Arcadia Lake in central Oklahoma spans 6,000 acres with shoreline camping opportunities just 15 miles northeast of Oklahoma City. The lake elevation sits at approximately 1,006 feet above sea level with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F. Camping near Arcadia, Oklahoma offers both primitive tent sites and developed campgrounds with hookups, though availability can be limited during peak summer weekends.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Two disc golf courses start across from Spring Creek Park's overflow parking area. According to a camper at Spring Creek, "We ended up having to stay in the overflow parking lot and didn't regret it! There's a great beach and it was waterfront. Also adjacent to the fishing pier. Two disc golf courses started across the from our site #615."
Wildlife viewing: Many deer frequent the camping areas, particularly in Scissortail Campground. A visitor noted, "The kids loved feeding all the deer. Great clean park!" The natural surroundings provide ample opportunities to observe local wildlife in their habitat.
Mini golf and pool activities: Twin Fountains RV Park offers additional recreation beyond the lake. A reviewer mentioned, "This park has a little bit of everything. Nice sights roads and RV site are paved. Nice pool, mini golf course, store, laundry, bar and grill, and close to a lot of entertainment."
What campers like
Close proximity to Oklahoma City: The convenience of camping near urban amenities while still enjoying outdoor recreation is frequently mentioned. As one Central State Park Campground visitor explained, "The lake is nice and has a swimming area (no dogs allowed at the swimming beach). The campsites are in a different portion of the park than the day use areas, which helps minimize traffic driving by your site."
Level campsites with amenities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained sites. A reviewer at Central State Park noted, "The site had a spacious gravel pad, a sturdy picnic table on a concrete pad, a fire pit, a grill, and even a standing-height area that was perfect for setting up our camp kitchen—super convenient for outdoor cooking."
Peaceful atmosphere: Despite proximity to urban areas, campers enjoy the tranquil setting. A visitor to Arcadia Lake commented, "Great campsite! Picnic tables and fire pits. Walking distance to the beautiful lake. Fairly private site lots of trees between each. Plenty of sites to choose from water front or in the woods."
What you should know
Payment system challenges: No advance reservations are available at some campgrounds, requiring on-site payment. One camper mentioned, "Arcadia lake is an absolutely beautiful area but central state park is overpriced for what it offers and trying to find whether a site was already rented is almost impossible."
Variable bathroom conditions: Facility maintenance can be inconsistent. A visitor to Scissortail Campground reported, "The site itself is private and could be a nice place. There was trash all over the site and the showers and bathrooms were disgusting. There are limited spots with water and with nasty bathrooms if you rely on having water you should avoid this place."
Water hookup logistics: Water access requires planning at some sites. According to a Spring Creek Park reviewer, "Only giving 4 stars because of the shared water and electric hookups. I needed more than 50ft of hose."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. A visitor to Oklahoma City East KOA shared, "Beautiful campground with plenty of amenities at a great price... Nice playground for the kids, pool was closed (opens Memorial Day to Labor Day), dog park is large and very well shaded."
Wildlife encounters: Children often enjoy the animal sightings. A Scissortail camper noted, "The kids loved feeding all the deer. Great clean park!"
City proximity for rainy day options: Having nearby urban activities provides backup plans. One camper mentioned, "We have taken our family to Arcadia many times to camp. While it's close to the city, it feels far away. Lake activities and hiking are available."
Tips from RVers
Site utilities and accessibility: RV campers should check hookup placements before setting up. A visitor to Roadrunner RV Park noted, "Some sites have sewer hookups toward the far rear with a slight incline, so it may take an extension or 2 pending your rig and some imagination."
Space considerations: Site sizes vary between campgrounds. A Roadrunner RV Park camper shared, "We can usually fit our 38' camper plus our tow with no issues. No camp fires or tables, so prepare accordingly if that's on your wishlist."
Storm shelter availability: Oklahoma's weather can be unpredictable. One reviewer mentioned, "This is a beautifully kept up RV park. Lots of grass, concrete pads, and storm shelters. Easy in and out, except getting into park from Interstate."
