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Submission
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 forged the Arkansas River around the area. The lake's blue-green water, beautiful natural surroundings and wide variety of recreational opportunities make it a popular location for year-round fun.
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 contains a boat ramp, dock, playground, swimming beach and a one-mile nature trail.
This well-shaded campground is separated into three loops with a total of 16 reservable campsites, many with water and electric hookups. Flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station are provided.
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.
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.
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.
I love this recreation area! However, when visiting the weekend of April 19, 2019 to April 21, 2019 there was a vicious and aggressive dog that tried to attack my husband and I while we were waking on the swim beach. Luckily our children and our dog weren't with us. We went to let the camp host know about the situation, and were told that the dog lived around there and we felt like we were blown off. Nothing was done. Later that night, we were sitting in our campsite and the same dog began to approach us, but ended up leaving. Someone is going to end up hurt. While the area is beautiful and well kept, my family and I will not be returning until we know for certain that the dog is gone.
Great little state park on Keystone lake. Good sandy beach area mixed with rocky shores makes for a good swimming area. Camping spots are nice with tent and rv spots available. Bathrooms are fairly new and well maintained. Boat ramp is easier than some to use with adequate parking close by. Playgrounds are nice with lots of stuff to keep little kids busy. All in all a great park close to tulsa and
Campsite 14 more trees. Campsite 16 larger with shade also! Not very many sites, but they are quaint. Easy in and out. They are building more sites. Great for camp, boat, fish, swim. Basic shower and flush toilet. Overall great getaway!
This is one of my favorite places to go near Tulsa. It's $5 for parking.
It's really pretty, there's a beach you can swim at, and a small jungle gym for the kiddos.
