Chandler, Oklahoma camping areas sit at approximately 900 feet elevation with rolling hills and deciduous forests creating natural boundaries between sites. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through August, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons. Winter camping remains viable with daytime temperatures typically above freezing, though nighttime temperatures can drop below 20°F.
What to do
Fishing options: 15 minutes from camp to catch. At Bell Cow Lake Campground C, anglers report mixed results with the lake's numerous underwater obstacles. "Lake is full of stumps and trees which keeps the boats at a slower speed," notes one camper. The fishing requires patience, with permits costing $3 daily and allowing access to both Bell Cow and Chandler Lake.
Kayaking on calm waters: Bring your own equipment. Shawnee Twin Lakes offers smaller bodies of water ideal for paddling. "The lake was very calm Saturday morning. It was a great place to relax," reports a visitor. Be aware that some locations charge daily boat launch fees even for kayaks.
Equestrian trails: Miles of scenic routes. Horse enthusiasts find extensive trail systems at Bell Cow Lake. "There are miles of equestrian trails. Hiked down one and the trail was very peaceful and beautiful," shares one camper. Area B at Bell Cow specifically features equine trails with less crowding than other sections.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Natural vegetation buffers. Bell Cow Lake Campground C earns praise for its site separation. "Campground C area offers many pull through RV sites and some back-in RV sites, all with electric & water hook ups," notes one visitor. The campground maintains good spacing with trees serving as natural dividers.
Affordable rates: Budget-friendly camping. Okemah Lake keeps costs reasonable for all camper types. "Price was great we ended up staying an extra day," writes a visitor. Most campgrounds in the area maintain competitive pricing, with tent sites typically starting at $10-15 and RV sites with hookups ranging from $15-25 per night.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn and dusk activity. Oaklake Trails Naturist Park offers almost six miles of hiking paths with abundant wildlife. "Did it mention almost six miles of hiking trails? Yes, our dogs loved hiking here, they had a well marked system of signs telling you where you are in case you get turned around," reports a regular visitor. Early morning walks provide the best opportunities for wildlife spotting.
What you should know
Camp selection strategy: Area differences matter. At Bell Cow Lake, different camping sections offer distinct experiences. "Area 'B' also has several equine trails. Area 'C' is more popular, looks to have better facilities. It also has a fixed corral, and a nicer beach, but it more crowded. Seemed to have less shade," explains one camper detailing the options.
Weather preparation: Tornado risk exists. Rockwell RV Park and several other facilities maintain storm shelters for protection. "They are well lit, have a tornado shelter and are near a multitude of stores and restaurants," notes a visitor. Spring months (April-June) present the highest severe weather risk.
Insect precautions: Chiggers and ticks common. The local ecosystem supports various biting insects, particularly in warmer months. "Chiggers will leave red bite marks on your lower legs. Don't put insect repellent on your skin, just your shoes," advises one experienced camper. Long pants and closed shoes reduce exposure when hiking trails.
Tips for camping with families
Swim areas: Sandy bottom access points. Okemah Lake provides family-friendly swimming options. "Swimming was great with a sand bottom once you got past the grass along the shoreline," notes a visitor. Most designated swimming areas maintain shallow entry points suitable for children.
Playground equipment: Vintage but functional. Older play structures remain available at several campgrounds. "There were play equipment from my childhood that built character and made me remember the good old days," mentions a camper at Okemah Lake. Most family-oriented campgrounds maintain basic recreation facilities.
Clay harvesting activities: Natural art projects. Bell Cow Lake's red clay deposits create unexpected entertainment. "The lake is filled with red clay. My mom and I harvested some and made little figures and baked them in the sun. We had so much fun," shares a creative camper. This activity requires only basic tools and provides hours of entertainment.
Tips from RVers
Dump station locations: Sometimes hidden. Arcadia Lake and other facilities maintain sanitary disposal points that may require searching. "The dump location is near the restrooms by the boat dock. It's a little hidden," notes one RVer about Bell Cow Lake. Ask staff for precise directions upon arrival.
Leveling requirements: Site-specific preparation. The rolling terrain creates variable leveling needs. "Some sites are level, some require a bit more work to level," explains a camper about Okemah Lake. Carrying additional leveling blocks proves useful throughout the region.
Highway noise considerations: Interstate proximity affects some sites. Some campgrounds sit near major roadways. "Bell Cow lake may become one of our go to places as it is still within an easy drive from OKC... One of the only things we did not like was with the campsite being 2 miles from I-44 you could hear the highway traffic all night," reports a visitor seeking glamping close to Chandler, Oklahoma.
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