Near Bristow, Oklahoma, campers find a mix of lakeside, wooded, and prairie camping environments within a 30-mile radius. The area sits at roughly 800 feet elevation with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F from June through September. Winter camping remains available at most locations with temperatures typically above freezing, though occasional ice storms can make access difficult.
What to do
Hiking trails exploration: Bell Cow Lake Campground C features miles of equestrian trails open to hikers. "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," noted one visitor. These trails are generally less crowded on weekdays.
Fishing opportunities: Okemah Lake provides productive fishing with minimal competition on weekdays. A camper mentioned, "Big fish too. Will definitely go back." The lake maintains stable water levels throughout most of the year, with spring typically offering the best catch rates.
Swimming beaches: Multiple lakes within 30 minutes of Bristow have designated swimming areas. "Lake is calm & shallow, so it is best for small boats and kayaks," reports a visitor about Bull Creek Peninsula. Most swimming beaches lack lifeguards, so appropriate safety precautions remain necessary.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Many campers appreciate the natural setting at Feyodi Creek, where one camper shared, "When we were there, a great pelican migration was going on, and there were thousands of birds flying up the river. It was incredibly beautiful." Morning hours typically provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Privacy between sites: Bull Creek Peninsula offers well-separated camping spots. "Trees separated us from the next campsites," noted one camper who stayed at site 31. The campground features sites on bluffs overlooking the lake, providing natural boundaries between campers.
Clean facilities: Despite primitive camping conditions at some locations, many campgrounds maintain clean amenities. A visitor to Okemah Lake noted, "Very clean. Bathrooms has showers too." Campground hosts typically clean facilities daily during peak season.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds strictly enforce reservation policies. At Gentry Creek Landing, one camper warned, "Be aware, you will not be allowed into the park without a prior reservation... The attendant would not let me make a quick reservation on my phone, even when I mentioned that it looked like plenty of spots were available."
Weather conditions: Oklahoma weather varies significantly throughout the year. A camper at Bell Cow Lake reported, "Very pleasantly surprised by this campground. Has everything you need for pretty cheap ($11 for tent/no hookup) including bathrooms, tables, trash, water and more." Spring and fall typically offer the most comfortable camping conditions.
Site limitations: Not all campsites accommodate larger vehicles. A Gentry Creek visitor cautioned, "Our campsite, #33, was perched on top of a hill, accessible by a fairly long, steep incline. The site is not level and would be appropriate only for shorter RVs."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Wewoka Lake provides family-friendly amenities. "It has a decent little playground and a swimming area, course you can swim around your campsite as well," reports one visitor. The playground equipment suits children ages 5-12 best.
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer affordable rates for family outings. At Bell Cow Lake, a camper noted camping costs "$11 for tent/no hookup including bathrooms, tables, trash, water and more." Most area campgrounds maintain similar affordable rates compared to glamping close to Bristow, Oklahoma.
Swimming access: Multiple lakes feature dedicated swim beaches with gradual entry points. "It has a swim beach and a few pavilions. The 4th of July festival is popular there and always a big hit," shared a visitor about Wewoka Lake. Swimming areas typically remain busiest on summer weekends and holidays.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: At Cedar Crest RV park, RVers appreciate the layout options. "32 Spacious Hookups, 22 - Drive-through, 10 - Back-in," noted one visitor. Calling ahead for specific site recommendations based on rig size helps ensure appropriate placement.
Utility connections: Most RV parks near Bristow offer full hookups. A Cedar Crest visitor confirmed the park has "Convenient On-site Laundry and General Store, Shower/Rest Rooms Building." Electric service typically runs 30-50 amp depending on the specific campground.
Cell service reliability: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. At Okemah Lake, one camper reported, "Cell service is very unreliable." This contrasts with luxury glamping near Bristow Oklahoma where connectivity tends to be more consistent.
