Camp Willowswish

Introduction / Overview

For many in the Oklahoma and regional community, Camp Willowswish is far more than just a campground; it is a beloved, bi-annual tradition and one of the state's oldest and largest private group camping events. Dating back over 55 years to 1969, this vibrant gathering at Lake Murray State Park near Ardmore, Oklahoma, is a celebrated retreat for the LGBTQ+ community and their friendly allies. The event is a unique blend of traditional camping under the vast Southern Oklahoma sky, paired with an array of structured social activities, themed parties, and contests.

The core identity of Camp Willowswish is its incredible sense of community. The powerful customer feedback—mentioning meeting "so many good people" and confirming a "Great time for everyone one"—underscores the welcoming, inclusive, and fun atmosphere that organizers work year-round to maintain. Occurring twice annually (typically the last weekend of April for the Spring Campout and the weekend after Labor Day for the Fall Campout), the event offers a perfect opportunity for Oklahomans and neighbors from across the Red River to gather, relax, and celebrate equality and friendship in a safe, beautiful environment. It is a true Oklahoma institution, demonstrating the diversity and welcoming spirit of the state’s camping culture.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Willowswish takes place at the Duke’s Forest Campground within the expansive and historically significant Lake Murray State Park, Oklahoma’s first and largest state park. This prime location near Ardmore places the event conveniently halfway between the Oklahoma City metro area and Dallas, Texas, making it an accessible destination for a broad regional audience.

The official address for the surrounding area is:

1969 Dukes Forest Rd, Ardmore, OK 73401, USA

Duke's Forest Campground is situated on the northwestern side of Lake Murray, easily reachable via Oklahoma's Scenic Highway 77S, which loops around the lake. Accessibility is generally straightforward from Interstate 35 (I-35) via Exit 24 in Ardmore. The campground itself is known for being a lower-traffic area within the state park, providing a secluded feel, yet still offering amenities and proximity to the lake’s main features. Campers arriving for the event should note that the entire campground is rented exclusively for Camp Willowswish during the designated dates, ensuring a private and controlled environment for all participants. Signage will confirm the area is closed for the group event.

Services Offered

Since Camp Willowswish utilizes the state-managed Duke's Forest Campground, the available services are those provided by Lake Murray State Park, supplemented by the event organizers. These facilities support a comfortable "glamping" experience, despite being a traditional campout.

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