Birch Cove
4.26148 reviews14004 Lake Road
Birch Cove
$10.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard electric sites range from $10 (off-season) to $20 (peak season). Group standard electric sites cost $80 (off-season) to $100 (peak season).
About this campground
Discover your perfect lakeside retreat at Birch Cove, where 85 thoughtfully positioned campsites await along the pristine shores of Birch Lake in Oklahoma. Whether you choose a waterfront site with morning views across the water or a cozy spot just a short stroll from the lake's edge, you'll find yourself immersed in nature's playground. Cast a line for the day's catch, take a refreshing swim in the clear waters, explore the surrounding wilderness on a hunting expedition, or simply launch your boat for an afternoon of cruising. When hunger strikes, scenic picnic areas provide the perfect setting for outdoor dining with a view.
Birch Cove offers tent camping, RV camping with 30-amp hookups, and two group camping shelters. Primitive camping and luxury glamping options are not offered.
Historical SignificanceYour Birch Cove adventure places you at the crossroads of Oklahoma's rich cultural heritage. Just minutes from Pawhuska, you can explore the hometown empire of the Pioneer Woman, where rustic charm meets modern hospitality. A mere 15-minute drive brings you to the renowned Woolaroc Museum, where the spirit of the American West comes alive through world-class art collections and preserved wildlife exhibits that tell the story of this remarkable region.
Weather and SeasonsBirch Cove welcomes visitors with Oklahoma's famously moderate temperatures, making outdoor adventures comfortable throughout much of the year. The campground truly comes alive during peak season from April through October, when all facilities are open and the lake buzzes with activity. As autumn transitions to winter (October 31 through December 31), the campground takes on a quieter, more intimate character. While some amenities scale back and certain areas may close during these cooler months, the peaceful off-season offers its own rewards for those seeking solitude and reflection.
ElevationElevation data not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a natural sanctuary where towering trees create a living canopy overhead, filtering sunlight into dappled patterns across your campsite. This forested haven strikes the perfect balance, offering both sunny spots for warmth and shaded retreats for those hot summer afternoons. The star attraction, 1,137-acre Birch Lake, reveals its beauty through a dramatically varied shoreline—from gentle slopes perfect for wading to striking rocky outcrops that frame sunset views. Beyond the water's edge, the landscape transforms into a tapestry of tallgrass prairies swaying in the breeze, dense hardwood forests echoing with wildlife, and meadows that burst into spectacular wildflower displays with each passing season.
Geological RegionBirch Cove rests in the heart of Osage County, Oklahoma, cradled within verdant valleys and embraced by rolling, forest-covered hills that stretch to the horizon. The campground's centerpiece, Birch Lake, forms part of the Birch Creek watershed, which flows into the larger Bird Creek system. This diverse ecosystem showcases Oklahoma's natural splendor—from expansive tallgrass prairies that once covered millions of acres, to intimate forests of post oak and hickory that provide shelter for abundant wildlife. Throughout the seasons, native grasses dance alongside vibrant wildflowers, creating an ever-changing canvas that captures the essence of Oklahoma's unique ecological heritage.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility challenges exist at Birch Cove. While efforts have been made to improve accessibility, such as a fishing dock, some users reported issues like unstable boards on the ramp to the dock, rendering it unsafe for wheelchair users.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, with group camping shelters accommodating 100 people and smaller sites catering to tents and RVs.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy at Birch Cove campsites varies. Some users noted densely wooded areas providing seclusion, while waterfront sites may feel more exposed.
Total Campsites85 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring additional water hoses and splitters due to shared spigots. Avoid sloped sites for RVs; levelers may be required. Sites near the swim beach offer proximity to amenities but less privacy.
Best CampsitesUsers recommend waterfront sites like 87, 39, and 85 for privacy and views. Site 21 offers a forested, private feel without a water view.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
1:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Likely limited to typical standards for campsites accommodating a single family unit
- no explicit information provided.
Groups
- There are two group camping shelters: one accommodates up to 100 people, 21 vehicles, and 6 RVs
- the other accommodates 60 people, 11 vehicles, and 4 RVs.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutAll campsites are waterfront or within walking distance to Birch Lake. Sites are distributed across multiple loops.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 1 through December 31. Non-reservable period begins January 1 through March 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit data, but likely supports walk-up reservations when unoccupied.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before arrival. $10 cancellation fee applies; late cancellations forfeit the first night’s fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Birch Cove provides a variety of recreational activities including fishing, swimming, hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing. The swim beach and fishing dock are popular attractions.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include trails through rolling hills and forested areas, providing moderate difficulty levels and scenic views.Fishing
Fishing is highly popular at Birch Cove, with species like largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish commonly available.Swimming
The swim beach is clean but offers no shade. Alcohol and pets are prohibited. Some users found sharp wires near the swim boundaries.Boating
Boating is supported with a boat ramp. Both paddle and motorized boating activities are possible.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is frequent with sightings of deer, quail, and herons. Users described the area as peaceful for observing nature.Beach activities
Beach activities are common, though users suggest improvements like more shade and better maintenance of surrounding areas.Winter Activities
A portion of the campground closes during winter months, limiting activities to smaller areas near the boat ramp.Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are possible at Birch Cove. No specific rental information is available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires permitted in designated fire pits. "Some fire pits were rusted" or poorly maintained per user reviews.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsSome sites have uneven ground requiring leveling blocks. Wildlife such as snakes and insects observed during warm months. Shared water hookups may create tripping hazards from hoses crossing sites.
Active alertsConstruction is ongoing; some bathroom facilities and water hookups may be unavailable. Northern sections close in winter.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 76%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 8.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are not explicitly detailed, but Skiatook (~30 minutes) is likely to provide the nearest options for medical and police assistance.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1 - October 30 (Peak Season); October 31 - December 31 (Non-Peak Season).
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, and the campground is often praised for its cleanliness. Regular trash pickups by staff help maintain the campground's tidy appearance.
Proximity to water featuresAll campsites are waterfront or within a short walk to Birch Lake, with a swim beach available.
Common complaintsWater hookups are shared and often far from sites requiring long hoses. Some sites are sloped significantly. Occasional electrical issues reported.
HostHosts are generally reviewed positively, with some exceptions. "Justin is helpful and accommodating," according to multiple reviews. Hosts enforce quiet hours and assist with water hookup issues.
Campground Map
14004 Lake Road
Driving directionsFrom Tulsa, take Highway 75 north to Hwy 20 west. First light in Skiatook turn right (north) on Hwy 11 to Barnsdall for 19 miles. Take a left on West Chestnut Avenue, then left on South Eighth Street at T. Travel 3 miles and Birch Cove entrance will be on the right.
Accessible via paved roads; no seasonal closures reported. Roads within the campground are newly paved according to user reviews.Nearby places
Skiatook (~30 minutes), Barnsdall (~10 minutes), Pawhuska (~25 minutes), Bartlesville (~30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Barnsdall (~10 minutes) has a Dollar General for basic supplies. Skiatook and Pawhuska (~25-30 minutes) offer broader shopping options such as Mac's BBQ.
Camper Reviews
4.3
148 reviews
Birch Cove is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Birch Cove is praised for its quiet atmosphere, clean facilities, and scenic lake views. However, issues such as water accessibility challenges and uneven campsites are frequently mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 148 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciate the clean bathrooms, friendly hosts, well-maintained grounds, and spacious campsites. The swim beach and fishing opportunities are also popular.
Based on 148 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users reported poorly maintained facilities, such as malfunctioning electrical hookups, uneven ground, and long distances to water spigots. Bugs and limited cell service were additional...
Based on 148 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggest bringing extra leveling blocks and hoses due to uneven pads and shared water connections. Visiting nearby towns like Pawhuska for dining and Woolaroc for attractions is recommended.
Based on 148 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During peak summer season, swimming and fishing activities are most popular, but bugs and water connection issues are more frequent. Winter closure limits usability.
Based on 148 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Clean campground and shower house.' (Phillip Lynch, 2017)
2. 'Justin, the host, loaned us some extra hose so we could get connected.' (Stretch Digginz, 2022)
3. 'Bathrooms were cleaner than mine...
Based on 148 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 87 received positive reviews for its scenic location and spacious layout, while sites like 84 and 76 were noted for sloped ground and poor water hookups.
Based on 148 reviewsAccessibility Features
Access challenges were highlighted, particularly with the fishing dock that was reported as unsafe for wheelchair users.
Based on 148 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed at the swim beach, but no other specific pet-related reviews are available.
Based on 148 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025