McGee Creek State Park offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping sites within an hour's drive from Stringtown, Oklahoma. Situated in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains at around 750 feet elevation, the area features a mix of pine and hardwood forests surrounding several lakes and rivers. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-50°F, while summer months can reach 90-100°F with high humidity.
What to do
Explore secluded hiking trails: The Rocky Point trails at McGee Creek State Park provide peaceful hiking experiences through pine forests. "McGee Creek State Park is a beautiful state Park. It has beautiful campsites nestled along the lake shore. The lake is surrounded by the kiamiche mountains. There is no lights around the lake except at the park. Star gazing is amazing," notes Melanie W.
Fish from multiple locations: Lake access at McGee Creek supports bank or boat fishing. "McGee Creek is a great park if you enjoy camping and fishing with plenty of opportunity to do so both from the shore line and a boat. On the small side for a state park, it still has plenty of tent sites and RV sites for everyone to enjoy," reports Tom K.
Discover the Hughes Crossing waterfall: At Blue River Camp, you can visit a unique drivable waterfall. "Not only is there a beautiful little waterfall that also substitutes as a bridge, but the area is perfect for swimming. There is a bit of green algae, but it is otherwise clear and refreshing," shares Andi P.
Camp at historic locations: Learn about Civil War history at Boggy Depot State Park. "A very neat place for people that are interested in civil war history. Boggy Depot Park received its name from Clear Boggy Creek and was originally used as a depot for the Chickasaw and Choctaw people as they arrived in Indian Territory during the removal," explains Melanie W.
What campers like
Secluded tent camping options: The Tent Hill area at McGee Creek State Park offers more private sites. "We camped at McGee Creek State Park over Memorial Day weekend. We camped at tent hill #3. The thing we really liked about this particular site was that there are only 4 tent sites here, so it's secluded and nice and quiet. There is very little traffic driving by as well," shares Richard.
Evening stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies make for excellent stargazing at several area campgrounds. "This place is really dark at night and some campsites are very private. You can see so many stars. There is a grill and a table at you campsite. When the sun comes up there is a silver glow on the water beautifull," notes Paul T.
Pet-friendly water access: Most campgrounds in the region welcome dogs with water areas for cooling off. "I camped here with my 12 year old cousin here and he absolutely loved it. There is free admission but it costed 12 dollars for the site which was really cheap. Pets are allowed and they have clean hot showers," states Kevin T.
Variety of accommodation options: Beyond tents, several parks offer unique lodging. "They have a set of bunk beds, picnic table, heat and air, fireplace, fireplace, barbecue grill. The huts do not have bathrooms in each hut but have shared bathrooms outside that are clean and kept up," describes Melanie W. about the McGee Creek camping huts.
What you should know
Fishing license requirements: At Blue River Campground, visitors need valid licenses even for camping. "You must have a fishing or hunting license to camp here. Camping stops are spaced out very well. It is primitive camping. There is no electricity and there are some bathrooms but very few which doesn't bother me bc I don't use them anyways," explains Jennifer D.
Site reservation systems vary: Some parks don't offer advance reservations. "To enter the grounds you need a hunting/fishing license or a 3day wildlife conservation passport. The passport is for any activity on the grounds, excluding hunting or fishing and they are $51 currently," notes Lora about Blue River Camp.
Bathroom facilities differ widely: Facilities range from modern to primitive based on the specific campground area. "The bathroom was pretty typical of a state park. There is an area that has some lake huts for rent as well. They don't have bathrooms but they are heated/cooled," shares Richard about McGee Creek State Park.
Bug and wildlife preparation: The dense vegetation requires proper preparation. "The campsites are gravel and have tins of ants... Just a warning," warns Paul T. about McGee Creek State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Look for designated kids' areas: Some campgrounds offer playground facilities. "Have stayed in the Buster Hight campground for a weekend in early May for the last two years with friends. This campground also has a play ground, pavilion, swim beach, and fishing docks," recommends Jon B.
Consider cabin rentals: For families new to camping, Hugo Lake State Park offers cabin options. "We rented a resort cabin for a night in May of 2020. We opted for one of their 16 'resort' cabins. These cabins have 2 bedrooms, a full bathroom and kitchen and a nice porch overlooking the lake," shares Richard.
Pack for varied temperatures: Weather can change quickly, particularly in spring and fall. "We camped at McGee Creek State Park over Memorial Day weekend. We camped at tent hill #3...There is a real bathroom with a shower about a 10-15 minute walk away," notes Richard.
Select less crowded areas: For pet-friendly camping near Stringtown with children, choose quieter campgrounds. "This is definitely my all time favorite. I stayed at 'tent t hill' primitive area. Spot number 3 and it was PERFECT! Wooded area, quiet, peaceful. Trail literally right across from the section," recommends Nikki F.
Tips from RVers
Research hookup availability: K River Campground offers various RV amenities. "The rv spots are shaded. Electric and water but no sewer if you're close to the river which we were. The cabins are adorable and their general store was so cute! They have a community kitchen anyone can use!" shares Cindy W.
Check pad materials: Surface types vary between campgrounds. "The RV section has both full hookups and water/electric hookups. The prettiest sites are the ones without sewer, and the next time we go for just a weekend we'll pick one of those. Most of the RV sites have nice, level concrete pads (except the one we choose ... spot 11 ... crushed granite)," advises Brian B. about Lake Texoma State Park.
Consider site proximity to amenities: At most pet-friendly camping near Stringtown, bathroom and shower distances vary. "There is a real bathroom with a shower about a 10-15 minute walk away. The bathroom was pretty typical of a state park," notes Richard about McGee Creek State Park.
Plan for variable shade coverage: Tree cover differs significantly between campgrounds. "Lots of tall trees plus some open areas. Trees will not block canopies or pull outs! Very helpful staff! Has 30 and 50 amp. Along side a river also plus they have cabins," describes Bart R. about K River Campground.
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