Beavers Bend vs Turner Falls

Hey, I actually have been to both in my youth! I went to church camp in Turner Falls area - gorgeous! Then, I went on a youth trip to Beaver's Bend - equally gorgeous!

Turner Falls has a neat water fall(obviously!) and swimming area at the bottom. Beaver's Bend had a great wading area on the river, more of a natural experience.

Not sure about lodging since I stayed in camp dorms at TF and a person's house at BB. Both are in the hills but BB is more tall piney woods. TF has a bit of a desert feel, more bare rock. Personally, I lean toward the beauty of BB - the edge of the ozarks.

Hope this helps!

Camping tips - sleep in something you wouldn't mind strangers to see! My mom camped out for honeymoon and has horror stories of fellow campers laughing at her walking in her hot-pink robe and furry slippers! Flashlights for night-time potty trips. With kids, pack an ice cream bucket, the big gallon one with lid, and cut hole in lid to create a port-a-potty for extreme circumstances (raining, middle of night, or strange noises that make kids want to hold it but they can't!). If you line it with a couple of paper towels, it will keep it from sloshing when you go to dispose of it - lovely thoughts, but practical! Pack some toilet paper, too! Tooth brushing - spitting on ground is fun but may attract ants, so spit in remote places from your sleeping/eating area. When in doubt - sleep in the car!

HAVE A GREAT TIME!
hope this helps,
L.

I am from SE Okla and grew up on both of these places and love them both. Most of my family lives just N of Broken Bow Lake. We camp alot but we have a camper and look for more primitive areas, however Beavers Bend park would be fun for your family according to your post about being new campers. There's a nature museum in the park and a good swimming area for kids. There's a lot you can rent (horses, paddle boats, canoes, etc). The scenery is gorgeous with the tall piney woods sitting just S. of the Kiamichi mountains and Ouachita National Forest

Since your kids are still so young however, I would probably recommend Turner Falls. Arbuckle Wilderness is there as well which is a safari animal park, amusement park, etc. and Turner Falls itself is beautiful.

Both have cabin rentals and great swimming for little ones. Whichever you choose, just be sure to call in advance to reserve a cabin. They go fast and can be booked up way in advance around holidays. Have a great time!

beavers bend seems to have more rec. activities offered: horseback riding, bumperboats, unsure of the pool, train ride, hike/bike trails, boating/boat rentals on the amazing lake

I have recently done both. My family took a day trip to Turner Falls and had a great time. We hiked into the caves and picnicked by the falls. I don't know that I would have enjoyed several days. For me, it's closer to roughing it and there is less to actually do. (I am a city girl myself who loves a great hotel and not an outdoor person at all!).

Two weeks ago, my hubby and I went on an amazing weekend at Beavers Bend. The area is just breathtaking. We stayed in a two-story cabin called The Dancing Rabbit that was rustic only in appearances. It had every creature comfort tucked away in a beautful setting (full kitchen, fire pit, three bedrooms, satellite tv, plush linens, garden tub, etc.) We cooked out on the grill, had coffee on the gorgeous wrap around porch with a fantastic view, went on a hike, visited the lake, etc. They even had a nice restaurant nearby, winery, and a really cool little museum at the visitors center. We want to go back and take the whole clan. Be sure to call ahead and check the weather. There has been lots of rain recently and the lake itself was closed--but we had an awesome time anyway.

The link to the cabin is http://www.beaversbendcreativeescapes.com/?gclid=CK3o5KTb...

Good luck!!