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Best Tent Camping near Ada, OK

319 Reviews

Tent campsites near Ada, Oklahoma provide several options for outdoor recreation in the central Oklahoma region. River Run RV Park and Cabins offers tent camping with trails to explore and river access less than a quarter mile away. Guy Sandy Campground in Chickasaw National Recreation Area provides primitive tent sites about 40 miles southwest of Ada near Sulphur. Honey Creek Campground and Romulus Lake also support tent camping within a reasonable drive from Ada, with the latter receiving high ratings from visitors.

Most tent campgrounds in the Ada region have minimal amenities, reflecting their primitive nature. Guy Sandy Campground charges $14 per night for non-reservable sites that operate on a first-come, first-served basis. While lacking electric hookups, some sites do provide basic necessities like fire rings, picnic tables, and occasional water spigots. Honey Creek Campground offers tent sites but campers should verify current pricing as reviews indicate fluctuating fee structures. During peak seasons, particularly summer holidays, arriving early is essential to secure a spot at the more popular locations near water features.

Tent camping experiences near Ada often center around water recreation opportunities. Romulus Lake offers good canoeing and kayaking access according to visitor reports. The Lake of the Arbuckles accessible from Guy Sandy Campground provides boating options, though tent campers should be aware the area can be quite busy during peak seasons. Shaded sites are available at several campgrounds, offering relief during Oklahoma's hot summer months. A review mentioned that Guy Sandy Campground features "very well kept tent areas, friendly staff, and beautiful views" with sites that include grassy pads ideal for tent setup. For those seeking more solitude, visiting during weekdays or non-holiday periods may provide a more peaceful camping experience.

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Best Tent Sites Near Ada, Oklahoma (7)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Ada, OK

319 Reviews of 7 Ada Campgrounds

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2018

    Guy Sandy Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area

    Nice Campsite On Busy Boating Area

    Of the campgrounds around the water, this one is perhaps one of the more busy. When visiting we noted numerous boat trailers just waiting for their owners to return to them. Despite it being so busy it was pretty quiet as a whole. Lots of trees around this location make for plenty of shade during warmer months and sites are large enough to easily accommodate rigs of all sizes or tent campers.

    Sites are well priced at $14 which wasn't bad considering how the campground was set up. Despite it being a primitive camp and only having vault toilets it was surprisingly comfortable feeling and does have water spigots around. It is also one of the smaller campgrounds at the Lake of the Arbuckles so during summer it can fill up quickly.

    The site I checked out here had a picnic table and fire ring and was fairly even. There was a nice grassy pad which was ideal for tent camping like I enjoy.

    I lot of people, as I mentioned before, take advantage of the lake from this campsite area so it is pretty noisy during the day at some of the sites and getting in the water can be a bit hard when its super busy because the boats really kick up the waves and there is no designated swimming area, however a bit further away it wasn't to bad. Nighttime, pretty quiet.

    TIPS:

    • These sites are not reservable so it is first come first serve. Arrive early during busy times of year to ensure your space.

    • If you have a boat, make sure your registrations are cleared by the State of Oklahoma before entering the water, this site is a very active site for game wardens to inspect so if you are hauling anything which does not fit guidelines to the water, you might want to reconsider doing so here.

  • Melanie W.
    Aug. 17, 2016

    Blue River Campground

    Free Camping

    The Blue River is beautiful. The camping is free but you must have an Oklahoma fishing license rather your fishing or not to camp there. There is around 80 campsites nestled in the woods along the bank of this beautiful clear river. It is primitive camping. There is no electric, water faucets, picnic tables, or grills. The bathrooms are primitive as in no flushing toilets. No showers. Hiking is great but watch out for snakes on the ground along trails. I saw a few. There are many snakes such as rattlesnakes and copperheads. I havent saw water moccasins maybe because the water is too cold. River PFHA is owned and managed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

  • Megan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 5, 2021

    Buckhorn Campground Loop C — Chickasaw National Recreation Area

    Pretty, Wooded Site

    We stayed here in loop D for one night in mid-December. There were only 2 other groups when we arrived to set up camp, but another 10-12 groups had come through by the time we were finished. Our site still had a lot of privacy and plenty of room to gather wood and explore. We did have to pick up some trash before we set up camp. Our pad had a table, a fire ring with a grill grate, and a lantern pole.

    The restrooms were down the road a bit, but still fairly close. They were large, clean, and well stocked.

  • Mandy K.
    Oct. 11, 2017

    Rock Creek Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area

    Scouting Outing

    We visited Rock Creek on a Girl Scout family camp outing. The area is nice--lots of tree cover, which is essential in OK's hot summers and early falls. You are able to scavenge your own firewood and kindling; however, there are places in town to purchase.

    The restrooms are clean, and the campgrounds are mostly clean. Leave no trace, y'all! Pack in, pack out! There are extremely convenient trash and recycling bins throughout the area and campgrounds. This is probably an issue because the area is large, with a lot of traffic, and not enough rangers (read: babysitters) to clean up after all the bodies coming in and out.

    Rock Creek isn't as close to Little Niagara and the Travertine Nature Center as Cold Springs, but it's a short drive or a couple miles' walk. The springs do not disappoint. They are refreshingly cool and perfect to play in when walking on the trails. The spring on the Antelope Springs trail is drinkable. The kids filled up their water bottles where the water was coming out of the rock.

    We saw some wildlife--deer, turkey, and owls.

    There are other multi-use trails, such as biking, off Rock Creek and through other campgrounds, though we didn't get to check them out.

    Don't forget: kids can take part in the FREE Junior Ranger program through the Travertine Center. Upon completion of a super easy and informative booklet, kiddos are sworn in as junior ranger and receive a patch and a badge. Pretty sweet deal, if ya ask me.

    Noteworthy: Originally, we had reserved a group spot in Cold Springs, but I made the mistake of thinking it included two campsites in a loop when it only included one. Pay attention to that one, folks. The person on the awesome group campsite that I thought we had reserved made the same mistake. The reservation will list the loop, including the campsites in the loop. That doesn't mean you get all the sites.

    Options to pay are online through recreation.gov or at the onsite kiosks. Convenient!

    All in all, though it is a popular spot in OK, it's beautiful and cost effective. We will return as scouting groups and weekend family getaways. Though, I will be more careful regarding site selection.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2018

    Rock Creek Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area

    Huge Campground With Group Camping

    My first impression of this campground was a little fear.... but let me explain....

    When I pulled into this campground it looked like a festival had set up shop right inside the gate with dozens of tents in a clearing. It was a little overwhelming and I was afraid that with the closure of one of the local camps, I felt the overflow had come mostly to this camp and that it was not going to have an ounce of privacy.

    But... turns out that it was just a Boy Scout group in the group camp which is positioned right inside the gate. So my fear of overcrowding subsided and as I traveled a bit deeper into camp I noticed it wasn't to bad, in fact there were tons of places because this campground has over 100 sites, spread over several loops. This gave me not only a great confidence that I could find something perfect, but also something removed from the sounds of the populated group camp and enjoy a little time away from it all.

    Sites at this camp vary, there are both pull through and back in sites. The strange however, was that online on Receation.gov (where you typically book any sites located on government lands) this campground is known only to be a "group camp". However clearly there are individual sites, and you can access these through the kiosk just inside camp.

    The site I selected had a strange configuration for parking, you park beside the spot, but in a large truck it seemed to be a bit in the way of the road, in my car it would have by far been a bit better fit. I was positioned on a corner which meant I had a lot of space and my campsite had both a picnic table and fire ring with attached grill in addition to the lantern post. Overall minus the parking the site was pretty ideal with big shade trees and a pretty even place to set up a tent.

    I did notice around camp not all sites are created equally, while my site had a nice even space not he table top some of the sites still were utilizing the older tables which were warped from weather.

    TIPS:

    • If you aren't a group wait til you get here to select a site because online there doesn't seem to be a good reservation system for regular campers.

    • If you are a rig which uses solar, the sites on the furthest loops might be a better fit, the first loop of camp is pretty tree covered.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2018

    Tipps Point Campground — Lake Murray State Park

    Large Open Tent Camping

    On this turn out of the Lake there are three campgrounds, this being the most Tent friendly of the three. There are spaces equipped with electrical connections or primitive sites in an open area which are comparable for tents. Both of these sites allow a wide open feel close to the shore line with plenty of room to move around comfortably.

    After entering Tipp’s point you first find the day use pavilion and vault toilets. Just beyond that on the left is parking for the open tent area which has scattered grills and a couple of community picnic tables set in the open area. This is ideal for groups that are larger or just the person who wants to dry camp.

    to the right are a group of non-primitive sites for RVs and tents. While these are closer together they are not as cluttered feeling as the sites at both the cover or elephant rock. Beyond this point are more RV sites, a shower house and playground.

    This campground when I visited was the least used of the three on this turn out. While there were probably a dozen or so campers in the firSt part of the section if was very wide open feeling. The water levels were pretty high and had encroached upon some of the sites near the shower house while higher level sites remained safe.

    TIPS:

    • If staying in this section in the open camping tent area you might want to bring a fold out table. There are only a couple in this area for group use and to eliminate having to share better safe than sorry.
    • Bring shower shoes. this should be a given but the showers here aren’t terrible but aren’t something you would want to be barefoot in
  • Dave V.
    Nov. 30, 2021

    Buckhorn Campground Loop C — Chickasaw National Recreation Area

    Midweek Early Summer Respite

    Chickasaw National Recreation Area- Buckhorn Area Oklahoma. 

    Site 36 Loop B 

    Continuing our late spring journey west…we ventured to Chickasaw NRA. 

    Stopping in at the beautiful Visitor’s Center at the edge of town, those that assisted us at the information were extremely gracious and helpful, having never visited before. Taking their advice we travelled 7.5 miles south on Rt 177 and turned west on Buckhorn until arriving at the Buckhorn Area campground loops off to the south. 

    Anxious to get out of the car, we settled too quickly on Site 36 Loop B before surveying the three other Loops. There are some really nice and spacious sites out there…especially on C and D. Site 36 Loop B is located amidst six other sites in an open area on Lake of the Arbuckles. Upon setting up camp, we were the solitary campers in Loop B(Tuesday night mid-June) other than the host. 

    Later, another family arrived choosing a nearby lakefront site. It should be noted that this is a busy lake. Powerboats raced from end to end like today was their last day on earth and their choice of blaring music may not be to your liking. So it is not always quiet and tranquil. Pretty popular with the fishermen as well. I witnessed a lot of fishing but not a lot of catching. Once the power boaters, personal watercraft and tubers call it a night, lake of the Arbuckles is supremely tranquil. 

    The lake was as warm as bath water on June 15th, which was surprising…days were 90’s with nights in the 70’s and cloudless skies. 

    Personally, I would choose a more shaded site if we were to spend more than one night. Each Loop B site had a level gravel horseshoe shaped pad. Tents must be within that area. 

    • Each site has a grated fire ring, a lantern pole and a movable picnic table. Tent sites were clearly marked. 

    • Numerous lakefront sites are in a cleared area below the shower house/restrooms and Check-In kiosk…each are visible from the other we no understory or foliage to provide privacy. Those nestled in the woods along the outside perimeter offer much more privacy.

    • Water spigots are sporadically spaced for easy access in the“primitive” loops.

    • Electric/water sites obviously offer those amenities are a bit deeper, more spacious and some have two parking spots. Most of those on Loop D were taken.

    • The loops are separated substantially so that other campers are not seen nor heard from loop to loop. Surprisingly, I could not even locate trails that led from loop to loop.

    • Shower-house/restrooms were very clean and well stocked. Loop B had one shower for the entire loop in both men’s and women’s restrooms…as well as one family shower between the two. On our visit the electrical outlets were not working in the restrooms. Facilities are modern and showers are warm and on a push button timer to conserve water.(men’s-2 sinks/2-stalls, 1-standup, 1-shower)

    • Milton, Our Loop B host, was a pleasant gentleman that was a full time RVer and very knowledgeable of the area.

    • The Check-In Kiosk(located in each loop) was an easy, painless affair IF you have a credit card.

    • Multi-use trails are aplenty in various parts of the NRA. Some lead you by bison, others to waterfalls, and some simply through serene forest. The terrain is undulating so be prepared…especially by bicycle.

    • Traveling north on 177 there is a Bison Viewpoint trail, and if the bison cooperate you’ll be rewarded.

    • Several springs and 1930’s CCC built dams exist creating small waterfalls and refreshing swimming holes on many. There are some springs that are posted“no swimming.” The Travertine Nature Center is also worth a visit providing numerous wildlife dioramas and several live exhibits. NP Rangers possess great knowledge and eager to answer any park questions.

    • Dump station turnoff is 9/10 and 7/10 of a mile from thr campground entrances Primitive campgrounds also exist near the numerous falls and Travertine River closer to the city of Sulphur. Campsites appeared close to the park roadway as we traveled toward the Nature Center.

    • All in all, a wonderful park that needs several days to fully explore.

  • Susan L.
    Jun. 26, 2020

    Tipps Point Campground — Lake Murray State Park

    Campsite trade-offs

    This campground is situated on a peninsula that juts out into Lake Murray. Because of this, there are some great lakeside campsites just steps from the water and no campers on either side of you. The downside is the lakeside campsites are set up on the eastern side of the peninsula and parking is N/S with about 20’ between campers. The campground road runs down the middle of the narrow peninsula with trees on the western side of the road (no sunset views unless you walk to the point). Because of this configuration, it requires parallel parking (like a pull through site but literally parked on side of road). The site I reserved (Site 21) was a mere 3 ft from the road. Not too big of a problem, except that I’m a light sleeper and cars/trucks/RV’s, trucks pulling trailers, motorcycles etc. noisily and regularly drive right by and especially at night this was a problem for me. During the day I was more concerned for the families with kiddos that were scootering and riding bikes in the street.

    The location of this campground is great in proximity to other things in the Park. The Buckhorn trailhead is right in the campground, so easy access to hiking. Trails are well marked and not too difficult. Campground is closer to the Lodge and access back to the main road into the small “town” for supplies. Because the campground is on a peninsula the campground host said that there tends to be a breeze. When I was there a severe storm hit and I can attest to this location being primely located for wind! 

    Note: my understanding was this campground accommodates rigs 30 feet or smaller, but I did see larger RV’s pull in and set up.

    Summary:

    • Site: No 21 level concrete pad with 30 amp electric and water hook up/no sewer, picnic table, fire ring and BBQ grill

    • Shower facilities on site, but closed when I was there due to Covid-19

    • Dump site available

    • Boat landing and pier in campground

    • Little gazebo at the end of the peninsula in campground (nice for watching sunsets)

    • Good sized sandy swim area with designated parking

    • Tent camping area with large parking lot. However, the sites weren’t very private

    • Bike/walking trail to 2 other campgrounds

    • Cons: I felt like I was camped on the side of a road. For this reason, if I were to return, I would chose a site in the area with back in camping. Although these sites aren’t on the water and are closer together, they are at least set off of the road and would be quieter. 

    Lake Murray SP has campgrounds with nicer sites, but Tipp’s Point would do in a pinch.

Guide to Ada

Tent camping opportunities near Ada, Oklahoma extend beyond the city limits, with options ranging from primitive sites to those with basic amenities. Located in the Cross Timbers ecoregion, this area features a mix of prairie and woodland landscapes with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F. Winter camping is possible with proper gear as temperatures typically remain above freezing even in January.

What to do

Water recreation access: River Run RV Park and Cabins offers tent campers three miles of trails and convenient river access. As reviewer Ashley F. notes, "River access [is] less than a quarter mile away. UTV trails abound. Close to amenities but plenty of nature to explore."

Fishing opportunities: Honey Creek Campground provides access to productive fishing spots where campers can catch bass and other local species. Despite some management issues, the location remains popular for anglers. A camper mentions they "had a wonderful time although it was windy and cold enjoyed the lake."

Paddling: Romulus Lake offers calm waters ideal for non-motorized boats. According to Tristan F., "Great camping, lake is great for canoeing or kayaking." The lake size makes it perfect for beginners or those wanting a peaceful paddle without competing with motorized craft.

What campers like

Convenient pricing systems: Guy Sandy Campground maintains an affordable fee structure with simple payment options. One camper explains, "$14 camp fee per night. Pay ahead or they will wake you up and they come by early. Once you pay they have a slip for your dash so they don't have to wake you."

Family-friendly atmosphere: Willow Springs provides an environment conducive to family camping trips. Carolyn M. describes it as "A nice rv hook up great family place," making it suitable for groups with various camping preferences.

Water access: The lakeside locations of several campgrounds rank highly among visitors. Many sites offer direct water access for swimming during hot Oklahoma summers, though some require short walks to reach shorelines.

What you should know

Varying fee structures: Campground pricing can fluctuate seasonally and based on management decisions. One camper at Honey Creek noted confusion about costs: "July 4th wknd 2020: $25 per car plus $14/person is we were charged! Their website says $14/person on one line and $20/car on another."

Site preparation needs: Some primitive sites require work before setting up tents. At Honey Creek, a camper reported, "We had to rake away all the brush from our campsite," indicating that site maintenance varies between locations.

Facility limitations: Bathroom facilities range from vault toilets to very basic shower setups. Honey Creek received criticism for its facilities: "the shower was basically a box in the woods with a garden hose, no trash cans... They were never once cleaned. People were gagging from the smell."

Tips for camping with families

Best weekend timing: Arrive early Friday to secure prime spots. Crystal C. advises about Guy Sandy: "These sites are not reservable so it is first come first serve. Arrive early during busy times of year to ensure your space."

Water safety considerations: Field Trial Area at Lake Murray State Park offers swimming areas but families should bring life jackets for children as designated swimming zones may lack lifeguards.

Noise levels: Consider weekday camping for quieter experiences. A reviewer at Honey Creek mentioned, "there is no set quiet time. Noisey all night," which may impact families with young children trying to maintain sleep schedules.

Tips from RVers

Registration requirements: Oklahoma has specific watercraft regulations that are actively enforced. An experienced camper at Guy Sandy notes: "If you have a boat, make sure your registrations are cleared by the State of Oklahoma before entering the water, this site is a very active site for game wardens to inspect."

Site selection: Look for level areas with shade during summer months. At Guy Sandy Campground, a reviewer mentioned "The site I checked out here had a picnic table and fire ring and was fairly even. There was a nice grassy pad which was ideal for tent camping."

Utility access: Most tent camping areas near Ada lack hookups, but some like River Run RV Park offer water and electrical connections in certain sections for an additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ada, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ada, OK is River Run RV Park and Cabins with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Ada, OK?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Ada, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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