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Best Campgrounds near Vian, OK

718 Reviews

Camping opportunities near Vian, Oklahoma encompass several developed campgrounds and mixed-use facilities around Lake Tenkiller and the Illinois River watershed. The Tenkiller State Park area offers multiple camping options with distinct camping areas including Bluff View, Shady Grove, and Fox Squirrel, each providing varying levels of amenities for tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals. Several sites like Marval Camping Resort in Gore and the Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA accommodate multiple camping styles with full hookup sites, cabins, and tent camping areas within a 20-mile radius of Vian.

Access to campgrounds in this region typically requires advance planning, especially during summer months when Lake Tenkiller attracts numerous visitors. Most developed campgrounds remain open year-round, though amenities like swimming pools and some bathhouses may close seasonally. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while spring brings potential for heavy rainfall and occasional flooding near waterways. Campground facilities vary significantly between locations, with many state park campgrounds offering water and electric hookups but limited sewer connections. Visitors should note that some campground bathrooms may have maintenance issues, as one camper mentioned: "The Men's shower/restroom was good, the Woman's on the other hand had a door problem where stalls would not lock, and the outer door would blow open letting anyone look into the restroom."

Lakefront camping represents a major draw for the region, with several campgrounds providing direct access to Lake Tenkiller's clear waters. Campsites at Bluff View feature distinctive rock formations and lake views, while other areas offer more wooded settings. The lake's reputation for clarity makes it popular for swimming, fishing, and boating activities. Campers report mixed experiences with noise levels, particularly at sites near highways or marinas. A visitor noted that "the lake was perfect for kayaking... The water was really clean and clear," highlighting the water recreation opportunities. Campgrounds closer to Vian tend to have more consistent cellular service compared to more remote sites. Several campgrounds provide boat ramps or water access points, making them convenient bases for water activities, though weekend congestion can be significant during peak summer months.

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Best Camping Sites Near Vian, Oklahoma (170)

    1. Greenleaf State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Braggs, OK
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 487-5196

    "Greenleaf State Park is a gem in eastern Oklahoma. This state park offers fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and a splash pad to cool off at!"

    "One really great thing about the summer is that a pair of Osprey have begun nesting across highway 10! So neat to see the pair nesting in Oklahoma.

    The hiking trails need some maintenance."

    2. Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA

    14 Reviews
    Sallisaw, OK
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 775-2792

    "They also have normal cabin rental and tiny home rentals that were perfectly positioned around campground and fishing pond. My only complaint would be that the sites are really compact."

    "Also hiking trails. Also some tent sites. There is a whole new section for Class A and large 5th wheel campers now."

    3. Marval Camping Resort

    10 Reviews
    Gore, OK
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 489-2295

    "This place has everything, movie theater, horse riding, a train that goes around the park, golf carts, tons of activities for the entire family... Swiming pool and all..."

    4. Webbers Falls City Park

    8 Reviews
    Gore, OK
    9 miles

    "tables Trash Picnic shelter Camphost Dump station New comfort station Electric Water Primitive sites are available Rates from$7.00 to$15.00

    Webbers Falls is a very small community in Muskogee County Oklahoma"

    "This small city park in a small Oklahoma town was a pleasant surprise. Had water and electric if desired or dry camping. Near the Arkansas river. Locals that drive thru the park were very friendly."

    5. Snake Creek

    8 Reviews
    Vian, OK
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 487-5252

    $23 - $50 / night

    "Located in the foothills of the Ozarks in eastern Oklahoma on crystal clear Tenkiller Lake, a COE project from the mid 1950’s on the Illinois River. We stayed on site 18 which is gravel W/E (50A)."

    "Lots of room to roam, Plenty of access to the water for boats (multiple ramps) or wading/swimming. Plenty of sites to choose from some shaded, some by the water.  A few full hookups but not many."

    6. The Shady Grove — Tenkiller State Park

    5 Reviews
    Monroe Lake, OK
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 776-8180

    "This was our first camping trip in Oklahoma and we stayed in the shady grove rv campground. There are a few sections for Rvs and I think this is one of the nicer ones."

    "We had tree line behind us and shade for some parts of the day. We don’t have a boat but we have kayaks and we went and put in on the north side of the lake and went out to goat island."

    7. Bluff View — Tenkiller State Park

    4 Reviews
    Monroe Lake, OK
    7 miles
    Website

    $14 / night

    "It's a beautiful spot surrounded by big rocks. The only complaint is the restrooms are quite dirty, and the shower doesn't have cold water."

    "Have stayed here multiple times in the past and it’s exactly as stated - a lake campsite. The view is beautiful over one of the prettiest lakes in the region."

    8. Strayhorn Landing - Tenkiller Ferry Lake

    4 Reviews
    Gore, OK
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 487-5252

    $23 - $50 / night

    "Staryhorn Park is a gym on Lake Tenkiller. The park is clean and well maintained, with great views of the surrounding hills and sparkling lake waters."

    "This park has a swimming hole, playground, canoeing, boat ramps, 2 bath houses, gorgeous lake views, plenty tent, and RV lots. $18-$20 per night, depending on your site for tents. $20-50 for RV depending"

    9. Cherokee Landing State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Park Hill, OK
    18 miles
    Website

    "Its right on the side of the road, next to Grand Lake. Being on the lake, it made sense that most of the campers were there to play on the water. The campground is really three campgrounds."

    "Good access to Lake Tenkiller and most of the sites here have some sort of Lake view. A little highway noise can be heard from the Chickasaw loop, but it is not too bad."

    10. Chicken Creek

    6 Reviews
    Bunch, OK
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 487-5252

    $10 - $50 / night

    "Store outside gate. Gates going in locked at 10:00 p.m. and open at 6:00 a.m."

    "We had a great spot located 200 yards from the lake. Also had the boat dock just on the other side of us. Great place to stay, friendly staff!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Vian, OK

174 Photos of 170 Vian Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Vian, OK

718 Reviews of 170 Vian Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Belle Starr Park Campground

    Spacious

    Very large sites. Large park with boat ramp, sites you can pull your boat up to. Wildlife all around. Many different types of sites.

  • P
    Aug. 25, 2025

    The River Bluff Cabins

    Beautiful property

    Amazing place! Cleaning bathrooms, beautiful views!

  • A
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Marval Camping Resort

    Horrible Manager

    Very disappointed in Marval Resort. The manager is very unprofessional. We have been going there since 2019 for a family reunion. This year was 59th reunion. I get a phone call on July 7, 2025 and was told we would not be welcomed back and when I asked why the manager could not tell me why. All that she said was several reasons. If it was such a big issue, she should have come to me or someone else and addressed the issue face to face instead of waiting until we left. My cousin had called multiply times to try and get this worked out and she would never speak or call back. When no response to phone calls she was emailed and finally responded to an email. The manager didn’t even have the decency for the closing signature on the email. It’s a shame that Marval Resort has someone like this running their resort. Very poor communication. Instead of coming to my camp spot talking to me about some cars parked on the grass and gravel in front of our camp spot out of the way of others she calls me in the middle of a big gathering and tells me they need to be moved because it rained that morning and the grass was wet. No, the grassy lawn area was dry in the heat of the afternoon day. There are so many staff members driving around on their golf carts and not a word was said. She was on her golf cart right by us and could not come face to face and talk about the issue. Now, that’s pretty unprofessional. We have 96 and 86 year old aunts and some others with walking issues. That’s why cars were there. Family was coming from their cabins or campers to the central area for family gathering. And as far as the pavilion parking that we paid money to rent. Again, for some elders and a few trucks hauling fish fry supplies. You booked a band that was playing on the stage right by the pavilion(that we paid for) and people could not communicate very well due to loud music. This also happened last year as well. So, you the manager don’t know who all the cars belong to. They could have been the bands or other guest not in our family. We have a large group that stayed there for 6 years in campers or cabins and spent lots of money there. There is a lot of issues the manager needs to take care of and get off her high horse. I thought this place is supposed to be family oriented. I will miss seeing Wayne(maintenance gentleman) there with his smiling face. He is such a friendly man. And one more thing, always talking about all the improvements they’re working on or going to do. It’s been the same for 6 years now.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    KOA Campground Checotah

    An older KOA campground that needs a little TLC

    Overall a nice layout for a KOA campground. Everything is clean, however it's showing its age. The little TLC would go a long way and turning this into a five-star campground.

    Please see attached pictures and video for more details.

  • Kurt G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Lee Creek Off Road Site

    Good pit stop

    Right off the main road (you can still hear the traffic, but it's not a lot of traffic)

    There's a fire pit, some paths to a hiking spot. I don't think a bus would fit but my 21ft. van was mostly a tight fit.

    A good public land spot with just enough space for two car campers

  • Jon J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Belle Starr Park Campground

    Good pit stop

    Facilities a little outdated but functional. Quite, clay bottom lake good to chill by and get some sleep.

  • Jennifer O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Natural Falls State Park Campground

    Clean, lush, and plenty to do!

    Love this campground so much. Great spots with really level pads set in a beautifully treed park. Surrounded by disc golf, waterfalls, and hiking. Would totally come back over and over. Our site was really private on the outside loop. Loved it.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Riverfront RV Resort

    Beautiful Resort!

    We only stayed here 2 nights on our way to Colorado. Beautifully maintained, sits right on the Arkansas river. Pool is cold but clean and well maintained. The park was not even 1/4 full while we were there. I hope business picks up because it’s nice. A little pricey ($81 per night), but with Good Sam or Military discount, it helps. Ladies in the office were fantastic, each going through their purses to find enough quarters so I could wash and dry a load of clothes! Very nice! It was just TOO HOT to do much outside, especially with dogs.

Guide to Vian

Camping near Vian, Oklahoma, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails in the area. At Devil's Den State Park Campground, one visitor mentioned, "The hikes are short and just amazing!" This park has trails that lead to stunning views and unique landscapes.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground, provide access to fishing spots. One camper noted, "You can’t swim or paddleboard but can kayak or fish here."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Natural Falls State Park Campground have spotted various wildlife. A reviewer shared, "We saw a wild river otter swimming there is so much wildlife out there."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Greenleaf State Park Campground are praised for their cleanliness. One visitor said, "The bathrooms were clean and had AC!"
  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Robbers Cave State Park. A review mentioned, "The site was absolutely massive, and turned out to be even better than the one that we had initially picked out."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. At Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures, a camper noted, "The owners are great and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like Natural Falls State Park Campground, can be noisy during events. One camper warned, "Unless you’re a fan of oval dirt track racing, most Friday and Saturday nights in the summer and fall are pretty loud until after 11:00 at night."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, White Rock Mountain Recreation Area has primitive sites with only water and outhouse-style bathrooms. A visitor mentioned, "It has primitive sites with water and outhouse style bathrooms."
  • Reservations Required: Some campgrounds, like Springhill, require reservations in advance. A camper noted, "You have to reserve your site in advance via Recreation.gov."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. At Greenleaf State Park Campground, one reviewer said, "On premises splash park with waterside was great for the grandkids."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground mentioned, "Nice large pool area with a water playground/splash pad."
  • Pack for Bugs: Bring bug spray or a screen room. One camper at Springhill advised, "Bring screen room or bug repellent for biting flies and no-seeums."

Tips from RVers:

Camping around Vian, Oklahoma, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. With beautiful scenery and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available near Vian Creek Cave?

Several excellent camping options exist near Vian Creek Cave. Webbers Falls City Park offers affordable camping with rates from $7-15 per night, providing electric, water hookups, and primitive sites. The park features picnic tables, grills, a dump station, and comfort stations. Alternatively, Cherokee Landing State Park Campground offers boat-in and drive-in access with water hookups and facilities suitable for RVs. For free camping, consider Wahoo Bay, which allows stays up to 14 days at beautiful lakeside campsites.

How do I get to Vian Creek Cave?

Vian Creek Cave is located near the eastern Oklahoma area. For the best access, consider starting your journey from Greenleaf State Park Campground which is situated in eastern Oklahoma and offers good road access to surrounding natural attractions. The cave area requires some hiking, so proper footwear is recommended. Check with park rangers upon arrival for specific directions and current trail conditions, as access points can change seasonally and may require permits for cave exploration.

What are the best seasons to visit Vian Creek Cave?

The best seasons to visit Vian Creek Cave are late spring through early fall. Natural Falls State Park Campground experiences its peak season from April through September, which offers insight into optimal regional visiting times. Summer provides reliable access but brings larger crowds, especially on weekends. For a more peaceful experience with moderate temperatures, aim for May-June or September-October. Robbers Cave State Park in southeastern Oklahoma demonstrates similar seasonal patterns, with full accessibility to natural features during these months.

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