North Spillway Campground

**💎 Introduction / Overview: The Crystal Hunter’s Ideal Base Camp**

For Oklahoma adventurers whose checklist includes unique geological exploration and a spectacular view, **North Spillway Campground** at Great Salt Plains State Park is a perfect match. Located near the community of Jet, this campground offers one of the most advantageous positions within the park complex: close proximity to the famous selenite crystal digging area and direct views of the spillway.

North Spillway Campground is a highly recommended destination for visitors aiming to maximize their time on the Salt Plains. One enthusiastic reviewer noted, **"We stayed at the North spill way camp site which was located near the dig site where we dug up tons of selenite crystals, the lake was only a few blocks away."** This speaks directly to the campground’s prime recreational location. It offers a slightly more rustic, yet well-maintained, experience compared to some of the park's more amenity-heavy RV loops, focusing instead on space and convenience to the natural attractions.

The campsites are described as **"well taken care of and spacious,"** providing a comfortable setting even for tent campers. The natural surroundings, including the view of the spillway, enhance the overall atmosphere, making the whole experience feel **"awesome."** This spot is particularly popular with families and groups prioritizing easy access to the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge and the lake's unique recreational offerings.

**🗺️ Location and Accessibility: Steps from the Selenite Dig Site**

North Spillway Campground is situated on the northern side of the Great Salt Plains Lake dam, providing distinct views over the spillway area and the vast, shimmering salt flats. Its location is arguably the most convenient for visitors focused on the digging experience.

The official address is: **23280 S Spillway Dr, Jet, OK 73749, USA**.

As part of the Great Salt Plains State Park complex, the campground is easily accessible via State Highway 38, which runs through the park. Crucially, its position places it just a few blocks from the **selenite crystal digging area**—the world’s only site where hourglass selenite crystals can be found—allowing visitors to quickly and easily transport their gear to the plains. Furthermore, campers appreciate the location's role as a gateway to other regional highlights, being **"only a short drive to the painted desert/gloss mountain."** This central positioning in Northwest Oklahoma makes it a practical and exciting base camp for extended exploration of the region’s geological wonders.

**✨ Services Offered (Essential Park Camping)**

North Spillway Campground is generally utilized for both RV and tent camping, providing essential amenities to support a comfortable stay within the natural park environment.

• **Site Configuration:** Offers both dedicated **tent camping sites** and **RV sites** with hookups, confirmed by park data to typically include 30-amp and 50-amp **electric service** and **water hookups** throughout the Great Salt Plains Park system.
• **Spacious Campsites:** Sites are described as **"spacious"** and **"well taken care of,"** allowing for comfortable setup, especially for tent campers.
• **Sanitary Facilities:** Restrooms are provided, though a reviewer noted that those nearest the campsite were **"glorified port-a-pottys,"** suggesting they may be vault or pit toilets in some areas. Guests needing full showers and modern restrooms may need to use the central comfort stations located in other loops (like River Road or Sandy Beach).
• **Site Amenities:** Each campsite typically includes a **picnic table** and a **fire ring/grill** for cooking and enjoying a campfire.
• **Recreation Access:** Provides **direct access** to the spillway viewing area, the lake, and the park’s trail system for **hiking** and birdwatching.
• **Reservation System:** Like all Oklahoma State Park sites, reservations must be made online, which is required for all RV and tent campsites.

**🌟 Features / Highlights (Unbeatable Location and Views)**

North Spillway Campground is favored for several unique features tied directly to its location and the Great Salt Plains State Park experience.

• **Proximity to Crystal Digging:** This is the primary highlight. Being **"located near the dig site"** for the unique hourglass selenite crystals provides an immense advantage for families and enthusiasts who want to maximize their time digging during the open season (April 1st to October 15th).
• **Scenic Spillway View:** Campers have the **"view of the spillway from our tent,"** which adds a picturesque element to the camping experience. The spillway area is often a focal point for activity and wildlife viewing.
• **Quiet and Uncrowded:** The park area, even near popular spots, is often noted for being peaceful, making it ideal for a **relaxing** weekend escape, even during busy periods.
• **Gateway to Regional Exploration:** Campers appreciate the **short drive to the "painted desert/gloss mountain,"** positioning the campground as an excellent hub for exploring the broader geological and natural wonders of Northwest Oklahoma.
• **Well-Maintained Grounds:** Despite the simple restroom facilities near some sites, the overall campsite area is confirmed to be **"well taken care of,"** ensuring a clean and pleasant environment.

**📞 Contact Information (Plan Your Digging Trip)**

To confirm current reservation status, inquire about the most modern bathroom facilities nearby, and check crystal digging conditions, please use the Great Salt Plains State Park contact information.

**Address:** 23280 S Spillway Dr, Jet, OK 73749, USA (Part of Great Salt Plains State Park)

**Park Information Phone:** (580) 626-4731

**Mobile Phone:** +1 580-626-4731

**Reservation Note:** Remember that all Oklahoma State Park sites generally require online reservations. Calling the park office (open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) is the best way to get real-time local advice on site-specific amenities and conditions.

**👍 What is Worth Choosing North Spillway Campground**

For the Oklahoma resident, choosing North Spillway Campground is a strategic move to optimize your access to the region’s most significant natural draw.

**It is worth choosing for the Crystal Digging Enthusiast:** If the goal of your trip is to spend hours digging for the rare hourglass selenite crystals, the **unbeatable proximity to the dig site** is the number one reason to choose North Spillway. This saves significant driving time and allows for earlier starts and later finishes during the digging season.

**It is worth choosing for the Tent Camper:** With spacious, well-maintained sites and the option for a **view of the spillway**, the campground offers a beautiful, slightly more rustic setting ideal for traditional tent camping, while still providing essential electric and water services nearby.

**It is worth choosing for the Explorer:** This campground is an excellent central point for a multi-day Oklahoma adventure. You can easily spend one day digging for crystals, the next day exploring the **Gloss Mountains (Painted Desert)**, and a third day fishing or birdwatching on the lake, all with a convenient and scenic home base right on the State Park property.