Lake Texoma spans 89,000 acres across the Oklahoma-Texas border, making it the 12th largest Corps of Engineers lake in the United States. The lake's elevation averages 617 feet above sea level with water levels fluctuating seasonally, particularly after heavy rainfall. Campgrounds around Lake Texoma typically offer both wooded and open sites, with terrain varying from flat, sandy beach areas to more elevated rocky shorelines.
What to do
Fishing access: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated fishing areas with some providing docks or piers. "Great fishing on beautiful Lake Texoma. Bathrooms are always clean. Fellow campers are very friendly," notes a visitor about Eisenhower State Park Campground.
Equestrian trails: Platter Flats features dedicated trails for horseback riding. "Half of the campground is an equestrian camp. There are great hiking trails and beautiful views. Good shady spots. We had two kids with us and we loved walking around the campground and seeing all the horses," a camper reports.
Swimming beaches: Several lakeside campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas with actual sand beaches. A visitor at Burns Run West shares, "The beaches were clean and had legit beach sand, which was very nice! This was a great stay, I recommend!"
Hiking options: The Cross Timbers trail provides hiking opportunities on the south shore of Lake Texoma. "There are 2 boat ramps and a bathhouse/toliets, but I didn't use them so can't speak to their status. I road my bike over to Juniper West. This meant crossing over Hwy 377 with traffic speeding by at 70 mph," mentions a visitor reviewing Juniper Point.
What campers like
Level sites: Many campgrounds feature concrete pads that make setting up easier. "Most camp sites are shaded with pull through sites full hook ups, well maintained and quiet," notes a visitor about Eisenhower State Park Campground.
Sandy beaches: Unlike many lakes with rocky shorelines, Lake Texoma offers genuine sand beaches at some campgrounds. A camper at COE Lake Texoma Burns Run West shares, "The beach is all along the shore. Really nice sand for running around barefoot and you can wade out a long ways. The bottom is all sand no rocks to step on."
Fishing opportunities: The lake supports multiple fish species including striper, catfish, and bass. "We came here for a fishing tournament and wanted to stay somewhere on the southwest side of lake texoma. The on site staff is friendly, the sites are clean, full hookups and lake views," mentions a visitor at Paradise on Lake Texoma.
Boat access: Many sites allow direct water access for boats. "Wooded sites are perfect for a hammock. Lots of choices, many close to water and some right next to docks/launches. Simple clean sites, just how camp tenting should be. If you don't have a boat you'll regret it," notes a camper at Eisenhower State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding: Heavy rains can affect campground conditions and accessibility. "The road into Juniper East is paved with some curves, but no problems getting into the park even for the big rigs that I saw towing boats too. I stayed on the East side 2 weeks after they reopened from the recent flooding which was substantial," a visitor at Juniper Point explains.
Weekday vs. weekend crowds: Weekends bring significantly more traffic and noise. "I would not recommend visiting this park on a weekend unless traffic doesn't bother you. It should be noted there is a rail freight line and siding not far from the camp and once the vehicle traffic slows down, the trains seem to start," warns a visitor at Platter Flats.
Water hookup distances: At some campgrounds, utilities may be far from parking pads. "Fair warning, the water hookups are FAR from the site. Do not under estimate how far these things are. With 75ft of hose - we were barely reaching the nozzle," a camper at Paradise on Lake Texoma cautions.
Cell service quality: Coverage varies by provider and location. "Verizon service was good, along with T-Mobile. Even better with my cell booster. Staff were very friendly and helpful," reports a visitor at Thousand Trails Lake Texoma.
Tips for camping with families
Best kid-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and safe water access. "This is a nice shady spot with a lot of space for a few tents or an rv. Space has electric and a nice lake view. You do have to walk down the hill and through some sand to get to the beach," mentions a visitor at Burns Run East Campground.
Group camping options: Some areas accommodate larger family gatherings. "Our big group has gone to Eisenhower twice. The park is on Lake Texoma. We went to kayak and camp. They have good hiking trails, great campsites, and lots to do," shares a camper at Eisenhower State Park.
Heat considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making shade crucial. "We loved our time here! Quiet park with activities and a lake. We had a pull through site with plenty of space for our 44' 5th wheel, truck and extra vehicle," a visitor at Thousand Trails Lake Texoma notes.
Beach quality: Sandy beaches provide safer play areas for children. "Nice swimming area for the two young kids. Water hookups right next to campsite. Lots of ants at the campground meant a trip to the store for more bug killer," a camper at Burns Run West reports.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose based on shade and lake access. "We stayed in Loop C which has large pull thru sites and full hookups. Loop C is wooded so there is sufficient shade to cut out the sun. We enjoyed our stay and will return in the future," shares an RVer at Burns Run West.
Hose length needs: Bring extra-long water hoses for some campgrounds. "For RV site, some require at least a 50' hose for water. Others are closer to the water. Electric is located close by sites. Some sites also have sewer. Nice place, I shall return one day," advises a camper at Paradise on Lake Texoma.
Road conditions: Interior roads at some campgrounds need maintenance. "A decent spot to stop. The roads within the park itself could use some serious attention. When you first drive into the park, to the left they are in the process of building an entire new section and it looks nice," mentions a visitor at Thousand Trails Lake Texoma.
Check-in processes: Some parks have after-hours procedures. "Starting with just making the reservation. By far the easiest process for booking a site we have ever experienced. The website is well organized and very descriptive when explaining the amenities of each site," notes a camper at Paradise on Lake Texoma.
