Best Free Camping in Oklahoma

Free Camping in Oklahoma

By Nathan Swartz

As part of the Great Plains, Oklahoma shares much with its neighboring states to the north and south, in that it is largely a long, flat stretch of America. You can cross the entire breadth of many of those neighboring states without seeing much else than oil rigs and farmland, though, Oklahoma does boast a few more mountainous regions, particularly as you get into its western stretches. While the Sooner State isn't exactly abundant in stuff, finding places to camp for free can be done across the state.

See a map of all free camping in Oklahoma.

Free Dispersed Camping on Public Land in Oklahoma

If you enjoy the type of natural camping that can be found in places like state parks or wildlife management areas, the majority of campsites like this are run by the US Forest Service. This being the Great Plains, instead of national forests, you'll be looking at the state's national grassland. In the panhandle, Rita Blanca National Grassland has a couple of these. Expect mostly wide-open prairie, camping along a road–and surrounded by private farms–but you can score a little shade and find free RV parking at picnic areas like Felt Picnic Area. Please use the provided trash bins.

In the southwestern corner of the state, Black Kettle National Grassland offers three actual campgrounds, all equipped with picnic tables and vault toilets, that even come with a bit of shade.

North of these sites, Oklahoma's fish and wildlife service offers free primitive camping at various boat ramp-style river camping areas along the shores of Lake Vincent.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife provides a free campground along the Blue River, near Tishomingo, Oklahoma, toward the southwestern end of the state. The Department of Natural Resources provides free spots to go camping near Atoka Lake, and thanks to the Army Corps of Engineers, seasonally free camping is allowed at Virgil Point on Hugo Lake.

Most of this type of camping is pure boondocking, i.e. camping with no access to water, electricity and sometimes even restrooms, so plan appropriately before deciding on a camping trip of this type.

Free RV Camping Near Tulsa, Oklahoma

If finding a place to camp immediately within Tulsa is at the top of your list, there is a Camping World just off of I-44 that offers free camping in its parking lot. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 20 minutes east of downtown, also allows free overnight RV camping in some of its lots.

For a more natural camping experience, the Army Corps of Engineers provides multiple camping areas on the Oologah Lake, with the Verdigris River site offered at no cost. These sites include picnic tables as well.

Free RV Camping Near Oklahoma City

While you won't find any free national forest camping or the like in the state's capital, half a dozen businesses offer free overnight parking, including Walmarts and Cracker Barrels. South of town, the Riverwind Casino offers camping for patrons in their parking lot. The Lucky Star Casino–northwest of town this time–also offers free camping spots and includes RV hookups as well! It's usually a good idea to call ahead when planning on camping in casino parking lots.

Finding a camping spot that bears no price tag can be had at a few other places around Oklahoma. Walmarts that allow camping in their parking lots are positioned conveniently off some highways. The city of Guymon also offers free RV camping at its No Man's Land Park. Whether you've come to Oklahoma to visit its cities or explore its grasslands, with a little planning you can make sure that at least some of those nights are free.