Taylor Ferry South, Wagoner, OK

For us Oklahomans, few things beat the feeling of pulling up to a serene campground right on the water, especially when that water is as inviting as Fort Gibson Lake. Taylor Ferry South, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) campground, embodies everything we love about outdoor recreation in our beautiful state. Nestled on the shores of the Fort Gibson reservoir, this campground offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, convenient amenities, and that friendly, helpful atmosphere we cherish.

As one satisfied visitor noted, it's a "Very nice ACOE Campground on the shores of Fort Gibson reservoir." You'll find yourself surrounded by abundant wildlife, from playful geese to graceful gulls, creating a truly immersive natural experience. Whether your passion is fishing from your boat, casting a line from the shore, or simply enjoying the breathtaking lake views from your campsite, Taylor Ferry South provides the perfect backdrop.

The dedication to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment is evident, with "Clean private bathrooms" and "beautiful campsites" frequently highlighted by those who’ve stayed. Plus, the constant presence of a "Camp Host or volunteer around to help with any questions" ensures a smooth and pleasant visit. And for those last-minute essentials, the convenience of a nearby corner store means you're never far from what you need to make your lakeside getaway complete. It’s truly one of Oklahoma’s beautiful parks and a chance to experience our breathtaking lake firsthand.

Location and Accessibility

Taylor Ferry South Recreation Area is strategically located at E 750 Rd, Wagoner, OK 74467, USA, placing it directly on the western shore of the expansive Fort Gibson Lake. This prime position offers campers direct access to one of Oklahoma’s premier water recreation destinations.

While the address might seem straightforward, it’s worth noting the advice from experienced campers: "Do not follow Google Maps to get here as it will lead you to an abandoned road. Read the directions on the website!" This crucial tip ensures a smooth arrival. The correct route from Wagoner, Oklahoma, typically involves traveling 5 miles east on Highway 51, turning right onto South 330 Road for approximately a quarter mile, and then turning left onto East 746 Road, following it for less than a mile to the entrance gate and check-in station.

This location offers excellent accessibility for Oklahomans from various parts of the state. Wagoner, a convenient nearby town, provides access to groceries, fuel, and other supplies, ensuring you have everything you need for your camping trip. Beyond immediate lake access, the campground's proximity allows for easy exploration of the wider Green Country region, including other parts of the Fort Gibson Lake area, nearby state parks like Sequoyah State Park, and the historic town of Fort Gibson. The overall accessibility makes it a popular choice for both weekend warriors and those planning longer, more relaxed stays.

Services Offered

Taylor Ferry South Recreation Area, as a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) campground, provides a robust array of services and amenities designed to make your camping experience comfortable and convenient while maintaining a natural feel:

Campsites with Electric & Water Hookups: The campground offers 89 sites with electric and water hookups, accommodating RVs between 20 and 45 feet. These sites typically feature 30 or 50 amp electric service. While most campsites share a water spigot with an adjoining site, bringing a splitter is a simple solution to ensure seamless water access.
Tent Sites: For those who prefer a more traditional camping experience, there are also 6 dedicated tent-only sites.
Dump Stations: Convenience is key, and Taylor Ferry South provides a dump station within the campground for easy waste disposal. Additionally, there’s an extra dump station located outside the park boundaries on the entrance road, offering even more flexibility.
Clean Restrooms and Showers: Visitors consistently praise the "clean private bathrooms" and showers available at the campground. The presence of comfort stations ensures a comfortable experience, even in a natural setting.
Potable Water: Drinking water is readily available throughout the campground.
Boat Ramp: For lake enthusiasts, an on-site boat ramp provides convenient access to Fort Gibson Lake for launching and retrieving watercraft.
Designated Swim Beach: The campground features a man-made sandy swim beach with playground equipment, perfect for families looking to cool off and enjoy the lake safely. A life jacket loaner board is also available at the Taylor Ferry swim beach.
Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, allowing for enjoyable outdoor meals and cozy evening campfires.
Playground: Located across the highway from the campground, the playground offers a fun space for children.
Camp Host/Volunteer Presence: There is "always a Camp Host or volunteer around to help with any questions," providing invaluable assistance and ensuring the smooth operation of the campground.
Year-Round Operation: The campground is open all year, though park gates are locked from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., with an entrance booth typically open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. during peak season (April 1 - September 30). During the off-season (October 1 - March 31), campers can pay by self-deposit.
Nearby Convenience Store: A corner convenience store, "Morgan's Corner," is located at the turn-off, carrying "almost anything you may need for your time on the lake," from snacks to tackle.

These services provide a comfortable and functional camping experience, catering to a wide range of outdoor activities on Fort Gibson Lake.

Features / Highlights

Taylor Ferry South offers a multitude of features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for us Oklahomans seeking an exceptional lakeside camping experience:

Prime Lakeside Location: Situated directly on Fort Gibson Lake, the campground provides stunning water views from many sites and immediate access to one of Oklahoma's most beloved lakes. This proximity is ideal for all water-based activities.
Abundant Wildlife: The area is teeming with wildlife, including "plenty of wildlife, tons of geese right now, and the ever present gulls" as noted by visitors. This provides fantastic opportunities for birdwatching, nature photography, and simply enjoying the natural ecosystem.
Exceptional Fishing: Fort Gibson Lake is renowned for its fishing, with excellent opportunities for black bass, white bass, crappie, and various types of catfish and panfish. Campers can fish directly from their boats, the lake shore, or the boat dock.
Heavily Wooded, Shaded Sites: The campground is "heavily wooded," providing an "abundance of shade for rest and relaxation," a crucial feature during Oklahoma's warmer months.
Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: The consistently praised "clean private bathrooms" and showers, along with the overall upkeep of the campsites, are significant highlights that enhance the comfort and enjoyment of all campers.
Friendly and Helpful Staff/Volunteers: The presence of a welcoming Camp Host or volunteer who is "always around to help with any questions" adds a layer of comfort and security, making visitors feel well-supported.
Designated Swimming Area: The sandy swim beach with playground equipment is a fantastic feature for families, offering a safe and enjoyable place for children and adults to cool off.
Dual Dump Stations: The convenience of a dump station within the campground and another just outside the park entrance is a practical highlight for RV campers.
Gradual Slope to Water's Edge: The "rocky shoreline within the campground has a gradual slope to the water's edge for easy access," making it easy to get into and out of the lake for swimming or launching smaller watercraft.
Accessibility to Fort Gibson Lake Activities: Beyond fishing, the lake provides ample opportunities for boating, waterskiing, jet skiing, and paddle sports, all easily accessible from the campground.

These features collectively create a well-rounded and highly desirable camping destination that caters to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, all within the beautiful setting of Fort Gibson Lake.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) campground, Taylor Ferry South typically operates with a standard, publicly posted rate structure rather than frequent "promotions or special offers" in the commercial sense. However, the inherent "offer" lies in the affordability and value provided by a federally managed recreation area.

Reasonable Daily Rates: Campsite fees at Taylor Ferry South are generally very reasonable, ranging from $14.00 to $20.00 per night depending on the type of hookup (non-electric, 30 amp electric, 50 amp electric). This competitive pricing makes it an accessible option for many Oklahomans.
Annual Day Use Pass: While specifically for day use, the Corps of Engineers offers an Annual Day Use Pass (often around $40-$50). For Oklahomans who frequently visit COE lakes for boat launching, swimming, or picnicking, this pass offers significant savings over daily fees at other COE facilities. While it doesn't directly apply to camping fees, it enhances the overall value for frequent lake users.
Senior/Access Passes: Federal recreation passes, such as the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass or Access Pass, may offer discounts on camping fees for eligible individuals (e.g., 50% off standard amenity fees like camping). These are federal programs and not specific to Taylor Ferry South, but they are a valuable "special offer" for qualifying visitors.
Value of Included Amenities: The presence of clean private bathrooms, showers, dump stations, and direct lake access (including a swim beach and boat ramp) are all included in the reasonable nightly rates, representing excellent value compared to privately operated campgrounds with similar amenities.

Reservations for campsites can be made up to 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov or by phone, which can be seen as a "promotion" for early planners to secure their desired spot, especially during peak seasons. It's always advisable to check the Recreation.gov website or call the campground directly for the most current pricing and reservation policies.

Contact Information

To plan your refreshing getaway to Taylor Ferry South Recreation Area, here's how you can get in touch or find more information:

Address: Taylor Ferry South Recreation Area, E 750 Rd, Wagoner, OK 74467, USA. (Remember the important note about GPS directions – always refer to specific directions found on official COE or recreation.gov websites to avoid misdirection.)
Phone: (918) 485-4792 (This number is often listed for campground inquiries and reservations). Another helpful number for the Fort Gibson Lake Office, which oversees COE campgrounds in the area, is (918) 682-4314.
Reservations: As a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground, reservations are typically made through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) website, Recreation.gov, or by calling their toll-free number: 1-877-444-6777. Online reservation is highly recommended, especially during peak season.
Official Websites: For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rules, regulations, fees, and to view campground maps, always consult the official U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Tulsa District) website for Fort Gibson Lake, or the Recreation.gov page for Taylor Ferry.

While there isn't a direct email for the campground itself, using the phone numbers or the Recreation.gov platform are your best bets for planning your visit.

Conclusion: Why Taylor Ferry South is Suitable for Locals

For us Oklahomans, Taylor Ferry South Recreation Area is far more than just another campground; it's a quintessential part of our state's outdoor fabric and an ideal destination for a truly satisfying escape. Its suitability for locals stems from a perfect blend of natural beauty, convenient access, and reliable, well-maintained facilities.

Firstly, the prime location on Fort Gibson Lake means immediate access to our cherished "Clear Water Wonderland." We know and love Fort Gibson for its fantastic fishing, exhilarating boating, and refreshing swimming, and Taylor Ferry South places us right in the heart of it. Whether it's a quick weekend fishing trip with the buddies, a family vacation making memories on the swim beach, or just a quiet evening by the fire watching the lake, this campground provides the perfect backdrop.

Secondly, as a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site, it offers a level of consistency and quality we can rely on. The clean private bathrooms, electric and water hookups at most sites, and the presence of dedicated camp hosts all contribute to a comfortable and hassle-free camping experience. These aren't always guaranteed at every primitive spot, making Taylor Ferry South a reliable choice for families and those who appreciate essential amenities without sacrificing the feeling of being truly immersed in nature.

Lastly, its reasonable pricing and year-round accessibility make it a flexible option for every season. We can enjoy the vibrant summer lake life, the serene beauty of autumn foliage, or a peaceful winter retreat. Taylor Ferry South encourages us to continually explore and appreciate the natural treasures right in our own backyard. It’s a place where we can truly unwind, reconnect with nature, and create lasting memories, affirming its status as a top-tier local camping destination.