Camping near Kaw Lake

Camping around Kaw Lake, Oklahoma encompasses several established campgrounds with a mix of RV and tent sites situated along the shoreline. The area includes popular locations such as Osage Cove, Sarge Creek, Coon Creek Cove, McFadden Cove, Bear Creek Cove, and Washunga Bay. Located in northeastern Oklahoma near Ponca City, these campgrounds provide direct access to the 38-mile-long reservoir created by the Kaw Dam on the Arkansas River. Visitors can enjoy fishing for striped bass and hybrid striped bass, particularly near the dam. According to one camper, "Osage Cove includes the southern trailhead for the Eagle View Trail," offering hiking opportunities beyond the typical lake activities.

Most Kaw Lake campgrounds operate seasonally, with the primary camping season running from spring through fall. Osage Cove is open March 1 through September 28, while Sarge Creek and Bear Creek Cove operate from April 1 to October 31. Washunga Bay has a shorter season from May 1 to September 15. Reservations are recommended, especially for holiday weekends, and can be made through Recreation.gov. Summer temperatures in Oklahoma can be extremely hot, with limited shade at many sites. The region experiences strong winds, particularly in spring, and thunderstorms are common during summer months. Most campgrounds offer electric hookups and drinking water, though amenities vary by location.

The camping experience varies between the different coves and recreation areas. RV campers will find numerous sites with electric hookups, drinking water, and sanitary dump stations, though full sewer hookups are limited to select locations like Bear Creek Cove and The Sandbur RV Park. Tent campers can find designated sites at most campgrounds, with some offering walk-in options. One camper at Sarge Creek noted, "It's right on Kaw lake, is clean and all maintained, and even has showers," though they mentioned limited privacy between sites. Boat-in access is available at Bear Creek Cove and McFadden Cove, making these locations popular with anglers and water recreation enthusiasts. Most campgrounds are pet-friendly and feature standard amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.

Best Camping Sites Near Kaw Lake (73)

    1. Osage Cove - Kaw Lake

    5 Reviews
    Ponca City, OK
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 762-5611

    $26 - $125 / night

    "Spent the spring here and really enjoyed the campsites in the middle loop along with the easy access to a decent hiking trail. Weekdays are awesome, but can get crowded on holiday weekends."

    "There is no water hookup, unless you have a long hose & are close to any of the bathrooms. Perfect lake views, beautiful sunset, very quiet & peaceful. Couldn’t ask for a better night stay!"

    2. Coon Creek Cove

    3 Reviews
    Ponca City, OK
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 762-5611

    $26 - $30 / night

    3. Sarge Creek

    3 Reviews
    Burbank, OK
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 762-5611

    $26 - $125 / night

    "Stayed here while barreling across Oklahoma, tent camping. I was able to reserve the last walk in site (Saturday of 4th of July weekend) around 8pm. You can reserve online thru recreation.gov."

    "Nice little path down to the water from this spot. Water and electricity available but didn't use this trip. If you hammock camp, the poles on the canopy are perfectly spaced for a great hang."

    4. McFadden Cove

    2 Reviews
    Ponca City, OK
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 762-5611

    5. The Sandbur RV Park

    1 Review
    Burbank, OK
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 761-5140

    "Quaint little rv park nestled up next to the woods! Nice wooded walking trail with access to a private lake beach front. Great size lots and lots of room for rv, vehicle and camp/fire area!"

    6. Bear Creek Cove

    1 Review
    Ponca City, OK
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 762-5611

    $22 / night

    "When we were there, the lake was 27 ft. above its limits, with much tree debris in the lake. So, we didn't fish."

    7. Lake Ponca Campgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Ponca City, OK
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 767-0430

    8. Washunga Bay

    1 Review
    Burbank, OK
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 762-5611

    $26 - $28 / night

    9. Lake Ponca

    1 Review
    Ponca City, OK
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 767-0430

    10. Rivershire RV Resort & Camping

    2 Reviews
    Ponca City, OK
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 716-0788

    $35 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 73 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Kaw Lake

176 Reviews of 73 Kaw Lake Campgrounds



Guide to Kaw Lake

Camping near Kaw Lake, Oklahoma, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Kaw Lake is known for its fishing spots. As one reviewer mentioned about Osage Cove - Kaw Lake, "Kaw Lake dam is a short drive from the dam and can be an excellent striped bass or hybrid striped bass fishing area."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. A visitor at Osage Cove - Kaw Lake noted, "Spent the spring here and really enjoyed the campsites in the middle loop along with the easy access to a decent hiking trail."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Lake Carl Blackwell shared, "Sometimes you see bald eagles."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Osage Cove - Kaw Lake. One reviewer said, "The weather was perfect, and that view was 🔥."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Cowely County Fishing Lake mentioned, "Very pretty and peaceful."
  • Clean Facilities: Cleanliness is a big plus. A reviewer at Osage Hills State Park Campground stated, "What an AMAZING campground... the cleanliness of the sites, to the sheer beauty of them as well."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Cowely County Fishing Lake, have basic facilities. A camper noted, "No electric hookups, no showers, and no market."
  • Water Access: At Osage Cove - Kaw Lake, water faucets are spread around, but not at every spot. One camper mentioned, "Water faucets are spread around the campground, but not at every spot."
  • Crowded on Holidays: Expect more visitors during holiday weekends. A reviewer at Osage Cove - Kaw Lake said, "Weekdays are awesome, but can get crowded on holiday weekends."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. One camper at Twin Points Skiatook Lake mentioned, "Awesome playground & basketball goal."
  • Safety: Choose campgrounds with regular patrols. A family camper at Osage Hills State Park Campground felt secure, saying, "A park ranger would drive by every couple of hours so I felt very safe."
  • Nature Exploration: Encourage kids to explore nature. A visitor at Lake McMurtry West Campground noted, "The view of the lake is fantastic and it’s easy to relax here."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups. A reviewer at Wellington KOA said, "Hookups all work, no problems."
  • Space Between Sites: Look for campgrounds with spacious sites. One camper at Lake Carl Blackwell mentioned, "Lakeside spots are spacious and well kept."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Be prepared for limited water access. A camper at Twin Points Skiatook Lake advised, "You'll want to bring at least 50' of water hose."

Camping near Kaw Lake, Oklahoma, has something for everyone, from fishing and hiking to family-friendly activities. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Kaw Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, Kaw Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 73 campgrounds and RV parks near Kaw Lake and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Kaw Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kaw Lake is Osage Cove - Kaw Lake with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kaw Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Kaw Lake.

What parks are near Kaw Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Kaw Lake that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.