Mannford, Oklahoma sits near Keystone Lake at an elevation of 780 feet, offering varied camping terrain with wooded hills and lake views. The area receives around 45 inches of rainfall annually with hot summers that regularly exceed 90°F from June through September. Camping options range from rustic tent sites to full RV hookups, with several locations offering glamping accommodations and yurt rentals.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Bull Creek Peninsula provides access to Skiatook Lake where bank fishing is popular. "Nice, quiet and clean off the beaten path. Saw a couple of restroom locations. Pretty views!" notes Kory M. about this location.
Hiking trails: Osage Hills State Park Campground features approximately 5 miles of trails through wooded terrain. A reviewer mentioned, "There are a few different trails, all well marked. Even though we didn't get out on the water, there was access and a nice lake."
Water recreation: At Spencer Creek, you can enjoy swimming at the beach area near the campground. One camper shared: "Park has a play area, trail, soccer field, boat ramp and short walk to beach area. We stayed in site 3 which is a spacious site and short walk to beach."
Wildlife viewing: Mid to late October brings migrating pelicans to Oologah Lake. A visitor to Hawthorn Bluff observed: "When we were there, a great pelican migration was going on, and there were thousands of birds flying up the river. It was incredibly beautiful."
What campers like
Private lakefront sites: Bull Creek Peninsula offers secluded spots with water views. "We stayed at site 31. It was on the side with the bluffs. Beautiful sunset overlooking the lake. Trees separated us from the next campsites," says David H.
Clean facilities: Despite being primitive, many sites maintain well-kept amenities. Karen T. notes about Bull Creek: "Nice and long for our 40' motorhome and truck. First time here, absolutely love it! The roads look like they've recently been blacktopped. Very easy to get to."
Yurt camping options: For those interested in yurt camping near Mannford, Oklahoma, several parks provide these accommodations. One visitor to Hawthorn Bluff said: "We had a great site on the bluff overlooking the lake. It was close to the restroom that was very clean and convenient."
Affordable rates: Many campgrounds offer reasonable pricing. One camper at Bell Cow Lake mentioned: "Bell Cow lake may become one of our go-to places as it is still within an easy drive from OKC and half the price of the next closest lake to camp at. Tent camping is $10 a night, RV is $20."
What you should know
Seasonal conditions: Summer heat affects comfort levels from June through August when temperatures consistently reach above 90°F. A camper at Bell Cow Lake Campground C advised: "For anyone planning to camp, make sure u bring slip-on shoes. U can go barefoot, we did. But the sand which is great at first... left our feet raw."
Campground maintenance: Quality varies by location and season. One reviewer at Okemah Lake noted: "The lake was beautiful. The Lake Ranger not so much. From the beginning it seemed like he wanted us to know that he was in charge. He was quick to go over the rules with us."
Site selection considerations: Some campsites have limitations. At Spencer Creek, a visitor cautioned: "There is one site, B69, that someone needs to have the ability and the common sense to leave it as part of the day use area. There is a man-made path directly behind where a camper/rv parks that leads down to the shore/lake, that is heavily used by those who fish."
Access issues: Some areas have terrain challenges. A camper at Bull Creek Peninsula advised: "It's very primitive so bring plenty of water. Nice secluded spot. Trees separated us from the next campsites."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Feyodi Creek Park offers activities for children. "The campgrounds have access to Keystone lake, as well as bathrooms and showers. The campgrounds also have a 18 hole disc course that is rated 4.4/5 on UDisc, playgrounds, and gazebos," mentioned Aaron H.
Swimming areas: Look for designated swim beaches with safety features. A reviewer at Hawthorn Bluff shared: "Nice campground with friendly hosts. The campgrounds were very quiet. People were friendly. Campground was fairly well maintained, well mowed. Bathhouse was very clean."
Lake safety considerations: Watch for underwater hazards at certain lakes. "Lake is full of stumps and trees which keeps the boats at a slower speed," noted a Bell Cow Lake visitor.
Alternative accommodation options: Luxury yurt camping near Mannford provides more comfortable family stays. A camper at Oaklake Trails mentioned: "I love this place, they have a Bristo, a pool, and everyone was so friendly."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Oaklake Trails Naturist Park offers full hookups and amenities. "Very well kept. Clean and friendly," noted Ricky P. about the park's maintenance.
Site leveling challenges: Some locations require extra work for level setup. At Hawthorn Bluff, a camper advised: "We were in site #31 with is right across from the fishing dock and close to a potable water source. The site did not have a dedicated water hook up. We had to buy a 75' hose to put water in our fresh tank."
Dump station locations: Not all parks provide on-site dumping facilities. "May want to drive into Okemah if you have a weak stomach, but no idea if that one was better," mentioned a reviewer about Bell Cow Lake's facilities.
Water access considerations: Many sites require long hoses. "The Campground is very shaded and the spot was large and easy to back in to with our 33' TT. The fishing dock was very spacious and secure for us and the grandkids we love everything about the park, except [the water hookup situation]," noted Ron K. at Hawthorn Bluff.
