Cabin accommodations near Mannford, Oklahoma range from primitive A-frames to fully equipped lodgings with modern amenities. Most cabins require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when demand increases. Sites like Keystone State Park provide concrete pads with full hookups, while Lake Carl Blackwell offers cabins with lakefront views approximately 30 minutes from Stillwater. During winter months, some facilities reduce services, though electricity typically remains available.
What to do
Fishing access points: Keystone State Park features a children's fishing pond along the Ranger trail, with a marina store that rents boats and tubes for water activities. "This has always been a good spot for bringing our beginning camping friends to get them introduced to camping before any longer camping trips," notes Tom K.
Hiking trail exploration: Osage Hills State Park maintains several trails connecting to Lake Country campground, including paths to historic Civilian Conservation Corps structures. "The park has two campgrounds with full hookups... Green Country and Lake Country. The former has probably twice as many full hookup spots, but the latter is more picturesque," explains Brian B.
Water recreation: Lake Carl Blackwell offers kayak rentals from the gas station/convenience store by the lake, with no-wake zones in coves for safer paddling. "The cove stays pretty calm since it's, well, a cove and due to it being a no wake zone because of the marina," shares a visitor.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Keystone State Park Campground provides updated restrooms with separate shower areas. "Great State Park close to Tulsa. RV sites and primitive Tent Camping. Great clean and modern toilets and showers with heating and air near the marina," writes James K.
Marina dining options: Several lakeside campgrounds feature restaurants with outdoor seating. At Keystone's Pier 51 Cafe, "Thursday nights are $1.50 tacos and $2 Tecates. Friday is karaoke night. And Saturday night usually features live music from local/regional artists."
Winter camping accessibility: Unlike some seasonal facilities, Lake McMurtry West Campground maintains year-round services. "A nice state park with lots of services. A full marina, a little restaurant on the dock. Full hook up camping is available throughout the year. Close to a small town with shopping, fuel, and a couple great restaurants," reports Timothy K.
What you should know
Access road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads, particularly during wet weather. At Lake McMurtry, "the road access to this campground is probably the worst that I have experienced... the last several miles to this campground are incredibly rough."
Site selection considerations: Waterfront sites often trade privacy for views. At Hawthorn Bluff, "Lake side spots are not advisable if you have little ones, the bluffs are very close to the fire pits and have about a 30ft drop."
Seasonal water shutoffs: Three Ponds Community turns off water during colder months, requiring alternative planning. "There is currently no running water due to colder temperatures. But once it warms water is on site," explains a visitor.
Primitive site privacy issues: Some campgrounds have trails that pass directly through secluded sites. "One thing I did not like about the primitive sites is that the hiking/biking trails come right by the campsite within a few feet, so I had people all weekend practically coming into my camp."
Tips for camping with families
Playground locations: Keystone State Park offers newly installed playground equipment throughout the grounds. "The playgrounds were all new equipment, which is great compared to lots of the other OK state parks," notes Richard.
Swimming areas: Bear Glen provides beach access with free life jacket loaners for children. "The swim beach was well kept and easily accessible with free life jacket loaners," reports a visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Many parks maintain designated fishing docks suitable for children. "We could walk down to the lake and jump in the water which beats having to go to a specific swim beach. The park has a nice little store with gift shop items, firewood and snacks," writes one camper.
Wildlife awareness: Local wildlife includes various nocturnal visitors. "Though we didn't actually see much wildlife, we did have what we think was a sneaky raccoon steal our bread in the night, so lock that cooler up tight!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campsites have significant grading issues requiring equipment for leveling. "The site was slanted so much that we could not get level front to back. We moved a couple of times and tried all combination of stacking lumber under the tongue jack but still had to sleep with our heads at the foot end of our bed."
Hookup availability: Water connections aren't available at all sites. "The only downside is that they don't have water hookups at the sites. You can connect your hose to the nearest spigot but you better hope it's long enough," advises a camper at Hawthorn Bluff.
