T op Ten Oklahoma Family Camping Destinations

Ahhh, camping. As the blanket of night approaches, a symphony of crickets chirp all around. Fireflies dance on a gentle summer breeze. Above, millions of shimmering stars illuminate the darkened sky as you and your kids roast marshmallows over a crackling campfire.

If you’ve already been bitten by the camping bug or are ready to give it a try, you don’t have to travel far for outdoor adventure and family fun. Here are what I consider to be the top ten Oklahoma family camping sites. Each offers a wide variety of activities for kids of all ages.

1. Beavers Bend State Park
Located in southeastern Oklahoma adjacent to Broken Bow Lake, this nature lovers’ paradise offers train rides, miniature golf, hay rides, hiking, canoeing, and a nature center. You may even catch a glimpse of an eagle soaring overhead.

2. Lake Texoma

Enjoy this beautiful lake’s two wildlife refuges, two state parks, first-class golfing, riding stables, sailing, personal watercraft, and hiking. The Texomaland Fun Park (580-564-2340) offers go karts, bumper boats, batting cages, and mini-golf.

3. Greenleaf State Park

This serene family-oriented getaway provides a kids’ fishing pond stocked with rainbow trout for those 16 and under and/or those physically disabled, a swimming pool, party barge tours, a playground, and hay rides.

4. Red Rock Canyon State Park

Once a stop on the famous California Road Trail, campsites are located down in the canyon. This site is popular for rappelling and exploration and offers a swimming pool and fishing pond.

5. Roman Nose

Near Watonga and once a favorite area of the Cheyenne Tribe, Roman Nose overlooks ancient mesas and offers plenty of fun activities, from sleeping in a teepee to equestrian horse riding.

6. Wichita Mountains

This is a place where the white-tailed deer and buffalo roam. One of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, the Wichitas offer camping back country, rock climbing and rappelling at Mt. Scott, fishing, and the opportunity to view wildlife in their natural habitat.

7. Tenkiller State Park

Admire the beauty of limestone cliffs and explore the underwater scuba park complete with a submerged school bus, sunken boats, and a recently added aircraft fuselage.

8. Ouachita National Forest

Fish, deer, and Bigfoot? Oh my! Here you’ll find rugged, unpaved forest roads providing dirt bike and four-wheel enthusiasts exploration of some of Oklahoma’s most scenic terrain. Really adventurous? Try hang gliding.

9. Great Salt Plains State Park

The only place in the world to dig for “hourglass selenite” crystals. Treasure hunters also enjoy a wilderness area, swimming, boating, and hiking.

Editor’s Note: At press time, no crystal digging was being allowed due to pollutants in the area. See www.fws.gov/SaltPlains for updates.

10. Robbers Cave State Park

A legendary hideout for outlaws such as the James brothers and Belle Starr, here you’ll find rock climbing, equestrian trails, a nature center, and swimming pool to keep things cool.

For more information on these parks, visit www.TourOklahoma.com.

Kim Rogers is a freelance writer who lives with her husband and two sons in Edmond. A graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma, she has written for newsletters, newspapers, and magazines.

Getting ready for your first family camping trip? Consider these tips before you go:

• Camping Amenities. The family-friendly environment of most campgrounds often includes activities such as fishing, swimming, hiking, and nature programs. Family campgrounds provide restrooms, showers, and potable water. Some have stores and rent fishing poles, paddle boats, canoes, and other equipment.
• Eating in the Wild. Most campgrounds provide grills, fire rings, and picnic tables. A basic cooking set can be made up of no more than a bag of charcoal, a few pots and pans, and a spatula. Start with simple options like sandwiches, hamburgers, and pre-packaged meals. With each camping trip, try more adventurous recipes and add the necessary cookware.
• Dressing for the Occasion. For most family trips, a selection of T-shirts, shorts, jeans, swim suits, jackets, and sweatshirts will suffice. Pack knowing items will get dirty—that’s part of the fun!
• Protecting Your Feet. Quality boots are a good investment for many families. When shopping for boots, look for solid ankle support and tread to keep you from slipping. Purchase boots in stores where people familiar with hiking are trained to fit them properly. Buy socks and liners made of wool or other materials that will cushion feet and absorb moisture.
• The Right Equipment. Before investing in equipment, try to borrow tents, sleeping bags, lanterns, and stoves to determine what suits your family. To save money, check yard sales or camping clubs for used equipment.

Jennifer Woodford works with DeHavilland and Associates, an educational consulting firm.

Campfire photos:
© Photographer: Johann Helgason | Agency: Dreamstime.com

© Photographer: Naude | Agency: Dreamstime.com