Tent camping options near Tulsa, Oklahoma include both established campgrounds and lesser-known primitive sites within a short drive of the city. Campsites span across several lakes and state parks, with most locations concentrated around Oologah Lake and Keystone Lake. Camping is available year-round, though spring and fall offer the most moderate temperatures, with summer highs frequently exceeding 90°F and winter lows occasionally dropping below freezing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Jackson Bay Recreation Area provides access to excellent sunrise fishing. A recent visitor noted, "Beautiful view over the lake at sunrise!" The area allows a generous 14-day stay limit for campers wanting to explore different fishing spots around the lake.
Swimming and water recreation: Huge Great Bus Camping features a natural swimming hole in a wooded setting. According to one camper, this site offers "Swimming hole and woods" in a primitive setting with "tents, campers, cars, and RVs allowed" though you'll need to arrange for the owner to guide you in since there's no formal address.
Explore Route 66 landmarks: Camping at Jackson Bay puts you near iconic Route 66 attractions. As one camper mentioned, "Nice and close to the Blue Whale of Catoosa and old route 66 which is partly how we ended up here." This makes the recreation area an excellent base camp for day trips to explore Oklahoma's historic highway sites.
What campers like
Peace and quiet: Sunset Bay campground offers a tranquil experience, particularly midweek. One visitor described it as "Very nice and clean campgrounds. It was empty and quiet during our stay." The area features picnic tables, drinking water, and allows fires in designated rings.
Cabin options: Sequoyah Bay State Park provides cabin accommodations for those wanting amenities beyond tent camping. A recent reviewer shared their experience: "Stayed here in a cabin. Excellent time. Lots of things to do. Tennis, horse back riding. Even square dancing. Great fun!" This makes it suitable for campers seeking more comfort than traditional tent camping.
Lakeside views: Verdigris River campground near Oologah offers memorable waterfront experiences. One camper reminisced about their experience: "Threw a line in and I caught a 12 pound Drum! I was 22 and so proud of that fish!! Built a fire and cleaned him. Wrapped in foil and cooked with fried potatoes and corn on the cob!! Best dinner ever and then slept out on the ground under the stars!!"
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most primitive tent camping sites around Tulsa lack modern amenities. At Jackson Bay, a camper observed, "Plenty of space for tents everywhere, just little to no amenities," adding that while the site was accessible, "The lake was very calm, but difficult to access right in front of camp, I would suggest walking to the boat ramp for that."
Pack-in, pack-out requirements: Without trash facilities at many locations, campers must take responsibility for waste. One Jackson Bay visitor commented on finding "a mound of trash near the exit" despite the area being "pretty clean," noting that "No Trash cans means more responsibility….and some people just can't handle it."
Access challenges: Some camping areas require special navigation. For Huge Great Bus Camping, a reviewer explained, "It doesn't have an address. when someone makes an appointment or books I meet them and guide them in." Similarly, at Newt Graham Lock and Dam area, "Getting to it is sketchy, the road turns to dirt and there are areas that people unfortunately dump trash."
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: When camping with children near Sunset Bay, timing matters. A local observer advised, "I would not recommend this as a family vacation site," explaining that "The park is gated (un-maned) and access is not restricted... this area used to gather a lot of riff-raff." The reviewer suggested the nearby camp with manned gates for families seeking more security.
Activity options: Three Ponds Community offers A-frame structures suitable for family camping. A visitor described it as "Peaceful. Serene. Secluded," noting that while "there is currently no running water due to colder temperatures... once it warms water is on site." The property includes firewood for a small fee and features an outdoor shower.
Weather preparedness: Tent camping around Tulsa requires preparation for seasonal conditions. At Redbud Bay, one camper shared their experience with extreme weather: "We camped once there when it was extremely cold and the water lines froze. But they were right on top of it getting it fixed." Always check weather forecasts before tent camping trips in the Tulsa area.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Sequoyah Bay State Park, RV sites are thoughtfully arranged. A camper observed, "This campground has easy, level sites at a nice angle, so you aren't facing right at the back of someone else's trailer." They added that "We did see some sites near the water that looked tricky to get into, but you'd be right by the water, so that's the trade off."
Dump station access: Many RV-friendly campgrounds near Tulsa provide dump facilities. The same reviewer at Sequoyah Bay noted, "dump sites easy to manage," making it convenient for longer stays. Hookup availability varies significantly between campgrounds, so confirm amenities before arrival.
Road conditions: Many access roads to tent camping areas around Tulsa consist of unpaved surfaces. A camper at Jackson Bay Recreation Area mentioned, "The road leading to the campground is mostly gravel, but it's manageable," which is valuable information for RVers concerned about vehicle access.
