Thompson Grove Campground provides free dispersed camping approximately 15 miles southwest of Keyes, Oklahoma in a prairie setting at 3,800 feet elevation. The climate features dramatic temperature swings between seasons, with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F and winter temperatures dropping below freezing. This area experiences frequent high winds across the open plains, which campers should prepare for regardless of season.
What to do
Stargazing sessions: Thompson Grove Campground's open prairie location offers exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "Sky is gorgeous at night, just look up," notes Jay P., who found the location preferable to "save a buck over a Walmart parking lot."
Overnight rest stops: The campground serves perfectly as a convenient waypoint between destinations. "Great spot to boondock for the night," reports Michael J., while another visitor mentioned, "Wouldn't make a trip to stay here, but would definitely use as a stopover."
Wildlife observation: Morning hours present opportunities to spot prairie wildlife including pronghorn antelope, jackrabbits, and various bird species. The surrounding grasslands support diverse animal populations adapted to the arid environment.
What campers like
Quiet seclusion: The remote location provides peaceful overnight stays away from highway noise and crowds. Dan J. appreciated that it was "quiet and secluded," adding, "I was the only one here in my truck camper."
Basic but functional amenities: Despite its simplicity, the site offers necessary facilities for comfortable overnight stays. "Great picnic tables, has toilets an old corral with windmill," notes Melinda S., who also mentioned the generous 14-day stay limit.
Accessibility: The entrance road and camping area accommodate various vehicle types without difficulty. One camper found it "easy enough to get in and out of with an SUV and small camper," making it practical for travelers with different setups.
What you should know
Limited recreation options: The surrounding terrain offers minimal activities beyond camping and basic exploration. Andrew H. observed that "the surrounding area is all flat grasslands, which don't do much for me in terms of scenery. Bit boring."
Picnic area designation: While camping is permitted, the site's primary purpose is as a day-use area. Stephanie W. bluntly stated it's "not camping" but rather "a picnic area," which sets appropriate expectations for potential visitors.
Cell service availability: Unlike many remote sites, Thompson Grove maintains usable mobile connectivity. "I have cell service," reported Dan J., making the location suitable for those needing to stay connected.
Tips for camping with families
Weather preparation: The open prairie location experiences significant wind and rapid weather changes. Secure tent stakes, awnings, and loose items thoroughly, and pack layers for temperature fluctuations.
Limited shade areas: The site offers minimal natural protection from the sun, with few trees providing adequate coverage. Bring portable shade structures, especially during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Specialty accommodations: For families traveling with horses, Star of Texas RV Park & Horse Hotel provides dedicated equestrian facilities. Jackie K. found it "a great campground for camping with horses," noting the convenient corrals and water access for overnight equestrian stops.
Tips from RVers
Self-contained setups preferred: No hookups exist at Thompson Grove, requiring complete boondocking capability. Andrew H. recommends bringing "sufficient water and power resources for your entire stay."
Level parking surfaces: The gravel lot provides reasonably flat parking for RVs without requiring extensive leveling equipment. The open design accommodates multiple vehicle configurations with space for slide-outs.
Alternative hookup options: For those requiring utilities, established campgrounds within driving distance provide full services. The area surrounding Keyes offers minimal full-service RV options, requiring advance planning for those needing regular hookups.
