Best Campgrounds near Norman, OK

Lake Thunderbird State Park stands as the main camping draw near Norman, Oklahoma. The park surrounds a good-sized lake that works well for fishing and boating trips. Buckhorn Campground inside the park has clean sites and basic facilities that families find useful. You'll find restrooms and picnic tables throughout the campground area. Animals frequent the park, so store your food properly to prevent unwanted visitors to your campsite. Ticks appear regularly in warmer months, so bring repellent and check yourself after hiking. Several trails cross through the park if you want to stretch your legs and see more of the landscape. Summer heat can be intense in this part of Oklahoma, making extra water a necessity rather than a luxury. Norman itself sits just a short drive away when you need supplies or want to grab a meal in town. The combination of lake activities and hiking keeps most campers busy during their stay. Before heading out, double-check the weather forecast and any current park rules that might affect your plans.

Best Camping Sites Near Norman, Oklahoma (93)

    1. Little Axe — Lake Thunderbird State Park

    21 Reviews
    Norman, OK
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (405) 360-3572

    $25 / night

    "We had a great stay in Lake Thunderbird State Park near Norman Oklahoma."

    "Nice campspots as we are passing through Oklahoma, near Norman and restaurants/grocery stores. Quiet with decent shower and bathrooms."

    2. Oklahoma City East KOA

    21 Reviews
    Choctaw, OK
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (405) 391-5000

    "This KOA is an excellent choice for visiting Oklahoma City. Check in was quick and friendly. It was easy to get to downtown, yet the traffic noise was never an issue. Anything you need is nearby."

    "The site is bordered by a moderately busy 4 lane road which is why I gave it 4 vs 5 stars.

    I was in a tent site but had easy access to electric and water. "

    3. South Dam - Lake Thunderbird State Park

    9 Reviews
    Norman, OK
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (405) 360-3572

    "Also, it's a peninsula by the dam, there's a quiet cove for fishing, good beaches and lake access, a play gym for kiddos and clean bathrooms."

    "We didn't stay but rode our bikes over from Little Ax to ride the bike trails. No one there except the campground hosts but we explored the campground and area. Very nice."

    4. Roadrunner RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Oklahoma City, OK
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (405) 677-2373

    $52 - $60 / night

    "Close to the highway and downtown OKC. Highway noise is buffered by hotels so its not really that bad. Full hookups, free wifi and codes to bathrooms for more security."

    "If traveling North get off one exit early."

    5. Hog Creek West — Lake Thunderbird State Park

    5 Reviews
    Norman, OK
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (405) 360-3572

    "We only stayed for a night but we had enough time to walk the trails close which were very nice."

    "Beautiful sunrise and sunset over the lake. Sites close together and a bit loud, but we were there on a Saturday night. Walk-in tent sites looked great."

    6. Little Sandy Campground — Lake Thunderbird State Park

    6 Reviews
    Norman, OK
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (405) 360-3572

    $25 / night

    "Most have electric and water with a central located dump station near by.

    Plenty of fishing to be had at the lake... hiking and biking also in area.."

    "Time to rebuild the horrible bathroom by the lake. Roads need to be replaced or major patching. Some campsites are very close to each other while others have good spacing."

    7. Turkey Pass — Lake Thunderbird State Park

    5 Reviews
    Norman, OK
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (405) 802-4792

    "This is a great park for the RV person; there is nothing out of the ordinary but there is easy access to the lake for all sorts of water sports and a marina is available."

    "Lots of places for walks and the boat launch is just down the hill. We will stay here again, just hope they trim the trees."

    8. Critter Alley — Lake Thunderbird State Park

    5 Reviews
    Norman, OK
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (405) 360-3572

    "We had a small class camping and were recommended to Critter Alley by staff due to area and proximity to water and the nature center. The pavilion was perfect for our class and the stars were bright."

    "This is a tent camping area only state park that is on the banks of Lake Thunderbird."

    9. Arcadia Lake

    59 Reviews
    Edmond, OK
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (405) 216-7470

    "Definitely be aware of flash flooding- then again... it is Oklahoma...

    It’s an awesome spot not too far outside of town!"

    "Very easy to get to from Oklahoma City."

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Showing results 1-10 of 93 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Norman, OK

326 Reviews of 93 Norman Campgrounds



Guide to Norman

Camping near Norman, Oklahoma, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and exploring: Many campgrounds, like Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park, have trails that let you enjoy the stunning scenery. One visitor mentioned, "The park is fun to explore and the camping areas are broken up so that you don’t feel crowded."
  • Fishing and swimming: At Lake Thunderbird State Park, you can fish or take a dip in the lake. A camper noted, "Nice views of the lake & dam. Sandy beach area, sandy & walkable around the lake's edge."
  • Wildlife watching: Campers often spot deer and other wildlife. One reviewer at Arcadia Lake said, "Great staff, help with hookups and how to use," highlighting the friendly atmosphere.

What campers like:

  • Quiet surroundings: Many campers appreciate the peacefulness of places like Buckhorn Campground. A visitor shared, "This is one of our favorite tent and trailer camping locations in Oklahoma. It is quiet with all the hookups you need."
  • Clean facilities: Campgrounds like Oklahoma City East KOA are praised for their cleanliness. One camper mentioned, "The bathroom/showers were very clean and there was plenty of hot water."
  • Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds often have playgrounds and picnic areas. A reviewer at Turner Falls Park noted, "Camping areas are vast, but dirty with limited amenities," indicating that while the area is great for families, some facilities may need attention.

What you should know:

  • First-come, first-served: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper at Central State Park said, "First come first serve sounds great until you realize you won’t get a spot."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain facilities. A visitor at Lake Carl Blackwell mentioned, "Bathrooms get a no star. 2 vault toilets at campground."
  • Crowded on weekends: Expect busier conditions during weekends, especially in summer. One camper at The Point Campground noted, "I was pretty much alone except for one other site near me until Friday evening when the place filled up QUICK."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Look for spots like Arcadia Lake that have family-friendly features. A reviewer mentioned, "This campground would be nice for families as the playground was located centrally."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to bring games or outdoor toys. One camper at Red Rock Canyon said, "The park is fun to explore and the camping areas are broken up."
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can keep everyone happy. A visitor at Turner Falls Park noted, "The camping is primitive and we had access to a small natural pool area near falls."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Buckhorn Campground mentioned, "We had a tent and a trailer and PLENTY of room for more if we needed to."
  • Look for electric hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a lifesaver. A reviewer at Oklahoma City East KOA said, "The utilities were great."
  • Be mindful of noise: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lake Carl Blackwell noted, "This is definitely a party campground, so if that is your thing you will enjoy."

Whether you're looking for RV parks in Norman, OK, or just a great camping experience, these campgrounds have something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Norman, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Norman, OK is Little Axe — Lake Thunderbird State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 21 reviews.

What parks are near Norman, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Norman, OK that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.