Arcadia Lake offers a variety of camping sites within 20 miles of Choctaw, Oklahoma. The lake spans over 1,800 acres with several camping areas featuring both wooded and lakefront sites. Summer temperatures often reach the high 90s, making water access particularly valuable for campers during peak season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Arcadia Lake provides good fishing for catfish, largemouth bass, and crappie. "Great place to take the kids, grandkids to Fish and have fun behind the boat on toys," notes James S. about Liberty Lake.
Water recreation: Swimming beaches are available at several campgrounds. "Awesome lake! Very peaceful around the campfire with my team members," writes Kara M. about Arcadia Lake.
Trail riding: Many trails are suitable for hiking or horseback riding. "There are miles of equestrian trails. Hiked down one and the trail was very peaceful and beautiful," reports Leslie N., who camped at Bell Cow Lake.
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Several campgrounds offer privacy between sites. "When arriving to the lake itself traffic splits off into one way lanes... I really liked that this location by far seemed more established than the other city maintained option and also had more privacy overall," explains Crystal C. about Liberty Lake.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds feature deer and other wildlife. "The kids loved feeding all the deer. Great clean park!" shares Rachael V. about Scissortail Campground.
Lakefront sites: Many campers appreciate direct water access from their site. "This was a back in site right on the water. We looked at some other areas where you were so far from the water you wouldn't even know you were at a lake. The site was level and had a nice picnic table out near the water," writes Jil S. about Lake Thunderbird State Park.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Some parks use centralized online booking while others require calling ahead. "You must make your reservations in advance online. We highly recommend this park," advises Kelly B. about Lake Thunderbird State Park South.
Bathhouse quality differs: Bathrooms range from clean facilities to more rustic options. "Bathrooms are only port a potty units and with recent winds some of these had been knocked over or damaged by tree limbs, so that is something to consider," warns Crystal C. about Liberty Lake.
Weekend crowding: Many campgrounds fill quickly on weekends but remain relatively empty midweek. "The park was empty during the week, completely full on the weekend," reports Dale Y. about Central State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Day use areas: Some parks separate day-use from camping areas. "Thunderbird has a lot of camping. Our favorite is Little Axe. You can reserve spaces (which Is fabulous) and because you have to pay $5 just to get in (if you aren't camping), there is less traffic and it is quieter," explains Tracy C. about Little Axe Campground.
Swimming spots: Designated swimming areas provide safer water recreation for children. "There is a designated swimming area in the campgrounds. Beautiful, wooded park with large lake that has a section for watersports and fishing," notes Noelle H. about Little Axe Campground.
Playgrounds: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. "It's a peninsula by the dam, there's a quiet cove for fishing, good beaches and lake access, a play gym for kiddos and clean bathrooms," shares Tracy C. about Little Axe.
Tips from RVers
Limited full-hookup sites: Reserve early to secure sites with complete hookups. "The park has a handful of full hookup sites, a greater number of sites with electric only, and a large number of tent/rv sites with no hookups. There are water fill points conveniently located throughout the park," explains Dale Y. about Central State Park Campground.
Level sites: Many campgrounds offer level parking areas suitable for RVs. "The campground has an entry station, camp host, picnic shelters, playground, bathhouse and laundry, beach area, common fire pit, Verizon 4 bars, dump station, trash receptacles, interior roads are paved, with many sites waterfront. RV sites are close quarters," details Stephen & Theresa B. about Lake Thunderbird.
Horse campgrounds near Choctaw, Oklahoma: Equestrian camping is available within 30-45 minutes of Choctaw. "Campground C area offers many pull through RV sites and some back-in RV sites, all with electric & water hook ups. There is also equestrian RV sites with pens, tent camping with shared water spigots, primitive tent camping and a dump station," writes Leslie N. about Bell Cow Lake.
