Hawthorn Bluff Campground & Fishing Area

The scent of lake water mingling with oak trees welcomes you to Hawthorn Bluff Campground, where shaded sites slope toward Oologah Lake's glassy surface. This 67-site Corps of Engineers facility balances accessibility with lakeside serenity, offering electric hookups at most pads while maintaining a quiet atmosphere under mature post oaks. Fishing docks extend into waters teeming with hybrid striped bass, while an interpretive nature trail winds through blackjack oak groves frequented by wild turkeys and white-tailed deer.

Two key features distinguish this campground: its 3,000-foot swimming beach with vigilant lifeguards during peak season and the amphitheater-gazebo hybrid overlooking the water, popular for weddings. The non-electric loop sits closest to the day-use area, where families congregate at three playgrounds and two picnic shelters. Though some RV sites require significant leveling, their proximity to centralized water taps compensates for the uneven terrain.

Located 2 miles east of Oologah along Highway 88, the campground serves as a gateway to Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch, where Texas Longhorns graze 400 acres of lakeside pasture. The Verdigris River's prevailing winds make this a favored sailing destination, with multiple boat ramps providing access to 30,000-acre Oologah Lake. Strict quiet hours after 10 PM and alcohol restrictions at day-use areas maintain the peaceful ambiance.

For anglers, the lake's submerged timber structures hold trophy-worthy channel catfish, while kids enjoy the annual Sun, Fun and Fishing Derby each June. The campground's layout encourages both social interaction at communal areas and solitude at waterfront sites, making it equally suitable for group gatherings and solitary retreats.