Eufaula Lake spans 102,000 acres with more than 800 miles of shoreline, making it Oklahoma's largest lake entirely within state boundaries. The reservoir was created between 1956-1964 when the Canadian River was dammed. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with daytime averages of 70-85°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Eufaula offers excellent fishing for multiple species. At Ladybird Landing, campers report "This lake was so much fun, especially for canoeing and kayaking, this place had quite a bit of fish, as well as awesome bird watching!" The lake holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and stripers.
Hiking explorations: Several pet-friendly trails wind through the wooded areas surrounding the lake. "The hike was worth every hair raising nervous parent moment," according to one visitor to Robbers Cave State Park, which features a 3/4-mile trail to the historic cave where outlaws once hid.
Seasonal activities: Winter visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing and fishing with fewer crowds. "Nice clean and quite camp ground," notes a camper at Highway 9 Landing, which remains accessible year-round but with reduced services during winter months.
What campers like
Spacious lakefront sites: Campers value sites with direct water access. At Brooken Cove, a visitor recommends sites "54-58" as these provide "beautiful lakefront spots" with good water accessibility. The campground maintains "nice selection of camping spots, Manny with shade and lots of space to spread out."
Wildlife encounters: Animal sightings enhance camping experiences. One camper at Deep Fork Campground mentioned "Saw plenty of deer and an armadillo or two. Squirrels were plentiful as well." Morning and evening are optimal wildlife viewing times.
Cleanliness of facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms matter to campers. "Bathrooms and showers need to be cleaned but overall, they are decent," notes a visitor at Turkey Flat Campground, while another mentions "Literally best bathrooms I've ever encountered in a park. Very ADA accessible, AIR CONDITIONED TOILETS?!, showers and toilets were single stalls, clean, roomy."
What you should know
Gate hours and park access: Most Corps of Engineers campgrounds around Eufaula Lake operate with restricted entry times. "Gates open at 6 am and close at 10 pm. In emergencies between 10 pm & 6 am you can exit the campground but can not re-enter as there are tire spikes," reports a camper at Dogwood Campground.
Seasonal bathroom closures: During off-season visits, facilities may be limited. One camper noted "when we booked it they failed to tell us the bathrooms and showers had been locked for the season!" This can significantly impact tent campers without self-contained facilities.
Insect preparedness: Beyond mosquitoes, ants can be problematic at lakeside campsites. A visitor warned to "suggest checking your site before parking and if you have an ant system in place activate it. By the time we left I thought the ants planned to carry away our small cabin."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Several dog friendly campgrounds at Eufaula Lake offer play areas. At Porum Landing Campground, "The kids area is clean and decently kept up. Might watch for wasps on some toys, like anywhere else."
Swimming access considerations: Lake entry points vary in quality and safety. "There are several sandy beach areas and the water is shallow for a great distance out, making it good for swimming," notes one camper, though they caution to "Beware of an abundance of geese who frequent the park and leave lovely little presents everywhere, including the beach areas."
Educational opportunities: The nature center provides learning experiences for children. One visitor mentioned "The nature center was a fun surprise, and the staffer was enthusiastic and friendly." Fall and spring visits offer optimal weather for outdoor education activities.
Tips from RVers
Site width limitations: Many concrete pads around the lake are narrower than standard. A camper at Dogwood Campground observed "nearly all others are super narrow with 4-5 inch drop off on either side. I would have been rolling my ankle constantly."
Hookup positioning: Water connections aren't always conveniently placed. "The water spigot was about 80 ft away," noted one RVer, while another mentioned "I had to use 2 hoses to reach my RV and only after I turned it around so that the water hook up side was closer to the spigot."
Seasonal value options: Off-season camping offers substantial savings. Basic sites at Highway 9 Landing start at $12, while premium waterfront locations with 50-amp service at other campgrounds can reach $24 during peak season.
