Redbud Bay Campground

Nestled on the picturesque shores of Oologah Lake in Claremore, Oklahoma, Redbud Bay Campground offers a refreshing and authentic camping experience for those seeking a tranquil retreat in nature. Away from the hustle and bustle, this compact and secluded campground provides a unique opportunity to reconnect with the outdoors, enjoy breathtaking lake views, and indulge in popular water activities like fishing and boating. While it embraces a more rustic charm, Redbud Bay Campground is a beloved spot for many Oklahomans who appreciate its simplicity and direct access to the beauty of Oologah Lake.

This article will delve into what makes Redbud Bay Campground a suitable choice for local campers, covering its location, services, unique features, and how to plan your visit. From its intimate setting to its proximity to popular lake activities, Redbud Bay offers a genuine camping adventure for those who prioritize natural beauty and a peaceful environment.

Redbud Bay Campground is conveniently located on OK-88 in Claremore, OK 74017, USA. This prime position places it directly on Oologah Lake, one of Oklahoma’s expansive and popular bodies of water, known for its recreational opportunities. The campground is situated less than 30 miles from Tulsa, making it an accessible option for a quick weekend getaway or a longer vacation for residents of the greater Tulsa metro area and surrounding communities.

Access to the campground is straightforward via OK-88, offering a scenic drive that quickly transitions from more developed areas to the peaceful lakeside environment. While the campground itself is small and offers a sense of seclusion, its location ensures that campers are never too far from essential services or additional recreational facilities. Importantly, for those with larger RVs or needing more comprehensive amenities, the Hawthorn Bluff Campground, which offers flush toilets, showers, and an RV dump station, is located less than a mile across the dam, providing convenient access to these services without an additional fee. This close proximity makes Redbud Bay a fantastic base for exploring the wider Oologah Lake area.

Redbud Bay Campground provides a focused set of services designed to support a traditional camping experience while offering key conveniences.

• Water & Electric Hookups: All 11 sites at Redbud Bay Campground are equipped with water and 30-amp electric hookups. This is a significant convenience for both RV and tent campers, allowing for a comfortable stay with essential utilities.
• Vault Toilets: The campground features vault toilets. While they are a more rustic option, reviews often note their cleanliness, ensuring a functional and maintained facility for campers.
• Camp Attendant: A camp attendant, like Julia, is on-site and known for being very nice and helpful, providing assistance and ensuring a smooth experience for visitors.
• No On-Site Dump Station: It's important for RVers to note that there is no dump station directly at Redbud Bay. However, a dump station is readily available at the nearby Hawthorn Bluff campground, less than a mile away, for no extra charge.
• No Shower House: Similarly, Redbud Bay does not have a shower house. Campers can utilize the shower facilities at Hawthorn Bluff, which is a short drive away.

Despite its smaller size and rustic amenities, Redbud Bay Campground shines through its natural features and the opportunities it provides for lakeside recreation.

• Great Lake Views and Rocky Shoreline: One of the most consistently praised features of Redbud Bay is its stunning view of Oologah Lake. The campground sits directly on a rocky shoreline, offering picturesque vistas and unique opportunities for exploration along the water's edge.
• Secluded and Small Campground: With only about 10-11 sites, Redbud Bay offers a highly secluded and intimate camping experience. This is a major draw for those who prefer a quieter, less crowded environment compared to larger campgrounds.
• Ideal for Fishing: Given its lakefront location, Redbud Bay is an excellent spot for fishing. Anglers can enjoy direct access to Oologah Lake, known for its diverse fish population.
• Nature Exploration: The rocky shoreline and surrounding natural environment provide opportunities for kids and adults alike to explore. As one reviewer noted, "My kids are older and enjoy the rocks and all the crawling things they can catch," highlighting the natural discoveries awaiting.
• Proximity to Oologah Lake Activities: While the campground itself is quiet, it provides easy access to the broader recreational offerings of Oologah Lake, including boating, sailing (Oologah Lake is known for its prevailing winds that make it popular for sailing), water skiing, and swimming. Several boat ramps and docks are available around the lake.
• Close to Hawthorn Bluff Amenities: The nearby Hawthorn Bluff Campground (less than a mile away) offers additional amenities like playgrounds, a swimming beach, and an interpretive nature trail, which Redbud Bay campers can utilize at no extra fee.
• Nearby Attractions: The area around Oologah Lake is rich with history and attractions, including the Dog Iron Ranch, the birthplace of Will Rogers. This living history museum offers educational programs and a chance to see Texas Longhorn Cattle, providing a cultural dimension to your camping trip.

Specific, ongoing promotions for Redbud Bay Campground are not typically publicized beyond general booking information on platforms like Recreation.gov. However, it's common for public campgrounds managed by entities like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (which oversees Oologah Lake campgrounds) to offer consistent, affordable nightly rates. Sometimes, federal passes like the America the Beautiful Pass can provide discounts on camping fees for eligible individuals, such as seniors or those with disabilities.

For the most up-to-date pricing and any potential special offers, it is always best to check the official Recreation.gov website for Redbud Bay Campground or to contact the campground directly using the provided phone numbers. Given the small number of sites, booking in advance, especially during peak seasons, is highly recommended to secure your preferred spot.

Ready to experience the rustic charm of Redbud Bay Campground? Here’s how you can get in touch to plan your visit:

Address: OK-88, Claremore, OK 74017, USA

Phone: (918) 443-2250

Mobile Phone: +1 918-443-2250

For reservations, the Recreation.gov website is the primary platform, where you can check site availability and make bookings. For general inquiries or specific questions about the campground’s features and conditions, calling the provided phone numbers will connect you with helpful staff or the camp attendant.

For Oklahomans seeking an authentic and peaceful camping experience without venturing too far from home, Redbud Bay Campground presents an excellent choice. Its charm lies in its simplicity and direct connection to nature. Locals who appreciate a smaller, less crowded environment will find the 10-11 site layout particularly appealing, offering a sense of seclusion and privacy that larger campgrounds often lack.

The availability of water and electric hookups at each site provides a comfortable base for both RV and tent campers, blending convenience with the rugged appeal of lakeside camping. While it doesn't feature a shower house or dump station directly on-site, the very short drive to Hawthorn Bluff for these amenities is a minor trade-off for the quietude and beautiful lake views Redbud Bay offers.

It’s an ideal spot for fishing enthusiasts, families with older children who enjoy exploring rocky shorelines, and anyone looking to truly unplug and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Oologah Lake. The presence of a friendly and helpful camp attendant further enhances the welcoming atmosphere. For a genuine Oklahoma outdoor adventure focused on fishing, relaxation, and direct access to a beloved lake, Redbud Bay Campground remains a top contender for locals.