Ahhh, camping. As the blanket of night approaches, a symphony of crickets chirp all around. Fireflies dance on a gentle summer breeze. Above, millions of shimmering stars illuminate the darkened sky as you and your kids roast marshmallows over a crackling campfire.
 
If you’ve already been bitten by the camping bug or are ready to give it a try, you don’t have to travel far for outdoor adventure and family fun. Here are what I consider to be the top ten Oklahoma family camping sites. Each offers a wide variety of activities for kids of all ages.
 
1. Beavers Bend State Park
Located in southeastern Oklahoma adjacent to Broken Bow Lake, this nature lovers’ paradise offers train rides, miniature golf, hay rides, hiking, canoeing, and a nature center. You may even catch a glimpse of an eagle soaring overhead.
 
2. Lake Texoma
Enjoy this beautiful lake’s two wildlife refuges, two state parks, first-class golfing, riding stables, sailing, personal watercraft, and hiking. The Texomaland Fun Park (580-564-2340) offers go karts, bumper boats, batting cages, and mini-golf.
 
3. Greenleaf State Park
This serene family-oriented getaway provides a kids’ fishing pond stocked with rainbow trout for those 16 and under and/or those physically disabled, a swimming pool, party barge tours, a playground, and hay rides.
 
4. Red Rock Canyon State Park
Once a stop on the famous California Road Trail, campsites are located down in the canyon. This site is popular for rappelling and exploration and offers a swimming pool and fishing pond.
 
5. Roman Nose Resort Park
Near Watonga and once a favorite area of the Cheyenne Tribe, Roman Nose overlooks ancient mesas and offers plenty of fun activities, from sleeping in a teepee to equestrian horse riding.
 
6. Wichita Mountains
This is a place where the white-tailed deer and buffalo roam. One of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, the Wichitas offer camping back country, rock climbing and rappelling at Mt. Scott, fishing, and the opportunity to view wildlife in their natural habitat.
 
7. Tenkiller State Park
Admire the beauty of limestone cliffs and explore the underwater scuba park complete with a submerged school bus, sunken boats, and a recently added aircraft fuselage.
 
8. Ouachita National Forest
Fish, deer, and Bigfoot? Oh my! Here you’ll find rugged, unpaved forest roads providing dirt bike and four-wheel enthusiasts exploration of some of Oklahoma’s most scenic terrain. Really adventurous? Try hang gliding.
 
9. Great Salt Plains State Park
The only place in the world to dig for “hourglass selenite” crystals. Treasure hunters also enjoy a wilderness area, swimming, boating, and hiking.
Editor’s Note: At press time, no crystal digging was being allowed due to pollutants in the area. See www.fws.gov/SaltPlains for updates.
 
10. Robbers Cave State Park
A legendary hideout for outlaws such as the James brothers and Belle Starr, here you’ll find rock climbing, equestrian trails, a nature center, and swimming pool to keep things cool.
 
For more information on these parks, visit www.TourOklahoma.com.
 
Kim Rogers is a freelance writer who lives with her husband and two sons in Edmond. A graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma, she has written for newsletters, newspapers, and magazines.