South Dam - Lake Thunderbird State Park, near Norman, Oklahoma, is a fantastic spot for both tent and RV camping. With amenities like electric hookups and drinking water, it’s set up to make your stay comfortable while you enjoy the great outdoors.

Campers rave about the beautiful views of the lake and dam, with many sites conveniently located right by the water. Each campsite comes with a fire pit, perfect for roasting marshmallows and sharing stories as the sun sets. One visitor noted, “Absolutely loved it here. Beautiful place to stay,” highlighting the overall charm of the area.

The campground is surrounded by a network of trails, making it ideal for biking and hiking. Whether you’re looking to cast a line or just soak in the scenery, the lake offers plenty of opportunities for fishing and relaxation. As one happy camper put it, “We visited in October when the leaves were changing and it was so beautiful.”

For those planning a visit, be sure to make your reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons. The welcoming camp hosts are always around to help, ensuring a friendly atmosphere for everyone. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway with plenty of outdoor activities, South Dam is definitely worth checking out.

South Dam - Lake Thunderbird State Park

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Norman. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Norman and user-submitted reviews.

Norman

The Best Camping Near Norman, Oklahoma

We stayed for a few hours and had a great time! Very nice park with lots of space and big trees. It was very dark so we were able to see the stars. Really enjoyed the evening.

Questival Camping

Quiet, peaceful, and fun for the two of us! Camping with a view of the lake was great.

Beautiful

Beautiful and quiet! Camping with a lake view was great.

Fun in OK!

Thunderbird has a lot of camping. Our favorite is Little Axe. You can reserve spaces (which Is fabulous) and because you have to pay $5 just to get in (if you aren't camping), there is less traffic and it is quieter. Other sites have loud parties and such… Little Axe is nice for families and quieter groups. Also, it's a peninsula by the dam, there's a quiet cove for fishing, good beaches and lake access, a play gym for kiddos and clean bathrooms. Bonnie, the camp host, and Ron (I think) are lovely and attentive. I absolutely love this site… As far as camping in Norman this is my favorite. If you're camping in Norman, try here. We've been in every season and it is always beautiful.

Little Axe Campground

If you have a 30 amp rv/camper you can get a spot at one of the 3 decent Thunderbird parks most of the time same day no reservation. If you have a 50 amp better go parkit on Thursday so you have a weekend spot. On the lake and that's what we want. Lots of yahoos in the summer it's a party spot.

It's pretty nice for a state park in OK

We visited in October when the leaves were changing and it was so beautiful. The lake is great. Bring your fishing gear. Site spacing is good. Typical amenities for a state park. You must make your reservations in advance online. We highly recommend this park

So beautiful in the Fall

Nice place to relax by a fire. Campsites are spaced out well enough and has some right by the water. Close to some trails. Camp hosts are very welcoming and haven't had any issues with other campers.

Nice

Absolutely loved it here. Beautiful place to stay. Fire pit at each spot. Right off the lake. Bathrooms and showers. Highly recommend!

Great tent camping site!

We didn't stay but rode our bikes over from Little Ax to ride the bike trails. No one there except the campground hosts but we explored the campground and area. Very nice. Lots and lots of trails including and unmarked but paved trail. We are here for a few days and will come back again to do more. Great view of the dam and the lake from the dock and they allow one to bike and walk across the dam. 

Photos of South Dam - Lake Thunderbird State Park

Real photos from real campers