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Established Camping

Critter Alley — Lake Thunderbird State Park

Campers are Saying

Critter Alley, near Norman, Oklahoma, is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy a camping experience right by Lake Thunderbird. This spot offers a mix of tent and RV sites, with plenty of shade from the trees, making it a comfortable place to set up camp.

The campground features clean bathroom facilities and showers, which visitors appreciate after a long day outdoors. Many campers have enjoyed the views of the lake, although swimming access is limited. As one reviewer noted, “The sites overlook the lake, but there isn’t swim access.”

For those who love nature, the area is perfect for water sports and exploring the nearby nature center. Campers have mentioned that the pavilion is great for gatherings, and the starry nights are a highlight. Just keep in mind that it can get hot during the summer, so be ready to cool off by the water.

While some sites may require a bit of a walk from parking, the overall atmosphere is relaxed, making it a great spot for families and groups looking to unwind. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, Critter Alley has a lot to offer for a memorable camping trip.

General Overview

State Park

Lake Thunderbird State Park offers a variety of water activities and recreation. The park features two marinas (Calypso Cove Marina and Little River Marina), nine boat ramps and two swim beaches. Accommodations include over 200 RV sites with 30 full hookup sites, restroom facilities and primitive campsites. Lake Thunderbird State Park also features playgrounds, picnic tables and an archery range. A total of ten picnic shelters for groups and eight family shelters, as well as tent and RV campgrounds, can be reserved online.

Both the Lake Thunderbird State Park Discovery Cove Nature Center and equestrian trails are located in the Clear Bay area. The trails, which are open Wednesday through Sunday, cover four miles and feature 12 obstacles. Negative Coggins papers are required, and no on-site stables are available. An array of hiking, mountain biking and nature trails are also available in Lake Thunderbird State Park. Deer archery and waterfowl hunting are available in designated areas during the applicable seasons.

Lake Thunderbird State Park is divided by the lake and has campgrounds located on both the north and south side. Tent and RV campgrounds on the (Alameda Drive) or north side of the lake include: North Sentinel, Little Sandy, Hog Creek, and Hickory Hill. Tent and RV campgrounds on the (Highway 9) or south side of the lake include: Turkey Pass, Rose Rock Hill, Critter Alley, Clear Bay Point, South Dam, Little Axe, and Post Oak. The campgrounds have tent campsites as well as RV sites with 30 and/or 50-amp electric, water, and some with sewer. Comfort stations with toilet facilities and showers are nearby and some campgrounds have playgroups.

Recreational activities include boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and equestrian trails. Mountain bike riders enjoy the challenge of the 11 miles of varied terrain on the Clear Bay Trails. The Discovery Cove Nature Center features live animals as well as animals on display, dioramas, aquariums and space for environmental education classes. For boaters convenience, The Calypso Cove Marina on the south side of the lake has fuel, a ship store and kayak, paddle boat rentals. Little River Marina, located on the north side also has fuel, a ship store and covered or open slip rental.

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Location

Critter Alley — Lake Thunderbird State Park is located in Oklahoma

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

35.214736 N
97.250912 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups

Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 3, 2022

careful what site u book

some of the sites are tent sites with no area to pull up to with a car. you have to park in a lot. and they tell you you can’t stay in your van unless you’re in an RV site. to avoid this just stay in a pull up tent spot. $16 is a lot a night for the basic spots. think i saw a cougar so be mindful at night. hot af but the lake is cooling. good shade. bathrooms and showers have AC!

Sitecritter alley
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Critter Alley — Lake Thunderbird State Park by Mia R., August 3, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 27, 2020

ADA with a view

Sites overlook the lake, but there isnt swim access. There is a bathroom and showers, fire rings, concrete tables, and an ADA site. This area also has a shelter and was much cleaner than other campgrounds in the park.

  • Review photo of Critter Alley — Lake Thunderbird State Park by Vanessa M., July 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Critter Alley — Lake Thunderbird State Park by Vanessa M., July 27, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 11, 2018

Gorgeous Views

we had excellent weather June 9-10. Breezy and cool evenings. We had a small class camping and were recommended to Critter Alley by staff due to area and proximity to water and the nature center. The pavilion was perfect for our class and the stars were bright. Bathrooms were right there as well, but could use some work. All in all, would totally go back again. Ernie at the nature center is fantastic and the kids all had a blast. Misti and Dawn, from the camp offices were wonderful.

  • Review photo of Critter Alley — Lake Thunderbird State Park by Tracy C., June 11, 2018
  • Review photo of Critter Alley — Lake Thunderbird State Park by Tracy C., June 11, 2018
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Reviewed Oct. 31, 2017

Excellent tent camping area

This is a tent camping area only state park that is on the banks of Lake Thunderbird. There all types of water sport activities are at the lake; there is a marina available on the lake and all other services and gods are available within a thirty minute drive. Being a tent camping area only, there is typically not as much pressure and tent campers get to have more of a "quiet" setting. The area experiences heavy use during holiday weekends and the first weekends of summer but typically drops off after that time. Summer temperatures will be hot and humid so prepare to enjoy the water.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Critter Alley — Lake Thunderbird State Park by Mike B., October 31, 2017
  • Review photo of Critter Alley — Lake Thunderbird State Park by Mike B., October 31, 2017
  • Review photo of Critter Alley — Lake Thunderbird State Park by Mike B., October 31, 2017
  • (7) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Critter Alley — Lake Thunderbird State Park have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Critter Alley — Lake Thunderbird State Park has water hookups and sewer hookups.