Lake Texoma forms the backdrop for glamping near Calera, Oklahoma, with shoreline camping options spread across multiple Corps of Engineers parks. The lake spans 89,000 acres with 580 miles of shoreline between Oklahoma and Texas. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through September, making water access a priority for most campers.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: Four-mile trail connects to Platter Flats from Lakeside Park. The equestrian section offers unique camping with views of horses. "Half of the campground is an equestrian camp. There are great hiking trails and beautiful views. Good shady spots. We had two kids with us and we loved walking around the campground and seeing all the horses!" reports Rachael H.
Fishing near dam: Accessible year-round at Burns Run East Campground. Located near the Denison Dam, this provides consistent fishing access even when water levels change. "Great area for fishing, water sports and camping. We had fun on Lake Texoma and will be returning. This is a small, well kept campground," writes Hope F.
Bird watching: Shore areas provide migration viewing opportunities. Many campers report excellent sightings, particularly during spring and fall. "Came here for birding in nearby wildlife refuges and wasn't disappointed," notes Harry H. about Preston Bend. SITES: 44 electric and water, 3 tent-only non-electric. Great for hunting, hiking, fishing, boating or bird watching."
What campers like
Beach access with real sand: Lake Texoma State Park offers proper sandy beaches. Unlike many lake campgrounds with rocky or muddy shorelines, several areas provide genuine sandy beach access. "The beaches were clean and had legit beach sand, which was very nice!" reports Christina H. from Burns Run West.
Shaded campsites: Burns Run West offers protection from summer heat. Trees provide crucial shade during hot Oklahoma summers. "We had such a great time while camping here. The sites were a good size and had lots of shade. We had an amazing view of the lake!" Christina H. adds about her stay at Burns Run West.
Spacious pull-through sites: Burns Run West offers well-designed RV areas. Camping areas include large, level sites that accommodate larger vehicles. "Stayed in Loop C which has large pull thru sites and full hookups. Loop C is wooded so there is sufficient shade to cut out the sun," Michael R. notes.
What you should know
Wind exposure: Tent camping can be challenging in open areas. Several campgrounds have minimal tree cover, particularly in RV sections. "The wind can be a bit much in a RTT, but overall it's not terrible," writes Corey C. about Burns Run East dispersed sites.
Ant problems: Treat campsites immediately upon arrival. Multiple campgrounds report significant ant issues. "If you camp here, though, be fully prepared to battle tons of ants. This might have been my favorite campground if it weren't for the ants," warns Holly N. about Preston Bend.
Weekend crowds: Noise levels increase significantly Friday-Sunday. Many campgrounds become busy, particularly during summer months. "Then the whole campground was over crowded with some family reunion going on with live music fireworks and general pandemonium going on the whole time we were here," reports Jeff R. about Lake Texoma State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Consider equestrian camping areas: Kids enjoy watching horses. The equestrian section at Platter Flats offers unique experiences even for non-horse owners. "We had two kids with us and we loved walking around the campground and seeing all the horses! But remember it will also smell like them so camp on that side at your own risk," advises Rachael H.
Check bathhouse locations when booking: Facilities vary widely between loops. Some camping sections have limited bathroom facilities. "We stayed at site 13 on loop B and we were located close to the bath house, which was very convenient," notes Christina H. about Burns Run West.
Book waterfront sites early: Prime lake access fills quickly. Direct lake access sites are limited and in high demand. "Our site was right on the lake. Luckily no one was in the site next to us, so we enjoyed a gentle slope down to the water," reports Kate S. about her Little Glasses Resort & Marina stay.
Tips from RVers
Reserve concrete pad sites when available. Most campsites have gravel or dirt parking areas that can become muddy after rain. "The RV section has both full hookups and water/electric hookups. The prettiest sites are the ones without sewer. Most of the RV sites have nice, level concrete pads (except the one we choose ... spot 11 ... crushed granite)," explains Brian B. about Lake Texoma State Park.
Consider off-season visits for better availability. Many campgrounds remain partially open year-round with fewer crowds. "Year round enjoyment is part of the reason I like this place! Even though some of the campground is closed in the off season it still offers great camp sites," recommends Lee L. about Lakeside Campground.
Check electric service details before booking. Amperage varies between camping loops. "Most rv sites are 30 amp. Section B is 50 amp. Sites are water and electric, no sewer sites. There are 2 dump sites on the way out," notes Rick V. about Lakeside Campground.
