Fern Campground

Howdy, fellow Oklahomans! Are you looking for a camping experience that truly balances the rugged beauty of nature with surprisingly clean and well-maintained facilities? Then set your sights on Fern Campground, a popular and picturesque spot nestled within the renowned Beavers Bend State Park in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. This campground is often cited as a favorite by returning visitors, not just for its stunning natural surroundings, but also for its notable upkeep and the welcoming presence of staff like "Pops." While it offers a lively atmosphere, especially around peak times, its charm lies in its direct access to the scenic Mountain Fork River and the overall beauty of the Ouachita Mountains region. We’re excited to provide you with an in-depth look at what makes Fern Campground a highly recommended destination for locals seeking an authentic and enjoyable Oklahoma outdoor adventure.

Fern Campground stands out for its commitment to providing a pleasant and well-managed environment. Despite some traffic flow, particularly around the bathhouse, the consistent praise for the cleanliness of its facilities and the friendliness of its staff (a "very friendly gentleman who goes by 'Pops'" was specifically mentioned) speaks volumes. Visitors highlight the "beautiful scenery and river area" ensuring that there's "nothing blah or boring about this OK camping destination." This article will delve into its prime location within one of Oklahoma's most celebrated state parks, detail the services available to campers, and showcase the specific features and highlights that make it a truly "fun camping experience" for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Get ready to discover why Fern Campground is a must-visit for your next natural escape.

Fern Campground is ideally situated within Beavers Bend State Park, at the address Broken Bow, OK 74728, USA. This places it in the heart of southeastern Oklahoma's breathtaking Kiamichi Mountains, a region celebrated for its rugged terrain, dense pine and hardwood forests, and crystal-clear waterways. Beavers Bend State Park itself is a sprawling recreational area that encompasses portions of Broken Bow Lake and is bisected by the scenic Mountain Fork River, providing an incredibly diverse natural playground.

The accessibility of Fern Campground is a key advantage for Oklahomans. While it offers a feeling of being immersed in wilderness, it’s a relatively straightforward drive from major population centers. For example, it’s typically within a few hours' drive from Tulsa and Oklahoma City, making it a popular weekend getaway spot. The roads leading to Beavers Bend State Park and subsequently to Fern Campground are well-maintained, accommodating all types of vehicles, including RVs and those towing trailers. Fern Campground is specifically located in the upper river area, in front of the horse depot and train, indicating its position within a lively and accessible part of the park. While one review mentions "constant flow of traffic down the one way road" due to bathroom usage, this also points to its centralized location within the park, ensuring easy access to various amenities and activities. This balance of natural immersion and convenient access contributes significantly to the ease and enjoyment of your visit to this spectacular part of Oklahoma.

Fern Campground, as part of the larger Beavers Bend State Park system, provides a range of services designed to enhance the camping experience, particularly for those looking for a balance between natural immersion and essential conveniences. The park's commitment to maintaining a high standard of cleanliness, as noted by visitors, extends to its facilities. Here's a look at the services you can typically expect:

• RV and Tent Campsites: Fern Campground offers semi-modern sites, accommodating both RVs and tent campers. These sites are equipped to provide a comfortable base for your outdoor adventures.
• Electric Hookups: RV sites in Fern Campground typically include 30-amp electric hookups, providing power for various RV amenities.
• Water Hookups: Water hookups are available at sites, ensuring convenient access to potable water.
• Extremely Clean Bathrooms and Showers: A significant highlight repeatedly mentioned by visitors is the exceptional cleanliness of the bathroom and shower areas. This is a crucial amenity for many campers, and Fern Campground seems to excel here.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite usually comes with a picnic table for outdoor dining and a fire ring or grill for campfires and cooking.
• Waste Dump Station: A convenient waste dump station is available within Beavers Bend State Park for RVs, ensuring proper disposal.
• Friendly and Attentive Staff: The presence of a "very friendly gentleman who goes by 'Pops'" as a camp host or attendant, who watches over the campground, adds a welcoming and secure element to the stay.
• Online Reservations: Campsites within Beavers Bend State Park, including Fern Campground, are available for online reservations through the TravelOK system, which is highly recommended due to the park's popularity.
• Pet-Friendly: Beavers Bend State Park generally allows leashed pets in its campgrounds, enabling visitors to bring their furry companions to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Fern Campground and the broader Beavers Bend State Park are rich with features and highlights that create a vibrant and memorable outdoor experience. These elements are what make it a continuously popular destination for Oklahomans seeking both relaxation and adventure:

• Beautiful Scenery and River Area: The campground offers absolutely beautiful scenery, with direct proximity to the Mountain Fork River. The natural beauty of the surrounding area, characterized by towering timbers and crystal-clear waters, is a consistent highlight.
• Proximity to Mountain Fork River: Its location allows for excellent access to the Mountain Fork River, ideal for activities such as fishing (especially trout fishing, as the river is stocked year-round), kayaking, canoeing, and river floating.
• Beavers Bend Depot and Miniature Train: Being "in front of the horse depot and train" indicates that Fern Campground is near family-friendly attractions like the Beavers Bend Depot, which offers miniature train rides and hay rides.
• Extensive Hiking Trails: Beavers Bend State Park boasts numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy riverside walks to more challenging routes through the Kiamichi Mountains, offering scenic views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
• Broken Bow Lake Access: While Fern Campground is situated by the river, it's part of a larger park that offers extensive access to Broken Bow Lake for boating, water skiing, jet skiing, and swimming.
• Wildlife Observation: The diverse ecosystem of the park provides opportunities to observe various wildlife, including deer, bobcats, numerous bird species (including bald eagles), and unique flora.
• Well-Maintained Grounds: Visitors consistently praise the overall cleanliness and maintenance of the campground and the broader park, indicating a high standard of care.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With diverse activities and a welcoming environment, Fern Campground is highly suitable for family camping trips, offering something for all ages.
• "Nothing Blah or Boring": As one reviewer enthusiastically stated, the destination offers plenty of engaging activities and beautiful views, ensuring a lively and interesting stay.

For more detailed information, to check site availability, or to make a reservation for Fern Campground or other areas within Beavers Bend State Park, please use the contact information provided below. Given the immense popularity of this state park, especially during peak seasons, booking your campsites well in advance is highly recommended to secure your preferred spot.

Address: Broken Bow, OK 74728, USA (within Beavers Bend State Park)

Phone: (580) 494-6300 (Beavers Bend State Park Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 580-494-6300 (Beavers Bend State Park Office)

In conclusion, Fern Campground at Beavers Bend State Park is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for locals across Oklahoma. Its prime location within one of our state's most visually stunning and activity-rich state parks provides a convenient yet immersive outdoor escape. The commitment to maintaining "extremely clean bathroom and shower areas," coupled with the friendly and attentive staff like "Pops," ensures a comfortable and welcoming experience for all campers, despite potential traffic flows.

The extensive array of features and activities, from direct access to the beautiful Mountain Fork River for fishing and water sports to its proximity to the miniature train and abundant hiking trails, offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. For Oklahomans seeking a fun, scenic, and well-maintained camping destination that truly captures the essence of our state's natural beauty, Fern Campground at Beavers Bend State Park is a fantastic choice that promises a memorable and "nothing blah or boring" outdoor adventure right in our own backyard.