Primitive camping near Gore, Oklahoma centers on land surrounding Fort Gibson Lake and extends into neighboring Arkansas. The region's terrain ranges from densely wooded areas to open lake shores with elevations between 550-650 feet. Summer temperatures commonly reach 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions between 60-80°F with periodic thunderstorms.
What to do
Fishing from the dam: The Dam Site Campground at Fort Gibson provides access to multiple fishing spots. "You can to the dam and fish for all kinds of fish, hike in the woods, swim up at the lake, or put your boat in for a cruise," notes Michele E., who also mentions the "awesome" view from this location.
Explore creek hiking trails: Dispersed sites near Devils Den offer creek access with established walking paths. One camper observed, "Nice walk trails along the water. Local stop in for swimming and fishing." The area features abundant wildlife and seasonal wildflowers along creek-side trails.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution at most primitive sites creates excellent stargazing opportunities. Areas away from highway noise provide the best viewing conditions. Summer visitors report seeing "tons of fireflies which was cool" according to Lauren, adding a unique natural light show to evening activities.
What campers like
Variable water experiences: Fort Gibson Lake offers different experiences depending on which side you camp on. According to David M., "The east side of the lake is spring fed creeks and therefore cleaner and clearer." This creates options for campers seeking either lake or creek swimming environments.
Helpful camp hosts: Visitors to Lee Creek Off Road Site appreciate the occasional presence of knowledgeable locals who can provide information about seasonal conditions. Kurt G. describes it as "a good public land spot with just enough space for two car campers," making it ideal for smaller groups seeking privacy.
Well-established fire rings: Most dispersed sites feature durable fire rings. A camper at Devils Den noted "really nice and spread out spots with nice huge firepits," allowing for safe campfire experiences when fire restrictions aren't in place.
What you should know
Road conditions and vehicle access: Forest service roads leading to some camping areas present challenges. Lauren warns about Devils Den access: "I just got back from staying here for a night. For one, it is a very narrow road but my minivan got through just fine. UNTIL I made it to a puddle of water (that I highly underestimated), got stuck in the mud immediately."
Seasonal water level changes: Fort Gibson functions primarily as a flood control lake, affecting camping conditions. As David M. explains, "Fort Gibson Lake is a flood control lake so the water levels can fluctuate. Specifically the waters can rise to where boating ramps are not available." Check water levels before planning water activities.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is minimal or non-existent at most primitive sites. One camper reported having to walk "15 minutes down the highway to get signal; no signal at all at the sites" after getting stuck, underscoring the importance of bringing emergency communication alternatives.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for privacy: Families seeking space should consider the tradeoffs between convenience and seclusion. Chad K. notes that while "The dam site campground is nice," it can be "crowded. The sites are packed together and leave little privacy." Dispersed options farther from facilities offer more space between neighbors.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region supports diverse wildlife including deer, small mammals, and numerous bird species. Dispersed Near Devils Den provides particularly good nature observation with one visitor noting "Insect surprisingly weren't that bad" despite the wooded setting.
Campground cleanup responsibilities: Teach children about leave-no-trace principles, as some areas suffer from previous visitors' neglect. A camper mentioned it "Would've been a nearly perfect campsite. Had it not been for all the trash left by others," highlighting the importance of proper waste management.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions for vehicles: Most primitive sites accommodate smaller RVs only. Kurt describes Lee Creek as having space where "I don't think a bus would fit but my 21ft. van was mostly a tight fit," indicating larger rigs should seek more developed options.
Highway proximity considerations: Some dispersed sites balance accessibility with background noise. RVers report "you can still hear the traffic, but it's not a lot of traffic" at certain sites, allowing convenient access without completely sacrificing the wilderness experience.
