Washington Irving South

Washington Irving South is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facility located on the Arkansas arm of Keystone Lake, approximately 30 minutes west of Tulsa. The site offers a boat ramp and courtesy dock, making it a convenient launch point for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats accessing the lake. The campground features 38 shaded campsites with electric hookups, restrooms with showers, a swimming beach, and a one-mile nature trail. The area holds historical significance as the location where author Washington Irving crossed the Arkansas River during his western expeditions.

The Arkansas River at this location is a major waterway (stream order 10) with an average flow of approximately 51,000 cubic feet per second and an average gradient of 7.9 feet per mile, indicating moderate current conditions typical of large rivers. Keystone Lake's blue-green waters and scenic shoreline of wooded areas, sandy beaches, and bluffs provide an attractive setting for recreation. The lake is known for striped bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and catfish.

To reach the facility from Tulsa, take Highway 412 west for 15 miles to the Bears Glen exit, turn left onto the Frontage Road for one block, then right onto the first paved road and follow it for 2 miles to the campground entrance. Contact the facility at 918-865-2621 for specific information about ramp conditions and availability. Note that parking at the boat ramp is not guaranteed, and annual pass holders should obtain a hard copy at the Keystone Project Office within 14 days of purchase.

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...

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.

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