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Camping near Kaw Lake

179 Reviews

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.

Map showing campgrounds near Kaw Lake, OklahomaExplore the Map

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

    4 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

    3 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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Recent Camping Photos near Kaw Lake

37 Photos of 73 Kaw Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Kaw Lake

179 Reviews of 73 Kaw Lake Campgrounds

  • Sean M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Pawhuska Lake (Old City Lake) Dispersed

    Nice but overgrown.

    It’s an ok campground. It looks like it hasn’t been mowed at all this year. Some of the sites would be hard to get to with all the tall grass. I camped on the back part and it was easy enough to get to. The toilets are just OK. One has the water level pretty high so I wouldn’t use that but the other one would be OK. I’m here in July and nobody else is here.

  • Tyler S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Lake Ponca Campgrounds

    Trashy looking camp area

    Not appealing whatsoever. Small, and usually has some people in there that leave messes and stare a lot

  • Tyler S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Coon Creek Cove

    Coon creek campground

    The campsites are nice and there is some open space. BUT every time we've camped there there are dogs barking, kids free roaming causing ruckus, people drunk and constantly playing loud music. This is why we like dispersed campers better. The last time we went someone came into my campsite and stole my cell phone.

  • Dana H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Bear Creek Cove

    Off the beaten path

    Although you will travel the countryside and down a gravel road, you will enjoy the quiet and lovely grounds that Neal takes such good care of. When we were there, the lake was 27 ft. above its limits, with much tree debris in the lake. So, we didn't fish. However, you can see where the grounds keeper mowed paths to where the lake would have been. You will enjoy Bear Creek Cove. Grounds has its own dumpstation. Trash. Playground. Showers and public toilets. Water and electricity hookups. Grills and covered and uncovered picnic tables.

  • Callie C.
    Apr. 27, 2025

    Lake McMurtry West Campground

    Awesome camp + internet access

    We got lost on the way and went to East instead and met a friendly lady who gave my pup a treat! Pretty rough roads but my little car handled just fine. Went west and a got set up at a nice campsite. Had a picnic table and water sprout and a trail right down to the water.

  • C
    Apr. 12, 2025

    Pawhuska Lake (Old City Lake) Dispersed

    A free place to camp

    This is the old city lake outside of Pawhuska. It is not Bluestem Lake (Bluestem is a couple miles north). The Old city lake is smaller and quieter and has no improvements beyond a few picnic tables and a toilet only the desperate would consider using. To reach the camping area you drive across the damn to the west boat dock area. There is a dirt road/trail that heads up to a few camping spots. Most of the camping areas have been abandoned to time but some of them are still maintained. The lake is a no wake lake and is great for kayaking. They used to stock it with trout. Near the east boat ramp is a pretty cool table top rock feature. Below the damn you can find a trail and some bluffs that are fun to explore. On top of the bluffs is an old abandoned camping area.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 23, 2025

    Napawalla Park

    Nice and quiet

    The campground have 30 and 50 AMP hook ups, and water. The dump station is by the entry, the have a playground, disk golf course shelters, volleyball and basketball courts. Nice and quiet located on the side of the town. The bathroom where close i assume they will open later in the season. I didn’t see anyone, but they have cameras at the entrance. Caseys gas station in a walking distance from the campground. And the best is only $15 a night. $10 just to dump and only $3.50 for primitive camping.

  • M
    Mar. 15, 2025

    Cowely county fishing lake

    Great for moto camping

    Throughout the day, there was about three people fishing. It felt like I had the place to myself. I’m not sure if it was because it’s just March and nothing’s quite green yet, but the lake was peaceful.

    At the time I was there, the waterfall was dried up and I was able to take a trail down to the bottom and see everything up close

    I like to rate all of my campgrounds whether I would or wouldn’t camp there again and I can’t wait to take some friends there

  • Dana H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 6, 2025

    Lake Carl Blackwell

    Winter retreat

    My husband and I rented a little cabin for an anniversary getaway. Cabin was clean, and grounds were well kept. We called for fresh bedding, and they were happy to help. The bed was large and comfy, and pillows were soft. There is a t.v., kitchenette, and bathroom with shower. We went in January, so there were no crowds.

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

Are RV camping facilities available at Kaw Lake?

Yes, Kaw Lake has excellent RV camping facilities. Coon Creek Cove offers drive-in access with water hookups and is big-rig friendly. Bear Creek Cove provides reservable sites with water, toilets, and space for larger RVs. Most campgrounds around Kaw Lake accommodate RVs with varying levels of hookups. The surrounding area also offers additional RV options like Cedar Crest RV Park with 32 spacious hookups (22 drive-through and 10 back-in sites), on-site laundry facilities, and amenities like free Wi-Fi and shower facilities.

What amenities are available at Coon Creek and Sarge Creek campgrounds on Kaw Lake?

Coon Creek Cove offers water access, is big-rig friendly, and provides both drive-in and walk-in access points. The campground has reservable sites and offers basic facilities for a comfortable camping experience. Sarge Creek provides sites suitable for both RVs and tents, including some walk-in sites for tent campers. The campground has limited privacy between sites but offers the basics needed for camping. Both campgrounds provide access to Kaw Lake for water activities like fishing and boating, and are positioned to take advantage of the natural beauty of the lake area.

How do I make camping reservations at Kaw Lake?

Reservations for camping at Kaw Lake can be made through Recreation.gov. Sarge Creek campground specifically allows online reservations through this platform, even for last-minute bookings when sites are available. Washunga Bay also offers reservable sites. For some campgrounds, reservations can be made up to six months in advance, which is recommended for peak season and holiday weekends. Some areas may offer first-come, first-served sites as well. Check specific campground details on Recreation.gov for reservation windows, fees, and availability.

What are the camping options available at Kaw Lake?

Kaw Lake offers several camping options to suit different preferences. Osage Cove - Kaw Lake provides scenic campsites in multiple loops with access to hiking trails, and is particularly peaceful on weekdays. Sarge Creek offers both RV and tent camping sites. Additional options include Bear Creek Cove, McFadden Cove, and Washunga Bay. Most campgrounds feature water access, picnic areas, and basic facilities, with many sites offering beautiful lake views. The lake area provides opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing year-round.

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