Camp in the tall woods, get lost in a giant maze, relax next to a beautiful lake, let a stranger take your kid fishing. Go bowling and digging for gold, or enjoy a hot tub overlooking the fall landscape. Bring the family along and enjoy 4 nights in Broken Bow and Hochatown, Oklahoma!

Fun fact: The town was named for a Choctaw Indian named Hocha. During the prohibition, Hochatown became known as the “Moonshine capital of Oklahoma” – “An estimated 80 percent of the families in Hochatown were involved in the manufacturing, sale, and transportation of moonshine (ref).”

Distance from Austin to Hochatown: 375 miles

Camping: Beavers Bend State Park, Coyote Drive Campground

We arrived at night, just before 8pm, which we have done before. Setting up camp in the dark is not usually our favorite, especially when we have the camper but setting up tents in the dark on a flat pad attached to a slight incline with 2 kids and 2 dogs proved to be a tad challenging mentally. Needless to say, we managed, and with all the flashlights we could find and soon the double Gazelle tent, our mats, blankets, pillows, dogs, and kids were all settled for the night. We quickly strung the lights and Tre made a camp fire to help warm us up before bed.

In the morning we woke to a beautiful view of the inlet we stayed on Broken Bow Lake. The peninsula we stayed on had a great culdesac we could walk the dogs and go down by the water easily. Everywhere was shale rock that the kids loved to play on, pick apart, and build little stories around. Close by, just across the street was also a playground where the kids could run and get some energy out.

We chose this area because we heard it was family friendly and beautiful to explore. While we only camped for 2 very cold nights, we also stayed in an Airbnb to have ahot tub and warm showers. Overall we had a great trip – so want to share our highlights from that area.

5 THINGS TO DO IN HOCHATOWN

1. The Maze of Hochtown – This was our favorite activity! We were there for a couple hours and its easy to split up, explore, get lots, cut loose, and loose your way. (Yes we also listen to a lot of Moana 2). After searching for the exit for quite some time we wanted to get the kids out for a water break and snack. Even in November in the full sun it was quite hot. Simply ask any employee and they will gladly tell you the secret to the exit path. If I told you now, what fun would that be? Go check it out!

2. Beavers Bend State Park – This beautiful park is a no so hidden gem in Southeast Oklahoma in the Broken Bow area. This lush playground along the Mountain Fork River combines stunning geology, clear mountain-fed waterways and a rich natural heritage. I wish we had more time to explore the park area more while we visited but the time we spent hiking while camping and around the Airbnb was wonderful. Highly recommend!

3. Dig for Gold | Mini golf | Pirates Cove at Beaver’s Bend Mining Co. – While they may be smaller and a little dated, the kids loved it! What kid doesn’t love it when their parents spend $30 on a bag of dirt that gets poured into little sifting pans and drenched in water to revel “Treasures” and random fossils and rocks? Panning for gold honestly even excites me sometimes depending on what can be found. I cant tell you how many random bags, boxes, and drawers we have these random treasures and crystals stashed from over the years.

4. Gutter Chaos – An easy night of bowling, arcade, food and drinks! Having two kids under 8 this was a great reprive from a cold night camping. We could have stayed at camp past dark, cooking dinner… in the dark… while the kids watched movies in the tent, or head to the arcade and bowl for a bit. Gutter Chaos had no wait for food and the arcade, but a wait list for bowling so get there early if you want to bowl and have fun! We played the Wonka game for over an hour and ended up getting all the character cards – won the jackpot – and kiddos got to pick our prizes. Hence the skeleton mask…

5. Mountain Fork Brewery – Craft beer, brewery, family friendly brick-oven pizza, and space to roam. Located right off 259 that runs through Hochatown, Mountain Fork Brewery is a craft beer gem in Broken Bow, Ok. Established in 2015, it’s known for using water sourced directly from the pristine Mountain Fork River—hence the name—which gives their brews a crisp, clean character. Take break and enjoy!

Hope you enjoy and see you next time, Adventure On Y’all via IG.