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- Oklahoma
- Mayes County
- Campgrounds & RV Parks in Cedar Crest
- Smokey Valley Campground1
Smokey Valley Campground1 Introduce
For Oklahomans seeking a refreshing escape from the summer heat and a truly unique outdoor experience, Smokey Valley Campground in Cedar Crest offers an unparalleled opportunity to "Get yer Creek on!" This cherished local spot is renowned for its access to the exceptionally clear and refreshing waters of Spring Creek, providing a natural swimming hole atmosphere that is hard to find in our red dirt state. Whether you're planning a day trip or an overnight camping adventure, Smokey Valley Campground promises a memorable and invigorating experience for individuals, families, and even your furry friends.
As professional content writers specializing in local business SEO, we are delighted to bring you a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what makes Smokey Valley Campground a beloved destination for our fellow Oklahomans. This article will delve into its unique location, the services it provides, and the standout features that contribute to its enduring popularity. Our tone is friendly and professional, with a touch of promotional spirit, while always ensuring factual accuracy based on publicly available information and genuine customer reviews.
Visitors consistently express their deep affection for this campground, with many families making it a long-standing tradition. Praised for its "absolutely hands down the best place to camp and swim," and the "incredibly nice" owners and staff, Smokey Valley offers a welcoming and comfortable environment. While it can get "crowded and loud on weekends," a visit during weekdays often provides a more serene experience. Let's explore what makes Smokey Valley Campground a must-visit for your next Oklahoma outdoor adventure.
Smokey Valley Campground is uniquely situated in Cedar Crest, OK 74352, USA, with its primary appeal being its direct access to Spring Creek. While the provided address is 4RH2+2C, Cedar Crest, OK 74352, USA, it's important to note that most of Spring Creek runs through private property, making Smokey Valley Campground one of the few places where the public can pay to enjoy its crystal-clear waters. This exclusivity is a significant draw for those seeking pristine swimming conditions in Oklahoma.
The campground is located just miles outside of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, making it a relatively accessible destination from various parts of Northeastern Oklahoma. While specific driving directions can vary depending on your starting point, generally, you would navigate towards Locust Grove and then follow local roads towards Cedar Crest and the marked entrance of Smokey Valley Campground. The fact that it's a place where you can "pay and enjoy the beauty of the river" suggests that access is well-managed. Its reputation as a place where many families have been coming "for years" indicates its consistent accessibility and ease of return visits. This convenient access to a unique natural resource like Spring Creek's clear water is a major highlight for Oklahomans.
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Camping (Tent and RV): Smokey Valley Campground provides options for both tent camping and RV camping. While explicit details on hookups (electric, water, sewer) are not universally available in public reviews, its designation as a campground implies basic facilities for overnight stays. Some visitors "bring grills and camp," suggesting readiness for self-sufficient camping.
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Day Passes for Creek Access: One of the primary services is the sale of day passes, allowing guests to access and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Spring Creek without needing to camp overnight. This is a crucial offering given the private nature of much of Spring Creek.
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Restrooms and Showers: The campground offers facilities including hot showers and flushable toilets, contributing to a more comfortable camping experience. While one review mentions older playground equipment, the presence of these essential amenities is noted.
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Picnic Tables: "A few picnic tables" are available for use, providing dedicated spots for outdoor dining and relaxation.
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Play Areas: The campground features "some play areas with older playground equipment," offering recreational opportunities for children.
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Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed at Smokey Valley Campground, making it a welcoming destination for pet owners. There is a "small fee for the fur babies, and they must be leashed if they are aggressive."
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Friendly Staff and Owners: Multiple reviews highlight the exceptional friendliness and helpfulness of "the people who own it and the folks who work there," describing them as "so incredibly nice." This personalized service greatly enhances the visitor experience.
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Flexible Stay Options: Visitors can choose to "pitch a tent and stay overnight" or simply "enjoy it just for the day," providing flexibility for different schedules and preferences.
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Inexpensive Rates: Camping here is described as "inexpensive," with rates varying for children and adults, ensuring it "won't break the bank."
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Crystal-Clear Spring Creek Swimming: The absolute standout feature of Smokey Valley Campground is the opportunity to swim in the "crystal-clear waters of Spring Creek." Unlike many Oklahoma waterways, Spring Creek offers remarkable clarity, often described as water where you "can see your toes," making it a dream for swimming, cooling off, and even seeing "all kinds of water sports like these kayakers." The 70-degree water temperature is often highlighted as "just perfect."
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Natural Swimming Hole Atmosphere: The park provides an "old-fashioned swimming hole atmosphere," offering a unique and nostalgic experience that many locals appreciate.
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Peaceful Weekday Experience: While weekends can be "crowded and loud," visiting on "weekdays" offers a "nice place to swim when it's not crowded" and a significantly more peaceful and relaxing environment, allowing for true immersion in nature.
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Ample Room for Campers: Despite some misperceptions, visitors confirm that the campground "has got ample room for lots and lots of folks," accommodating many visitors comfortably.
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Family Tradition Destination: For many Oklahoma families, Smokey Valley Campground is a cherished tradition, a place they have been "coming to this place for years" and don't see themselves "stopping anytime soon," speaking volumes about its consistent appeal and positive experiences.
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Relaxing Environment: If you are "into complete relaxation, this just might be your new go-to place." The overall ambiance is conducive to unwinding and enjoying the natural surroundings.
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Wildlife Opportunities: While not explicitly detailed, the natural setting around Spring Creek likely offers opportunities for observing local wildlife, contributing to the outdoor experience.
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Scenic Views: Being nestled in a valley with clear water provides scenic beauty that campers can enjoy, adding to the overall appeal of the location.
For more information, to inquire about current rates, or to plan your visit to Smokey Valley Campground, you can reach them using the following contact details:
Address: 4RH2+2C, Cedar Crest, OK 74352, USA
Phone: (918) 386-2640
Mobile Phone: +1 918-386-2640
It is always advisable to call ahead, especially during peak seasons or if you have specific questions about facilities, crowd levels, or pet policies, to ensure the most accurate and up-to-date information for your trip.
For Oklahomans yearning for an authentic and refreshing outdoor escape, Smokey Valley Campground in Cedar Crest offers an exceptionally suitable and appealing choice. Its primary draw, the crystal-clear waters of Spring Creek, provides a unique swimming experience that stands out in our state. This natural swimming hole atmosphere is a rare find, making it an invaluable local resource for cooling off and enjoying water activities on a hot Oklahoma day.
The campground caters to both day-trippers and overnight campers, offering flexibility for various schedules. While specific details on RV hookups are limited in public information, the availability of restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets significantly enhances comfort for all visitors. The "inexpensive" rates also make it an accessible option for families and individuals looking for outdoor fun without breaking the bank.
What truly makes Smokey Valley Campground a local favorite is its welcoming and community-oriented atmosphere. The "incredibly nice" owners and staff contribute significantly to the positive experience, fostering a sense of warmth and hospitality that encourages repeat visits. This human element, combined with the "ample room" for campers, creates an inviting environment for families, friends, and even pets to gather and make lasting memories. While weekends can be lively, the option to visit on weekdays offers a more peaceful retreat, allowing campers to choose the ambiance that best suits their preferences.
In essence, Smokey Valley Campground is more than just a place to camp; it's a cherished Oklahoma tradition for many, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy pristine swimming, and experience genuine hospitality. Its clear waters, friendly vibe, and dedication to providing a memorable outdoor experience make it an ideal choice for your next local adventure.
Location
OklahomaMayes CountyCedar Crest
Customer Reviews
I like to go on weekdays since it can get really crowded and loud on weekends. I usually bring snacks with me and some people bring grills and camp. There are a few picnic tables and some play areas with older playground equipment my companion quipped looked like something out of Nightmare on Elm Street. Dogs are allowed, however, I've never brought mine. It's a nice place to swim when it's not crowded.
Our family has been coming to this place for years and I don't see us stopping anytime soon!!! Absolutely hands down the best place to camp and swim. The people who own it and the folks who work there are so incredibly nice!! Someone was saying that it's too small of a spot for so many people. Well, I don't know what they're talking about because it's got ample room for lots and lots of folks. So go get your creek on!!!
Cold and clear water at a lovely location. We will be back. It was only $6 a person to swim for the day. You do have a bit of a walk down to the water, depending on where you park.
This is a nice place to swim in a clear spring river/creek. It’s not deep in most places. Campground is a bit rugged. No shower facilities seen but there are outhouses supplied with toilet paper. You MUST take your trash out. This is a family run property. Show respect! You can metal detect here with permission from the office but you cannot take artifacts. You can rent flotation devices for the water.
This is my favorite spot the water is cool and clear the camping grounds and well taken care of bathrooms are clean just a beautiful place to escape from everyday life
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