Shaded sites overlooking Oologah Lake define the layout at Hawthorn Bluff, a US Army Corps of Engineers campground that draws a mostly RV-heavy crowd to the northeastern Oklahoma shoreline. The campground sits within places to camp around Oologah Lake, open seasonally from April 1 through October 31, with nightly rates ranging from $16 to $50. Reservations are available and worth booking early. One reviewer noted the campground was already at 75% capacity mid-week, suggesting weekends fill fast.
The lake-facing sites back up to bluffs with roughly a 30-foot drop to the water below, which is worth knowing before choosing a site with young children. Leveling can be a challenge on some sites, particularly those closest to the water. Several campers mention needing a 75-foot hose to reach the nearest spigot, since water connections are not at individual hookups. Ron K. describes site 31 as "right across from the fishing dock and close to a potable water source," which makes it a practical pick for anglers or those with water-heavy setups.
Cleanliness comes up consistently in reviews. Restrooms and showers are well-maintained during the paid season, and the swim beach has free life jacket loaners on hand. Fishing docks, boat launches, and stretches of rocky shoreline give campers plenty to do along the water. A few short trails run through the area, and the dam across the road draws anglers when water is being released. Cell coverage on Verizon has been reported as solid.
The gate locks at 10 PM. Campers arriving late will either need to walk in or leave a secondary vehicle outside the main entrance. Douglas calls it a "very nice and clean campground," though the gate curfew is a real logistical factor for anyone with evening plans off-site. RVs up to 105 feet can be accommodated, and electric hookups are available. The campground also allows pets, and dog-friendly camping around Oologah Lake is worth exploring if you need to compare options before booking. Campers wanting a different setup nearby can look at Redbud Bay to the southeast.
Description
Overview
Hawthorn Bluff is located on Oologah Lake in northeastern Oklahoma, less than 30 miles from Tulsa. The lake provides an ideal getaway for fishing, boating, picnicking and camping. Prevailing winds make Oologah one of the most popular lakes in the area for sailing.
Recreation
Oologah Lake is a prime location for boating, sailing, water skiing and swimming. Several recreation areas with boat ramps and docks are scattered around the lake, including at Hawthorn Bluff. Fishing is a very popular activity. Black bass, crappie, paddlefish, channel and blue catfish, walleye and hybrid striped bass are the primary sport species found in the lake. Young anglers love the Kid's Sun, Fun and Fishing Derby Day held annually in June. The forested hills of the Oologah Wildlife Management Area provide excellent hunting opportunities, with nearly 13,000 acres open to the public.
Facilities
This large campground offers numerous campsites, many of which have 30-amp electric hookups. Two group day-use picnic shelters are available, as is a unique amphitheater with a gazebo that is ideal for ceremonies and weddings. The group facilities are Accessible and accommodate up to 100 guests each. Flush and pit toilets, showers and a dump station are provided. A playground and interpretive nature trail are located within the campground.
Natural Features
Oologah Lake sits on the Verdigris River with a surface area of nearly 30,000 acres. Over 200 miles of shoreline are dominated by old-growth post oak and blackjack oak forests, which provide habitat for a variety of wildlife and birds, including deer, turkey, rabbits, quail, squirrels, ducks, geese and doves.
Nearby Attractions
Dog Iron Ranch, the birthplace of Will Rogers, is nearby. The ranch is a living history museum featuring Rogers' two-story post-Civil War birth home, educational programs, picnic areas and a 400-acre pasture on the lake shore with Texas Longhorn cattle and other livestock. The ranch is open year-round.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
The waterborne restroom at the Hawthorn electric loop is currently closed due to septic issues. Please use the restroom on the southeast corner of the electric loop or use the waterborne restroom in the non-electric loop. Sorry for the inconvenience. If you have any questions, call the Oologah Lake office at 918-443-2250.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHawthorn Bluff is located in Oklahoma near Oologah
Directions
From Tulsa, Oklahoma, take U.S. Highway 169 north for 27 miles to Highway 88. The campground is 2 miles east of the town of Oologah on Highway 88.
Address
8377 E. HWY 88
Oologah, OK 74053
Coordinates
36.4322222 N
95.6808333 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/14/26
Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/3/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/3/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/14/26
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 22 min from Tulsa, OK
- 1 hr 30 min from Joplin, MO
- 1 hr 49 min from Fayetteville, AR
- 2 hrs from Fort Smith, AR
