Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park offers a unique glamping experience near Colony, Oklahoma, situated within a striking geological formation that drops below the surrounding flat plains. The canyon setting features rustic accommodations with modern amenities, creating a balance between wilderness immersion and comfort. Hiking trails connect directly to glamping sites, allowing guests to explore the distinctive red rock landscape without venturing far from their luxury canvas accommodations.
What to do
Hiking trails exploration: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers exceptional hiking opportunities with various difficulty levels. "Super simple to make a last minute reservation and check in quickly. No hookups at my $24 site. Pricey for dry camping IMO but felt safe, which is a priority for me," notes Kiley S. about Doris Campground. The park features wildlife viewing areas where longhorns and bison roam freely.
Water recreation options: Foss State Park provides excellent lake activities during summer months. "This campground offers an area sectioned off for swimmers. A lot of room is available for boating fun wether it be fishing, skiing, tubing, etc. The park rangers are very friendly and accommodating," explains Colton K. about Foss State Park Campground. The park also hosts seasonal events including "fireworks on the lake for the 4th of July, haunted trails and trick or treating for Halloween."
Mountain biking and exercise: Roman Nose State Park features varied terrain for cyclists. "This is a beautiful area with plenty to offer. The golf course is challenging and my 11 year old was free. The signage getting to the park was great but within the park not so much," reports Brian F. The park includes "Miniature golf, paddle boats, hiking trails, golf course and pool," according to Richard, making it versatile for multiple outdoor activities.
What campers like
Canyon settings and geological features: The red rock formations create a dramatic backdrop for camping experiences. "It's interesting upon driving across flat plains and arriving at a canyon in the middle of it all! Only stayed one night. Was able to take a short hike to the canyon 'rim'," shares Cheryl M. about Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park. This surprising landscape transition makes the glamping experience in Colony, Oklahoma particularly memorable.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Camp Doris provides frequent wildlife encounters. "Full of wildlife, rabbits, deer, squirrels and armadillos abound. I am sure that there are more diverse animals in the area, but these were the ones we saw," writes Lyn B. The refuge location allows visitors to experience Oklahoma's native species in their natural habitat.
Shade and tree cover: Many campers appreciate the tree canopy available at certain campgrounds. "We camped in China Berry campground, but had China berries all over everything when we left," notes Jo A. about Foss State Park. At Red Rock Canyon, the canyon walls provide natural shade during parts of the day, while the upper rim remains exposed to full sun.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Oklahoma's climate can be extreme, particularly regarding wind. "I don't know if it's an Oklahoma thing but the wind was crazy making tent camping a little rough," reports Anna M. about Foss State Park Campground. Seasonal changes affect campground conditions significantly, with summer heat requiring appropriate preparation.
Insects and wildlife precautions: Local insects require preparation. "I'm not used to what're gnat like bug they have so plan accordingly they are attracted mostly to light but swarm both day and night," continues Anna M. Additionally, "We were visited in our sleep by raccoons trying to get in our tent," requiring proper food storage.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Facility quality differs between campgrounds. "The bathrooms were ok, clean at least," mentions Cheryl M. about Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park. Some campgrounds feature modern facilities while others offer more rustic options, and availability of showers is inconsistent across locations.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas: El Reno West KOA offers family-friendly amenities. "Pool, pedal carts, jumping pillow, and a playground for the kids! Super friendly staff," recommends Brittany J. The campground also offers "little cabins that have beautiful, shaded outside areas (fire pits, porch swings, etc) and they're cheap to rent."
Consider proximity to swimming areas: Water features provide entertainment for children. "There is a nice sandy beach and cordoned swim area, complete with restrooms and shower house(11a-7p)…lifeguards," notes Dave V. about Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area. Swimming options provide relief during hot Oklahoma summer days.
Plan for local wildlife educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing can be educational for children. "Saw some HUGE longhorns and bison on the open range and that was great," says Kiley S. about Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Many campgrounds also offer ranger-led programs during peak seasons.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through site availability: Pecan Grove RV Resort offers well-designed RV sites. "We always enjoy staying here! Staff is great! Sites are large! Amenities are clean!" reports Samantha S. This campground provides full hookups with good spacing between sites, unlike some more crowded RV parks.
Pay attention to site spacing: Site proximity varies significantly between campgrounds. "For being a RV park, the spaces were not right on top of each other like some parks are," notes Lisa M. about Pecan Grove RV Resort. Some campgrounds place RVs extremely close together, while others offer more privacy.
Electrical hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer varying electrical capacities. "There is a wooded area at the back of the park that contains a private residence. Large dogs barked all night," warns John T. about El Reno West KOA, highlighting the importance of site selection even within the same campground.
