Robbers Cave State Park near Wilburton, Oklahoma sits in the rugged San Bois Mountains at 1,120 feet elevation. The park spans over 8,000 acres of pine forests and sandstone bluffs, with several lakes nestled within its boundaries. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-50°F, while summer months see temperatures climbing into the 90s with moderate humidity levels.
What to do
Fishing at Lake Carlton: Cast your line at the scenic lake within Robbers Cave State Park. "We spent two afternoons swimming in Lake Carlton. The designated swim area has a very rocky drop-off for an entrance, but once out it was very nice swimming," notes one visitor who explored the water activities.
Hiking to the cave: Take the 3/4-mile trail to explore the historic hideout. "We did hike up to see robbers cave and the terrain was beautiful," shares a camper who visited during the pandemic. The trail features rocky terrain with elevation changes, so proper footwear is recommended.
Horseback riding: Bring your horses to the equestrian campground. "This is such a great park, one of the best I have ever been to for equine camping. Horses are very happy here, just remember to bring your coggins paperwork," advises a regular visitor at the park.
Swimming options: Choose between lake swimming or the pool with water slides. A camper mentions, "There is a pool with two water slides and a splash zone, it is $5 dollars to enter for the entire day." The park also offers kayak and paddleboard rentals for water exploration.
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Terra Starr RV Park offers lakeside camping with privacy. "Gravel sites, some with 30 & some 50 Amp for RV. Grass sites with water/elec for tents. Most sites are back-in but some overnight pull-thru sites," describes a camper who appreciated the variety of site options.
Organized activities: Park rangers often coordinate family-friendly events. One visitor shared, "When you get to camp they will give you a schedule of all the events that are going on throughout the week you are staying. We did a hayride that lead us through the park to the stables where there is a petting zoo."
Quiet atmosphere: Several campgrounds in the area provide peaceful settings. A guest at Onapa RV Park & Campground reported, "Wife and I stayed here for 5 nights, the owners were very friendly and helpful. The campground is close to Checotah and several boat ramps for lake access."
Natural features: The region's diverse landscape offers unique camping experiences. "It is a consensus with my family that we will need to return to this park again. It has so much to offer, and we did not even touch on the many miles worth of trails to hike," commented a family after their visit.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary: Older facilities may need maintenance. "The structure is very old and very dated stone structure, where you might find frogs sitting on shower curtains, spiders, and lizards," warns one Robbers Cave visitor.
Campsite privacy differs: Some loops offer more seclusion than others. "I will stay in the old circle campgrounds next time, they looked like they had bigger spots with more privacy than whispering pines," suggests a camper who explored different camping areas.
Trail difficulty: Many trails are more challenging than advertised. A regular Oklahoma camper notes, "This state park offered what I would consider typical of Oklahoma state park trails. They are poorly marked, more challenging than advertised, and not appropriate for certain types of activities."
Water conditions: At some rv parks Wilburton, Oklahoma area, water quality can be an issue. A visitor to Crowder RV Park cautions, "To stay here you need to budget in potable water. Rusty and nasty smelling water, also might want to bring an extra filter for trailer cause will clog it up."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly facilities. At Onapa RV Park, "They have nicely spaced spots, not exactly level, but very clean and quiet. They do have a basketball court and a cool looking playground for kids."
Age-appropriate trails: Choose hikes carefully with young children. "We tried a few trails but were too hard for us. We have a daughter with cerebral palsy that we pull in a wagon and the trails were too rough for the wagon," shares a family who visited Marval Camping Resort.
Bring entertainment: Some campgrounds have limited activities. "Lots to keep the kids busy, we had a really good time. Campsites are pretty close together though so we didn't have the space or privacy we like but I know we will go back," mentions a family who camped with children.
Consider spacing issues: During busy times, campgrounds can feel crowded. One family noted, "We really wanted to like this place. Everyone raves about it. The sites are close together, it was beyond crowded (my son couldn't even ride his bike because of the constant amount of cars)."
Tips from RVers
Overnight convenience: For travelers passing through, Love's RV Hookup locations provide practical stops. "Full hookups, very easy access from I-40 to your site and back. WiFi was great. Only because I had the whole place to myself did I not feel gouged," reports a senior RVer.
Site selection: Choose campsites based on privacy and hookup needs. A visitor to Terra Starr RV Park noted, "Lake access for swimming, fishing, kayaking. Parking area for boats in park and nearby boat ramp access. Very reasonable rates and they offer memberships."
Power considerations: Some rv parks near Wilburton experience electrical issues. "Power surge issues old breakers, and shuts off your trailer often," warns a camper about one of the local facilities.
Train noise: Be prepared for potential noise disturbances. "This Loves RV stop is not at a truck stop so not as much noise. Great sites that are flat and level. BUT the train that comes through several times a night uses their horn more than I have ever heard," cautions an RV camper.
