Bell Cow Lake offers equestrian camping options approximately 30 miles from Cleveland, Oklahoma. The lake spans 1,123 acres with multiple camping areas designated for different uses. Water in the lake has a distinctive reddish-orange tint due to the clay soil composition. Several camping areas provide electric hookups and water access, with differing amenities between locations.
What to do
Swimming at designated areas: Bell Cow Lake features swimming areas with sand bottoms once past the shoreline vegetation. "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," notes a camper at Bell Cow Lake Campground C.
Trail exploration: Ride or hike through multiple trail systems with varying terrain. "Hiked down one and the trail was very peaceful and beautiful. 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 a visitor who stayed at Bell Cow Lake Campground C.
Lake activities: Fishing opportunities abound though catches vary by season. "Lake is full of stumps and trees which keeps the boats at a slower speed," according to a camper who visited Bell Cow Lake Campground Area B. The stumps make the lake better suited for small boats and kayaks.
What campers like
Affordability: Most camping areas charge modest fees. "Tent camping is $10 a night, RV is $20," reports a camper from Bell Cow Lake. This makes the area accessible for spontaneous trips without breaking the budget.
Privacy options: Depending on the camping area, campers can find solitude. "Friday night there were a handful of RV spots still available and we were the only tent campers. Saturday a few more tent campers arrived but there was still open sites between us," notes a visitor at Bell Cow Lake.
Multiple camping areas: Each area offers different amenities and atmosphere. "Area 'B' is quieter and less popular than area 'C', but it is a little bit more rustic," explains a camper at Hawthorn Bluff. Similarly, Bell Cow Lake offers areas with different levels of development.
What you should know
Water characteristics: The lake water has distinctive coloring. "Don't wear white when you go swimming because after you go swimming white cloths turn orange," warns a visitor at Stroud Municipal Lake, which has similar water conditions to Bell Cow Lake.
Site conditions: Some areas may need attention between campers. "Our campsite had trash there when we got there. No big deal we cleaned it, but because of the food on the ground from the previous campers, our camp site was filled with flys," reports a Bell Cow Lake camper.
Road noise: Proximity to highways can affect the camping experience. "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," notes a Bell Cow Lake visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Footwear planning: Clay soil can be challenging. "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," advises a family who camped at Bell Cow Lake.
Beach access considerations: Some camping areas offer better swimming. "The tent area is on the water with water access through the grass along the shoreline. Swimming was great with a sand bottom once you got past the grass along the shoreline," recommends a visitor at Blue Creek.
Activity options: Beyond horseback riding, families can enjoy multiple recreation options. "The campground features electric hookups with 50-amp service, water access, and shower facilities. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings for overnight guests," notes a Bell Cow Lake camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Some areas offer better RV accommodations. "We stayed in RV site 1 and we stayed directly across from them in tent site 3," mentions a Bell Cow Lake visitor, highlighting the convenience of having friends in nearby sites.
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some sites. "We loved our stay here. Everyone was so kind and respectful. The campground host and his dog were excellent and so helpful!" reports a camper at Sheppard Point, which offers similar equestrian-friendly camping areas.
Firewood availability: "One of the only things we did not like was... there was not fire wood available to gather or purchase (perhaps in town) so though it is generally frowned upon to bring your own you won't have a fire otherwise," notes a Bell Cow Lake visitor. Planning ahead for firewood is essential for campfires.
