Discover the Best Free Camping Spots and Tips for Budget-Friendly Exploration in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a great place to get away on the cheap! The state is chock-full of lakes for swimming and fishing, as well as some great natural areas. Museums are plentiful in the many towns as well as the big cities, and the parks found scattered across the state are fantastic. The best part? There’s free camping in Oklahoma!
That’s right, you can camp without paying a single cent during your time in Oklahoma. The trick is, of course, finding the places where free camping is allowed. In this article, we will discuss the many free camping options in Oklahoma to help you find the perfect destinations for your next budget adventure.
Lucky Star Casino — Clinton
Clinton
One great option for free camping in Oklahoma is the Lucky Star Casino just off of 1-40 in Clinton. This spot features enough room for about 12 RVs, and a limited number of power hookups are available. Security guards help keep the area secure and will likely offer you a ride to the casino when you arrive.
Most people just use this lot as a quick overnight stop, but staying two or three nights to explore the area is totally fine. Some of the best things to check out nearby include the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, the Water-Zoo Indoor Water Park, and of course, the Lucky Star Casino itself.
Lucky Star Casino — El Reno
There is another Lucky Star Casino in El Reno, and it might be an even better spot for free camping in Oklahoma. You see, this place actually has full-hookup sites for campers who arrive early enough in the day to snag one. You will need to go into the casino to check in, and there is a three-day limit, but that’s plenty of time for a quick weekend getaway.
El Reno is just a 30–40 minute drive from the Oklahoma City Zoo and Science Museum Oklahoma, as well as the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Those looking for something closer to camp might want to check out the Canadian County Historical Museum and the Historic Fort Reno.
Free Camping in Oklahoma at Verdigris River Park
Oologah
If you’re looking to escape into nature rather than a parking lot, Verdigris River Park in Oologah might be the spot for you. This little campground is run by the Army Corps of Engineers and is set right by the Verdigris River, so when the dam is open, you can hear water running by your site. The campground features a boat launch, picnic tables, drinking water, and restrooms—but no hookups.
Things to do in the area include fishing and boating on the river, as well as visiting the many nearby parks. (Tip: Funtastic Island has a great playground for the kids.) The Blue Whale of Catoosa is also close by, and the many attractions found in Tulsa are just a 30–40 minute drive away. We highly recommend the Gathering Place in Tulsa!
Black Kettle Campground
Crawford
Located in the Black Kettle National Grassland, Black Kettle Campground is basically a parking lot with spaces for RVs. They aren’t the longest or widest sites in the world, but most RVs should be able to fit here. You will be dry camping, but water, trash, and vault toilets are available, and there is plenty of shade to protect you from the hot Oklahoma sun.
This campground offers access to the water, and a boat launch makes it possible to put a boat out on the lake. The stargazing is great here, and the sunsets can’t be beaten.
The Washita Battlefield National Historic Site is incredibly close to this campground, and Metcalfe Museum is also a short drive away. We also recommend the Old Town Museum and National Rt 66 and Transportation Museum, which are both located at the same address in Elk City, about 40 minutes away.
Free Camping in Oklahoma at Skipout Campground
Reydon
Another wonderful place to escape into the wilderness of Oklahoma, Skipout Campground, is located in the Black Kettle National Grassland in Reydon. This is dry camping only, but there is potable water available onsite. Trash cans and vault toilets are also available.
Skipout Campground is set on a little lake that is great for paddling or fishing. There are also a couple of hiking trails nearby. For more adventures, head to the Metcalfe Museum to learn about the lives of the farmers in rural Oklahoma or to the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site.
No Man’s Land Regional Park
Guymon
No Man’s Land Regional Park truly is located in “no man’s land.” That said, if you’re looking for an escape, you really will escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get a taste of rural life when visiting this cute little park with free camping in Oklahoma. The sites here do not have hookups, but potable water and a dump station are available.
As far as things to do in the area go, the park itself is actually a pretty great spot to spend some time. There is a ballpark where you can watch games, a great skate park, a playground, and one of the best dog parks we’ve ever seen. Other things to do in the area include a variety of other parks, a splash pad for kids, and the No Man’s Land Museum.
Hit the Road and Explore for Free: Unforgettable Camping Adventures in Oklahoma Await!
As you can see, there are plenty of places to park your rig in Oklahoma without spending a single dime, which means more money for fun adventures and memory-making. Ready to get started? Choose one of these spots for free camping in Oklahoma and hit the road!
And for even more camping insights and opportunities in Oklahoma, sign up for RV LIFE Campground Reviews for FREE! RV LIFE Campgrounds offers honest reviews of thousand of campgrounds, resorts, and boondocking sites all over the nation and neighboring countries from fellow RVers. Just returned from a camping trip and want to share your experiences? Write a review on RV LIFE Campground Reviews!
