Disney, Oklahoma camping areas stretch along Grand Lake's southern shoreline with several options at elevations between 700-800 feet. The region sits where the Ozark highlands meet the plains, creating varied terrain and moderate humidity levels. Camping opportunities range from waterfront sites at state parks to full-service RV resorts with lake access points scattered along the shoreline.
What to do
Creek exploration: Visit Little Blue Area — Grand Lake State Park where clear water creates recreational opportunities. The creek at the spillway attracts visitors throughout the warmer months. A visitor noted, "This water is CLEAR, and that's what's impressive. Finding clear water in Oklahoma isn't easy especially if you're a diver."
Disc golf: Play the 18-hole course at Natural Falls State Park Campground just 45 minutes from Disney. The course weaves through wooded areas and open spaces. "They have 17 tent sites and about 45 RV sites... The park has probably the longest disc golf course I've ever seen," one camper reported after their stay.
Golfing: Access the 18-hole golf course near Cherokee Area at Grand Lake State Park. Located just 200 yards from some campsites, the course offers convenient recreation without leaving the area. A camper mentioned, "We were literally 200 yards from an 18-hole golf course," making it easy to combine camping with golf during your stay.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Bernice Area — Grand Lake State Park provides direct lake access with concrete pads. The spacious sites offer unobstructed views of Grand Lake. One reviewer shared, "We stayed in Site 1 which has a large yard and unobstructed view of the lake, which is only about 40 yards away." Another camper noted, "The spots are spacious on back-in concrete pads. Each spot has 50/30/20 power, bbq grill, fire ring, picnic table and light on the power pole."
Wildlife viewing: Cherokee Area hosts numerous wildlife encounters throughout the year. Campers frequently spot deer, turkey, and smaller animals around the campground. A visitor explained, "We found the location to be great with plenty of wildlife, including muskrats, turkey and deer close by."
Off-season tranquility: Waters Edge RV & Cabin Resort offers a quieter experience outside summer months. Waterfront decks provide lake views year-round with fewer crowds in spring and fall. "We stayed at one of the Premium Waterfront sites in early April and absolutely loved it! Having a picnic and campfire area right next to the water was a unique experience for a campground," wrote one guest.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Some smaller parks have limited services in winter months. Several campgrounds reduce operations between November and April. At Little Blue Area, facilities may be minimally maintained: "I think they had already shut down for the season. The bathhouse was locked, the grass hadn't been mowed," reported one visitor attempting to camp in late October.
Maintenance varies: Expect different upkeep standards between private resorts and state parks. State park facilities typically receive less frequent maintenance. A camper at Natural Falls noted, "Bathrooms were clean and had flush toilets and a shower," while others mentioned inconsistent maintenance at some state park locations.
Site reservation requirements: Pine Island RV Resort and other private campgrounds fill quickly during summer. Book well in advance for premium waterfront locations. "It looks like many of the people here have year-around rentals so I would imagine if you are booking throughout the summer, you'll want to get your reservation in as early as possible," advised one camper.
Tips for camping with families
Waterfall access: Natural Falls State Park offers family-friendly waterfall viewing. The 77-foot waterfall can be seen from an accessible overlook and via a steeper trail. "The hike to the bottom is fairly steep but there is a sidewalk that takes you to an overlook at the top," explains one visitor.
Swimming areas: Spavinaw State Park provides shallow water play areas ideal for children. The clear creek offers safe wading spots popular with families. A regular visitor shared, "The 'waterfall' is probably a favorite for the kids as long as the water is running... It's a nice flowing creek with fairly clear water and a 'beach'."
Nature trails: The Park on Whiskey Road offers family-friendly outdoor exploration. This family-owned property provides spaces for children to explore safely. The owners "have brought their children to this area to vacation for the last 22 years," creating a family-oriented environment.
Tips from RVers
Power connections: Bring extension cords when staying at Waters Edge. The electrical hookups may not align with standard RV setups. A camper advised, "One thing you will want to note is that you may need an electrical extension if you're bringing a towable as the electric is on the opposite side from the sewer and water."
Site selection: Choose pull-through sites at Cherokee Area for easier setup. The riverfront sites offer level parking with full hookups. An RVer commented, "The pull through side along the river was level and offered a beautiful side of the river and the spillway with full hookups."
Large rig accommodations: Bernice Area can handle bigger RVs with 50-amp service. Their concrete pads accommodate larger vehicles with proper utility connections. "I had good 5G cell reception with Verizon," noted one RVer, highlighting the connectivity important to many traveling with larger rigs.
