Arcadia Lake offers camping options within 25 miles of Oklahoma City's downtown area. Located at 400 feet elevation, this popular camping destination borders forested areas near the Deep Fork River. Summer temperatures often reach above 95°F with high humidity, making lake access a valuable feature for campers seeking relief from the heat.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Arcadia Lake provides excellent fishing access with both lakefront and wooded sites. "Great campsite! Picnic tables and fire pits. Walking distance to the beautiful lake. Fairly private site lots of trees between each. Plenty of sites to choose from water front or in the woods," reports Madison P.
Wildlife viewing: At Lazy H Alpaca Ranch, visitors can camp near alpacas and interact with the resident animals. "We got to pet the Alpacas and the 3 Great Pyrenees kept us company. We camped early Jan and it was cold. Kathy was very friendly and helpful," shares Patty S.
Hiking trails: Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park features dramatic red sandstone walls with multiple trail options. "The box canyon is set for climbing or repelling, no matter what your experience level. I am a little old lady in my 60's and had the opportunity to climb one of the smaller bluff walls (about 10' high) and was absolutely awed by the scenery once I topped the wall," explains Lyn B.
What campers like
Private camping areas: Campers appreciate the secluded nature of sites at Arcadia Lake despite proximity to Oklahoma City. "While it's close to the city, it feels far away. Lake activities and hiking are available," notes Angela H.
Yurt camping options: Yurt camping near Oklahoma City provides a unique glamping experience with basic amenities. Oklahoma County Arcadia Lake City Park offers yurt accommodations within 25 miles of downtown. "Always a blast! Enjoy bringing my children here," shares Nicole S.
Scenic lake views: Shawnee Twin Lakes offers waterfront camping with impressive sunset views. "Beautiful sunset views and nice, spacious, clean campsites all with fire pits with attached grill! The price per site/night allows for two tents on one site! Concrete picnic tables at every site make it nice for large groups and for board games," writes Lisa P.
What you should know
Summer heat considerations: Oklahoma City temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through September. Shade becomes essential during peak summer months. "This campground was a hidden gem in Hinton OK. With this camping area set within a box canyon, it was shaded through most of the day," notes a Red Rock Canyon visitor.
Water level fluctuations: Lakes around Oklahoma City can experience significant water level changes based on rainfall. "The lake is full of stumps and trees which keeps the boats at a slower speed," reports Christine N. about Bell Cow Lake.
Site spacing varies: Campground density differs significantly between locations. "After finding out all of the RV and tent camping areas around OKC were at capacity we gave Bell Cow Lake a shot and we were not disappointed. We stayed in Camp Area B, Friday night there were a handful of RV spots still available and we were the only tent campers," explains Jon B.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer family-friendly play areas. "Pool, pedal carts, jumping pillow, and a playground for the kids! Super friendly staff. The bathrooms are super nice and clean. Pond has great crappie fishing too!" reports Brittany J. about El Reno West KOA.
Swimming areas: Look for designated swimming zones with gradual entry points. "The swimming areas were nice and it was perfect for our boat!" notes Julie H. about Shawnee Twin Lakes.
Educational opportunities: Use camping trips as learning experiences. "My mom and I harvested some and made little figures and baked them in the sun. We had so much fun," shares Danielle C. about collecting red clay at Bell Cow Lake for crafting projects.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: RV campers should book early for full-service sites. "This area is quieter and less popular than area 'C', but it is a little bit more rustic. The dump location is near the restrooms by the boat dock. It's a little hidden," advises Christine N. about Bell Cow Lake.
Overnight convenience stops: For travelers passing through Oklahoma City, several campgrounds provide easy highway access. "This was a great KOA. Paved roads were great for bike riding, beautiful lake along the back side of the grounds, nice large dog run, clean and plenty of machines in the laundry area, super cool playground with outdoor workout equipment too," notes Sarah S. about El Reno West KOA.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on spacing and shade. "If possible I recommend the spots in back. The full hook up spots up front are literally a parking lot. The spots are so close you are almost touching the RVs beside you," advises Kelly B. about selecting sites at El Reno.
