Cherokee PHA Camp Grounds

For us Oklahomans who cherish the great outdoors, finding a place that combines natural beauty with opportunities for recreation and relaxation is always a win. Cherokee PHA Camp Grounds, located in the tranquil setting of Park Hill, Oklahoma, offers just such a retreat. This isn't just any campground; it's a "beautiful place to camp, hunt, swim or just relax," as one enthusiastic visitor put it, boasting "clear water" and unique natural features. Whether you're an avid hunter, a family looking for a refreshing swimming spot, or simply someone yearning for a peaceful escape surrounded by nature, Cherokee PHA Camp Grounds provides an authentic and invigorating experience right here in our own state.

Cherokee PHA Camp Grounds is situated in Park Hill, OK 74451, USA. This location places it within the larger Cherokee Wildlife Management Area (WMA), which spans a significant portion of diverse woodlands and natural landscapes in Cherokee County, Eastern Oklahoma. The "PHA" likely refers to the Public Hunting Area within the WMA, where specific camping provisions might be available. This strategic positioning offers campers the dual benefit of being immersed in a vast natural environment while still being relatively accessible from nearby communities like Tahlequah, a hub for the Cherokee Nation. The area is known for its beautiful topography, including fields, meadows, and seasonal streams, with Greenleaf Creek being a main drainage. While direct driving directions to the specific "camp grounds" within the PHA might involve navigating WMA roads, typically from Fort Gibson, you'd go 10 miles east on U.S. Hwy 62, then turn south at the Finish Line gas station (S460) and continue for two miles to the Zeb entrance to the area. For those seeking a deeper connection with Oklahoma's wilderness, this location promises an authentic outdoor adventure away from urban sprawl.

Cherokee PHA Camp Grounds, being part of a Wildlife Management Area, emphasizes a more rustic and integrated-with-nature camping experience, particularly geared towards those engaged in outdoor recreational activities. While it might not offer the extensive hookups found in private RV parks, it provides essential services that cater to its unique setting. Based on common offerings in wildlife management areas and user insights, here's what you can expect:

• Primitive Camping: The area features designated primitive camping areas. This typically means sites without individual water, sewer, or electric hookups, encouraging a more traditional and self-sufficient camping style.
• Water Access: While individual hookups may not be present, the presence of clear water in the creeks and natural springs suggests access to water sources for various uses. Visitors should confirm if potable water is available or plan to bring their own.
• Restroom Facilities: Information on specific restroom facilities is limited, but primitive camping areas usually imply basic facilities like vault toilets. Campers should be prepared for this simpler setup.
• Designated Hunting Areas: As part of a Public Hunting Area (PHA), the grounds are fundamentally set up to support hunting activities, including various game species like deer, turkey, quail, rabbit, and squirrel, within legal seasons.
• Fishing Opportunities: Fishing is available in area ponds (those that hold water year-round) and Greenleaf Creek, offering chances to catch bass, sunfish, and catfish.
• Open for Specific Seasons: While the PHA is generally open year-round for legal seasons, hunter and angler camping is typically allowed only in designated areas and during open hunting seasons, with some closures for non-hunting activities during specific times (e.g., Oct. 1 - Jan. 31 and during spring turkey season).
• Management Area Rules: Visitors are expected to consult and adhere to area use restrictions and regulations set by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, which govern activities within the WMA.

The true allure of Cherokee PHA Camp Grounds lies in its untouched natural beauty and the diverse array of outdoor activities it facilitates. Its highlights speak to a genuine wilderness experience that resonates deeply with Oklahoma's outdoor enthusiasts:

• Crystal-Clear Water: A standout feature is the "clear water," creating a beautiful and inviting environment for swimming and other water activities. The unique phenomenon of being able to "see and feel where the water comes out of the rocks" on a warm day adds a fascinating natural element to the swimming experience.
• Beautiful Scenery: Visitors consistently describe it as a "beautiful place." The diverse landscape of woodlands, fields, meadows, and natural water features contributes to a picturesque setting ideal for relaxation and photography.
• Versatile Recreation: The grounds are praised for being suitable for "camp, hunt, swim or just relax." This versatility appeals to a wide range of outdoor interests, from active pursuits like hunting and swimming to simply enjoying the peace and quiet of nature.
• Hunting Opportunities: As a Public Hunting Area, it offers significant opportunities for various game species, making it a prime destination for hunters. Management efforts focus on improving habitats for these species.
• Wildlife Viewing: The area is rich in wildlife, with white-tailed deer, Rio Grande wild turkeys, quail, rabbits, squirrels, and furbearers like coyote and bobcat. Bald eagles occasionally winter along Greenleaf Creek, providing excellent bird-watching opportunities.
• Natural Water Features: Beyond the clear swimming areas, the presence of seasonal small streams and Greenleaf Creek, with its bottomland over-story trees (sycamore, elm, ash, hackberry, mulberry, and pecan), enhances the natural appeal.
• Primitive Camping Experience: For those who appreciate a more rugged, less commercialized camping adventure, the designated primitive camping areas offer a true back-to-nature feel.
• Remote and Peaceful: The WMA’s size and focus on conservation lend it a remote and peaceful character, perfect for disconnecting and immersing oneself in the sounds and sights of the wilderness.

For those planning a visit to Cherokee PHA Camp Grounds, here is the contact information:

Address: Park Hill, OK 74451, USA

Since this is a Public Hunting Area managed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC), there isn't a direct phone number for the "campgrounds" specifically. However, for general inquiries about the Cherokee WMA, hunting regulations, or information regarding primitive camping, it's best to contact the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

A relevant contact for general ODWC inquiries might be through their main contact lines or regional offices. While specific phone numbers for the WMA are not universally listed, you can often find general information and contact details on the official Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website (wildlifedepartment.com). For specific questions about camping or area use restrictions, it is highly recommended to consult their website or contact their main office directly.

In conclusion, Cherokee PHA Camp Grounds offers a truly unique and enriching outdoor experience, making it an excellent choice for Oklahomans. Its suitability for locals stems from its combination of accessibility and the opportunity to engage deeply with our state's rich natural heritage. This isn't a resort; it's a genuine wilderness retreat where you can camp, hunt, swim in "clear water," and simply relax amidst breathtaking scenery. The fact that it's part of a larger Wildlife Management Area means visitors can enjoy abundant wildlife viewing, diverse flora, and extensive opportunities for hunting and fishing in a managed, conservation-focused environment. For those of us who seek a peaceful escape from the everyday, a place where the water is pristine and the natural world thrives, Cherokee PHA Camp Grounds stands out. It's a place where families can create lasting memories, and individuals can reconnect with the serene beauty that Oklahoma proudly offers, inviting us to explore and appreciate the wild side of our home state.

Cherokee PHA Camp Grounds

Park Hill, OK 74451, USA