Camping near Arcadia Lake

Arcadia Lake camping options span several distinct campgrounds located between 1-5 miles from each other around this 1,820-acre reservoir. The lake maintains a consistent water level thanks to controlled dam releases, making it reliable for water activities even during Oklahoma's dry seasons. Water temperatures range from 54°F in winter to 84°F in summer months, affecting both swimming comfort and fishing conditions.

What to do

Disc golf courses: Two courses start across from site #615 at Spring Creek. "Stayed here for a weekend and had a great time! Easy access off the highway and a very convenient Walmart close by. 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," notes Jess C.

Buffalo viewing: See live bison at Rockwell RV Park, located 20 minutes from the lake. "They have live buffalo, too!" mentions Sean & Holly H. Other visitors note the uniqueness of this feature: "The kids loved the 7 baby Buffalo on the property," adds Lauren W.

Storm shelter access: During tornado season (April-June), several campgrounds provide designated storm shelters. "They are well lit, have a tornado shelter and are near a multitude of stores and restaurants," explains Elizabeth S. about Rockwell RV Park. Storm shelters can be critical during Oklahoma's severe weather months.

What campers like

Beach access: Waterfront sites with swimming access rank highly among visitors. "There's a great beach and it was waterfront. Also adjacent to the fishing pier," reports Jess C. about overflow camping at Spring Creek. Beach areas typically open from sunrise to sunset with some requiring day use fees separate from camping fees.

Wildlife encounters: Deer sightings are common throughout the area's campgrounds, particularly at Scissortail Campground. "The kids loved feeding all the deer. Great clean park!" shares Rachael V. Wildlife tends to be most active at dawn and dusk, with campers reporting regular deer visits to sites.

Site spacing: Campers appreciate the adequate distance between sites at certain campgrounds. "The city of Edmond operates several campgrounds/loops on the lake and Spring Creek is my favorite. Sites are level and clean. They are also well treed and spaced - some with excellent shade," notes Neil T. This stands in contrast to some of the more densely packed RV parks in the area.

What you should know

Water quality issues: Some campgrounds report inconsistent water quality. At Oklahoma City East KOA, one camper noted: "Water was brown, but we have a Berkey filter, so it wasn't a problem for us. I wouldn't be happy if we didn't have the Berkey, and weren't still winterized. Use your inline filters here!" Bringing water filtration is recommended regardless of which campground you choose.

Site conditions vary: At Scissortail Campground, certain sites have specific drawbacks. "Don't camp at site 416. It is low and buggy. Lake view is obstructed," warns James W. Similarly, other campers note that sites can collect standing water after rainfall: "We were given a site with a huge puddle (a small lake) in front," reports Deb K.

Campground cleanliness: Maintenance standards differ significantly between areas. "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," reports April J. about Scissortail Campground. Bathhouse conditions are frequently mentioned in reviews, with cleanliness varying by season and campground.

Tips for camping with families

Lake activities: Central State Park Campground offers swimming beaches suitable for children. "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," explains Stephen S. Swimming areas typically have no lifeguards on duty.

Playground access: Several campgrounds provide dedicated play areas. Twin Fountains RV Park mentions: "Plenty of games for the kids, mini golf, a playground, clean bath house, laundry, and even a bar and grill! We bought post cards and mailed them to family and visited the good park. I only wish we were staying longer," shares E.M.

City proximity benefits: Arcadia Lake provides a natural setting while remaining close to urban amenities. "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," writes Angela H. This makes it convenient for families who forget supplies or need to make quick grocery runs.

Tips from RVers

Hookup locations: At Spring Creek, water and electric connections may require additional equipment. "Only giving 4 stars because of the shared water and electric hookups. I needed more than 50ft of hose," reports Jess C. Bringing extension cords and extra-long water hoses can prevent setup problems.

Seasonal considerations: The area experiences significant temperature fluctuations affecting RV camping comfort. "Central Oklahoma can have extreme temperature swings, even within a single day. In spring and fall, temperatures can range from 40°F in the morning to 80°F by afternoon," notes a Central State Park camper. This requires careful planning for heating and cooling needs.

Site leveling: Most reports indicate level sites, but preparation remains important. "Sites are level and clean. They are also well treed and spaced - some with excellent shade," reports Neil T. about Spring Creek. However, at other campgrounds, particularly after heavy rains, site conditions can change rapidly.