Fern Campground

For Oklahomans seeking an immersive outdoor experience amidst stunning natural beauty, Fern Campground in Beavers Bend State Park stands out as a beloved destination. Located in the picturesque Broken Bow, OK, this campground offers a genuine taste of southeastern Oklahoma's rugged charm, nestled within the verdant Kiamichi Mountains and alongside the crystal-clear Mountain Fork River. As locals, we understand the magnetic pull of Beavers Bend – it’s a place where adventure meets tranquility, offering everything from thrilling river activities to peaceful moments surrounded by towering pines.

Fern Campground is one of several camping areas within the expansive Beavers Bend State Park, renowned for its commitment to providing a memorable experience for visitors. While the park as a whole is highly regarded, individual campgrounds have their own unique characteristics. Fern, in particular, has garnered a reputation for its well-maintained facilities and the friendly, watchful eye of its staff, affectionately known as "Pops," according to local reviews. This personal touch can make all the difference in a camping trip, turning a simple stay into a cherished memory.

However, an honest local perspective also acknowledges some of the unique aspects of Fern Campground. Like any popular spot in a bustling state park, it experiences its share of activity. Visitors should be prepared for the realities of shared facilities, particularly the central restrooms and showers that serve a wider area. This can mean a steady flow of traffic, especially during peak times. Despite these considerations, the overwhelming sentiment from those who return to Fern Campground points to its undeniable appeal: the stunning scenery, the vibrant river area, and the overall "fun camping experience" it provides.

Fern Campground is strategically located within Beavers Bend State Park, a premier outdoor recreation area near Broken Bow, OK 74728, USA. This places it in the heart of southeastern Oklahoma's scenic Ouachita Mountains foothills, a region characterized by dense pine and hardwood forests, pristine lakes, and clear rivers.

Access to Beavers Bend State Park and, consequently, Fern Campground, is primarily via State Highway 259. From Broken Bow, visitors typically follow Highway 259 north, then turn onto State Park Road (Highway 259A) which leads into the main areas of Beavers Bend. Fern Campground is situated in the upper River Area of the park, near the miniature train and riding stables. This location means it's nestled close to the beautiful Mountain Fork River.

Navigating within Beavers Bend State Park is generally well-signed, but it is a large park with multiple camping loops and attractions. It’s always advisable to consult a park map upon arrival or download one beforehand to easily find Fern Campground. The campground's position in the upper River Area suggests convenient access to river-based activities, but also implies that it might experience more localized traffic from those heading to or from the train depot and stables, as noted in some user reviews regarding headlights and vehicle movement.

The beauty of this location lies not just in its proximity to the Mountain Fork River but also to the expansive Broken Bow Lake, just a short drive away. This dual access to both river and lake activities is a significant draw, making Fern Campground a central base for exploring all that the Broken Bow area has to offer, while still being easily accessible from major routes in Oklahoma and neighboring states.

Fern Campground, as part of Beavers Bend State Park, provides a range of essential services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and convenient camping experience for visitors. While it offers a more rustic feel than some full-service RV resorts, it balances this with crucial facilities for enjoyable outdoor stays:

• Designated Campsites: Fern Campground features a number of specific campsites, including both RV and tent-only options. These sites typically include a picnic table and a fire ring for cooking and campfires.
• RV Hookups: For RV campers, Fern Campground offers semi-modern sites with 30-amp electric hookups and water connections. Sewer hookups may be available at a central dump station within the park, but typically not at individual sites in Fern.
• Tent Camping: Designated tent pads or cleared areas are available for traditional tent camping, often in scenic, shaded spots.
• Restrooms: Access to flush toilets is provided. User reviews specifically highlight the cleanliness of the bathrooms and shower areas within the Fern camping area, suggesting they are well-maintained by staff.
• Showers: Hot showers are available in the restroom facilities, a key amenity for campers after a day of outdoor activities. However, it's noted that these facilities can experience high traffic due to serving a broader park area.
• Potable Water: Potable water sources are available within the campground, allowing campers to refill their water containers.
• Dump Station: A waste dump station is available within Beavers Bend State Park for RVs to dispose of grey and black water.
• Staff Presence: The campground benefits from the presence of friendly and attentive staff, with a notable mention of a gentleman known as "Pops" who is praised for watching over the area. This contributes to a sense of security and helpfulness.
• Pet-Friendly: Leashed pets are welcome in the campground, allowing families to bring their furry companions along for the adventure.

While some aspects like constant bathroom traffic are noted in reviews, the overall emphasis on clean and functional facilities, along with the friendly staff, ensures that Fern Campground provides a solid foundation for a memorable camping trip in Broken Bow.

Fern Campground, nestled within Beavers Bend State Park, boasts a variety of features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Oklahomans seeking an outdoor escape. While it has its unique quirks, its advantages often outweigh the minor inconveniences, according to those who frequently visit:

• Prime River Area Location: Fern is situated in the upper River Area of Beavers Bend State Park, offering easy access to the stunning Mountain Fork River. This proximity is ideal for fishing (especially trout fishing, as the river is regularly stocked), kayaking, canoeing, and enjoying the soothing sounds of flowing water.
• Beautiful Scenery: The campground is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Kiamichi Mountains and a mix of towering pine and hardwood trees. This forested environment provides ample shade and a picturesque backdrop for camping. Reviewers consistently praise the "scenery and river area" as "absolutely beautiful."
• Extremely Clean Bathrooms and Showers: A significant highlight, directly confirmed by customer reviews, is the cleanliness and good maintenance of the bathroom and shower facilities within the Fern camping area. This is a crucial comfort for campers.
• Friendly and Attentive Staff: The presence of a "very friendly gentleman who goes by 'Pops'" highlights the personal and welcoming atmosphere, suggesting that the campground is "well maintained, watched over." This can greatly enhance the camping experience.
• Proximity to Park Attractions: Being in the upper River Area, Fern Campground is conveniently located near other popular park features such as the Beavers Bend Depot & Trail Rides (miniature train and horseback riding stables), providing entertainment options for families.
• Designated Tent & RV Sites: The availability of both semi-modern RV sites with electric and water, and dedicated tent sites, allows Fern to cater to different camping styles. Sites are generally ample in space, allowing for comfortable setup.
• Abundant Park Activities: From Fern Campground, campers have easy access to the wider array of activities offered by Beavers Bend State Park, including hiking on miles of trails (like the David Boren Hiking Trail), boating and water sports on Broken Bow Lake, nature center activities, and more.
• Vibrant Atmosphere (with a caveat): While some might see the constant traffic to the bathrooms as a drawback, it also indicates a lively, active campground. For those who don't mind the bustling nature of a popular park, this creates a dynamic and engaging environment.

Despite the noted traffic flow and light intrusion at night due to the shared bathroom access, the strong positives like cleanliness, friendly staff, and exceptional natural surroundings firmly establish Fern Campground as a highly recommended "fun camping experience" in Oklahoma.

Fern Campground is an integral part of Beavers Bend State Park, and as such, all official contact, reservation, and general park information is managed through the Oklahoma State Parks system. There isn't a direct, unique phone number for Fern Campground itself, but rather for Beavers Bend State Park as a whole.

Address:
Fern Campground is located within Beavers Bend State Park, with the general park address being:

Broken Bow, OK 74728, USA

(Specific directions within the park to Fern Campground would be found on park maps or upon arrival at the park entrance/office.)

Primary Contact for Beavers Bend State Park (including Fern Campground inquiries):

Beavers Bend State Park Office
Phone: (580) 494-6300 or (580) 494-6538
Email: beaversbend@travelok.com
(These numbers and email are for the main park office, which handles all camping inquiries, including those for Fern Campground).

For Online Reservations:
Campsite reservations for Fern Campground (and other Beavers Bend State Park campsites) are made through the official Oklahoma State Parks reservation system:

Website: https://okstateparks.reserveamerica.com/
(On the website, search for "Beavers Bend State Park" and then navigate to the camping areas to find Fern Campground's availability.)

Other Important Park Contacts:

• Beavers Bend Lodge: (580) 494-6179
• Forest Heritage Center: (580) 494-6497
• Cedar Creek Golf Course: (580) 494-6456
• Beavers Bend Depot & Trail Rides: (580) 494-6613

Important Notes for Campers:

• It is highly recommended to make reservations well in advance, especially for peak seasons (summer, holidays, fall foliage), as Beavers Bend State Park is an extremely popular destination.
• While cell signal can be spotty in some areas of the park, Wi-Fi is generally available near the main park office/lodge area.
• Always check the official TravelOK.com or Oklahoma State Parks websites for the most current information on park alerts, fire restrictions, and operating hours before your trip.

These contact points should provide all the necessary information for planning a successful and enjoyable camping trip to Fern Campground at Beavers Bend State Park.

For Oklahomans, Fern Campground in Beavers Bend State Park is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's a cherished annual pilgrimage for many, embodying the very best of our state's natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Its suitability for locals stems from a unique combination of accessible wilderness, well-maintained facilities, and a vibrant, albeit busy, atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of an Oklahoma family getaway.

We, as locals, appreciate the convenience of a state park that truly delivers on its promise of outdoor adventure. Fern Campground's prime location on the Mountain Fork River means instant access to trout fishing, tubing, and serene river views – activities deeply ingrained in the regional culture. While the shared bathroom traffic might be a minor inconvenience, the consistent praise for their cleanliness, alongside the comforting presence of dedicated staff like "Pops," speaks volumes about the park's commitment to visitor experience. This blend of rustic charm and essential comforts makes it a practical and enjoyable choice for weekend trips or longer vacations.

Furthermore, Beavers Bend State Park itself acts as a comprehensive outdoor playground, meaning campers at Fern have an entire array of activities at their fingertips – from hiking miles of trails through the pine forests to exploring Broken Bow Lake, enjoying horseback rides, or even taking a scenic train ride. It’s a place where families can create traditions, friends can share adventures, and individuals can find solace in nature, all within a reasonable drive for most Oklahomans. Fern Campground offers an authentic, lively, and highly recommended "Oklahoma camping destination" that truly delivers on its promise of fun, beauty, and lasting memories.

Fern Campground

Broken Bow, OK 74728, USA