Coon Creek Cove, Newkirk, OK

For Oklahomans seeking an escape into nature, a well-maintained campground offering both convenience and natural beauty is a true find. Coon Creek Cove, nestled along the shores of Kaw Lake near Newkirk, stands out as a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this campground has a reputation for cleanliness and provides a welcoming environment for both seasoned campers and those looking for a peaceful lakeside retreat.

Coon Creek Cove is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural splendor of north-central Oklahoma. The campground is situated on a picturesque peninsula that extends into Kaw Lake, offering many sites with scenic views of the water. Its rural, quiet, and wooded setting provides a tranquil atmosphere, making it ideal for those looking to unwind and reconnect with the outdoors. Whether you’re an avid angler, a keen hiker, or simply someone who appreciates the serenity of a lakeside environment, Coon Creek Cove caters to a diverse range of interests.

Recent improvements, such as a new pavilion, demonstrate the ongoing commitment to enhancing the visitor experience at Coon Creek Cove. Campers consistently praise the care and maintenance of the facilities, a hallmark of Army Corps of Engineers parks. While lake levels can fluctuate, potentially affecting boat ramp usability as noted by some past visitors, the overall standard of cleanliness and site quality remains high. The large, clean, and private bathhouses are a particular highlight, providing comfort and convenience that can significantly enhance a camping trip. Additionally, the spacious sites, often with advantageous angles for lake viewing, contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

The appeal of Coon Creek Cove extends beyond its immediate amenities. Kaw Lake itself is a hub for recreational activities, offering ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The surrounding area boasts extensive trails for hiking and horseback riding, inviting exploration of Oklahoma’s diverse landscapes. For locals, this means a readily accessible outdoor escape that combines the conveniences of a well-managed campground with the natural adventures of a large recreational lake. It’s a place where families can create lasting memories, friends can gather for shared outdoor experiences, and individuals can find solace in nature.

Ultimately, Coon Creek Cove represents a commitment to providing a quality outdoor experience. Its combination of natural beauty, essential amenities, and dedicated maintenance makes it a highly suitable choice for Oklahomans looking to enjoy the best of what the state’s natural environment has to offer. The positive feedback from previous campers underscores its standing as a well-regarded destination within the Kaw Lake region.

Location and Accessibility

Coon Creek Cove is strategically located at 9400 Lake Rd, Newkirk, OK 74647, USA. This address places it in northern Oklahoma, specifically within Kay County, on the eastern side of Kaw Lake. Newkirk is a small town, offering a quiet, rural atmosphere, while larger cities like Ponca City are within a reasonable driving distance, providing access to more extensive services and attractions.

The campground's position on a peninsula of Kaw Lake offers significant advantages. Guests can enjoy prime access to the lake for boating, fishing, and swimming. While the address indicates Newkirk, it's important for visitors to understand that the campground is part of the broader Kaw Lake State Park area, which is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This designation often means well-maintained roads leading to and within the park, designed to accommodate RVs and vehicles towing boats or trailers.

Accessibility to Coon Creek Cove is generally straightforward. From Newkirk, travelers can typically follow Highway 77 south to Highway 11 east, then turn north onto a county road that leads directly to the campground, following clear signage. While the immediate vicinity is rural, the roads leading to the park are usually well-maintained, ensuring a smooth journey for campers. The Dyrt, a popular camping resource, notes that the maximum vehicle length allowed at Coon Creek Cove is 55 feet, indicating it's big rig friendly for most RVs and trailers.

For those traveling from major Oklahoma cities, Stillwater is approximately an hour's drive south, and Oklahoma City is about a two-hour drive to the southwest. This makes Coon Creek Cove a viable weekend getaway or a convenient stopover for those exploring the wider region. The area's natural features include diverse landscapes, from the extensive shoreline of Kaw Lake to the surrounding grasslands and wooded areas. This blend provides a picturesque backdrop for camping and outdoor activities. Visitors should be mindful of temperature ranges, which can vary from highs in the 90s to lows in the 30s depending on the season, affecting lake levels and general comfort for outdoor activities.

Services Offered

Coon Creek Cove, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, provides a range of essential services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for its visitors. These services cater to both RV and tent campers, highlighting the park's commitment to accessibility and guest satisfaction. Key offerings include:

Electric Hookups: The campground offers campsites equipped with electric hookups, predominantly 15-amp service, with some sites potentially offering 30-amp or 50-amp options for RVs. This allows campers to power their vehicles and devices, enhancing comfort during their stay. It's advisable to verify the specific amperage available at your chosen site when booking.
Water Hookups: Drinking water spigots are available, providing campers with access to potable water at their sites, a crucial convenience for any extended stay.
Clean Restrooms and Showers: A significant highlight, as noted by past visitors, is the presence of clean and well-maintained restroom and shower facilities. These private bathhouses are a valued amenity, offering a comfortable and hygienic experience for all campers.
Dump Station: A readily accessible sanitary dump station is provided at the exit of the campground, allowing RVers to conveniently dispose of their waste before departing.
Picnic Tables and Fire Rings/Grills: Each campsite typically comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring or grill, perfect for outdoor cooking and enjoying campfires under the stars.
Boat Ramp: Given its lakeside location, Coon Creek Cove features a boat ramp, providing direct access to Kaw Lake for boating, fishing, and other water activities. While lake levels can affect usability, the ramp is a key feature for water enthusiasts.
Pet-Friendly Environment: The campground generally allows pets, making it a great option for those who wish to bring their furry companions along on their outdoor adventures.

Features / Highlights

Coon Creek Cove's appeal is rooted in its natural setting and the quality of its fundamental features, which are meticulously maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers. These highlights contribute to a positive and memorable camping experience:

Scenic Lakeside Location: Situated on a peninsula extending into Kaw Lake, many campsites offer beautiful views of the water. The rural, quiet, and wooded environment provides a serene backdrop for relaxation and nature observation.
Well-Maintained Facilities: Consistently praised by visitors, the cleanliness and upkeep of the campgrounds, particularly the private bathhouses, are a significant draw. This dedication to maintenance enhances the overall comfort and enjoyment of guests.
Spacious and Varied Campsites: The campground offers a mix of site types, accommodating both RVs and tents. Sites are noted for being large, often with good angles for lake viewing, providing ample space for campers to set up and relax.
Direct Lake Access for Recreation: With a boat ramp on-site, campers have easy access to Kaw Lake, renowned for excellent fishing (especially for catfish, crappie, white bass, and walleye) and various water sports like boating and swimming.
Abundant Outdoor Activities: Beyond the lake, the surrounding area offers extensive opportunities for recreation. This includes hiking trails, such as the Eagle View Hiking Trail, and equestrian trails like the Five Fingers Equestrian Trail, attracting hikers and horseback riders. Wildlife viewing, including migratory bald eagles in winter, is also a popular activity.
New Pavilion: The recent addition of a new pavilion suggests ongoing improvements and provides a communal space that can be beneficial for groups or family gatherings.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a campground operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Coon Creek Cove typically adheres to standardized pricing structures, which are often set annually and publicly available. While specific, ongoing "promotions" in the traditional retail sense are uncommon, campers might find varying rates based on the type of campsite (e.g., standard electric vs. primitive tent site) and the season. It is common for federal campgrounds to offer discounts to holders of specific passes, such as the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass for seniors or those with disabilities. These passes can provide a 50% discount on camping fees.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on pricing, potential discounts, and any specific offers, it is highly recommended to visit the official Recreation.gov website (which manages reservations for many federal campgrounds) or to contact the Kaw Lake Project Office directly. Rates for sites at Coon Creek Cove have been noted to range, with some sources indicating prices between $22.00 and $35.00 per night, depending on the site type and amenities. Given that availability can be limited, especially during peak seasons (such as summer or major fishing/hunting seasons), booking in advance, often up to six months prior, is advisable to secure your preferred spot and rate.

Contact Information

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Coon Creek Cove campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 9400 Lake Rd, Newkirk, OK 74647, USA
Phone: (580) 762-5611
Mobile Phone: +1 580-762-5611

It is often beneficial to call the main Kaw Lake Project Office if you have general questions about the lake area or specific rules and regulations. For campsite reservations, utilizing the Recreation.gov website is generally the most efficient method, as it provides real-time availability and allows for online booking. However, the provided phone numbers can be used for direct communication to clarify any details or for assistance with specific needs.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Coon Creek Cove offers a compelling package for Oklahomans seeking a natural escape without having to travel too far from home. Its suitability for locals lies in a combination of factors that blend accessibility with quality outdoor experiences.

Firstly, as a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers managed campground, Coon Creek Cove consistently upholds a high standard of care and maintenance. Locals can trust that the facilities, from restrooms and showers to the general upkeep of the sites, will be clean and functional. This reliability is a significant draw, ensuring a comfortable and worry-free camping trip, which is especially important for families or those new to camping.

Secondly, its location on Kaw Lake provides unparalleled access to a wealth of recreational activities. For Oklahomans passionate about fishing, Kaw Lake is a well-known hotspot for a variety of species. Boating enthusiasts will appreciate the convenient boat ramp, and those who enjoy hiking or simply being immersed in nature will find extensive trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing, including the impressive bald eagles in winter. This means that locals don't just get a campsite; they gain a gateway to a diverse range of outdoor adventures right in their backyard.

Furthermore, the campground's quiet, rural, and wooded setting offers a genuine retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For many Oklahomans, camping is about disconnecting and enjoying the peace of nature. Coon Creek Cove delivers on this, providing spacious sites that offer a sense of privacy and tranquility. The presence of a new pavilion suggests ongoing improvements, making it an even more attractive option for local gatherings or family outings.

In essence, Coon Creek Cove is more than just a campground; it’s a readily accessible, well-managed, and beautiful natural amenity for the people of Oklahoma. It offers the perfect blend of essential amenities and expansive outdoor opportunities, making it an ideal choice for a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a peaceful escape into the heart of Oklahoma's natural beauty. For locals, it represents a reliable and cherished destination to create lasting memories in the great outdoors.