RV DESTINATION- ROBBER’S CAVE STATE PARK, Oklahoma

Robber’s Cave State Park, a Civilian Conservation Corps camp built around 1933-36, got its name from the fact that the area was a popular retreat for outlaws after the Civil War. The cave area is thought to have been a hideout for outlaws.

Activities available at Robber’s Cave State Park include swimming (beach and pool), hiking (several trails in various lengths), rock climbing, and rappelling. There are also 3 small lakes for fishing.

Robber’s Cave State Park features RV and tent sites, cabin rentals, a lodge, and two group camps.

There are four RV campgrounds at RCSP. The RV sites in Old Circle Campground have more space than those in the Whispering Pines campground. Both of these campgrounds have plenty of shade, with the exception of a few spots. The RV sites in the Esquetarian Camp are spaced close together, but this campground was set up as an RV camp for groups. Also, many of the sites lack good shade. If there are no groups camping, however, you may have the whole camp to yourself, like we did a couple of years ago. I’ve never been to the ATV camp, but I understand the road is rough and sometimes muddy, and it can be noisy.

The park has upgraded many of the restrooms and shower-houses to include air conditioning, and are quite nice. The restroom in the Old Circle campground, however, appears to be the original CCC restroom, with the addition of a flush toilet. The floor and walls were crawling with lizards. My granddaughter went inside for approximately .09 seconds, before walking out saying, “No way.” It was actually quite nostalgic, and I’ve used a whole lot worse.

The state park is going through many renovations and upgrades at this time. On the sad side, the park is slowly losing its CCC charm through these renovations. But, hey, do you want lizards or AC in the shower?

THE BAD

A few years ago, Oklahoma instituted a controversial parking fee in their state parks. I tend to agree with those who feel this has less to do with raising funds, and more to do with shunning families that only want to visit for a few hours (to picnic, hike, or swim) and bring little revenue to the State Parks.

BLACK KNIGHTS AND BANDITS

Gone are the days when robbers roamed the wilderness, and called this area home. Today, they are nothing but legends. They are stories to be told around the campfire. Today, the land belongs to honest and respectable folk.

Our hero, and his fair maiden, prepared to depart from this land of peace. No robbers or bandits roamed this land. The world was at peace.

But, after a quick skirmish with the Black Knight, our hero noticed the sign, which said, “$5.00 for dumping”.

After already paying for their lodging?

Our hero wondered if there are still robbers roaming these woods.