Family Camping Activities for All Ages: Games, Hiking, and Campfire Fun
The legendary heart of Joshua Tree National Park.
For Oklahomans seeking a serene yet activity-rich camping experience, Washington Cove Park Campground on the beautiful Copan Lake presents an exceptional choice. Nestled in the heart of Oklahoma's scenic Green Country, this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers park offers a blend of natural beauty and thoughtful amenities, making it a favorite among local campers. As one delighted visitor shared, "My husband and I stayed at site 15... The pad site with a table, grill, and prep area were so handy. There’s also a trail right on the backside of this site leading down to the water where we spent hours swimming. The site isn’t perfectly level being gravel, but we travel prepared for that anyways. Overall it was a lot of fun. It’s next to the dock as well so watching the boats was exciting. So glad we came here and we will be back!" This encapsulates the appeal of Washington Cove Park – a place designed for enjoyment and relaxation amidst the splendor of nature.
Washington Cove Park Campground is renowned for its "beautiful park with spacious lots," providing ample room for campers to spread out and enjoy their privacy. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, it benefits from federal oversight, ensuring a consistent level of maintenance and adherence to recreational standards. This dedication is often reflected in reviews praising the cleanliness of the restrooms and the diligent patrols by park rangers, contributing to a safe and pleasant environment for all visitors.
The campground caters to both RV and tent campers, offering sites with essential hookups to enhance comfort without detracting from the natural setting. While some practical considerations, such as the need to boil water (if a temporary advisory is in place) or shared water spigots, are occasionally mentioned by campers, these are often minor points against the backdrop of the overall positive experience and value provided. Campers frequently highlight the beautiful lake views and the opportunities for various outdoor activities right from their campsite.
A key draw of Washington Cove Park is its direct access to Copan Lake, a significant body of water in Northeast Oklahoma known for its excellent fishing and boating. This close proximity means that whether you're looking to cast a line, take a refreshing dip, or simply enjoy watching the boats glide by, the lake is always within easy reach. The park's commitment to providing a family-friendly and tranquil atmosphere, especially during weekdays, makes it an ideal escape for local Oklahomans seeking peace and outdoor adventure.
In the following sections, we will delve into the specifics that make Washington Cove Park Campground a premier choice for Oklahoma residents. We'll cover its exact location and accessibility, the range of services and amenities it offers, its standout features, and essential contact information. By understanding what this well-regarded campground provides, you’ll be well-equipped to plan your next memorable outdoor getaway.
Washington Cove Park Campground is located at 396120, 10 Highway, Copan, OK 74022, USA. This address places it directly on the banks of Copan Lake in Northeast Oklahoma, within Washington County. This region, often referred to as "Green Country," is celebrated for its rolling landscapes, wooded areas, and numerous recreational lakes, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts from across the state.
Accessibility to Washington Cove Park Campground is straightforward for Oklahoma residents. From Highway 75, take Highway 10 approximately one mile west, then follow 3970 Rd about two miles north, following signs directly into the campground. The clear directions and well-maintained roadways ensure a smooth journey for campers arriving with RVs or towing trailers. Its location near Copan, a smaller Oklahoma town, means it offers a peaceful retreat while still being within a reasonable driving distance from larger population centers like Bartlesville or even Tulsa.
The campground’s design, with sites that are generally accessible and close to water connections (as noted by a camper who debunked concerns about long hose runs), contributes to a hassle-free setup upon arrival. The presence of gate attendants during the summer recreation season and gates locked at night (from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) further enhance the security and peace of mind for visitors, ensuring a safe environment for families and individuals alike.
Services Offered:
Features / Highlights:
Contact Information:
Address: 396120, 10 Highway, Copan, OK 74022, USA
Phone: (918) 532-4334 (This number is associated with the Copan/Hulah Lake Project Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages Washington Cove Park.)
Mobile Phone: +1 918-532-4334
For reservations or specific campground inquiries, it is also advisable to check the Recreation.gov website or call the Corps of Engineers directly at the provided number, as they manage bookings for these federal parks.
Conclusion: Why Washington Cove Park Campground is Suitable for Locals
For Oklahomans, Washington Cove Park Campground on Copan Lake represents an outstanding opportunity for an accessible, enjoyable, and well-managed outdoor experience. Its location in the heart of "Green Country" provides immediate access to the natural beauty and recreational abundance that defines northeastern Oklahoma. This means local families and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy quality time by the lake without the need for extensive travel, making it perfect for both spontaneous weekend trips and planned vacations.
The park’s status as a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facility ensures a high standard of maintenance, with "beautiful park with spacious lots" and consistently clean restrooms and showers. This attention to detail significantly enhances the comfort level for campers, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate well-kept public lands. The presence of essential hookups for RVs, combined with amenities like picnic tables, grills, and a playground, caters to a wide range of camping styles and needs, from seasoned RVers to families with young children.
Beyond the practicalities, Washington Cove Park offers a rich array of activities right on site. Direct lake access for swimming and fishing, along with nearby hiking and horseback riding trails, ensures there's always something to do for every interest. The park's quiet and calm atmosphere during weekdays provides a perfect retreat for those seeking peace and solitude, while the presence of park rangers contributes to a sense of safety that is highly valued by visitors.
In essence, Washington Cove Park Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a gateway to experiencing the best of Oklahoma's outdoor offerings with the comfort of reliable facilities and a welcoming environment. It allows Oklahomans to leverage the natural wonders in their own backyard, creating lasting memories and fostering a deeper connection with our state's beautiful landscapes. For a refreshing and well-rounded camping adventure, Washington Cove Park Campground is an ideal choice for any local looking to explore the great outdoors.
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
RV camping
RV electric hookup
RV water hookup
Barbecue grill
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Public shower
Restroom
Running water
Slides
Swings
Tent sites
Camping fee
Good for kids
Playground
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
Beautiful park with spacious lots. Water boiling is required however we were not warned of this and apparently it’s been bad for a long time.
My husband and I stayed at site 15. I was a little nervous about the water connections being far away after some reviews, but ours was very close and so was all of the surrounding sites. For reference I took a pic and it shows our 50’ hose had tons of slack still. Our site had a 30 amp plug and also other outlets to plug things into. The pad site with a table, grill, and prep area were so handy. There’s also a trail right on the backside of this site leading down to the water where we spent hours swimming. The site isn’t perfectly level being gravel, but we travel prepared for that anyways. Overall it was a lot of fun. It’s next to the dock as well so watching the boats was exciting. If you like camping while it’s quiet and calm definitely come during the week because it empties out a lot. My only complaint is that some RVers use bright LED strip lights and don’t turn them off. It shined into our bed window all night. So glad we came here and we will be back!
Just FYI if you're planning a trip right now, the campground is flooded so many of the sites next to the lake are underwater. Otherwise, beautiful spot!
I had almost 360 degree views of the water. Pretty quiet most of week. Saturday night some RV campers were playing music pretty loud but its a nice campground with clean bathrooms, hot showers and a playground for kids. Also a sand volleyball court. $22 a night. They take the America the Beautiful Golden Pass discount cards.
We stayed at site 40 in a travel trailer. It is close to the water. It is also close to a water hookup and has a 30 amp electric hookup. It would be a good place to swim. We enjoyed the camp fire a couple nights. I had some good hikes with my little dog saw a ground hog and three deer.