Bell Cow Lake sits approximately 2 miles from I-44 near Chandler, Oklahoma, at an elevation of 950 feet. The 1,200-acre reservoir provides camping options in several designated areas with varying levels of amenities. Summer temperatures typically range from 80-100°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with occasional rain that affects trail conditions.
What to do
Hiking trails: At Central State Park Campground, trails wind through wooded areas near Arcadia Lake. "We have been here many times and will definitely be back. Always easy to get to and a very enjoyable time. Camping sites are away from the day use areas, keeping traffic by the site to a minimum," notes Stephen S.
Beach swimming: Several Chandler-area lakes offer designated swimming areas. "This is a very clean camping area, one of the number one spots locals go to swim," reports Julie H. about Bell Cow Lake. At Sheppard Point, "the lake has a great swimming beach area - this seems to be a fishing lake, only a few jet skis were out besides fishing boats. Sandy bottom lake near swim beach."
Fishing: Slow-speed boating restrictions create good fishing conditions. At Stroud Municipal Lake, "the fishing is pretty good" according to Melanie W. Lake Thunderbird offers multiple fishing spots along its shoreline, and many campgrounds provide direct water access from sites.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer natural spacing between sites. At Bell Cow Lake Campground C, Leslie N. found that "Campground C area offers many pull through RV sites and some back-in RV sites, all with electric & water hook ups. There is also equestrian RV sites with pens, tent camping with shared water spigots, primitive tent camping and a dump station."
Wildlife viewing: The natural areas around Chandler provide opportunities to see local wildlife. "Deer, beavers, armadillo, birds! There are many different campground areas, I stayed in Pine Grove," reports Kelly G. about Lake Carl Blackwell. At Scissortail Campground, campers noted "the kids loved feeding all the deer."
Affordable rates: Most campgrounds offer reasonable pricing. Stroud Municipal Lake charges "$18.00 for camping with electric. Senior citizens (55 and up) and disabled citizens is $15.00. Primitive camping is $8.00." Bell Cow Lake Area B offers tent camping for $10 per night with RV sites at $20, making it "half the price of the next closest lake to camp at (Lake Arcadia)."
What you should know
Weather impacts: Rain affects the clay soil at many area campgrounds. "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," shares Leslie N. Similarly, the lake water can stain clothing: "don't wear white when you go swimming because after you go swimming white cloths turn orange."
Campsite preparation: Sites vary in maintenance and levelness. At Sheppard Point, one camper found "my RV spot is so unlevel it's almost unusable. Front to back there is 2 feet in elevation difference and a foot from side to side." Many sites have fire rings and grills, but not always both: "Each tent site had a table but it either had a fire ring or a grille (alternating)."
Reservation strategies: Peak times require planning at horse campgrounds near Chandler, Oklahoma. At Little Axe — Lake Thunderbird State Park, weekend spots fill quickly. "The park has 11 campground areas situated around the 6000 acre centerpiece lake with many tent, RV sites and some of those have full hook up," notes Stephen & Theresa B., adding "WARNING: Oklahoma State Parks charge a daily parking fee per vehicle of $10 in addition to the camping fee."
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Many campgrounds offer family-friendly water access. "This was a back in site right on the water. We looked at some other areas where you were so far from the water you wouldn't even know you were at a lake. The site was level and had a nice picnic table out near the water," shares Jil S. about Little Axe.
Clay crafting: The red clay soil offers unique activities. "My mom and I harvested some and made little figures and baked them in the sun. We had so much fun," says Danielle C. about a family trip to Bell Cow.
Beach preparation: Bring appropriate footwear for beach areas. "For anyone planning to camp, make sure u bring slip on shoes. U can go barefoot, we did. But the sand which is great at first... left our feet raw," warns Danielle C. Most swimming beaches have sandy bottoms but red clay shorelines.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For equestrian camping near Chandler, Oklahoma, look for dedicated areas with corrals. At Blackjack Cove, "all campsites are right on the water. Beautiful campground. Offers Equestrian trails, hiking trails, and bicycling trails," notes David D.
Campground comparisons: Different areas within the same park offer varying experiences. Christine N. compares Bell Cow Lake areas: "Area B is more rustic. 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."
Hookup information: Water service varies seasonally. "We were here in early March. There was no water hook up but they did have 30 amp. Very quiet as we were the only ones there," shares Jill W. about Sheppard Point. Neil T. noted at Lake Carl Blackwell that "the quirky bit is the number of camping spaces that are by annual permit. That means a lot of the shore line is taken up by permanent campers."
