Packing Gear on a Motorcycle

• According to Full Throttle Motorcycle Camping, size matters more than weight when choosing motorcycle camping gear. A motorcycle needs to have weight balanced evenly and kept as low as possible to minimize impact on the motorcycle's maneuverability. Having small items allows the rider to fit them into bags without overloading the bike. Adventure Rider also indicates that cinch down straps are more effective and safer than bungee cords for attaching a load.
  
  

What Gear to Bring

• For a comfortable motorcycle camping experience in Oklahoma plan on the possibility of wind. A good quality tent with stakes only makes sense to keep the rider and her gear comfortable and dust free. According to the Oklahoma Climatological Survey summer temperatures can reach above 100 degrees, but thunder storms and rain can cause the temperatures to drop suddenly. A sleeping bag for summertime camping in Oklahoma should be light enough to not overwhelm the rider in hot conditions, but provide insulation if the temperatures drop, and a good sleeping pad takes the bite out of rocky ground.
  
  

Where to Ride and Where to Stay

• When motorcycle camping plan ahead. Call to make sure campgrounds accept motorcycles, and that they have sufficient space available. The following Oklahoma campgrounds advertise as motorcycle friendly, and most KOA campgrounds welcome motorcycles as well.
  
  Sparks America in Sparks, Oklahoma offers several motorcycle-oriented events during the year including a bike week in June, and a motorcycle rider-themed Halloween party in October. The campground offers 24-hour security making it safe for both the camper and his bike.
  
  The Washita Hideaway is located between Dallas, Texas and Oklahoma City. The campground boasts 70 acres of shaded camping as well as nearby destinations including Turner Falls Park, Arbuckle Wilderness Drive, and the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
  
  Kickstart Bed & Breakfast located in Stigler, Oklahoma offers both rooms and camping for motorcycles. If the weather turns bad, it gives an alternative to hiding in a tent. The campground's surrounding area has a lot of riding destinations including Lake Eufaula, Talimena Scenic Drive, Robbers Cave State Park and the Sans Bois Mountains. The B&B also provides motorcycle tours in the area.
  
  

When is it Time to Set Camp?

• According to Two Wheel Females, Oklahoma's high winds can dehydrate and fatigue a rider. Fatigued riders make more mistakes than well-rested riders. The dangers of fatigue, along with the propensity of deer to come out at dusk, means motorcycle campers should try to reach camp before dark.
  
  

What to Watch Out For

• Motorcycle camping in Oklahoma presents some of the same dangers as camping anywhere. Ticks and scorpions can produce painful symptoms as well as disease. Checking for ticks at night, and shaking out riding boots before putting them on in the morning help prevent problems. Awareness and avoidance is also key to preventing snakebites and spider bites.