Bell Cow Lake Campground C serves equestrian campers while offering tent and RV sites with electric, water, and sewer hookups. Located east of Arcadia Lake in Chandler, Oklahoma, this campground sits at an elevation of 984 feet in a region characterized by gently rolling hills and red clay soil. The campground features direct lake access with a sand bottom swimming area and miles of horse trails throughout the surrounding terrain.
What to do
Trail riding: Bell Cow Lake features interconnected equestrian trails through wooded areas. "Hiked down one and the trail was very peaceful and beautiful. It had recently rained a lot, so I had a thick layer of red mud on my shoes from the hike, but glad I hiked it," reports a visitor to Bell Cow Lake Campground C.
Fishing: The lake conditions support various fish species, though success varies. A visitor to Lake Thunderbird State Park notes, "The lake is great. Bring your fishing gear." For additional fishing opportunities, one camper mentioned Lake Carl Blackwell: "It's a tough fishing spot" but provides an alternative option for anglers.
Lakeside relaxation: Many campgrounds offer direct water access. At Bell Cow, "The tent area is on the water with water access through the grass along the shoreline. Swimming was great with a sand bottom once you got past the grass along the shoreline." Sites often include practical amenities like fire rings and picnic tables.
What campers like
Lake views: Camping with water views ranks high on visitor preferences. At Scissortail Campground, campers appreciate the "Great place to stay full hookups right by lake." At Little Axe, visitors enjoy "Beautiful views of the lake from almost every site" with the added benefit that "There is a designated swimming area in the campgrounds."
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Scissortail Campground, one camper noted "Tons of deer. The kids loved feeding all the deer." Another camper at Lake Carl Blackwell observed "Deer, beavers, armadillo, birds!" making it ideal for nature enthusiasts.
Affordability: Budget-conscious campers appreciate reasonable rates. At Bell Cow Lake, "Tent camping is $10 a night, RV is $20," making it "half the price of the next closest lake to camp at (Lake Arcadia)." This makes the area's horse campgrounds an economical option for weekend trips.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Weather conditions affect camping experience throughout the year. Visitors to Central State Park Campground mentioned that "We visited in October when the leaves were changing and it was so beautiful." Plan accordingly for seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation.
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies between campgrounds. One camper at Central State Park noted: "Bathrooms are mid. Dark sort of clean but just old. Shower has great pressure but again old and dark and you can't change the mild temperature." At Bell Cow, "The bathrooms weren't the cleanest but were what I would probably expect for a camp ground owned by a smaller city."
Noise levels: Highway proximity affects some locations. At Bell Cow Lake, "One of the only things we did not like was with the campsite being 2 miles from I-44 you could hear the highway traffic all night." This is relevant when selecting a horse campground near Arcadia Lake for those seeking quiet.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas suitable for children. At Little Axe Campground, "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."
Consider timing: For families seeking a quieter experience, weekdays offer advantages. At Pioneer RV Park, one visitor found "Very quiet and calm. The campsites were minimal but had lots of space and were right on the lake." Families will appreciate avoiding peak periods when campgrounds fill up.
Pack for outdoor activities: Families should bring gear for multiple activities. At Liberty Lake, a visitor notes that "Away from the hustle and bustle of town it's quiet and remote... It's a great spot to fish though catfish largemouth and crappie being the usuals." Pack fishing gear, water toys, and beach equipment.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVers should research specific site features before booking. At Lake Thunderbird State Park South, "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." When selecting equestrian campsites near Arcadia Lake, look for sites that accommodate both RVs and horse trailers.
Hookup availability: Check for full hookup options if needed. At Rockwell RV Park, visitors appreciate that "Plenty of spaces with full hookups, cable/wifi, but spaces are close together. No fire ring." Some equestrian camping areas have limited hookup options, so verify before arrival.
Maintenance awareness: RV park conditions can vary significantly. One camper at Rockwell RV Park observed that "Half the laundry machine are broken and the bathroom stalls are atrocious." This highlights the importance of checking recent reviews for current conditions when booking horse camping sites.
