Grapevine Campground

For Oklahomans seeking an immersive outdoor experience amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Kiamichi Mountains, Beavers Bend State Park in Broken Bow stands as a premier destination. Within this expansive park, Grapevine Campground offers a unique, rustic camping opportunity that caters specifically to tent campers looking for a more traditional and serene wilderness escape. It's a place where the sounds of the river and the rustle of leaves replace urban noise, and where the natural world takes center stage.

Grapevine Campground is recognized as one of the primitive tent-only campgrounds within Beavers Bend State Park's upper River Area. This distinction means it focuses on providing a more "back to basics" camping experience, without the full hookups found in RV-specific sites. Many visitors praise the campground for its beautiful, calm atmosphere and the sense of seclusion offered by its well-separated campsites. It’s particularly popular during the fall, when the changing leaves create a spectacular backdrop for outdoor adventures and memorable "Friendsgiving" trips.

While it embraces a rustic charm, the campground provides essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. It encourages campers to embrace the simple pleasures of outdoor life, such as cooking over a campfire, watching deer roam freely, and marveling at the abundance of stars in the clear night sky. Grapevine Campground is a testament to the fact that some of the most rewarding outdoor experiences are found when you strip away modern conveniences and connect directly with nature.

Location and Accessibility

Grapevine Campground is nestled within the expansive Beavers Bend State Park in Broken Bow, OK 74728, USA. Its location is specifically within the "upper River Area" of the park, along the crystal-clear Mountain Fork River. This strategic placement ensures that campers have direct and convenient access to one of Oklahoma's most popular and scenic natural attractions.

Reaching Grapevine Campground involves driving into Beavers Bend State Park, which is well-marked and accessible from US-259, a major highway connecting the Broken Bow area. Once inside the park, visitors will follow signs to the upper River Area. While the campsites themselves are designed for privacy, making individual site numbers not always visible from the road, following a map (often provided with reservations) makes navigation straightforward. One of the highlights mentioned by visitors is the scenic drive into the site itself, particularly beautiful during the fall season when leaves are changing.

The campground's proximity to the Mountain Fork River is a significant advantage, as it offers direct walking access to the river for various activities. Furthermore, being part of Beavers Bend State Park means that numerous other attractions and trailheads are within a short drive or even walking distance, enhancing the overall accessibility and recreational potential for campers.

Services Offered

Grapevine Campground, as a primitive tent-only campground within Beavers Bend State Park, focuses on providing fundamental services to support a rustic camping experience. It’s designed for campers who are largely self-sufficient but appreciate basic facilities.

• Tent-Only Sites: Grapevine Campground is specifically designated for tent camping. It does not offer RV hookups (electric, water, or sewer).
• Designated Campsites: The campground features individual campsites, many with convenient drive-up access for unloading gear. These sites are generally well-separated to provide privacy.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is typically equipped with a picnic table, perfect for outdoor meals and food preparation.
• Fire Rings: Campsites include fire rings, allowing campers to build campfires for warmth, cooking, and ambiance.
• Restrooms (Vault Toilets/Comfort Stations): Basic restroom facilities are available within the campground. While some reviews mention that these facilities can sometimes be less than ideal in terms of odor, toilet paper is generally supplied.
• Access to Fern Campground Facilities: Campers at Grapevine can access the restrooms with running toilets and hot showers located in the nearby Fern Campground. However, it's noted that these facilities can get busy and crowded during peak times.
• Water Spigot: A communal water spigot is located near the restrooms (specifically mentioned as being in front of them), providing potable water for filling containers or washing dishes.
• Waste Dump Stations: While not directly at Grapevine, waste dump stations are available elsewhere within Beavers Bend State Park for RVs, which may be useful for tent campers with portable waste systems.
• Pets Allowed: Leashed pets are generally welcome in the campground areas of Beavers Bend State Park, including Grapevine, making it a viable option for those who travel with their furry companions.
• Online Reservations: Campsites within Beavers Bend State Park, including tent sites, are available for online reservations, allowing campers to secure their spot in advance. A parking pass for one vehicle is typically included with a campsite reservation.

Features / Highlights

Grapevine Campground offers several compelling features and highlights that draw Oklahoma locals and other visitors seeking a memorable outdoor experience:

• Rustic Tent Camping Focus: Its designation as a primitive tent-only campground appeals to those who prefer a traditional, less developed camping experience, fostering a closer connection to nature.
• Beautiful and Calm Atmosphere: Many visitors consistently praise the campground for its serene, peaceful, and beautiful surroundings, providing a true escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
• Proximity to Mountain Fork River: Being within walking distance to the Mountain Fork River is a major highlight, offering easy access for fishing, wading, kayaking, canoeing, or simply enjoying the tranquil sounds of the flowing water.
• Spacious and Private Sites: The campsites are noted for being well-separated, providing ample space and privacy between neighbors, enhancing the sense of seclusion.
• Scenic Drive and Fall Foliage: The drive into the campground itself is often described as amazing, particularly during the autumn season when the leaves are falling and showcasing vibrant colors, making it a popular spot for fall camping.
• Wildlife Sightings: Campers frequently report encountering local wildlife, especially deer, adding to the natural charm and providing memorable moments.
• Stargazing Opportunities: The relatively low light pollution in this forested area allows for spectacular stargazing at night, a must-see for many visitors.
• Affordable Option: While some perceive the pricing (site fee plus tent fee) as potentially high for a primitive site, it remains a relatively affordable entry point into the highly sought-after Beavers Bend State Park.
• Dog-Friendly: The welcoming policy for leashed pets is a significant plus for pet owners who want to bring their dogs along on their camping adventures.
• Part of Beavers Bend State Park: Benefiting from being within a major Oklahoma State Park, campers have access to a vast array of park activities, including hiking trails, nature centers, and other recreational opportunities nearby.

Contact Information

For reservations and general inquiries regarding Grapevine Campground, as it is part of Beavers Bend State Park, the primary contact should be through the state park's official channels.

Address: Broken Bow, OK 74728, USA (This is the general park address, as Grapevine is located within it.)

For campground reservations and specific information related to camping within Beavers Bend State Park, the following contact information is often provided:

Phone: (580) 494-6300 (This is the general park office number for camping and RV information.)

Online Reservations: Campsites at Beavers Bend State Park, including Grapevine, can typically be reserved online through the Oklahoma State Parks reservation system. Searching for "Beavers Bend State Park" on their official reservation website is the recommended method.

It is always advisable to check the official Oklahoma State Parks website or call the park office directly for the most current information regarding availability, pricing, specific site details, and any temporary closures or alerts, especially since some amenities might be seasonal or vary based on park management.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For Oklahomans, Grapevine Campground in Beavers Bend State Park offers an inherently suitable and highly attractive option for an outdoor retreat. Its location in Broken Bow, a jewel of the Kiamichi Mountains, means that a serene and authentic camping experience is well within reach for many residents across the state. This accessibility makes it perfect for quick weekend getaways or more extended vacations, allowing locals to frequently connect with the natural beauty in their backyard.

The campground's focus on primitive tent camping appeals directly to those seeking a genuine "unplugged" experience, away from the hum of RV generators and crowded amenities. The spacious, private sites and direct walking access to the Mountain Fork River are significant draws, providing ample opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and wildlife observation. The vibrant fall foliage, in particular, makes it a favored spot for seasonal traditions, deepening the connection locals have with their state's changing landscapes.

While some past concerns about noise levels and restroom conditions have been noted, the overwhelming sentiment from visitors points to a beautiful, calm, and relaxing environment, often leading to intentions of returning. The ability to witness deer freely roaming and to marvel at a sky full of stars adds invaluable moments to any trip. For Oklahoma families, friends, or solo adventurers, Grapevine Campground represents an affordable, authentic, and naturally breathtaking destination to create cherished memories and fully embrace the spirit of the Sooner State's great outdoors.

Grapevine Campground

Broken Bow, OK 74728, USA