: Several campgrounds connect to trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "There are multiple areas to hike, kayak, fish, or boat in the area. Not too far from Skiatook if you need to head into a town which is nice for some people," mentioned a reviewer at Tall Chief Cove.
What campers like
Lake access sites: Sites with direct water access book quickly but offer convenience for boaters. "Our favorite is A22 since it's right on the water with a place for a boat and great area for swimming," reported a camper at Tall Chief Cove, highlighting the premium spots.
Clean facilities: Campground infrastructure receives regular maintenance. "Twin Points campground is a very well maintained campground. The paved campsites accommodate big rigs as well as our campervan... The restroom/shower house was very clean & equipped with tp," noted a visitor to Twin Points.
Variety of camping terrain: Campers can choose between lakeside, wooded, or bluff settings. "We stayed at site 31. It was on the side with the bluffs. Beautiful sunset overlooking the lake. Trees separated us from the next campsites," wrote a reviewer at Bull Creek Peninsula.
What you should know
Primitive camping considerations: Several areas lack water hookups. "It's very primitive so bring plenty of water," advised a Bull Creek Peninsula camper.
Seasonal wildlife: Insect activity increases during warm months. "The only downside for us was the bugs! So many mosquitos, flies, and bees," noted a Twin Points visitor.
Reservation requirements: Most Corps of Engineers campgrounds require advance booking. "Reservations only so be sure to plan ahead. The best sites need to be reserved as many as 6 months in advance," explained a camper at Tall Chief Cove.
Shared water sources: Water spigots often serve multiple sites. "The only inconvenience is this site is farthest from the shared water source. They do however allow a splitter valve. Best to fill your tank before heading out, bring 200' of hose, or bring a couple water containers," advised a camper at Tall Chief Cove.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer recreation facilities. "The kids like the playground and open field for playing tag. The boat dock is nice and a good place to toss a hook in the water," mentioned a camper about Twin Points.
Swimming areas: Each campground has different water access points. "This campground is smaller with a single loop and is most ideal for RV's and boaters... There are several picnic areas and places to enjoy the lake," wrote a reviewer at Birch Cove.
Weekend activity levels: Expect more noise and activity on weekends. "Lots of families camp in this campground. Many people had boats, kayaks, as well as remotely operated toy boats and such. One guy was parasailing in some kind of a rig that had a gas motor," described a Twin Points visitor, suggesting weekday stays for those seeking quiet.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose campsites based on levelness and hookup access. "Didn't care for the slope of our site, but there were only a couple available when we booked it," cautioned an RVer at Tall Chief Cove.
Hookup details: Electric service varies between campgrounds. "Pulled into the campground on a rainy Friday night for the minimum 2 night stay. It worked out for what we needed at the time," shared a reviewer about Tall Chief Cove's accommodations.
Water hookup preparation: Come prepared with sufficient hose length for shared water spigots. "The water at site really high pressure, have regulator ready," advised a Twin Points camper, highlighting the importance of proper equipment.
