roadtripper274053

Few sites occupied in late January and saw no one. Quiet except for the trains a few blocks away. Restrooms were heated and semi clean, perhaps because camp host was AWOL. Maybe at the VFW across the street. Showers were tiny with one plastic chair in dressing area not screened off from the restroom area. OK if you really need a shower. Sites are close together with no room for parking tow vehicles. Best part of this campground is its location near Hugo’s, one of the best breakfast places in Oklahoma. If you like bacon, Hugo’s is for you.

Things deteriorated after I posted my review.
About 5 AM some moron in a vehicle with loud muffler did a series of donuts in the grassy area right next to our site. This went on for about 10 minutes.
Did I mention IT WAS FIVE IN THE MORNING?
Then when we went to Hugo’s for breakfast, THEY WERE CLOSED. No sign to say why.
A totally wasted trip to Claremore.
We won’t make that mistake again.

Sites are very close together under large pine trees. Water heater was broken so no showers. Mostly empty and quiet midweek. Most sites suitable for small to medium size rigs. Gravel pads are mostly level. Electric hookups but no water at sites. Vault toilets. Best part was the views of the Mississippi on the way in from the south.

No hot water in the showers on a chilly night in early May. If you want to shower, camp somewhere else. Surely the USACOE can do better. Sites are generally level and large, some more private than others. We had site 62, and only one other site in that loop was occupied.

Located along a shallow, slow-flowing creek with rocky bottom. Some campsites have partial shade; no. 20 has none. Gravel pads are mostly level. Some have water and electricity. There is a dump station and dumpsters. Restrooms and showers are old but functional, though spartan. Quiet and mostly empty when we visited midweek but could be hectic when full; most sites are close together, no privacy, and some have tent sites right next to them with no demarcation.

This little park needs some physical improvements and more importantly, oversight by the city. It suffers from abuse by locals who use it as a hangout and trash it. The more manicured and we’ll-kept park across the highway, which does not allow RVs, is an example of what this site could become. Obviously it is not valued by the community because it is little used, and it is little used because it is not valued by the community. The sites have potential, but border on primitive. Asphalt pads are all back-in, are level, but are separated from the road by grass. Those near the tree line have standing water between them and the road. Sites overlook the Spring River, but the bank is very steep and brushy, blocking access. The lone portapotty had its door hanging loose and had not been serviced in a long time. The pavilion roof was gone. The massive concrete picnic tables were partially sunken into the ground. A disc golf course appeared to be a recent addition but does not redeem the negatives. There is a dump station, electric and water hookups. Noise from trains blowing for crossings was very loud and frequent all night. The price is right, $5 for no hookups, $10 with, but there are no instructions for payment. This park is a stepchild of the police department and needs new and caring parents.

Camped in A area with about 10 of the sites occupied on a Thursday night. Quiet except for the older couple next door playing some weird, godawful music for hours. Showers were user-friendly and had hot water. Kudos, Arkansas; USACOE needs to take notes. Most sites in this loop were very close together and suitable only for short rigs. The exceptions were sites 24 and 25, which back up to a small creek at the base of a steep hill. A trail leads from 24 and connects to some of the park’s 33 miles of trails. The Old Military Road trail starts at the Lake Austell boat ramp parking lot and includes a section of the Trail of Tears. The lower loop is very winding and hilly and would be muddy when wet. The upper loop gets you to the Trail of Tears section quicker and is wide and flat after the challenging set of steps up from the dam. Lots of big trees and shade on the trail and in the campground.

No kidding, this campsite is 100 yards long, totally secluded, has two picnic tables, a fire ring, and bear proof storage. Pull through drive is paved and level. Aspens on all sides so it’s shaded early and late. Far enough away from other sites to be very quiet but still close to the vault toilets. Forgot to use my Senior Pass or it would have been $16.

Quiet, totally shaded, friendly camp hosts. Most sites offer little privacy but 17 is almost completely screened by vegetation, though it’s suitable for vans or small rigs only. Clean restrooms with ample hot water. Firewood $7 a bundle.