Lake Texoma straddles the Texas-Oklahoma border with 89,000 acres of water and 580 miles of shoreline. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, with spring typically bringing higher water and summer seeing gradual drawdowns. Most campgrounds around the lake offer year-round access, though some facilities close during winter months.
What to do
Hiking trails: Burns Run West features a four-mile hiking trail with bird watching opportunities. "We did see a lot of birds along the shoreline" notes a visitor to Burns Run East, where nature enthusiasts can spot local wildlife.
Fishing: Lake Texoma's waters draw anglers throughout the year. A camper at Platter Flats calls it "great place for fishing, and if you are looking for a wonderful sunset, you have found the best place for it." The lake is known for striper fishing.
Water activities: Swimming areas vary across campgrounds. At Burns Run West, a camper reports, "Nice swimming area for the two young kids. Water hookups right next to campsite." For boating enthusiasts, Little Glasses Resort provides convenient lake access with "beautiful lake views."
What campers like
Waterfront camping: Sites along the shoreline offer direct water access. A camper at Preston Bend - Lake Texoma mentions, "Peninsula juts out into water with lovely views of sunrise & sunset. Small campground with clean and nice but simple facilities."
Shade coverage: Summer heat can be intense, making shaded sites valuable. A camper at Eisenhower State Park notes, "Most camp sites are shaded with pull through sites full hook ups, well maintained and quiet."
Accessibility options: Some areas offer better mobility access than others. A camper reported, "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."
What you should know
Campsite variety: From yurt camping at Lake Texoma to RV sites and primitive tent camping, options vary widely. Some campgrounds like Thousand Trails Lake Texoma offer glamping alternatives for those seeking more comfort.
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings crowds and heat. A visitor warns, "In the summer it gets very hot, nice hiking." Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and fewer people.
Reservation systems: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for summer weekends. A camper at Eisenhower noted, "I preregistered and thought I was ready to go. The gate guard said I still had to go inside to check-in."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Look for campgrounds with dedicated swimming areas. A visitor to Burns Run West shares, "We had such a great time while camping here. The sites were a good size and had lots of shade. We had an amazing view of the lake!"
Playground options: Some campgrounds offer play structures. Lakeside Campground includes family-friendly amenities. "The sites are pretty close together. Our neighbors were very friendly but I like having a little more space," notes one family camper.
Group sites: For family reunions or larger gatherings, Lake Texoma State Park offers spaces for multiple families. "Our site was right on the lake. Luckily no one was in the site next to us, so we enjoyed a gentle slope down to the water," reports a visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full-service RV sites are available at multiple campgrounds. A visitor to Lake Texoma State Park mentions, "We stayed here in October at an RV site right on the water. It didn't have a sewer hookup, which was kind of disappointing but we made it work."
Site levelness: Some campgrounds have more level pads than others. At Walnut Creek Resort, a camper mentioned, "The one thing I didn't care for was the levelness of our spot, it was a little touch & go with my mother & her walker."
Seasonal closures: Be aware that some services close during winter. A Thousand Trails camper notes, "As for the rest of the camp, most amenities due to winter months and covid were shut down. Did see people enjoying the hot tub."