Top 30 Oklahoma Campsites Every Prepper Must Visit

The Best Campsites for Oklahoma Survival Preppers

As survival preppers in Oklahoma, we know that being prepared for anything is the key to survival. Whether it’s the unpredictable weather, the occasional tornado, or just wanting to disconnect from modern society and hone our self-reliance skills, finding the right camping spots is essential. This state, with its vast wilderness, hidden lakes, dense forests, and rugged terrain, offers plenty of opportunities to practice bushcraft, test your gear, or just get away from it all. Here’s a breakdown of the 30 best campsites in Oklahoma that every survivalist should check out, along with some tips on how they can be used for prepper training.

1. Beavers Bend State Park

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Located in southeastern Oklahoma, Beavers Bend is an ideal spot for survivalists who are interested in honing their skills around water. The park has two pristine lakes and the Mountain Fork River, giving preppers the opportunity to practice fishing, water filtration, and building shelters near water sources. Its dense woods also provide great opportunities to learn how to forage and create hidden campsites.

2. Robbers Cave State Park

Robbers Cave is famous for its rugged terrain and historical significance. The park, located in the Ouachita Mountains, is perfect for anyone who wants to practice navigation in difficult terrain. There are plenty of caves, rocky outcrops, and thick woods to explore. This is a great place to practice creating stealthy hideouts, learning to blend in with the environment, and improving overall bushcraft skills.

3. Oxley Nature Center

For those who prefer a more minimalist approach to survival prep, Oxley Nature Center in Tulsa’s Oxley Nature Preserve is a good spot. It has a great mix of woodland, prairie, and wetland environments. The park is perfect for learning how to purify water, find edible plants, and build shelter in diverse ecosystems.

4. Lake Murray State Park

This massive park located in southern Oklahoma offers access to camping sites near both forest and water. It’s a great place to practice long-term survival skills, such as food storage, campfire maintenance, and wilderness navigation. With over 12,500 acres to explore, you’ll have the space to test different survival strategies.

5. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

The Wichita Mountains are some of the most challenging and rewarding terrains in Oklahoma. This area offers plenty of diverse ecosystems, from grasslands to dense forests and rocky hills. A true test for any prepper, it provides everything you need to practice water collection, building shelters in harsh conditions, and survival in a mountainous environment. It’s ideal for longer trips as you can practice long-term preparedness.

6. Quartz Mountain Nature Park

Quartz Mountain, located in southwestern Oklahoma, is a beautiful spot for practicing bushcraft in rocky, mountainous terrain. The area is known for its sharp cliffs, caves, and abundant wildlife. Perfect for learning rock climbing, creating improvised shelters from natural materials, and simulating scenarios where you might need to survive in the wilderness for extended periods.

7. Red Rock Canyon State Park

Just north of Oklahoma’s border with Texas, this park has dramatic red rock formations, rugged terrain, and plenty of opportunities to practice desert survival skills. It’s a great spot for testing your ability to find and purify water, build fires in windblown areas, and create sun shelters. You’ll also have the chance to experiment with a variety of food procurement methods, from fishing to trapping.

8. Roman Nose State Park

Roman Nose, located in the northwest part of the state, is a great place to practice water survival. The park features a deep canyon with a freshwater lake, making it an ideal location to practice water purification techniques, setting up primitive shelters, and learning how to use the terrain to your advantage. With its diverse terrain, Roman Nose is a fantastic place to put your skills to the test.

9. Beavers Bend Wilderness Area

Separate from the state park itself, the Beavers Bend Wilderness Area is a remote location within the Ouachita Mountains. This area is far from any major highways and is perfect for those looking to disappear off the grid for a while. Its isolation makes it an excellent spot for learning survival in solitude, honing fire-starting techniques, and practicing stealthy movement in thick forests.

10. Great Salt Plains State Park

Located in northwestern Oklahoma, the Great Salt Plains is a truly unique environment. It’s perfect for learning how to survive in a desert-like landscape, with little shade, limited fresh water, and harsh conditions. Preppers can practice saltwater filtration, trapping, and testing their resilience in extreme weather conditions.


30 More Oklahoma Camping Sites for Survival Preppers

  1. Little Sahara State Park
  2. Talimena State Park
  3. Lake Thunderbird State Park
  4. Sequoyah State Park
  5. Hefner Lake Park
  6. Tenkiller State Park
  7. Spavinaw Hills State Park
  8. Broken Bow Lake
  9. Grand Lake State Park
  10. Copan Point
  11. Murray Hills Trail
  12. Turner Falls Park
  13. Pinnacle Hills Campground
  14. Chickasaw National Recreation Area
  15. Boiling Springs State Park
  16. Cedar Lake Campground
  17. Greenleaf State Park
  18. Chickasha Lake Park
  19. Sulphur Creek Campground
  20. Kerr Lake
  21. Lake Eufaula State Park
  22. Wister State Park
  23. Beaver’s Bend Wilderness
  24. Cherokee Landing State Park
  25. Wichita Mountains
  26. Red Slough Wildlife Management Area
  27. Oklahoma City Lake Overholser
  28. Lake Hudson
  29. The Three Rivers Area
  30. Rock Creek Campground

How Preppers Can Utilize These Campsites for Training

Each of these campsites offers unique survival training opportunities. Here’s how preppers can use them to build their skills:

  • Water Procurement & Filtration: Many parks, like Beavers Bend and Wichita Mountains, feature natural water sources where preppers can practice collecting and purifying water using different methods. Knowing how to filter and store clean water is one of the most important survival skills.
  • Shelter Building: Robbers Cave and Lake Murray offer dense woods that make for great areas to build shelters using natural materials. Knowing how to construct a shelter that can protect you from the elements, especially in harsh weather, is critical for long-term survival.
  • Firecraft: Practicing fire-starting in areas with harsh winds and damp conditions, like Roman Nose or the Wichita Mountains, will ensure you know how to start a fire under less-than-ideal circumstances. Firecraft is an essential skill for warmth, cooking, and signaling for help.
  • Foraging & Hunting: Oklahoma’s parks are teeming with edible plants, fruits, and wild animals. Whether you’re foraging for mushrooms in the forests of Robbers Cave or hunting small game at Tenkiller State Park, these sites provide real-world opportunities to hone your foraging and hunting skills.
  • Navigation & Mapping: Remote locations like the Beavers Bend Wilderness Area or the Great Salt Plains State Park are excellent for practicing navigation using a map and compass. Knowing how to navigate in the wilderness is critical in case you ever get lost.

Conclusion

For survival preppers living in Oklahoma, the state offers a wide range of natural environments to practice essential survival skills. Whether you’re an experienced prepper or just getting started, Oklahoma’s diverse terrains—from rugged mountains to dense forests to open plains—provide the perfect training ground for all your survival needs. Plan your next camping trip wisely, and remember that each of these campsites offers something unique that can be utilized in your survival training.

South Dakota’s Ultimate Campsite Guide for Preppers

Survivalist’s Guide to South Dakota’s Best Campsites

As a survival prepper in South Dakota, finding the right camping sites is crucial for honing skills, testing gear, and ensuring you’re prepared for any emergency. The Mount Rushmore State offers a diverse range of terrains, from dense forests to expansive prairies, making it an ideal location for survival training. Below are 30 of the best campsites in South Dakota that cater to preppers seeking solitude, natural resources, and a true wilderness experience.

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1. Roy Lake State Park

Located in Marshall County, Roy Lake State Park is a haven for those looking to practice water-based survival skills. With 100 campsites and access to fishing and boating, it’s perfect for testing water purification methods and fishing techniques.

2. Hartford Beach State Park

Situated on Big Stone Lake, this park offers 87 campsites with electric hookups. The area is ideal for practicing fishing and water purification, with the added benefit of a boat ramp for easy access.

3. Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

In McCook County, Lake Vermillion Recreation Area provides 267 acres of wilderness. It’s a prime spot for practicing navigation and shelter building, with ample opportunities for hiking and fishing.

4. Oakwood Lakes State Park

Located in Brookings County, this park features 136 campsites and two lakes. It’s excellent for practicing fishing, canoeing, and water purification techniques.

5. Newton Hills State Park

With 1,063 acres of forested terrain, Newton Hills State Park is perfect for practicing shelter building and fire-starting skills. The park also offers hiking trails and cross-country skiing in winter.

6. Fisher Grove State Park

This park offers 22 campsites and access to the James River, making it ideal for practicing canoeing and water purification. The surrounding area provides ample opportunities for foraging and wildlife observation.

7. Custer State Park

Known for its bison herds, Custer State Park offers over 70,000 acres of wilderness. It’s a prime location for practicing navigation, wildlife tracking, and survival skills in a variety of terrains.

8. Badlands National Park

With its unique geological formations, the Badlands provide a challenging environment for survival training. The park offers limited camping options, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and a test of their skills.

9. Black Hills National Forest

Spanning over 1.2 million acres, the Black Hills offer diverse ecosystems and terrains. It’s perfect for extended survival trips, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation.

10. Buffalo Gap National Grassland

This expansive grassland offers wide-open spaces, making it ideal for practicing navigation and shelter building in a prairie environment.

11. Sica Hollow State Park

Known for its dense forests and steep ravines, Sica Hollow offers a challenging environment for survival training. The park provides opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.

12. Pine Ridge Ranger District

Located in the Nebraska National Forest, this area offers diverse terrains, including forests and grasslands. It’s ideal for practicing navigation and shelter building skills.

13. Spring Creek Recreation Area

Situated in the Black Hills, this area offers opportunities for fishing and hiking. It’s a great spot for practicing water purification and shelter building techniques.

14. Lewis and Clark Recreation Area

Located near Yankton, this area offers access to the Missouri River, making it ideal for practicing water-based survival skills and fishing techniques.

15. Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge

This refuge offers opportunities for wildlife observation and fishing. It’s a great spot for practicing navigation and foraging skills.

16. Red Canyon Visitor Center

Located in the Black Hills, this area offers hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife observation. It’s ideal for practicing navigation and shelter building.

17. Angostura Recreation Area

Situated near Hot Springs, this area offers access to Angostura Reservoir, making it ideal for practicing water purification and fishing techniques.

18. Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Located near Waubay, this refuge offers opportunities for wildlife observation and fishing. It’s a great spot for practicing navigation and foraging skills.

19. Lake Thompson Recreation Area

Situated near De Smet, this area offers access to Lake Thompson, making it ideal for practicing water-based survival skills and fishing techniques.

20. Swan Lake State Park

Located near Viborg, this park offers opportunities for fishing and hiking. It’s a great spot for practicing water purification and shelter building techniques.

21. Big Sioux Recreation Area

Situated near Brandon, this area offers access to the Big Sioux River, making it ideal for practicing water-based survival skills and fishing techniques.

22. Oakwood Lakes State Park

Located near Brookings, this park offers opportunities for fishing and hiking. It’s a great spot for practicing water purification and shelter building techniques.

23. Lake Poinsett Recreation Area

Tucked away in Hamlin County, Lake Poinsett is one of the largest lakes in eastern South Dakota. With over 100 campsites and year-round access, it’s excellent for cold-weather survival drills, fishing, and testing winter gear. The variety of game and nearby forested areas make it a strong candidate for extended primitive stays.

24. Shadehill Recreation Area

Located in Perkins County in the northwestern part of the state, this area is remote, open, and rugged — ideal for long-range bug-out practice. The Shadehill Reservoir provides a reliable water source, and the sparse human presence makes it a prime location for stealth camping or off-grid living experiments.

25. Snake Creek Recreation Area

On the banks of Lake Francis Case, this area gives you the opportunity to hone your fishing and boating survival tactics. With both primitive and modern campsites, it’s a good transitional training ground for going from comfort to bare-bones wilderness.

26. Llewellyn Johns Recreation Area

A lesser-known site near the North Dakota border, this quiet escape offers wide-open terrain with minimal foot traffic. It’s ideal for testing long-term shelter setups, solar gear, and food growing experiments in a prairie climate.

27. Beaver Creek Nature Area

Located near Sioux Falls but hidden enough to give you a decent taste of the wild, Beaver Creek is good for quick weekend bug-out drills. The creek is a great natural resource for learning advanced filtration and fire-starting techniques in wetter conditions.

28. Sheps Canyon Recreation Area

Nestled near Angostura Reservoir in the southern Black Hills, Sheps Canyon is a solid training ground for rocky terrain survival, water access issues, and dealing with varied wildlife. It’s remote, yet rich in resources — ideal for testing concealment shelters.

29. Union Grove State Park

Down in Union County, this peaceful spot offers dense forest cover and a quiet creek. It’s excellent for isolation training, practicing stealth movements, and working on nighttime navigation under tree canopy.

30. Brush Lake State Recreation Area

A real gem for preppers who like to stay off the radar, Brush Lake in Edmunds County is small, remote, and lightly trafficked. It’s ideal for primitive camping with minimal gear, foraging exercises, and small-game trapping tests. If you’re looking for a site that forces you to rely on instinct, this one delivers.


Final Thoughts from a South Dakota Survivalist

Out here in the Dakotas, nature doesn’t hand you anything — you earn it. Whether you’re getting ready for hard times, brushing up on self-reliance skills, or teaching the next generation how to live off the land, these 30 spots are tried and true. They’ve helped me test solar kits in windstorms, start fires in freezing rain, catch food when the fish ain’t biting, and sleep soundly under the open stars with just a tarp and a knife.

Use these places wisely. Don’t just car camp — simulate a real grid-down scenario. Leave the generator at home, cook over open flame, and carry water like it’s gold. Pack light, plan smart, and remember: it’s not about comfort. It’s about capability.

Stay sharp, stay silent, stay prepared.

When Society Collapses, These Are the Only 30 Places in Nevada You’ll Want to Be

If you’re a survival prepper in Nevada, you’re already aware that the Silver State offers some of the most diverse and rugged terrains in the country. Whether you’re preparing for a grid-down scenario or simply want to be ready for whatever comes next, knowing where to camp in Nevada is essential. With its wide range of environments—from deserts to mountains, forests to lakes—Nevada offers the perfect backdrop for honing your survival skills, stocking up on supplies, or just escaping into nature. In this guide, I’ll walk you through some of the best campsites in Nevada for preppers, where you can test your abilities, stock your gear, and practice your outdoor skills in some of the most unforgiving terrain in America.

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1. Great Basin National Park

Nestled along the Nevada-Utah border, Great Basin National Park is a prepper’s paradise. With its towering peaks, remote valleys, and diverse ecosystems, this park offers a rugged experience for anyone looking to put their survival skills to the test. There are ample campgrounds and backcountry areas to practice stealth camping, fire-starting, and water purification. Make sure to bring plenty of layers, as temperatures can swing drastically.

2. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Just outside of Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is a popular spot for preppers looking for desert terrain that’s not too far from civilization. While it’s close to the hustle and bustle of the city, Red Rock Canyon’s vast network of trails and campsites can give you a sense of isolation, making it ideal for practicing your outdoor skills in a relatively safe environment.

3. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a prime location for preppers looking to practice survival tactics by water. Surrounded by forests and mountain ranges, the area has various campgrounds where you can practice fishing, water purification, and wilderness navigation. It’s the perfect spot to perfect your skills in a picturesque setting, with plenty of opportunities to build shelters and fire-starting stations near the water.

4. Toiyabe National Forest

With over 6 million acres of land, Toiyabe National Forest offers an incredible diversity of landscapes and ecosystems for preppers to explore. From high-desert areas to mountainous regions, the forest is a top choice for those looking to practice survival skills in various environments. The campsite options here are plentiful, so you’ll never run out of opportunities to test your skills.

5. Pyramid Lake

Pyramid Lake is a unique and remote location for those looking to practice survival techniques while enjoying the natural beauty of Nevada. Situated in the northern part of the state, Pyramid Lake offers solitude and an environment perfect for survival training. The terrain varies from marshes to rocky outcrops, making it an excellent location for testing your wilderness navigation skills.

6. Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

The largest national forest in Nevada, Humboldt-Toiyabe offers a mix of high-desert and alpine landscapes. Whether you’re camping in the rugged mountains or the arid desert, this forest provides an excellent opportunity for preppers to learn and practice skills such as trapping, shelter-building, and wildlife identification.

7. Valley of Fire State Park

If you’re looking for a campsite that allows you to practice your desert survival skills, Valley of Fire State Park is where you need to go. Located just an hour north of Las Vegas, this state park has some of the most striking desert landscapes in Nevada. With its large red sandstone formations, the area is perfect for honing your desert navigation skills and practicing skills like fire-making and water conservation.

8. Lamoille Canyon

For those who prefer mountain terrain, Lamoille Canyon in the Ruby Mountains is an excellent choice. The area offers stunning views, alpine lakes, and rugged peaks perfect for practicing shelter-building, water filtration, and creating emergency fire stations. Lamoille Canyon is also remote, making it a great place for more isolated survival training.

9. Bonneville Salt Flats

While known for its historical significance and salt flats, this area offers a surreal, otherworldly experience. The Bonneville Salt Flats is one of the most barren and unforgiving environments in Nevada, making it the ideal place to practice survival tactics in extreme conditions. Use it to test your ability to navigate using basic survival tools like a compass or map.

10. Eldorado Canyon

If you’re looking for an adventurous, yet accessible location, Eldorado Canyon is a great option. It’s a popular spot for rock climbers, but survivalists can also benefit from the area’s varied terrain, which includes caves, crevices, and water sources that allow you to test your skill set in a variety of ways.

11. Cold Creek Campground

Located near the Nevada Test Site, Cold Creek Campground is known for its remote desert environment and relative isolation. It’s a perfect place for preppers to practice extended survival tactics and prepare for isolation scenarios. Use the location for testing gear, making shelter, and honing your skills in tough conditions.

12. Mount Charleston

If you prefer cooler climates, Mount Charleston is an ideal option. Located just outside of Las Vegas, this high-altitude area offers a mix of desert and forest terrains, making it perfect for a variety of survival training. Whether you’re practicing snow shelters or desert survival techniques, Mount Charleston has everything you need to up your prepper game.

13. Walker Lake

Walker Lake offers an excellent opportunity to hone your skills around water sources. The area is remote, which allows you to practice everything from fishing and water filtration to navigation and shelter-building. As it’s an off-the-beaten-path destination, it’s perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and refine their prepper skills.

14. Ruby Mountains Wilderness

The Ruby Mountains provide a classic mountain terrain with high-altitude lakes, rugged cliffs, and forested areas. It’s a prime location for practicing high-elevation survival skills, such as building shelters in snow or relying on your gear to make it through colder temperatures.

15. Bristlecone Pine Forest

For those who enjoy higher elevations and the beauty of ancient trees, the Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains offers an ideal spot. This area is known for the world’s oldest trees, and the serene environment offers plenty of opportunities for stealth camping, trail navigation, and wilderness survival training.

16. Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

This hidden gem in southern Nevada is perfect for preppers interested in a unique desert ecosystem. Ash Meadows is home to rare wildlife and a variety of different terrain types, including springs, salt flats, and wetlands. The area’s isolation and unique conditions provide an excellent setting for wilderness survival.

17. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

This is an excellent place to practice high-desert survival skills. With plenty of campsites and hiking trails, Spring Mountains is a place where preppers can test their endurance, build shelters, and master basic survival techniques like fire-building and navigation.

18. Cave Lake State Park

For those seeking a more tranquil environment, Cave Lake State Park offers a mix of mountainous terrain and lakeside camping. It’s a great place to practice your wilderness navigation skills while fishing, boating, and exploring caves. The park is also remote enough to allow for extended survival trips.

19. Shoshone Mountains

The Shoshone Mountains are a rugged and often overlooked part of Nevada, offering a chance to explore the remote high-desert and mountain terrain. It’s an excellent place for more advanced preppers to practice tactics such as hunting, foraging, and navigating extreme conditions.

20. Tonopah

Tonopah is a great location for a prepper looking to experience remote desert living. The town itself is small, but it provides quick access to nearby wilderness areas where you can practice your survival skills. It’s an ideal spot for long-term camping and testing your gear in extreme conditions.

21. Kingston Canyon

Kingston Canyon is a great option for anyone looking to enjoy some solitude while practicing survival skills. The area features stunning mountain views, and the proximity to water sources makes it ideal for testing skills like water purification and fishing.

22. Crescent Valley

Crescent Valley is located in central Nevada and provides a great place for long-term camping. The area offers a unique combination of desert and forest environments, perfect for honing various prepper skills.

30 Best Campsites in Nevada for Survival Preppers

  1. Great Basin National Park
  2. Red Rock Canyon
  3. Lake Tahoe
  4. Toiyabe National Forest
  5. Pyramid Lake
  6. Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
  7. Valley of Fire State Park
  8. Lamoille Canyon
  9. Bonneville Salt Flats
  10. Eldorado Canyon
  11. Cold Creek Campground
  12. Mount Charleston
  13. Walker Lake
  14. Ruby Mountains Wilderness
  15. Bristlecone Pine Forest
  16. Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
  17. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area
  18. Cave Lake State Park
  19. Shoshone Mountains
  20. Tonopah
  21. Kingston Canyon
  22. Crescent Valley
  23. Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge
  24. Jarbidge Wilderness
  25. Alamo
  26. Desert National Wildlife Refuge
  27. Las Vegas Wash
  28. Virgin River Gorge
  29. Stokes Castle
  30. Desert Springs Campground