Last Chance Ranch - 2010

When Suz told me she wanted our Good Sams Club (The Modern Wagoneers) to camp at the "Last Chance Ranch," I was less than excited. But the name is deceiving and it turned out to be anything but the "last" campground on my list of RV destinations.



Susan's DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) sister, Ann Jackson, and her husband own and operate the Last Chance Ranch, which is part of a 100 acre cattle ranch in Okfuskee County, Oklahoma. The park has only ten sites and each has water and electric service. All sites face the 15-acre lake and are situated at the water's edge. Ann is an excellent host and was available everyday of our 4-day visit to make sure our camping experience was pleasant.



Suz and I were "Wagonmasters" this month, so we pulled in a day early and set up camp. We brought along our grandson, Trenton (Thumper), who actually turned out to be quite a camper and helper.



Thump had lots to do, including fishing, paddle boating, and kite flying.



Thump went through two boxes of worms (24), but caught a total of three fish, which he even took off the hook.



Last Chance Ranch offers both a fishing and swimming dock, and if you have an ATV or other off-road sport vehicle, there's plenty of room to ride.



We were later joined by Jack and Alma Mobbs, founding members of our Good Sams Club (Left picture - Alma seated on right next to Suz, and Jack working on his RV). Our friends and newest members, Rosie Wagner and Gene Holm, also joined us (Right picture - Rosie seated rear-center and Gene to her left).



With Gene's assistance, Susan served bacon & egg biscuits (McDonald's style) for breakfast.



An afternoon game of Chicken-Foot (Dominoes), crowned Gene the "winner" and he was awarded the "Traveling Chicken."



Several of us took an afternoon trip into nearby Okemah and had lunch at the Boom-a-rang Diner.



Here, you will find a wide range of favorites, including hamburgers, catfish, and frosted mugs of root beer. A great place to eat if you're in the area. Okemah Lake, by the way, is rated one of Oklahoma's best bass lakes (which I know to be true because I've spent many a day fishing the lake).

The Last Chance Ranch is 14 miles north of Okemah off State Highway 48. It's out in the middle of "nowhere." But if you want a quiet, peaceful setting for a weekend camp out, it's the place to go. You never know what you may find when you travel to a place off the beaten path . . . .



Just south of the Ranch and on the west side of Highway 48 is the "Volkswagen Graveyard." A sign on the property indicates the owner will custom build Volkswagen dune buggies. It just so happens that members of our club, The Modern Wagoneers, were once known for towing dune buggies behind their motor homes and frequently driving them in parades. Perhaps we've stumbled upon an opportunity to resurrect the club's tradition.

Watch for our next post when Suz and I visit Grove, Oklahoma and the American Heritage Music Festival!