Oklahoma / Pawnee County

Washington Irving South

Open — Currently open year-round with reservations available through Recreation.gov. Water has been shut off for the winter season; campers must bring all drinking and utility water.

About

Washington Irving South is a well-shaded U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground situated on the Arkansas arm of Keystone Lake, approximately 30 minutes west of Tulsa. The area is named for Washington Irving, who documented crossing the Arkansas River here in his book "A Tour of the Prairies." The campground provides 20 reservable campsites with 30-amp electrical service, seasonal water hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. A restroom/shower facility and dump station serve the campground, though heavy tree cover with low-hanging limbs may pose challenges for larger rigs. Keystone Lake spans nearly 26,000 surface acres across small valleys, with 330 miles of shoreline covered in bottomland timber, post oak, blackjack oak, and prairie fields. The lake's blue-green water provides excellent opportunities for boating, water skiing, swimming, and fishing. Anglers target striped bass, sand bass, black and smallmouth bass, crappie, and catfish. The park features a boat ramp with courtesy dock, swimming beach, playground, and a one-mile nature trail. Wildlife including squirrel, rabbit, quail, dove, and waterfowl inhabit the surrounding landscape. Nearby attractions include the 400-acre Appalachia Bay Recreation Area (locally called Motorcycle Island), located 10 minutes away and popular with off-road vehicle enthusiasts. Whitewater Park, an 80-acre OHV area next to the dam, sits about 15 minutes from the campground. The entrance gate is locked from 10 PM to 6 AM, and quiet hours run from 10 PM to 6 AM. Camping is limited to 14 days within any 30-day period.

Directions

From Tulsa, take Highway 412 west for 15 miles to Bears Glen exit. Turn left at the stop sign onto the Frontage Road and drive 1 block. Turn right at the first paved road and follow 2 miles to the campground entrance.

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