Sandy Cove Recreation Area ~Canton, OK

We went camping again last weekend!

Sometimes it seems like way too much work but usually when we get there and start seeing new things it all feels worth it.

Eventually…

acampingDSC_7744

We stayed at the Sandy Cove Recreation Area because it was close to an event we wanted to go to.

Electric hookup only and no dump station.

They do have places for you to get water though.

It was pretty much the only one I could find online and I was not sure what to expect.

I did not expect beautiful camping sites and the best swimming beach I have found so far in Oklahoma.

acampDSC_7141 acampingDSC_7133

The only problem with this campground is there are a LOT of sand burs.

I never really knew about sand burs until I moved to Oklahoma.

acampingDSC_7142

They got on everything and everyone.

I kind of got used to stepping down and wincing.

acampingDSC_7150

One of our twins rolled in a bunch of them right when we got to the campsite.

Fun.

acampingDSC_7156

It seems like they show up in late summer and fall so if you wanted to avoid them spring should be fine.

acampingDSC_7186

This was our first time bringing skooters and longboards camping with us.

I have been hesitant because we already have to bring a lot for 7 people so I did not want to add more stuff…

But they kept the kids pretty occupied while at the campsite.

Pretty sure they are worth it for the few moments of peace.

acampingDSC_7190

I was still not completely sold on our campground but then I saw the beach…

acampingDSC_7193

I have been looking for a swimming beach like this for a long time.

It was amazing.

Beautiful soft sand, clear water.

Magic.

acampingDSC_7211

acampingDSC_7738

There was also a pretty scenic drive right next to the campground that I did not know about!

acampingDSC_7218 acampingDSC_7740 acampingDSC_7753

We made time for swimming the next day!

I did not bring a swimsuit and decided to swim in my clothes because it was just too pretty to miss out on.

acampingDSC_7758 acampingDSC_7765 acampingDSC_7769

Little bit loved the water but her okie blood got the best of her and she got cold.

Because it was not 100 degrees out…

acampingDSC_7792 acampingDSC_7793 acampingDSC_7794

Thankfully there were not many sand burs on the beach.

Lots of soft sand though.

Doesn’t this sand look amazing?!

acampingDSC_7814

We had been in the sun a lot that day.

I thought I would be fine since it was the end of September but I ended up getting fried…

That’s okay, I look cute as a tomato.

acampingDSC_7819 acampingDSC_7826 acampingDSC_7873 acampingDSC_7880

I could not stop smiling at this water.

acampingDSC_7887 acampingDSC_7908 acampingDSC_7912 acampingDSC_7919 acampingDSC_7926 acampingDSC_7928

My second oldest found a log and pretty much lived out every boys fantasy.

Sailing on a log on a lake.

acampingDSC_7931 acampingDSC_7933

acampingDSC_7946

We finally had to leave so we could eat dinner.

I don’t even attempt to have 5 kids eat in a camper.

I feel like that is asking for trouble so I am glad that all of our stops so far have had picnic tables.

acampingDSC_8025

2 nights did not seem like enough time!

One more look at that beautiful beach!

acampingDSC_8187

If you have a family that likes to swim, you need to put this place on your list.

It is worth the drive!

Museum of the Great Plains ~Lawton, OK

We went to the Museum of the Great Plains while camping at the Wichita Wildlife Refuge.

The first time we went to this museum it was filled with a lot of static exhibits that were not much fun for my kids.

aamusDSC_5418

This time was a pleasant surprise.

aamusDSC_5419

Almost everything was hands on!

My kids enjoyed this museum so much and so did I!!!!

aamusDSC_5423 aamusDSC_5426

The tornado shelter simulator is terrifying and amazing.

It really feels like you are waiting out a tornado in a shelter.

aamusDSC_5427 aamusDSC_5428 aamusDSC_5430 aamusDSC_5432 aamusDSC_5437

This is how they taught them what the parts of the bison were used for.

Amazing.

aamusDSC_5439 aamusDSC_5441 aamusDSC_5443 aamusDSC_5448 aamusDSC_5452 aamusDSC_5456 aamusDSC_5458 aamusDSC_5465 aamusDSC_5468 aamusDSC_5469 aamusDSC_5476

Everything was set up to let my kids step back in time and imagine.

aamusDSC_5485 aamusDSC_5490 aamusDSC_5491 aamusDSC_5495

They are a part of the Oklahoma Museum Network so we got to see something we are familiar with!

Tape Slides!

We visit the Tulsa Children’s Museum often so my kids have been playing on their tape slide for a while.

aamusDSC_5499 aamusDSC_5504 aamusDSC_5506 aamusDSC_5507 aamusDSC_5518 aamusDSC_5523 aamusDSC_5526

Printing press!!!

aamusDSC_5527 aamusDSC_5529

General Store!

aamusDSC_5530 aamusDSC_5537 aamusDSC_5540 aamusDSC_5547

I grew up watching the Gospel Bill Show so these always make me think of Miss Lana.

Ha

aamusDSC_5554 aamusDSC_5560 aamusDSC_5562 aamusDSC_5566 aamusDSC_5569 aamusDSC_5574 aamusDSC_5577 aamusDSC_5580 aamusDSC_5588 aamusDSC_5591 aamusDSC_5594 aamusDSC_5597 aamusDSC_5599 aamusDSC_5600

They have even more cool stuff outside!

This was our favorite part on our previous visit.

aamusDSC_5605

They have a fort set up outside.

aamusDSC_5611 aamusDSC_5615 aamusDSC_5617

Daring people.

Giving my children weapons.

aamusDSC_5620 aamusDSC_5624 aamusDSC_5626 aamusDSC_5628 aamusDSC_5629 aamusDSC_5633 aamusDSC_5636 aamusDSC_5641 aamusDSC_5650 aamusDSC_5651 aamusDSC_5652

Lookout tower.

aamusDSC_5663

The enemy looks a lot like a bunny…

aamusDSC_5667 aamusDSC_5671

I highly recommend going to this museum!

Especially if you have kids!

The best part is if you have an Oklahoma Museum Network membership it includes this museum!

So no extra cost!