Hit the trails at these Oklahoma camping spots

Christopher Lane II, The Oklahoman
·3 min read

Whether you're trying to reconnect with nature, rekindle a romance, or just get away from it all, there's nothing like nature to quiet the noise and stir the soul.

Here are some of the best free campsites Oklahoma has to offer:

American Horse Lake

American Horse Lake offers visitors the chance for fishing, kayaking, and hiking along the picturesque woodland trails. Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled by the abundant presence of deer, foxes, and various bird species.

  • N2520 Road Geary, OK 73040

  • 580-474-2668

More: Whatever happened to the old abandoned, spooky, haunted(?) circus camp in Edmond?

Felt Picnic Area

A short drive from American Horse Lake lies the picturesque picnic Felt Picnic Area. Here, visitors can take in harmonious sights and sounds of nature alongside a babbling creek that gently winds through the campsite.

  • E0310 Road Felt, OK 73937

  • 575-374-9652

Black Kettle National Grassland

Black Kettle National Grassland, an expanse of endless beauty encompassing over 32,000 acres, is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Campers can go hiking, horseback riding, or even off-roading to explore its vast wonders. History buffs can visit the Cheyenne Cultural Center or take a trip to the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site.

  • U.S. 283Crawford, OK 73638

  • 580-497-2143

Lake Vincent

Lake Vincent offers myriad opportunities for boating, fishing, or swimming amidst the rugged Ouachita Mountains.

  • N1730 Road Arnett, OK 73832

  • 580-474-2668

Blue River Campsites

Tucked away along the banks of the Blue River lies Blue River Campsites, where campers can see abundant wildlife, travel expansive hiking trails, and take part in rainbow trout fishing.

  • D1854 Rd. Tishomingo, OK 73460

  • 580-443-5728 or 405-521-3851

SkipOut Campground

SkipOut Campground, aptly named after a legendary cowboy hideout, is situated amidst the rugged beauty of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The campground offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors, such as hiking, bird watching, and wildlife photography. As the sun dips below the horizon, glimpses of deer and bison can be spotted grazing in the distance.

  • N1750 Road, Reydon, OK 73660

  • 580-497-2143 or 505-346-3804

Lake Atoka

For those seeking a camping adventure on the water's edge, Lake Atoka is surrounded by lush greenery and dotted with secluded campsites. Boating, water skiing, and swimming are popular activities enjoyed by many at this pristine camping oasis.

  • East Fred's Fish Camp Road, Stringtown, OK 74569

Verdigris River Park

Verdigris River Park offers a stunning retreat where campers can take in the Verdigris River. Maintained by the Army Corp of Engineers, the park offers verdant landscapes and provides numerous opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking.

  • Highway 88 Oologah, OK 74053

  • 918-443-2250

Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Chickasaw National Recreation Area is located in the foothills along the shore of Lake of the Arbuckles and offers a number of creeks, bicycle trails and mineral springs. Visitors are likely to see the Bromide Pavilion and a limestone bridge that was commissioned in honor of Abraham Lincoln's birthday.

  • 901 W 1st St, Sulphur, OK 73086

  • 580-622-7234

For more about these parks and campgrounds visit either the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries or The Forest Service for a complete map of the state's campsite, click here.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Free camping in Oklahoma: Best spots to rough it in the Sooner State