US Army Corps of Engineers

🏕️ **A Local Gem for Oklahoma Outdoors Enthusiasts: US Army Corps of Engineers at Waurika Lake**

For Oklahoma residents seeking a fantastic blend of **scenic beauty**, **waterside recreation**, and **dependable facilities**, the campgrounds managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers at Waurika Lake offer a prime destination. Operated by the Tulsa District of the USACE, this area is not just a place to park an RV or pitch a tent; it’s part of a vital multi-purpose project created for flood control, water supply, and, importantly, exceptional outdoor leisure. Nestled in southwestern Oklahoma, the Waurika Lake project area invites families, anglers, hunters, and all nature lovers to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with the natural world.

The US Army Corps of Engineers is renowned for managing numerous federal lands and waterways, ensuring that the facilities provided are safe, well-maintained, and adhere to a high standard of public service. The Waurika Lake project is a testament to this commitment, offering extensive opportunities for a memorable outdoor recreation experience right here in our state.

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📍 **Location and Accessibility**

The Waurika Lake Project Office and its associated camping areas are conveniently situated in the southwest region of Oklahoma. The official address for the project office is: 5900 Waurika Dam Rd, Hastings, OK 73548, USA. While the mailing address is Hastings, OK, the project area is located approximately six miles northwest of the town of Waurika, lying across portions of Jefferson, Cotton, and Stephens Counties. This location makes it an accessible retreat for many residents in southern and central Oklahoma, and even those coming up from northern Texas.

Accessibility is a key consideration for the USACE, and they have made efforts to ensure that the beauty of Waurika Lake can be enjoyed by all visitors. The area boasts multiple recreation sites, including several well-known campgrounds like Kiowa Park I, Chisholm Trail Ridge, Moneka North, and Wichita Ridge. Accessibility improvements include specially designed, non-ambulatory accessible campsites in areas like Kiowa I and Chisholm Trail, along with numerous accessible restrooms scattered across the parks, ramps, and day-use areas. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that all members of the community can enjoy the lakeside experience.

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📋 **Services Offered**

The recreation areas around Waurika Lake are designed to provide a comfortable and fully featured camping experience, supporting both tent campers and RV enthusiasts. The primary campgrounds within the project area provide numerous essential services and amenities:

• Campsites with **Water and Electric Hookups** (e.g., Kiowa Park I offers 166 sites with water and either 30- or 50-amp electric hookups; Chisholm Trail Ridge offers 95 sites with 30-amp electric and water hookups).
• Dedicated **Boat Launching Ramps** for easy access to the lake for boating and fishing.
• Clean and functional **Sanitary Facilities** (Restrooms and Showers). Recent customer feedback highlights the presence of clean, heated restrooms with flushing toilets and cold running water in some areas.
• **Dump Stations** for RV convenience (available at campgrounds like Chisholm Trail Ridge).
• **Picnic Tables and Shelters** for day use and meal preparation.
• Designated **Playground Areas** for children (available at Chisholm Trail Ridge, making it particularly family-friendly).
• Provisions for **Camping Reservations** through platforms like Recreation.gov, allowing you to secure your spot in advance.
• Availability of **Accessible Sites and Facilities**, including non-ambulatory campsites and accessible docks/ramps.
• On-site **Project Office Staff** available for inquiries, information on lake regulations, and general assistance.

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✨ **Features and Highlights**

Waurika Lake offers more than just a place to stay; it provides a comprehensive outdoor experience centered around its beautiful 10,100-acre lake and surrounding project lands. The scenic, irregular shoreline and gently sloping terrain make for a picturesque setting. Key highlights that draw visitors from across the region include:

• **Exceptional Fishing Opportunities**: The lake is a well-known spot for anglers. Principle species of fish include **channel catfish, flathead catfish, largemouth bass, white bass, hybrid striper, crappie, walleye, and sunfish**.
• **Designated Public Hunting Areas**: Approximately 6,040 acres of project lands are managed for wildlife by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) and are open for public hunting. Hunters often seek out **whitetail deer, bobwhite quail, wild turkey, and waterfowl**.
• **Boating and Water Sports**: With four large embayments and numerous smaller coves, the lake offers large areas of open water perfect for **boating and skiing** enthusiasts. Boating activities are regulated by state law and Corps of Engineers rules for safety.
• **Family-Friendly Amenities**: The presence of **swimming beaches** (like the one at Chisholm Trail Ridge) and playgrounds ensures that younger visitors have plenty of activities to enjoy.
• **Variety of Camping Options**: The project features several distinct recreation areas (Chisholm Trail Ridge, Kiowa Park I, Moneka North, Wichita Ridge) each offering a slightly different setting and capacity, giving campers choices for their ideal spot.
• **Environmental Stewardship**: The USACE project prioritizes **water quality** and **environmental management**, ensuring the lake and surrounding ecosystem are maintained for future generations.

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📞 **Contact Information**

For reservations, current conditions, or specific questions about the Waurika Lake campgrounds and facilities, you can reach out to the Project Office. It is always recommended to call ahead for the most current information, especially concerning site availability and any maintenance updates.

• Address: 5900 Waurika Dam Rd, Hastings, OK 73548, USA
• Phone: (580) 963-2111

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👍 **What is Worth Choosing the US Army Corps of Engineers Campground?**

Choosing a US Army Corps of Engineers campground at Waurika Lake means opting for a trusted, government-managed facility built for the long-term enjoyment and safety of the public. What truly sets this area apart is the **integration of recreation with conservation and essential civic purposes**.

While customer experiences can vary, as noted in reviews mentioning clean, heated restrooms or the occasional need for shower maintenance, the overarching value lies in the **dependable infrastructure** and the **vast recreational opportunities** associated with a large federal reservoir. You are not just getting a campsite; you are gaining access to 10,100 acres of prime fishing and boating waters, plus thousands of acres of managed public hunting land—all maintained under the diligent oversight of the USACE. For those who value **affordable, reliable access** to significant outdoor resources, particularly for fishing, hunting, and watersports, Waurika Lake is an unparalleled choice in southwestern Oklahoma. The sheer scale of the project ensures a natural, uncrowded experience for everyone.