Grasshopper Campground, Broken Bow, OK

For many Oklahomans, the call of the wild is a powerful one, drawing us to the serene beauty of our state's natural landscapes. Broken Bow, nestled in southeastern Oklahoma, is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of camping experiences from fully equipped RV parks to more traditional tent sites. Among these, Grasshopper Campground provides a unique, rustic option for those who truly wish to disconnect and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the outdoors. If you're a local seeking a back-to-basics camping adventure with stunning views and direct access to Broken Bow Lake, Grasshopper Campground might be exactly what you're looking for, provided you understand its unique characteristics.

This article is designed to give you a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Grasshopper Campground, presented from the perspective of a fellow Oklahoman. We'll highlight its location, amenities, and key features, ensuring you have all the information needed to determine if this secluded spot is the perfect fit for your next camping trip. While it may not offer all the conveniences of a modern RV park, its strengths lie in its natural setting and the authentic outdoor experience it provides. We’ll delve into the specifics, including the type of camping it supports, the facilities available, and what you can expect from a stay at this particular campground.

Broken Bow Lake and Beavers Bend State Park are jewels in Oklahoma's recreational crown, famous for their clear waters, dense pine forests, and abundant wildlife. Grasshopper Campground offers a quieter, more isolated experience within this popular region. It’s an ideal spot for those who don't mind roughing it a little for the reward of beautiful views and minimal boat traffic right at their campsite. Understanding both the allure and the practicalities of Grasshopper Campground will help you prepare for a memorable and authentic Oklahoma outdoor adventure.

Grasshopper Campground is situated at 57JH+H8, Broken Bow, OK 74728, USA. This address, a plus code, indicates its location within the general Broken Bow area, specifically within or very near Beavers Bend State Park, which is well-known for its extensive camping and recreational facilities. The campground's location is a significant draw, offering beautiful views and, as noted by visitors, minimal boat traffic directly at the campsites, which contributes to a more peaceful atmosphere.

Accessibility to Grasshopper Campground is generally by road, but it's important to understand the nature of the sites and the surrounding area. The campground is described as being in a "terrible location for camping" by one reviewer due to a lack of designated parking, stating that parking is only available "on edge of the grass area adjacent to the boat parking so would not be in the way of the traffic." This suggests that campers will need to be mindful of parking space and potential boat traffic when setting up. Accessing individual campsites involves navigating "through the woods," as sites are identified by number with a picnic table.

While Grasshopper Campground itself is more rustic, access to more developed amenities is available nearby. Campers can "drive up the road about 2 minutes to the nearest RV camping area for normal bathrooms with showers." This means that while Grasshopper provides a more primitive experience, the option for modern conveniences is not far away. Furthermore, the campground's proximity to Broken Bow Lake is a significant advantage, allowing for easy access to the water for recreational activities. Despite some potential navigational challenges within the campground itself and its rustic nature, its location within the popular Broken Bow region ensures access to a wealth of outdoor opportunities and the broader amenities of Beavers Bend State Park.

Grasshopper Campground is designed for a more primitive camping experience, offering limited but essential services to support tent campers.

Pit Toilets: The primary restroom facilities within Grasshopper Campground consist of two pit toilets. It's important for campers to be aware that these do not offer running water or electricity.
No Electricity or Running Water: There is no electricity or running water available directly at the campsites within Grasshopper Campground. Campers should plan to bring their own water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, and be prepared for a camping experience without power hookups.
Steel BBQ Grill and Concrete Picnic Table: Each identifiable campsite is equipped with a steel BBQ grill and a concrete picnic table. These provide basic amenities for cooking and outdoor dining.
Shared Parking: As noted by a customer, there is "NO designated parking" at individual campsites. Parking is available "on edge of the grass area adjacent to the boat parking," requiring campers to be considerate of traffic flow.
Nearby Full Bathrooms: For those needing more comprehensive facilities, "normal bathrooms with showers" are available just a 2-minute drive up the road at the nearest RV camping area. This provides a convenient option for hot showers and flush toilets if desired.

These services indicate that Grasshopper Campground is best suited for experienced tent campers who are prepared for a rustic and self-sufficient stay, with the understanding that some modern conveniences are a short drive away.

Grasshopper Campground offers several features and highlights that appeal to campers seeking a genuine outdoor experience, while also presenting some considerations to keep in mind.

Beautiful Views: A significant highlight of Grasshopper Campground is its "Beautiful views," especially from certain campsites. Being situated near Broken Bow Lake, campers can enjoy scenic vistas of the water and surrounding natural landscape.
Minimal Boat Traffic at Campsites: For those seeking tranquility, the area boasts "minimal boat traffic at the actual campsites," allowing for a more peaceful and undisturbed natural ambiance.
Direct Lake Access: Although not directly visible from every tent site, there is excellent lake access, presumably for swimming or fishing, offering immediate proximity to Broken Bow Lake activities.
Specific Site Advantages (e.g., GH022): One reviewer specifically highlighted site GH022 as "the best campsite there," noting its "beach of its own to hang out at, ample space, and is near the bathrooms but far enough to not smell them." This suggests that some sites offer distinct advantages, making site selection important.
Tent Camping Focus: The campground is explicitly listed as "Tent only" in some public data, reinforcing its design for traditional tent campers.
"Flat Enough" Tent Spots: While acknowledged that there aren't many "super flat spots for tents," reviewers note "lots of 'flat enough' areas," indicating that setting up a tent is generally manageable, even for a "6-person tent." However, some areas may be "very rocky with debris and trees all over the place."
Campsite Identification: Campsites are identified by "site number through the woods with a picnic table," suggesting a less structured layout that integrates with the natural terrain.
Rustic Fire Pits: While there is no mention of fire rings, the presence of a steel BBQ grill implies outdoor cooking facilities.
Noise from Boat Traffic (Early Morning/Late Evening): A significant downside noted by one reviewer is frequent boat traffic noise and bright headlights "from 6:30 AM till 10:30 PM," which "will keep you awake." This suggests that despite "minimal boat traffic at the actual campsites" as noted by another, the nearby boat ramp activity can impact sleep.
Cleanliness Considerations: While generally "decent," one review mentioned "some broken glass and trash in a few places, and weeds under the concrete picnic table," suggesting that cleanliness can be inconsistent.

These features collectively define Grasshopper Campground as a true rustic camping destination, appealing to those who embrace a rugged outdoor experience with beautiful lake access, but requiring an awareness of its basic facilities and potential for noise from nearby lake activities.

Grasshopper Campground, being a more rustic and primitive camping area, generally operates without specific, ongoing promotions or special offers in the same vein as private, commercial campgrounds. As part of Beavers Bend State Park, its pricing and booking are likely managed through the Oklahoma State Parks reservation system.

However, standard discounts that apply to state parks across Oklahoma might be applicable. These commonly include:

Senior Citizen Discounts: Residents aged 62 and older may be eligible for reduced camping fees.
Military and Veteran Discounts: Active military personnel and veterans might receive discounts on camping fees.
Individuals with Disabilities Discounts: Those with qualifying disabilities may also be eligible for reduced rates.

It is crucial for potential campers to verify any available discounts directly with the Oklahoma State Parks system or through their official booking portal (e.g., TravelOK.com or the state's reservation platform) at the time of reservation. Promotions are rarely advertised specifically for individual primitive campgrounds like Grasshopper, so checking general state park policies is the best approach. Because it is often a tent-only campground with no electricity or water, its base fees are typically lower than RV sites with full hookups.

For detailed information regarding Grasshopper Campground, including reservations, current conditions, and any potential fees or alerts, it's best to contact the overarching park management.

Address: 57JH+H8, Broken Bow, OK 74728, USA

Note: The provided address is a Google Plus Code. When using GPS, it's often more reliable to search for "Beavers Bend State Park" or specific larger landmarks within the park, and then follow signage for Grasshopper Campground once you are in the area.

Phone Number: Grasshopper Campground does not appear to have a direct, dedicated phone number. As it is part of Beavers Bend State Park, the primary contact for inquiries regarding camping and park information would be the Beavers Bend State Park Office. You can typically reach them at:

(580) 494-6300

It is highly recommended to contact the park office in advance, especially to inquire about current conditions, site availability, and any specific rules or advisories for primitive camping at Grasshopper.

For Oklahoma locals, Grasshopper Campground offers a quintessential primitive camping experience that can be incredibly suitable for those seeking a true escape into nature, particularly within the popular Broken Bow area. Its appeal lies in its rugged charm and affordability, making it an excellent option for campers who prefer to rough it rather than stay in more developed RV parks. This is a place where you can genuinely disconnect and appreciate the natural surroundings, with the added benefit of beautiful lake views directly from some campsites.

The campground’s tent-only designation means it attracts like-minded campers who value a quieter, less commercialized environment. While the lack of electricity and running water at individual sites requires more preparation, the availability of full restrooms with showers just a short drive away offers a convenient compromise between primitive camping and absolute seclusion. This allows campers to enjoy the wildness of Grasshopper while still having access to modern facilities when needed.

The proximity to Broken Bow Lake is another significant advantage for Oklahomans. Whether you’re into fishing, swimming, or simply enjoying the tranquil waterside, the easy access to the lake from Grasshopper Campground enhances the overall outdoor experience. While one reviewer noted potential noise from boat traffic, another highlighted "minimal boat traffic at the actual campsites," suggesting that careful site selection can mitigate this concern. The presence of individual picnic tables and grills at each site also adds to the convenience for preparing meals outdoors.

In essence, Grasshopper Campground is ideal for Oklahoma locals who are seasoned tent campers, or those looking to try a more basic camping style. It’s perfect for individuals or small groups who embrace self-sufficiency and are drawn to the rugged beauty of the Broken Bow region. If you’re willing to trade some modern conveniences for stunning natural views and a truly immersive outdoor experience, Grasshopper Campground provides an authentic and memorable getaway right here in our beautiful state.