Well it was finally time to leave Texas and our destination would be to Oklahoma just north-northeast of where we were. It would be a bit of a longer drive at 173 miles but as it turned out to be pretty easy going. Oh, I almost forgot to mention our last gas stop in Texas was at a Buc-ees where we filled up our diesel tank for $1.39 per gallon. I simply had to document this is our blog! While I fueled up, Sharon couldn’t resist the urge to don her mask and venture inside to purchase some brisket and kolaches for our last taste of Texas.
We pulled into the Kiamichi Recreation Park, yet another COE park and settled into our site which was another beautiful waterfront site. We have been staying at COE parks since we left Canyon Lake and have done so for two main reasons. First and foremost was to be at a park with a beautiful view. We figured since we aren’t going to be doing a whole lot because of the pandemic we might as well have a nice view out our windshield.
The other reason is cost. Corps of Engineer Parks honor the America the Beautiful Senior Lifetime Pass where all camping is half off making our cost as low as $8 per night to only as high as $15 per night. We figure there is no need to be in a private RV park since we wouldn’t use any of the amenities even if they are open. Also, since we are staying close to the RV and doing less excursions we want sites that are spacious and not as confining as commercial parks can be.
But back to this park… it is huge! There are actually several campgrounds around the lake and miles of roads to walk or bike along with very minimal traffic. We might venture for miles, hiking or biking, and only encounter a few cars slowly ambling along the roadways inside the park. This park is remote with Hugo, Oklahoma being the nearest town and it is a very small town with little charm.
We did take a few drives around the area with the highlight being a drive over to Beavers Bend Oklahoma. We really had no idea how scenic this part of the state of Oklahoma turned out to be all around the Broken Bow Lake. If we had done our homework better we would have found a nice hike there.
Other than a few scenic drives we spent our time at our park biking nd walking around while enjoying more wildflowers before they give up their blooms. I also fished a little and caught a nice bass for dinner one evening. Another day I was trying my luck at catfishing and hooked about a 12 pound carp. I have never caught a carp on a meaty bait before so I thought I had hooked a huge catfish but after about a 15 minute battle I finally landed it and later returned it to the lake. If I had a smoker I think I would have tried smoking it as they do in northern Florida.
We have decided to continue eastward this year so I will need to find some more COE stops since this virus doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. Stay well everybody!
NOTE: We are currently at Bell Star COE Park near Eufaula Oklahoma until June 21st…
The COE campgrounds are not as common in the west, be nice if there were more. Kiamichi seems to offer a lot, with fishing (for carp?), hike and bike trails ... just needs a disc golf basket.
ReplyDeleteWe stayed a Plymouth, WA COE on the Columbia River with a FREE golf at McNary Dam
We played 9 holes at a little disc course nearby. Wasn't fishing for carp (a bottom feeding sucker fish) but caught one anyhow. We love the COE parks!
DeleteJust passed a sign with fuel prices north of Kansas City. Diesel was cheaper than unleaded gas. That's a first for well, maybe 30 years.
ReplyDeleteYes that seems to be the norm in most of Texas as well.
DeleteCOE are the best. We have a couple in NM we enjoy.
ReplyDeleteWe too have stayed at a few there as well.
DeleteAnother fan of COE campgrounds here. They're well-designed, well-run, and have spacious sites in beautiful locations. As you mentioned, John, the low cost is a delightful bonus. What's not to like? When we're traveling, they're often the first campgrounds we look for.
ReplyDeleteAs Jeff said earlier it would be wonderful if their were more out west...
DeleteEven though we have to pay full price we love the COE parks, but that's offset by volunteering for them for the summer. You've scored some great sites, hope your luck continues, our park is full for the weekends thru July. Stay healthy and travel safe.
ReplyDelete