Overview Hawthorn Bluff is located on Oologah Lake in northeastern Oklahoma, less than 30 miles from Tulsa. The lake provides an ideal getaway for fishing, boating, picnicking and camping. Prevailing winds make Oologah one of the most popular lakes in the area for sailing.Recreation Oologah Lake is a prime location for…
Overview Hawthorn Bluff is located on Oologah Lake in northeastern Oklahoma, less than 30 miles from Tulsa. The lake provides an ideal getaway for fishing, boating, picnicking and camping. Prevailing winds make Oologah one of the most popular lakes in the area for sailing.Recreation Oologah Lake is a prime location for boating, sailing, water skiing and swimming. Several recreation areas with boat ramps and docks are scattered around the lake, including at Hawthorn Bluff. Fishing is a very popular activity. Black bass, crappie, paddlefish, channel and blue catfish, walleye and hybrid striped bass are the primary sport species found in the lake. Young anglers love the Kid's Sun, Fun and Fishing Derby Day held annually in June. The forested hills of the Oologah Wildlife Management Area provide excellent hunting opportunities, with nearly 13,000 acres open to the public.Facilities This large campground offers numerous campsites, many of which have 30-amp electric hookups. Two group day-use picnic shelters are available, as is a unique amphitheater with a gazebo that is ideal for ceremonies and weddings. The group facilities are Accessible and accommodate up to 100 guests each. Flush and pit toilets, showers and a dump station are provided. A playground and interpretive nature trail are located within the campground.Natural Features Oologah Lake sits on the Verdigris River with a surface area of nearly 30,000 acres. Over 200 miles of shoreline are dominated by old-growth post oak and blackjack oak forests, which provide habitat for a variety of wildlife and birds, including deer, turkey, rabbits, quail, squirrels, ducks, geese and doves. Nearby Attractions Dog Iron Ranch, the birthplace of Will Rogers, is nearby. The ranch is a living history museum featuring Rogers' two-story post-Civil War birth home, educational programs, picnic areas and a 400-acre pasture on the lake shore with Texas Longhorn cattle and other livestock. The ranch is open year-round.
Photos
Frozen Hawthorn Cove — Vickie Lawhead, Hawthorn Park HostMonarch Butterfly — Vickie Lawhead, Hawthorn Park HostA Loop Fishing Dock — Vickie Lawhead, Hawthorn Park HostSnow Covered Tree — Vickie Lawhead, Hawthorn Park HostB Loop Shower House — Randi Clifton, Park Ranger, Oologah LakeSun Rising over Hawthorn Bluff — Vickie Lawhead, Hawthorn Park HostFish Cleaning Station — Vickie Lawhead, Hawthorn Park HostBeach Shelter — Randi Clifton, Park Ranger, Oologah LakeGazebo — Randi Clifton, Park Ranger, Oologah LakeHAWTHORN BLUFFLake View from Hawthorn Bluff — Vickie Lawhead, Hawthorn Park HostGazebo 2 — Randi Clifton, Park Ranger, Oologah Lake
How to Get There
From Tulsa, Oklahoma, take U.S. Highway 169 north for 27 miles to Highway 88. The campground is 2 miles east of the town of Oologah on Highway 88.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to HAWTHORN BLUFF
Heading to HAWTHORN BLUFF? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for HAWTHORN BLUFF?
No central reservation system listed for HAWTHORN BLUFF. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233506) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to HAWTHORN BLUFF?
From Tulsa, Oklahoma, take U.S. Highway 169 north for 27 miles to Highway 88. The campground is 2 miles east of the town of Oologah on Highway 88.
