I want to start by mentioning that we noticed a bit of a decline in the upkeep of our camping area since our visit in the fall of 2021. In fact, I would venture to say that there is little to no cleaning of the sites between visitors.

On our first night Tammy found hot dogs and pineapple chunks thrown in the high grass behind our trailer. In addition there was an incredible amount of rubbish from the the previous guests that I had to pick up, including inside the fire pit.

Perhaps the most frustrating part was the absence of the camp host; who seemed to be non-existent during our entire stay. I’m not sure who is responsible for the sites being maintained, but someone is not doing their job. This is pretty inexcusable since check-in is at 5:00 P.M. Even the dumpster area was a complete mess and never cleaned during our 7 day stay.

We had a hard time getting into our spot because the fifth wheel across from us had one of his slide rooms edging into the road. I backed in and leveled the travel trailer after some cursing. Again, these kinds of situations are what the camp host should be preventing.

If you read our post regarding the schwintek slide motor failure, us you will note that the park office was unwilling to help procure a ladder. This was really a let down. As my Son Jeff surmised “It’s probably that they don’t want the liability if you fall”. Of course we tried to get one from the camp host but since no one was there we were left to climbing on the roof to do our repair (Great idea from Tammy).

The other thing I found quite interesting is that the campground was never fully occupied. During our stay I would guess that it may have been at half of its capacity. My personal feeling is that this is a sign of the horrible economic situation we are now in. I would not be a bit surprised if cancellations were taking place. One other possibility that I read yesterday was that apparently some campers are booking multiple places to camp. Then they wait until the last minute to cancel the sites they are not interested in. So, now hoarding has moved from the grocery stores to the campgrounds – great!

Our spot had the advantage of some shade early in the morning and late in the afternoon. When that wasn’t the case, we would use the awnings for shade. Gone are the good old days of heavy duty awnings that would withstand wind and rain. Now the awnings are only intended for sun shade and should not be out in any sort of winds over 5 miles per hour. Needless to say, It’s never safe with modern awnings to have them out if you are not at the camper.

The first three days at camp were really hot. The first night when we were dealing with our slide issue it was nearly 100 degrees (and hotter in the trailer). I don’t need to tell you how hard it is to do RV repairs in that kind of heat. Fortunately, the kids came about two days after us when the weather was better. The next four days were really decent from a temperature standpoint.

One thing you should be aware of is that this park seems to have an incredible amount of ticks. This was not the case last year when we visited. However, there are an incredible amount of deer living here (as well as raccoons). It may be something about this time of year that makes the ticks more active – I have no idea. However, just be aware, they are plentiful right now.

We had a nightly visit from at least one large Racoon. More than likely he had been feasting on the garbage the previous camper left behind, and now we were a nightly stop. I found raccoon prints on the covers of my grill and Blackstone Griddle each morning. We actually saw him twice during our stay back along the high grass behind our trailer.

A nice couple (Ken & Gwen) who were camping next to us also witnessed the Large Racoon very near to their Rig. Ken warned me that the raccoon didn’t seem to be too worried about people, and he was right.

Obviously there is an incredible amount of things to do at Sequoyah State Park. If you are a golfer, there is an 18 hole golf course in the park. It is about three minutes from the campground, or about four minutes from the Lodge.

I haven’t swung a club in about 35 years and it showed. However, I love watching Jeff play any sport. He has so much natural talent, that any thing he tries he does extremely well at. We golfed everyday we were there, playing only 9 holes each time. Frankly, that was probably enough given the course itself is nicely maintained but a little rough as far as driving the cart. Part of that is due to the general makeup of the ground there; very rocky. I will say that you would have to look awfully hard to find nicer people than the folks running the golf course.

Every morning started about 5:00 AM with Eva and I taking our morning walk. This is the same route that we would walk last fall. Of course now it was much warmer so we had no choice but to walk in the early morning.

Next we would cook breakfast at our travel trailer each morning for the group. Then Jeff and I would take off for the golf course and the others would do their own activities. We would all get together for dinner back at the trailer and Tammy and I would provide the main dish and the kids would supply the sides.

Most of the meals were on the Blackstone Griddle, but I also had the RVQ Grill for grilling chicken and Brats/Hot Dogs. We have had that cheap little RVQ Grill for seven years now and I believe it is finally getting towards the end of it’s life. Fortunately, I have another new one waiting in the wings. That little grill does an extremely nice job.

The Black-Stone Griddle makes quick work of potatoes, bacon and eggs. I would typically start breakfast about 7:30, and by the time the kids got over to the camp site everything was pretty much ready. If your considering a Blackstone, you will probably love it but keep in mind it is a heavy beast. I have the 22″ and between the griddle, Stand, and Cover, we are talking serious weight – easily over 60 pounds. I don’t even try to put it in the front storage area of the trailer anymore; it sits in the bed of the truck. The 17″ might have been a better and lighter choice. However, if you are looking for a griddle to use for a large group the 22″ certainly fits the bill.

Now if you like Horse Back Riding, the Sequoyah Stables might be fun. Jennifer, Trent, and Corrine went riding while Jeff and I played golf one morning.

Trent said this was one of his favorite parts of the trip. However, he also loved the pool at the lodge, which is free to use if you are renting a room at the lodge or a cabin. While Trent had the pool to himself the first evening, it was crowded starting the next day. FYI…Campers do not have access to the pool.

Of course there is the Nature Center in the park as well. This is a rescue operation with quite a few animals that would not make it on their own in the wild. Some of the animals include an Otter, Coyote, and a Fox.

Visiting the Nature Center will not be disappointing and it’s great that someone is taking care of these animals that probably would not make it on their own.

So hopefully this gives you a great overview of the trip but also a great overview of the opportunities at the Park. I highly recommend this park, and if you decide to try it I don’t think you will be disappointed.

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A couple years ago we started talking about having a family vacation at a campground. Initially we talked about going out west to the black hills and the badlands. That is where our first travel trailer adventure started, click here to read that story. However, given the amount of time that is required for reservations at campgrounds there, and everyone’s varied schedules; it just didn’t work out for this year. I would still love to do that trip as a family again.

As a result of the above issues, we settled on Sequoyah State Park in Hulbert, Oklahoma as our first Family Vacation spot. This is a beautiful State Park that we visited last year. It is about five hours from North Texas.

It would be almost impossible to find something negative about Sequoyah State Park in Hulbert Oklahoma.

The Lodge (if you are not bringing your travel trailer) at Sequoyah State Park has Oklahoma’s largest set of state park lodges, with 104 rooms and 45 cottages. You can bring your pet to some of the cottages for an extra fee, which is what my son plans to do with his puppy, Macie.

So while Jeff and Corrine have booked the pet friendly cabin, Jennifer, Bob, and Trent are staying at the Lodge. Why don’t these kids own travel trailers?!!! I must have gone wrong somewhere!

There is so much to do here that you really will forget you are at a state park; because it really feels much more like a high end resort. It would be hard to find a camping area as well maintained as theirs. Sequoyah is number one in a ranking of the most desirable state parks in Oklahoma.

There is camping, lodging, golf, horseback riding, swimming Pool, and boat rental. I’m sure I’m missing something because it really is a great place with tons to do. Also, the roads in the park are nice and Eva and I take some nice long walks in the early morning to burn off a little of her energy.

Now as far as the weather looks, it’s going to be just about as hot as North Texas, with almost no chance for rain. Let’s hope the trailer can stay somewhat cool!

The Trailer is packed and I’m ready for the fun to begin.

To learn more about Sequoyah State park click here.

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