Dam Site (Fort Gibson Lake)

Star4.28
131 reviews
8711 Hwy 251A, Fort Gibson, OK, 74434
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

518 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Open seasonally duri...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Fort Gibson Project Office site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Dam Site (Fort Gibson Lake)
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
There are no fees for camping; primitive camping is free. However, reservation fees ($8 online, $9 through contact center, $3 in-person) apply for...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
918-682-4314.
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What Campers Say

4.28

Satisfactory

Based on 131 reviews

108 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsscenerywaterfriendly

"User reviews highlight the site's primitive nature, fishing opportunities, and scenic views. Free camping for up to two weeks is appreciated, but amenities are minimal. "Dry camping. Beautiful place. Free camping for up to 2 weeks," one user summarized. Others have expressed concerns about locked restrooms and lack of water or electricity."

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Campground Map

8711 Hwy 251A, Fort Gibson, OK, 74434

Dam Site (Fort Gibson Lake)

8711 Hwy 251A, Fort Gibson, OK, 74434

Driving directionsFrom Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, take Highway 62 and exit onto Lee Street north. Turn right onto Hickory Street and continue for 3 blocks, then turn left onto State Highway 80A/Garrison Street. The road will follow the Grand River to the Fort Gibson Dam. Go west over the dam, then turn left at the end of the dam. The park will be at the bottom of the hill.
The campground is accessible via paved roads leading to Fort Gibson Dam. However, some reviews note the difficulty in finding spots open due to seasonal closures and overgrowth.
Nearby places
Tulsa (~50 miles), Broken Arrow (~40 miles), Muskogee (~20 miles)
Nearby supplies
The nearest supplies are located 6-10 miles away, including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel in Fort Gibson or Muskogee.

Best Time to Camp at Dam Site (Fort Gibson Lake)

Experience the full spectrum of Oklahoma's dynamic climate at Dam Site Campground, where each season paints the landscape with its own distinct character. Summer arrives with warmth and humidity that makes those riverside breezes especially welcome, while winter brings crisp, mild to cold days perfect for cozy campfire evenings. Savvy campers keep an eye on weather reports, as the dam's proximity occasionally brings flooding during heavy rains, and winter winds can add an extra bite to the chill.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open in summer but hot/humid; some reviews note overgrown vegetation and seasonal closures.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall reviews favorable with pleasant weather and good fishing reported.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring brings waterfowl migration and pleasant conditions; season opens in April.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonal (typically open April–October); winter not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 1 to October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally during warmer months, typically April through October.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal closures are common due to overgrowth or flooding, as noted in reviews.

About Dam Site (Fort Gibson Lake)

Nestled below the impressive Fort Gibson Dam, Dam Site Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic back-to-nature experience along the Grand River. This free primitive camping haven offers the essentials for those who prefer their outdoor adventures unadorned – crackling fire grills and rings await your evening gatherings, while basic facilities ensure comfort during your stay. Though recent flooding has left its mark and modern conveniences like water and electricity remain absent, this rustic retreat rewards visitors with an unspoiled connection to Oklahoma's natural beauty.
Dam Site Campground focuses on primitive camping. It offers 23 campsites without water or electricity, catering to self-sufficient campers. RV spaces are mentioned but with no hookups. No glamping or enhanced lodging options are available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in times are not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out times are not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Up to 14 consecutive nights during peak season.

Amenities available

Dump station
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Dam Site Campground offers several recreational activities centered around Fort Gibson Lake. "Great spot for fishing like paddlefish," one review noted, highlighting its appeal to anglers. Activities include boating, swimming, hunting, and fishing for various species like black bass, crappie, and catfish. Bird watching opportunities abound due to waterfowl migration. While no hiking trails are specified, nature exploration is praised by visitors.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at the campground, particularly for paddlefish, black bass, crappie, and catfish. "Fishing here is great when they are letting water out of the dam," mentioned one user.
SwimmingSwimming is noted as an opportunity at Fort Gibson Lake, though details about designated swimming areas are unavailable.
BoatingBoating opportunities are widely available in the nearly 20,000-acre lake. Docking facilities are not explicitly mentioned.
Wildlife viewingBird watching is a key activity due to annual waterfowl migration in the region. Other wildlife includes white-tailed deer, rabbit, squirrel, and various game birds.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsHistoric Fort Gibson nearby offers cultural activities, including reenactments of 1800s lifestyles and tours of original structures.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFlooding has previously damaged the campground. Loud warning horns from the dam can be startling. The area is regularly patrolled for safety.
Active AlertsSeasonal closures are common due to overgrowth or flooding, as noted in reviews.

Weather at Dam Site (Fort Gibson Lake)

Reviews

4.3
131 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Dam Site (Fort Gibson Lake) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the site's primitive nature, fishing opportunities, and scenic views. Free camping for up to two weeks is appreciated, but amenities are minimal. "Dry camping. Beautiful place. Free camping for up to 2 weeks," one user summarized. Others have expressed concerns about locked restrooms and lack of water or electricity.
Review Summaries
Based on 131 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include scenic water views, fire grills and rings for cooking, pet-friendly policies, regular safety patrols, and well-maintained porta-potties. "Beautiful water scenery. Pet...
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Based on 131 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on the lack of functional restrooms, showers, water, and electricity. "No restrooms but there are port-a-potties," noted several reviewers. Some users also mentioned overgrown areas...
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Based on 131 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing your own water and supplies, as the nearest store is 6-10 miles away. "Sometimes the warning horns from the dam go off," one user advised, suggesting campers be prepared for...
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Based on 131 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal availability affects usability. Summer reviews highlight overgrown vegetation and closures. Fall reviews are more favorable, emphasizing pleasant weather and good fishing conditions.
Based on 131 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Primitive camping. Outside of that, I really like this place." "Dry camping. Beautiful place." "Great spot for fishing when they are letting water out of the dam."
Based on 131 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No numbered site-specific reviews are available.
Based on 131 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews lack specific details on accessibility features, though group shelters are mentioned.
Based on 131 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, as noted in user reviews. "Pet friendly," one user emphasized.
Based on 131 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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