Washington Irving South

Campground · Oklahoma · 21 bookable sites ·

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers

Pawnee Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area (D6)

21
Bookable sites
62 ft
Max rig length
up to 25
People per site
774 ft
Elevation
Washington Irving Trail and Cove
Photo: USACE · Recreation.gov

Overview

Washington Irving South is located on the Arkansas arm of Keystone Lake, just 30 minutes from Tulsa. In Washington Irving's book, "A Tour of the Prairies," he mentions the area as where he crossed the Arkansas River during his travels. The park features a one-mile nature trail, boat ramp, courtesy dock, playground, and multiple areas along the shores ideal for fishing. The lake's blue-green water, beautiful natural surroundings and wide variety of recreational opportunities make it a popular location for year-round fun.

Recreation

Keystone Lake is a prime location for boating, water skiing, swimming and fishing. The lake is noted for its striped, sand, black and smallmouth bass, crappie and catfish. Downstream fisheries are accessible at nearby Whitewater and Brush Creek Parks.


The park features a boat ramp, dock, playground, swimming beach and a one-mile nature trail.

Facilities

This well-shaded campground features 20 reservable campsites, all with 30 amp electrical services, water hookups (seasonal), picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. This park also offers a restroom/shower facility, drinking water, and dump station. 

Natural Features

Keystone Lake is settled into many small valleys and contains almost 26,000 surface acres. Its 330 miles of shoreline are covered with bottomland timber and post oak, blackjack oak and prairie fields, which provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, including squirrel, rabbit, quail, dove and waterfowl.

Nearby Attractions

The 400-acre Appalachia Bay Recreation Area, locally referred to as Motorcycle Island, is just 10 minutes from the campground and is popular with off-road vehicle enthusiasts. Sandy trails crisscross the area's beaches and wooded sections. Whitewater Park is an 80-acre off-road vehicle area next to the dam, about 15 minutes from the campground.

The facts

  • 21 bookable sites
  • 1 site for day use only
  • Vehicles up to 62 ft
  • Up to 25 people per site
  • Loops: WASHINGTON IRVING SOUTH, WIRS

Site types

  • 20 Standard Electric
  • 1 Group Shelter Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Electric hookups
  • Water hookups
  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: sewer hookups.

Book on Recreation.gov

21 campsites at Washington Irving South

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeMax rigPeople
GS1WASHINGTON IRVING SOUTHGroup Shelter Nonelectric—Paved——25
01WIRSStandard ElectricBack InGravel—35 ft8 🐾
02WIRSStandard ElectricBack InGravelModerate31 ft8 🐾
03WIRSStandard ElectricBack InGravel—45 ft8 🐾
04WIRSStandard ElectricBack InGravel—32 ft8 🐾
05WIRSStandard ElectricBack InGravel—32 ft8 🐾
06WIRSStandard ElectricBack InGravel—45 ft8 🐾
07WIRSStandard ElectricBack InGravel—32 ft8 🐾
08WIRSStandard ElectricBack InGravel—39 ft8 🐾
09WIRSStandard ElectricBack InGravel—33 ft8 🐾
10WIRSStandard ElectricBack InGravel—31 ft8 🐾
11WIRSStandard ElectricBack InGravel—54 ft8 🐾
12WIRSStandard ElectricBack InGravel—55 ft8 🐾
13WIRSStandard ElectricPull ThroughGravel—62 ft8 🐾
14WIRSStandard ElectricBack InGravel—38 ft8 🐾
15WIRSStandard ElectricBack InGravel—60 ft8 🐾
16WIRSStandard ElectricBack InGravel—40 ft8 🐾
17WIRSStandard ElectricBack InGravel—53 ft8 🐾
18WIRSStandard ElectricBack InGravel—26 ft8 🐾
19WIRSStandard ElectricBack InGravel—30 ft8 🐾
20WIRSStandard ElectricBack InGravel—36 ft8 🐾

Getting there

From Tulsa, Oklahoma, take Highway 412 west for 15 miles to Bears Glen exit. Turn left at stop sign onto the Frontage Road and drive 1 block. Turn right at first paved road and follow 2 miles to the campground entrance.

36.19853, -96.25903 · 36°11'54.7"N 96°15'32.5"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 93°F in Aug, down to 50°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F505565747987939385746251
Low °F283140485867716961503930
Precip in1.81.73.14.56.05.23.73.83.83.52.62.2

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 10.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Washington Irving South

Can you reserve a site at Washington Irving South?
Yes, Washington Irving South is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Washington Irving South have?
21 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Washington Irving South?
62 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Washington Irving South?
Yes, pets are allowed at Washington Irving South.
Does Washington Irving South have hookups?
Electric, Water.
Are campfires allowed at Washington Irving South?
Campfires are allowed at Washington Irving South. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Washington Irving South

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.