Osage Cove, Burbank, OK

For Oklahomans seeking a tranquil escape into nature, a campground that combines scenic beauty with essential amenities is a true treasure. Osage Cove, nestled on the picturesque shores of Kaw Lake near Burbank, stands out as a highly appealing destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this campground is known for its serene atmosphere and well-maintained facilities, making it an excellent choice for families, anglers, and anyone looking to unwind by the water.

Osage Cove offers a distinct advantage for campers: a beautiful, secluded, and quiet environment. Reviews frequently highlight its peaceful nature, describing it as a "Beautiful place" that is "Secluded and quiet." This makes it an ideal spot for those looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse themselves in the calming embrace of the outdoors. The low traffic within the campground further enhances this tranquil experience, ensuring a relaxing stay for all visitors.

While some large RVs might find the navigation "a little hard to find a place to get a 40-foot class A" level, the overall consensus is that Osage Cove provides "plenty of room" at its campsites. The sites are known to be well-maintained and offer electric hookups, a grill, and a picnic table, providing the fundamental comforts for a pleasant camping experience. The campground also offers flush toilets and drinking water spigots throughout, ensuring convenience for both RV and tent campers.

What truly makes Osage Cove suitable for families is its low-traffic environment and ample space, making it "a great place for kids." Children can enjoy the freedom to explore and play in a safe setting. Beyond the individual campsites, the campground provides access to a wealth of recreational opportunities that leverage its lakeside location. A boat ramp and fishing dock are available, offering direct access to Kaw Lake for fishing and boating. Moreover, Osage Cove is the trailhead for the 12-mile Eagle View Hiking Trail, stretching to Burbank Landing, inviting hikers to explore the scenic surroundings.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' management ensures a certain standard of cleanliness and organization, which is often appreciated by campers. While hot water in showers has been an intermittent issue in past reviews, the overall positive feedback on facility maintenance and the beauty of the views underscores its appeal. Osage Cove provides a balanced camping experience, blending natural beauty and recreational access with essential amenities, making it a reliable and enjoyable destination for Oklahomans seeking a refreshing outdoor adventure at Kaw Lake.

Location and Accessibility

Osage Cove campground is nestled at Osage Park Rd, Burbank, OK 74633, USA. This location places it on the eastern side of Kaw Lake, a significant body of water in north-central Oklahoma. While the mailing address is Burbank, it's geographically situated near Ponca City, offering a blend of secluded natural beauty and access to urban conveniences.

The campground's direct proximity to Kaw Lake is its most notable locational advantage. Visitors have immediate access to the lake for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities. Kaw Lake is a renowned destination for angling, particularly for catfish, crappie, white bass, and walleye, making Osage Cove an excellent base for fishing enthusiasts. The presence of a boat ramp and fishing dock directly within the campground enhances this accessibility.

While the campground is described as "secluded and quiet," it remains accessible from larger towns. Ponca City is approximately 9-10 miles east of the campground, typically a short drive via well-maintained roads across Kaw Dam. This means campers can easily reach grocery stores, restaurants, fuel stations, and other essential services in Ponca City, balancing the tranquility of the campground with urban amenities. The drive to the campground from Ponca City involves following Lake Road across the Kaw Dam, then turning onto Osage Cove Rd and finally Osage Park Rd.

The natural environment around Osage Cove is characteristic of the Cross Timbers region, with forested floodplains, prairie terraces, and oak savanna hills. This diverse landscape offers picturesque views and opportunities for wildlife viewing, including migratory bald eagles in the winter months. The "Osage Park Rd" name suggests a dedicated access road, likely designed to accommodate RVs and vehicles towing boats or trailers, though some larger RVs (like 40-foot Class A) have noted that finding a level spot can be a slight challenge. Overall, the location provides a perfect blend of outdoor immersion and convenient access for Oklahomans.

Services Offered

Osage Cove, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground, provides a range of essential services and facilities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. These services cater to both RV and tent campers, emphasizing convenience and access to outdoor recreation:

Campsites with Electric Hookups: The campground offers 97 shaded campsites. While all sites come with electric hookups (30-amp and 50-amp options available), only a portion of them (24 sites) also include water hookups. Campers are advised to check their reservation details or bring a long hose if a water hookup at the site is essential. Each site typically includes a picnic table and a grill or fire ring.
Drinking Water Spigots: Numerous drinking water spigots are located throughout the campground, providing convenient access to potable water for all campers, even those without direct water hookups at their site.
Flush Toilets: Clean restroom facilities with flush toilets are available, offering a significant comfort for campers. Some reviews mention issues with hot water in showers, so it's advisable to verify current conditions.
Showers: The campground includes shower facilities, generally with 4 showers, for camper convenience. Past reviews indicate that while facilities are present, their condition and hot water availability can vary.
Dump Station: A readily accessible sanitary dump station is located at the campground exit, allowing RVers to conveniently dispose of their waste before departure. Note that garbage disposal is primarily via dumpsters located outside the park entry gate near the dump station.
Boat Ramp: A key feature for its lakeside location, a boat ramp is on-site, providing direct and easy access to Kaw Lake for boating and fishing activities.
Fishing Dock: A designated fishing dock is available, particularly useful for bank fishing and for those without boats.
Group Campsites: Osage Cove offers three large group campsites, each capable of accommodating up to 50 guests. These are ideal for larger gatherings, family reunions, or organized group camping trips.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed within the campground, adhering to standard leash and waste disposal regulations.

Features / Highlights

Osage Cove offers several compelling features that contribute to its appeal as a prime camping destination at Kaw Lake. These highlights focus on its natural setting, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly atmosphere:

Secluded and Quiet Environment: A consistently praised highlight, the campground provides a peaceful and low-traffic atmosphere, making it perfect for relaxation and escaping urban noise. Its wooded setting adds to the sense of tranquility.
Beautiful Lakeside Setting: Situated along the banks of Kaw Lake, many campsites offer scenic views of the water, particularly beautiful sunsets. The natural surroundings, including the lake and surrounding woodlands, provide a picturesque backdrop.
Ideal for Families with Kids: Reviewers note that Osage Cove is "a great place for kids" due to its low traffic and ample room. This provides a safe and spacious environment for children to play and explore.
Excellent Access to Kaw Lake Recreation: With an on-site boat ramp and fishing dock, campers have direct access to Kaw Lake for fishing, boating, and swimming. Kaw Lake is well-known for its abundant fish populations (catfish, crappie, white bass, walleye, and striped bass).
Trailhead for Eagle View Hiking Trail: Osage Cove serves as the southern trailhead for the 12-mile Eagle View Hiking Trail, offering extensive opportunities for hikers and nature enthusiasts to explore the diverse landscapes leading to Burbank Landing. Horseback riding is also popular on trails in the area.
Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The area around Kaw Lake is rich in wildlife, including the possibility of spotting prairie dogs and migratory bald eagles in the winter, adding an exciting dimension to the outdoor experience.
Spacious and Shaded Campsites: The campground boasts 97 shaded campsites, providing relief from the sun and a more comfortable camping experience, especially during warmer months. Sites are generally spacious, with picnic tables and grills.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a campground managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Osage Cove typically operates under a standardized pricing structure that is publicly available through reservation platforms like Recreation.gov. While traditional "promotions" in the commercial sense are uncommon, federal campgrounds often provide discounts for holders of specific passes. The America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, particularly the Senior Pass or Access Pass, can offer a 50% discount on camping fees for eligible individuals.

Campsite fees at Osage Cove generally range from $22.00 to $100.00, depending on the site type (e.g., electric-only vs. electric and water, or group sites) and specific amenities. It's important to note that group campsites, which can accommodate up to 50 guests, will have a higher fee structure. Reservations can typically be made up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov, and early booking is highly recommended, especially for popular weekends and holidays, as the campground can get crowded during these times.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on current rates, specific site amenities, and any available discounts, it is always best to check the official Recreation.gov listing for Osage Cove or contact the Kaw Lake Project Office directly.

Contact Information

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

Address: Osage Park Rd, Burbank, OK 74633, USA
Phone: (580) 762-9408
Mobile Phone: +1 580-762-9408

Please note that for specific campsite reservations, the Recreation.gov website is generally the most efficient method, as it provides real-time availability and allows for online booking. The provided phone numbers can be used for general inquiries about the campground or the Kaw Lake area.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Oklahomans, Osage Cove campground offers a compelling and highly suitable option for experiencing the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Kaw Lake. Its unique blend of tranquility, accessibility, and family-friendly features makes it an ideal destination for a variety of local camping needs.

Firstly, the campground's "secluded and quiet" atmosphere is a major draw for locals seeking a genuine escape from the daily grind. In a world of increasing noise and distraction, Osage Cove provides a peaceful environment where Oklahomans can truly relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature. The "low traffic" and "plenty of room" at sites contribute to this serene experience, allowing for a comfortable and unhurried stay.

Secondly, its prime location on Kaw Lake, complete with a boat ramp and fishing dock, is invaluable for local outdoor enthusiasts. For Oklahomans who own boats or enjoy fishing, having immediate access to one of the state's best lakes for various species is a significant convenience. Beyond water activities, the presence of the 12-mile Eagle View Hiking Trail within the campground offers abundant opportunities for exercise and exploration, appealing to hikers and nature lovers right in their backyard.

Furthermore, Osage Cove is specifically noted as "a great place for kids," making it an excellent choice for local families looking for a safe and engaging outdoor adventure. The spacious sites and natural setting provide ample room for children to play and explore, fostering cherished memories. The availability of electric hookups and flush toilets, while basic, ensures a comfortable experience that balances rustic charm with necessary modern conveniences.

In essence, Osage Cove is more than just a campground; it's a readily accessible natural retreat for Oklahomans. It offers the perfect combination of peaceful solitude, abundant recreational opportunities, and fundamental comforts, making it an ideal choice for a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a refreshing break into the heart of Oklahoma's beautiful lakeside landscapes.