5 to Find: Terrific campsites in Oklahoma
BY SCOTT CHERRY World Scene Writer
Thursday, October 04, 2012
10/04/12 at 3:37 AM
With less heat, fewer bugs, crisp nights, warm campfires and massive amounts of stars overhead, fall is a wonderful time to go tent camping in Oklahoma.
The range of activities are endless. Hiking, biking, fishing, birding, rock climbing and sitting blissfully in front of a fire roasting marshmallows are a few of the activities available to fall campers.
For more information on the five terrific campsites listed below or for additional campsite possibilities, go to tulsaworld.com/travelok.
Original Print Headline: 5 to Find: Favorite Oklahoma campsites
Sequoyah State Park and Fort Gibson Lake
Hulbert
The park is a peaceful peninsula surrounded on three sides by Fort Gibson Lake. Wildlife is plentiful within the park, and a nature center gives campers an up-close view of some of the park's creatures. Activities include riding stables, golf course, marina and a restaurant inside the lodge to give campers an alternative to campfire fare.
llinois River
Tahlequah
The river offers 60 miles of winding shoreline with mild rapids rippling over flint rock, clear waters, high bluffs, rocky islands, and river birch and giant sycamore trees. Most canoe rental operations have closed for the season, but a handful of outfitters will stay open through October.
Greenleaf State Park
Braggs
The park, nestled alongside Greenleaf Lake in the mountainous terrain of northeastern Oklahoma, offers a range of family fun, including a miniature golf course, aquatic center, playgrounds, heated fishing docks, hiking trails and free pontoon boat tours. The park's 18-mile trail system includes a swinging bridge over a cove of Greenleaf Lake.
Beavers Bend & Hochatown State Park
Broken Bow
In the Beavers Bend area, rise early and enjoy the view of mist rising from the surface of the Lower Mountain Fork River as the sun comes up. A variety of activities can be found among the 10 campgrounds in the park, including riding stables, picnic areas, trout fishing, miniature golf and children's playground. One isolated, primitive campground is located on the southeast end of Beavers Bend State Park.
Ouachita National Forest
Hodgen
This massive, 352,000-acre recreation area comes with breathtaking views, hiking, biking, horseback riding trails, hunting, fishing and even hang gliding. Four campgrounds offer a range of experiences, from primitive to modern. The Winding Stair Campground is located just off the spectacular Talimena National Scenic Byway.
Associated Images:
Goat's Bluff offers a view of the Illinois River. Tulsa World file
Greenleaf State Park offers hikers a trail map. Tulsa World file
A hiker and his dog make their way along the Winding Stair Mountain trail. TOM GILBERT / Tulsa World
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