Looking for a public recreation space in Southern Oklahoma to spend some quality time in nature?
Then the McGee Creek State Park could well be the spot for you!
Perched on the southwest fringes of the Ouachita Mountain Range and located towards the southside of the McGee Creek Reservoir, this 2,600-acre park provides something for everyone to enjoy.
A pristine wilderness, that offers some of the best hiking and lake fishing in the state, the park is less than a two hour and 30 minute drive from Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Dallas.
While it is a popular day trip destination from all these cities, this Oklahoma state park also has some very good camping facilities for those who want to stay a few nights.
If you love the great outdoors, and you are in need of some downtime from the daily routine of your working life, this park is a terrific place to go.
Activities
With 64 miles of shoreline to explore, most visitors to the park spend their time fishing, swimming and boating on the water.
Those who prefer to stay on dry land tend to take advantage of the many different hiking, biking and equestrian trails that snake throughout the park.
The park also has 15 picnic sites dotted throughout it, most of which feature stunning views of the water, and is also home to a wide range of flora and fauna.
Swimming and Boating at McGee Creek State Park
McGee Creek Lake is arguably one of the prettiest lakes in the whole of Oklahoma.
Be sure to bring your kayak, canoe, SUP, jet-skis or row boat with you, as you will love traversing the shimmering waters during the course of your stay here.
Swimming is also a lovely activity to do as well, and there is a comely beach on which to do it. However, you will need to do so at your own risk as the lake is not lifeguarded.
Fishing at McGee Creek State Park
Sport and recreational fishing are the main drawcards of the park, with the likes of crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, channel catfish and sunfish being present in abundance.
The park also features both a four and two lane boat ramp, a courtesy dock and fishing pier.
Regardless of whether you are casting a line off the shore, or from a boat in the middle of the water, you should have no problem in catching your dinner.
Trails at McGee Creek State Park
For those who want to explore the park, there are several trails that meander through it.
Ranging from 1 to 20 miles in length, the well maintained trails are multi-purpose for hiking, biking and equestrian users.
They are open all year round and showcase a diverse range of flora and fauna.
If you attempt to tackle any of them in the summer, be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat and lots of water with you, as there is very little in the way of shade.
Whilst undertaking the trail, you will be able to take in its wonderful scenic views at your leisure. So it is also worth bringing a camera with you.
Nature & Wildlife
As the park sits on the southern fringes of the McGee Creek Natural Scenic Recreation Area, you will get plenty of opportunities to spot a wide selection of fauna.
Contained within 10,000 acres of lush, dense and scenic forest, some of the animals you can see include quail, cottontail rabbit, white-tailed deer, eastern wild turkey, crow, dove and squirrel.
On the lake, you should also be able to see an abundance of waterfowl including mallards and ducks.
Pets at McGee Creek State Park
The park is quite a pet-friendly one, so your four-legged friend is welcome to join you. However, there may be some restrictions in place.
Therefore, it is worth contacting the main park office to find out exactly what they may be.
Camping at McGee Creek State Park
For those who want to stay at the McGee Creek State Park for a few days, there are several camping options available to you. All of which are contained within two campgrounds – the Buster Heights Campground, and the Potapo Landing Campground.
Nestled along the shoreline of the lake, they have 41 RV sites to hire out between them. Most of which come with electric and water hookups. As well as a range of amenities including picnic tables, grills, fire rings and a lantern holder.
All these sites, and the large range of tent sites that are also available, provide spectacular views of the sun rising over the lake at dawn.
At both campgrounds you will find hot showers and flush toilets, in addition to a dump station that is situated near them both. There is also a playground which children will love too, as well as a gift shop within the main office, where guests can buy firewood and other supplies.
If staying at either of these campgrounds be sure to bring a flashlight with you, as there is not much in the way of light around the lake once evening draws in. That said, you should be treated to some fantastic star gazing during your stay there.
All campsites must be reserved online. In addition to these RV and tent sites, the park also has eight lake huts available for hire near the Potapo Campground.
These huts are pretty basic, but do come with bunk beds, air conditioning, a fireplace and a back porch. If you plan to stay here, you will need to bring your own linen as none is provided.
Park Location
McGee Creek State Park
5798 S McGee Creek Lake Rd
Atoka, OK 74525
Phone: 580.889.5822
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at McGee Creek State Park:
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