Best Campgrounds near Cherokee, OK

Camping near Cherokee, Oklahoma, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Explore the outdoors: The Salt Plains State Park Campground is a great spot for hiking and enjoying nature. One camper mentioned, "The park is very big and lots of different areas to explore."
• Fishing and boating: At Big Bend Park, you can enjoy fishing and boating activities. A visitor shared, "The large lake looks like a great place for boating activities."
• Crystal digging: The Salt Plains State Park Campground is famous for its crystal digging. One family noted, "The kids had a great time digging at the salt flats."

What campers like:

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Roman Nose State Park. One reviewer said, "The bathrooms and showers are new and very nice."
• Scenic views: Many enjoy the beautiful views at Alabaster Caverns State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "You could see alabaster everywhere, beautifully exposed."
• Quiet atmosphere: Campers often mention the peacefulness of places like Spring Hill Campground. One camper noted, "We were there during Thanksgiving week and there were only two other campers."

What you should know:

• Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Kingman State Fishing Lake, have minimal facilities. A camper pointed out, "Most people would not consider a body of water where you can see the bottom as a lake, that would be a pond."
• Seasonal access: Big Bend Park is open from April 1 to October 31, so plan your trip accordingly. A visitor mentioned, "The check-in process was a bit annoying."
• Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings, especially at Roman Nose State Park. One camper shared, "I saw turtles, a copperhead, a little lizard and several hawks."

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and trails, like Spring Hill Campground. A parent noted, "Several playground areas within the park."
• Plan for meals: Bring your own food and cooking supplies, as some campgrounds don’t have markets nearby. One camper advised, "Wal-Mart is 40 miles away, get whatever you need before you get there."
• Stay hydrated: Make sure to bring plenty of water, especially during hot months. A visitor at Alabaster Caverns State Park Campground mentioned, "I could only get cold water in the shower."

Tips from RVers:

• Check site sizes: Some campgrounds, like Kingman State Fishing Lake, have limited space for larger RVs. A reviewer said, "About 10 drive-through sites requiring a turning radius my 20-foot trailer could hardly manage."
• Be ready for rough terrain: Some sites may have gravel or uneven ground. One camper noted, "Sites are gravel and maybe a little rutted, some more gravel would help level things up."
• Use generators wisely: If you're at a campground without hookups, like Kingman State Fishing Lake, be prepared to use a generator. A visitor shared, "Used a Honda inverter generator just enough for the coffee maker and microwave."

Camping near Cherokee, Oklahoma, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!