Welcome back to my sixteenth Labor Day lake report and weather-wise what a great weekend to be out!
Up first, the town was first called Lawton, then changed its name to Weldon and finally when the railroad came through the name Copan stuck. A boom town in 1905, it’s a place where oil and gas operations still play a big role but this past weekend it was Copan Lake that was getting all the attention. When I drove through, I found that the campgrounds were completely sold out and the camp host said he was expecting another big group Monday after some of the spaces opened up so he planned to be sold out again. For those who weren’t camping there were plenty of swimming and picnicking spots and although the parking lot at the boat ramp was full of trucks and empty boat trailers there was room for more. An Army Corps of Engineers lake that opened in 1983, Copan Lake offers all the water sports, hunting and fishing and is definitely worth a drive to check it out.
Down the road at Hulah Lake all of the camping spots with electric were full but several primitive spots were still available. Another Army Corps lake, the campgrounds at Hulah are run by a group of volunteers dedicated to keeping this historic spot open and friends they do a great job. If you’re looking for beautiful views of the Osage countryside this is place. Campers told me the fishing is good too and get this camping is ten dollars a night for seniors. Heck for that price you might want to stay a month or two.
At Osage Hills State Park spots to park your camper with electric were sold out long ago. This is another beautiful place to hang your hat for a few days and you can call or check their website for information about available campsites and cottages.
Over in Will Rogers country the campgrounds on Lake Oolaghah were full too but there was a lot of room for swimming and picnicking. With clear water and lots of shade the lake is also close to the Will Rogers Museum in Claremore so don’t forget to visit Will when you’re in the area. I guarantee you’ll come out a better person.
I also visited several lakes in Kansas with the same results so here is my scoop of the week. Although camping is not allowed at Lake Hudson which sits just a few miles outside of Bartlesville, everything else is. The picnic tables are all in good shape and the grass is moved around them with plenty of shade trees as well, you can’t beat it. Scenic and little used from what I can see, the next time you’re taking a drive grab some takeout and give Lake Hudson a try.
On a side note for all you football fans, if you haven’t heard the Pawhuska Huskies are making a march to a state title and taking a big crowd with them. This is thanks in part to their quarterback who happens to be Ladd and Ree Drummond’s oldest son Bryce. If you want to see what should be a great game and a big-time college bound player, they are playing Hominy in Pawhuska a week from Friday.
Till next time I’ll see ya down the road……………