Summary
The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, camping, and swimming. One of the main attractions of the park is the McGee Creek Reservoir, which is known for its excellent bass fishing. Visitors can also enjoy hiking on the park's trails, many of which offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
In addition to the reservoir, there are several other points of interest to see at McGee Creek State Park, such as the park's wildlife, including deer, turkey, and various bird species. The park also has several historic sites, such as the old McGee Creek Schoolhouse, which offers a glimpse into the area's past.
One interesting fact about the park is that it was once home to the Choctaw Nation, and visitors can still see evidence of their presence in the area. Another interesting fact is that the park is home to a variety of rare plants and animals, including the Ozark big-eared bat.
The best time of year to visit McGee Creek State Park depends on what you're looking for. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, while summer is a popular time for swimming and other water activities. Winter can be cold and snowy, but it's also a great time for activities like hiking and fishing.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
McGee Creek State Park
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Buster Hight RV Camping
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Unimproved Camping Area
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