Thompson Grove Campground offers free dispersed camping approximately 35 miles west of Boise City, Oklahoma. This gravel area features picnic tables and vault toilets with no hookups or water available. The site can accommodate both tent campers and RVs for stays up to 14 days in the Oklahoma Panhandle region.
What to do
Explore dinosaur tracks: Clayton Lake State Park Campground contains prehistoric dinosaur tracks uncovered during dam construction. "The main attraction is the dinosaur tracks, uncovered when topsoil was removed to build the dam," notes Judy B., who visited the educational displays explaining the fossil history.
Night sky viewing: Thompson Grove Campground provides excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. "Sky is gorgeous at night, just look up," reports Jay P., who found this free campground preferable to parking lot camping. The open grassland setting creates unobstructed horizon views.
Fishing: Clayton Lake offers productive fishing with stocked waters. Anita B. observed during her stay, "A lot of spots for day use, with great views of lake. Dinosaur tracks a total bonus." The 170-acre reservoir remains a popular fishing destination despite occasional water level fluctuations.
What campers like
Affordability: Clayton Lake State Park Campground provides budget-friendly camping options. "Tent sites are cheap ($10 developed/$8 primitive)," reports Dave V., who appreciated the value despite noting state parks face funding challenges.
Clean facilities: Coyote Keith's RV Park maintains well-kept grounds and restrooms. "The well manicured sites were nicer than some 'resort' type properties we have stayed at," according to Trisha D., who found the park exceeded expectations for its modest setting.
Quiet atmosphere: Many horse campgrounds near Boise City feature peaceful settings. "It's a quiet campground in itself, there is a train close by that passes through, not so brothersome as far as noise," writes Shannon B. about her extended stay at Coyote Keith's RV Park.
What you should know
Self-service operations: Coyote Keith's RV Park uses an honor system for check-in. "Reserve online, no office attendant. Pull in to your spot and hook-up," explains Vincent S., who found the process straightforward with "clean, level and well maintained" sites featuring "good water pressure, threaded sewer drops, tight 20/30/50 amp plug sockets."
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between equestrian campgrounds near Boise City. Clayton Lake State Park has no cell reception, with Valentina A. reporting, "you will be completely off-grid. There is no cell reception, WiFi, or cable or antenna tv."
Weather considerations: The Oklahoma Panhandle experiences rapid weather changes. Shannon B. described one stay: "Here comes the hail storm that was somewhat freakish, but afterwards a beautiful rainbow." Strong winds can affect camping comfort at exposed sites.
Tips for camping with families
Rock exploration: The unique rock formations at Clayton Lake offer natural play areas. "We had primitive site C4 which provided Mr 8 with boundless adventures scrambling in the rocks," shares AJ M., whose family enjoyed the natural features beyond the dinosaur tracks.
Wildlife viewing: Clayton RV Park provides opportunities to spot regional wildlife. Dave V. observed an active ecosystem with "Coyotes barked in the distance, strutting turkey's gobbled, jackrabbit's darted, fish jumped and mule deer grazed the shoreline grasses."
Educational opportunities: The visitor center at Clayton Lake contains interpretive displays. "The visitor center, though small, utilized every inch to bring you desired information of the park's history," notes Dave V., who observed staff installing new exhibits during his visit.
Tips from RVers
Horse accommodations: Star of Texas RV Park & Horse Hotel provides specialized facilities for traveling equestrians. "This is a great campground for camping with horses. Pulled in in the evening took my horses out to put in a corral and gave them some water," shares Jackie K., who found the overnight horse accommodations convenient.
Big rig accessibility: Large pull-through sites accommodate horse trailers at several campgrounds. Joel G. described Coyote Keith's as providing "Easy in and out, large pull-throughs" that work well for rigs with attached horse trailers.
Winter camping considerations: Clayton RV Park remains open year-round with heated facilities. "Stopped here just for an overnight. Deep cold, light snow. Cozy and quiet spot this time of year," reports Jody D., who found the park comfortable despite winter conditions.
