Best Glamping near Sulphur, OK

This is one of our favorite tent and trailer camping locations in Oklahoma. It is quiet with all the hookups you need plus restrooms and showers within in a close walk on Loop C where reservations are required. Great sunset views over the Lake of the Arbuckles, great hiking in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, and close shopping in Sulphur.

I’ve tried to like sulphur but I don’t. It’s a beautiful area but extremely crowded and oh so noisy. The gorgeous pictures you see of the waterfalls aren’t like that. They are lined with people sitting on them. We had to hike downstream quite a ways to get away from every one. Will not be returning.

This is a beautiful COE campground on the Lake of the Arbuckles near Sulphur, OK in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. There’s a variety of tent and RV sites from lakeside to sites enclosed in trees. 50, 30, 20 amp service with water, mostly level and easy to back-in. The shower house was clean though a little dated. The dump station worked as it should and had easy access.

General: Buckhorn is one of six campgrounds in Chickasaw NRA (Central, Cold Springs, and Rock Creek are located in the Platt historic district closer to the town of Sulphur. These are best for tent camping with no hookups. Guy Sandy, The Point, and Buckhorn are located on or near Lake of the Arbuckles) with a total of over 400 sites. I am not sure why we chose Buckhorn, but it was possibly due to a Dyrt review and we were not disappointed! Some are reservable, some have water and electric, and some are walk-in. If you enter the park via the town of Sulphur, make sure you stop at the visitor center for a map and information. There is no fee to enter the park.

Site Quality/Facilities: Buckhorn has four loops, two of which were closed when we were there in early May. We reserved site 56 in the C Loop, which had a view of Lake of the Arbuckles. The sites are large, spaced a good distance apart and wooded, providing privacy. Our site (but not all of them) had a large picnic table, water, electric, lantern hook, bbq grill, and fire pit. There is an amphitheater between the C and D Loops, but I am not sure when/if programs will resume.

Bathhouse: The restrooms were very clean, and the good surprise was showers, a rarity in National Park Service campgrounds. The shower is clean, solar heated and operates on a timer. The water was immediately warm and although I did not time it, I had sufficient time to shower and wash my hair, and not feel rushed. There are plenty of hooks and a bench plus an outlet for a blow dryer. Only one spider made an appearance! Soap dispensers in the bathroom and air dryers (I bring my towel).

Activities/Amenities: There is a nature center, two springs, some small waterfalls, and a 2.9- mile paved path around Veteran’s Lake (you would need to drive to get to these areas from Buckhorn). There are also multi-use trails closer to Buckhorn which are used for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Fishing appeared to be popular as we saw several boats by some of the sites. Swimming is also allowed but I would imagine this would be in the summer when it is warmer. No to fleeting cell service on Verizon although we did have cell closer to the town of Sulphur in the Platt Historic District.

It was very quiet and peaceful when we stayed here on a weekday in early May with only about 20% occupancy. For $11($22 for non-seniors), this campground is an excellent value, and I would absolutely return.

I spent a very relaxing week at The Point Upper Campground at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Because my reservation was for seven days, I didn't have a very good choice of sites, but mine was clean, level and had good utilities.  The dump station was easily accessible. Only one complaint is that the wash out hose did not have a threaded hoses connection to attach to my tank flush on my trailer. No big deal, but it would have helped. The Park Service personnel kept the area clean and mowed and had a very good presence in the campground. I checked in on a Sunday and was pretty much alone except for one other site near me until Friday evening when the place filled up QUICK. I'm glad that I checked out the next morning because it was really busy with traffic, kids in the road having fun, and lots of background noise. The Main area of the Rec Area is right off of the main thoroughfare in Sulphur OK where there is a nature center, trails, waterfalls and great swimming holes on the creeks. The Bison herd was in the East pasture and was easily accessible from the Veterans Trail. The herd is small now, but they were expecting some "red dogs" and mamas in the next few days when I was there. Glad to have a new bison herd in Oklahoma. 

The Point Campground is close (5 miles) to fuel, groceries, beer, ice and of course a Wal-Mart. I would recommend this campground. There are several others in CNRA too, and the whole experience is worth the cost of the campsite. Be sure to visit the Nature Center Area, it is located near the waterfalls and creeks. A good side trip, along with the Bison Herd nearby.

We spent the first weekend of March 2020 here and it was beautiful, even as the trees were still dead. We stayed in 52C, which has standard electric, 30amp.

We tent camped and it was beautiful!

Pros: -Reasonably clean comfort station (minus the normal daddy long legs) -Beautiful location on the lake and viewable from many sites -Easy to book online through the Recreation.gov app -Lots of trees for privacy and shade -The ranger made frequent drives through the loop for added safety and security -Campsites in C are all on a gravel pad, making it easy to setup

Cons: -Comfort station is quite a walk from some sites, including 52C - way too far to walk after dark. -Many sites looked tiny, may be too small for larger tents

• Sites might be difficult to back in a large camper due to tight turns.

Tips:

• For many sites, you must book ahead through Recreation.gov -We were not able to find much firewood or kindling around, but Sulphur has a super Walmart for firewood and anything else you need.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area- Buckhorn Area Oklahoma. 

Site 36 Loop B 

Continuing our late spring journey west…we ventured to Chickasaw NRA. 

Stopping in at the beautiful Visitor’s Center at the edge of town, those that assisted us at the information were extremely gracious and helpful, having never visited before. Taking their advice we travelled 7.5 miles south on Rt 177 and turned west on Buckhorn until arriving at the Buckhorn Area campground loops off to the south. 

Anxious to get out of the car, we settled too quickly on Site 36 Loop B before surveying the three other Loops. There are some really nice and spacious sites out there…especially on C and D. Site 36 Loop B is located amidst six other sites in an open area on Lake of the Arbuckles. Upon setting up camp, we were the solitary campers in Loop B(Tuesday night mid-June) other than the host. 

Later, another family arrived choosing a nearby lakefront site. It should be noted that this is a busy lake. Powerboats raced from end to end like today was their last day on earth and their choice of blaring music may not be to your liking. So it is not always quiet and tranquil. Pretty popular with the fishermen as well. I witnessed a lot of fishing but not a lot of catching. Once the power boaters, personal watercraft and tubers call it a night, lake of the Arbuckles is supremely tranquil. 

The lake was as warm as bath water on June 15th, which was surprising…days were 90’s with nights in the 70’s and cloudless skies. 

Personally, I would choose a more shaded site if we were to spend more than one night. Each Loop B site had a level gravel horseshoe shaped pad. Tents must be within that area. 

• Each site has a grated fire ring, a lantern pole and a movable picnic table. Tent sites were clearly marked. 

• Numerous lakefront sites are in a cleared area below the shower house/restrooms and Check-In kiosk…each are visible from the other we no understory or foliage to provide privacy. Those nestled in the woods along the outside perimeter offer much more privacy.

• Water spigots are sporadically spaced for easy access in the“primitive” loops.

• Electric/water sites obviously offer those amenities are a bit deeper, more spacious and some have two parking spots. Most of those on Loop D were taken.

• The loops are separated substantially so that other campers are not seen nor heard from loop to loop. Surprisingly, I could not even locate trails that led from loop to loop.

• Shower-house/restrooms were very clean and well stocked. Loop B had one shower for the entire loop in both men’s and women’s restrooms…as well as one family shower between the two. On our visit the electrical outlets were not working in the restrooms. Facilities are modern and showers are warm and on a push button timer to conserve water.(men’s-2 sinks/2-stalls, 1-standup, 1-shower)

• Milton, Our Loop B host, was a pleasant gentleman that was a full time RVer and very knowledgeable of the area.

• The Check-In Kiosk(located in each loop) was an easy, painless affair IF you have a credit card.

• Multi-use trails are aplenty in various parts of the NRA. Some lead you by bison, others to waterfalls, and some simply through serene forest. The terrain is undulating so be prepared…especially by bicycle.

• Traveling north on 177 there is a Bison Viewpoint trail, and if the bison cooperate you’ll be rewarded.

• Several springs and 1930’s CCC built dams exist creating small waterfalls and refreshing swimming holes on many. There are some springs that are posted“no swimming.” The Travertine Nature Center is also worth a visit providing numerous wildlife dioramas and several live exhibits. NP Rangers possess great knowledge and eager to answer any park questions.

• Dump station turnoff is 9/10 and 7/10 of a mile from thr campground entrances Primitive campgrounds also exist near the numerous falls and Travertine River closer to the city of Sulphur. Campsites appeared close to the park roadway as we traveled toward the Nature Center.

• All in all, a wonderful park that needs several days to fully explore.

Got a great spot right on the water for our weekend camping trip. Plenty of space at our camp site for two full size tents. Great fishing, we caught 3 catfish and and 2 crappie. Water was much clearer than other lakes I have been to in Oklahoma. We decided to forgo a power hookup for a better view of the lake and ended up spending $14/per night, which I’m glad we did. They also have site with full water and power hookup. Turner falls is just down the road, where you can enjoy the view of some amazingly formed natural waterfalls, and if you’re up to it they allow sliding and swimming in the waterfalls. Some great spots for hiking are available in all levels of expertise as well. This place is a great stop if you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy the Oklahoma outdoors.

I’ve been at this campsite a few times and I can honestly say that it’s one of the best in Oklahoma! My husband and I stayed in one of the trailer/RV sites during our most recent visit. The area was clean, spacious, and very close the the restrooms and the lake. We will definitely be back!

While traveling through Oklahoma, we wanted to find a good, clean campsite and after reading nightmarish reviews of lake Thunderbird, we decided to go here instead. And boy am I glad we did. The bathrooms were large, clean, and very well maintained. They even have a nice shower. It’s quiet, heavily wooded, private enough from other campsites, and felt very safe. We slept great! Bonus, they’re are fireflies everywhere!

We stayed here in October at an RV site right on the water. It didn’t have a sewer hookup, which was kind of disappointing but we made it work. We took a nice hike and took the boat out for the day. Bathrooms could use an update but that’s par for the course in Oklahoma.

This is my favorite campground in the state of Oklahoma. The sites are nice size and some of them back up to the water. Plenty of room to spread out. Bath house is super clean. Lake of the Arbuckles is beautiful for water recreational activities. Some in our group kayaked. I'll be trying that the next time I go. Lots of shoreline to walk, if you're so inclined. Camp host was helpful and on top of things. For a busy campground (it was full when we went) the noise level wasn't bad. No issues with unruly campers. Can't wait to go visit again.

Can’t beat this site for $29/night. The sites where we were at are a bit close together. It definitely would have been better to be further on the peninsula or at Cedar Cove or Elephant Rock But we were just happy there was a last-minute cancellation on their website allowing us to be here otherwise it was all booked up for the weekend (I just kept refreshing the booking page).

Bathrooms good. Access the water was close. Lake Murray is one of the more clear lakes in Oklahoma.

The golf course, which was beautiful & close, has super twilight hours (after 6pm) which made it very affordable $16pp w/cart.

Great visit. Will be back!

We stayed in Loop C, site 48. Had to book about a month in advance, and didn’t have but 3 spots to pick from. Camp site was clean, and although far from the C comfort station, it was a short walk to the D comfort station.

Site had a picnic table, fire pit and lantern hook, with a nice flat area for any tent camping. We were in a teardrop, so the 2 parking spots made it really easy to back the teardrop in and park next to it. Campsites are pretty close together, so you can definitely hear your neighbors, but the trees do provide lots of screening. Easy walk to the lakeshore for some shoreline fishing, and campground itself is a quick 10-minute drive from town and the main park area.

Definitely a beautiful area of Oklahoma, and an easy campground to stay at. Would recommend to anyone.

We've wanted to check out Lake Murray since visiting there years ago. Didn't really think we'd be able to find a spot for Memorial Day Weekend, but apparently someone cancelled and one opened up a few days earlier. We stayed at Buzzads Roost without knowing anything about it and we we weren't disappointed. We didn't get a waterfront site but it was still a nice stay. The campgrounds were clean and quiet. It appeared that all the RV sites were level concrete pads with picnic tables, grills, and fire rings. Our was nice and wide. We don't have slideouts but they wouldn't have been a problem.

We were able to get out and kayak twice. On Saturday the boat ramp for the campgrounds was crazy busy so we drove up the road to Tipps Point and launched from there. They have a nice beach area along with some camprounds there as well. On Sunday we got up with the sun and beat everyone else to the boat launch area. If you're in the tent camping area there are plenty of places to launch a kayak but if you're driving down and don't want to walk throught people's campsites there is a small area on the left side of the boat ramp that is a easy place to launch and land a kayak. Parking can be tough at the ramp area. There's not a lot of spaces and many of them were taken by folks who have boats at the marina.

The trip over to Tucker Tower is quick and there are coves on both sides with glassy water. The tower has a dock if you want to take the tour (we were there before they opened, so no tour for us). Oklahoma is often known for its red/brown lakes, but Lake Murray is an exception. Green/blue waters that were clear enough to see the tip of my paddle when stuck straight down 4-5 feet. 

The water and surroundings were beautiful and even for a busy holiday weekend it didn't feel too busy or crowded. Lake Murray is definitely on our return list.

Have camped here twice with family and with friends and it has been great. Camp host has always been super nice. We have always stayed in the north end of The Point, the bathrooms are good and not that far of a walk. I really like that the camp sites are not close together and well treed. 

Will be coming back again this May for a weekend away with friends.

A few things I don't like about this particular location:

Not as close to the water as I would prefer.

A bit of a drive to the swim beach.

Safe clean and quiet.

Long parking area makes for nice seclusion. Woods crowd you in, lake nearby. Watch for creepy crawlies; I had no idea they had tarantulas.

We spend our summers boating and camping at the Lake of the Arbuckles. The Pointe campground is our favorite campground to stay at. Nice clean and well taken care of restrooms and large camp sites.

We stayed at the point for 3 nights. Very nice well kept camp sites for rv camping as well as tent camping. Clean bathrooms and showers. It is however not within walking distance of the trails and nature center. Which is a must see beautiful area with trails and natural springs and waterfalls ..

Each site is thoroughly bounded with retaining walls, making them perfectly flat. Driveway lengths vary dramatically, so check the details! Shower house has two decent push button showers. Dumpsite is clean and accessible, water pressure is average, 20/30/50 plugs at each site. Superb for tent camping, walk-in sites are ideal. RV pads are asphalt. Reservations required. Generally a great campground.

We went in late March and although cool it was a beautiful time of year to visit. If you haven’t been to the Recreation area it’s a must in the spring. The campground was quiet, LOTS of privacy, and some great scenery.

Ok camping No bike trails No Buffalo No river Unless you go closer to town