Canton Lake campsites provide year-round recreation opportunities in northwest Oklahoma with over 7,900 acres of water surface and 48 miles of shoreline. Summer temperatures average 85-95°F from June through September while winter nights often drop below freezing. Canton Lake sits at an elevation of 1,615 feet and was constructed in 1948 as part of a flood control project on the North Canadian River.
What to do
Fishing for walleye and striper: Canton Lake is known for quality fishing. Canadian Campground offers convenient boat access with "a boat ramp on site" and "cement pads, covered picnic tables, drive-thru, and back-up sites" according to campers.
Play disc golf: Near Big Bend Park, you'll find "a very nice, challenging disc golf course beside the campground" that adds recreation options beyond water activities.
Enjoy winter camping: Many Canton Lake campsites remain accessible in colder months. "Wanderlust is a real jewel at a very reasonable price" for those wanting more amenities in winter, while Big Bend Park becomes "free in the winter with no amenities available at that time."
Explore hiking trails: Roman Nose State Park, 45 minutes from Canton Lake, features "many miles to hike and the scenery and history is AMAZING! After a day of hiking we love to go wade in the springs."
What campers like
Concrete camping pads: Big Bend Park has "nice sites with asphalt, covered picnic tables with prep area, and grills" while Canadian Campground features "very nice with great concrete pads and nice picnic covered pads with nice tables."
Privacy between sites: "Sites are not too close and are at an angle, which makes it more private" according to campers who appreciate the thoughtful layout at several Canton Lake campgrounds.
Clean facilities: Wanderlust Crossings RV Park, located 45 minutes from Canton Lake, maintains "super clean showers and bathrooms" with campers noting "this RV park is the absolute nicest one I've seen."
Covered picnic areas: Almost all Canton Lake campsites include covered dining spaces. "The picnic tables were all covered" at Big Bend Park, providing protection from both sun and occasional rain.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most Corps of Engineers campgrounds at Canton Lake operate "April 1 to October 31" with limited services outside this window. "Dump site on outside of facility" at Big Bend Park.
Winter camping options: While many facilities close, Sandy Cove Campground offers "poor cell phone reception and no dump station in this campground. You have to go across the dam to use dump station."
Tornado recovery: Canadian Campground "was destroyed by a tornado and was rebuilt" with modern facilities, while other Canton Lake campsites may show varying levels of storm impact and subsequent improvements.
Limited shower facilities: Not all Canton Lake campsites offer showers. One camper noted, "We didn't use the bathhouse because it was so far from our site," so select your site accordingly.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Some Canton Lake campsites include play areas. Canadian Campground has "a playground" and "bathrooms with showers" making it suitable for families with children.
Consider seasonal temperatures: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. At Blaine Park, campers mention "boat access" and "picnic tables" but note they're "trying to restore after damage" which might affect comfort facilities.
Find swimming areas: Longdale Campground offers "a swimming area on the lake" according to visitors, making it popular for families during hot summer months.
Visit during mid-week: One camper reported, "We were here on a Saturday night in mid-August and the campground was only partially full," suggesting good availability even during peak season if you avoid holidays.
Tips from RVers
RV pad dimensions: For large rigs, select appropriate sites. Big Bend Park has "ample sized back-in sites with asphalt" while Canadian Campground features "cement pads, drive-thru, and back-up sites. 50, 30, 15 amp shore power, water spigot."
Dump station locations: "You have to go across the dam to use dump station" if staying at Sandy Cove, so plan your arrival and departure with tank levels in mind.
Weather considerations: Oklahoma experiences severe weather. One RVer mentioned visiting "in the aftermath of a major ice storm that swept across Oklahoma" resulting in power outages, so always have backup power options.
Spacing between RV sites: Territory Route 66 RV Park, located 45 minutes south of Canton Lake, provides "Full hookups, easy in and out of park" with "site spacing is good" making it easier to maneuver larger vehicles.
