Canton Lake, a 7,900-acre reservoir in northwestern Oklahoma, serves as the focal point for camping spots near Canton, Oklahoma. The region sits at an elevation of approximately 1,630 feet and experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September. Water levels at Canton Lake fluctuate seasonally, with periodic drought conditions affecting camping access points around the shoreline.
What to do
Hiking trails: Roman Nose State Park, located about 30 miles from Canton, offers multiple hiking options. "Amazing trails and great views," notes Justin J. The park features "many brooks and small waterfalls along the trails" according to Dana H., who recommends exploring the Spring Loop Trail and Inspiration Point Trail.
Fishing opportunities: Big Bend Park provides excellent fishing access. "Some of the best Walleye and Striper fishing around," states Kelly B. The park includes boat ramps and numerous waterfront sites for direct lake access.
Golf and recreation: Roman Nose State Park features a full 18-hole golf course that's "challenging and my 11 year old was free," according to Brian F. The park also offers paddleboarding, miniature golf, and paddle boats for rent.
What campers like
Concrete camping pads: Canadian Campground was rebuilt after tornado damage and now features "cement pads, covered picnic tables, drive-thru, and back-up sites," according to Dana H. Sites include 50/30/15 amp power options and water hookups.
Covered picnic areas: Sites at many Canton Lake campgrounds feature covered picnic facilities. At Blaine Park, a camper noted the "nice picnic covered pads with nice tables" that provide shade during hot summer days.
Winter camping options: Sandy Cove offers camping options during cooler months. One camper mentioned staying at site 27, describing it as a "nice site with afternoon shade, covered picnic table and cook area" that "backs up to the woods."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds around Canton Lake operate from April 1 to October 31, with limited services during off-season. Denise L. notes a potential inconvenience at Sandy Cove: "no dump station in this campground. You have to go across the dam to use dump station."
Cell reception varies: Coverage can be spotty in some camping areas. One camper at Sandy Cove mentioned "poor cell phone reception" as one of the few negatives of their stay.
Bathroom facilities: Longdale Campground offers basic toilet facilities but no showers. Campers report the area is a "great place to fish and lots of wildlife to see. Even a swimming area on the lake," according to Leana T.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Families appreciate designated swimming zones. "Me and my family love staying here," writes a camper about Longdale Campground, noting the swimming area on the lake as a particular highlight for children.
Playground access: Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park, about an hour southwest of Canton, offers playgrounds and family-friendly amenities. "Very family friendly, pool, camp store, playgrounds and numerous rappelling sites," notes Jenny F.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The canyon environments near Canton provide wildlife viewing opportunities. A visitor to Red Rock Canyon mentioned regularly seeing "rabbits, deer, squirrels and armadillos" throughout their stay, making for engaging experiences for children.
Tips from RVers
Large site availability: Territory Route 66 RV Park, located about an hour from Canton, offers "20' x 70' level slips" according to their listing. A camper noted, "There are several long term sites, with very nice, well kept RV's. The short term sites are out in the open and all but one are large pull throughs."
Hookup details: RVers should note the varying hookup options. At Territory Route 66 RV Park, campers get "full hookups" and "sites are very level" according to Debbie J., who adds there are "lots of grassy areas to walk the dogs."
Tree clearance considerations: When navigating to Roman Nose State Park, Brian F. advises to "be careful of low hanging branches if you have a taller RV," as some access roads have limited clearance.
