Located about 20 miles south of Oklahoma City, Norman offers a range of camping and glamping options with varying levels of amenities. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters, making spring and fall ideal camping seasons. Norman's proximity to several lakes provides water recreation opportunities alongside traditional camping experiences.
What to do
Fishing and swimming at Arcadia Lake: The shallow, calm waters make this lake particularly suitable for families. "Great bass fishing here! The dams were cool to see. It was easy to walk in and get a permit for camping and fishing," notes James D. about Shawnee Twin Lakes, where visitors can fish in multiple lake areas.
Hiking equestrian trails: Bell Cow Lake offers extensive trail systems. "There are miles of equestrian trails. Hiked down one and the trail was very peaceful and beautiful. It had recently rained a lot, so I had a thick layer of red mud on my shoes from the hike," reports Leslie N. about Bell Cow Lake Campground C.
Clay crafting: Some lakeshores offer natural materials for impromptu art projects. "The lake is filled with red clay. My mom and I harvested some and made little figures and baked them in the sun. We had so much fun," shares Danielle C., describing a creative activity at Bell Cow Lake.
What campers like
Buffalo viewing: At Rockwell RV Park, visitors appreciate the unique wildlife. "The kids loved the 7 baby Buffalo on the property," writes Lauren W. about her stay at Rockwell RV Park, which maintains buffalo in an enclosure on the property.
Spacious, clean sites: Many campers value well-maintained grounds. "Beautiful sunset views and nice, spacious, clean campsites all with fire pits with attached grill! The price per site/night allows for two tents on one site!" shares Lisa P. about Shawnee Twin Lakes.
Morning hospitality: Some campgrounds provide unexpected amenities. "They bake muffins each morning that are free for guests. My youngest did not miss a day," says Bret N. about his Thanksgiving week stay at Rockwell RV Park.
What you should know
Weather preparation: Oklahoma experiences severe weather, and some campgrounds have safety measures. "[Rockwell RV Park] is well lit, has a tornado shelter and are near a multitude of stores and restaurants," notes Elizabeth S., highlighting important safety features for Pecan Grove RV Resort.
Road noise considerations: Highway proximity can affect your experience. "The only reason I didn't give this park five stars is it is right next to the interstate so there was quite a bit of freeway noise," reports Lisa M. about Pecan Grove RV Resort.
Water conditions: Lakes in the area may have specific features to note. "Swimming was great with a sand bottom once you got past the grass along the shoreline," explains Jon B. about Bell Cow Lake, providing useful information about what to expect when entering the water.
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Look for dedicated swimming areas. "This is a very clean camping area, one of the number one spots locals go to swim," Julie H. shares about Arcadia Lake, noting its popularity with locals.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer recreational facilities. Jon B. mentions that Bell Cow Lake has "a swim beach, a volleyball court, pavilions," making it suitable for families seeking more structured recreation options.
Footwear considerations: Sandy areas require proper footwear. "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," advises Danielle C. from her experience at Bell Cow Lake.
Tips from RVers
Long-term stay options: Some parks accommodate extended visits. "We stayed for 8 months & it has been our favorite campground to date! It's quiet, clean, friendly & most importantly safe!" reports Katelyn A. about her experience at Pecan Grove RV Resort.
Hookup availability: Check what utilities are offered. "Full hook ups for a back in site for $40 per night. For being a RV park, the spaces were not right on top of each other like some parks are," notes Lisa M., providing important spacing information about Pecan Grove RV Resort.
Site selection strategy: At Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center, RVers have access to big-rig friendly sites with full hookups including fifty-amp power, making it suitable for larger vehicles requiring higher electrical capacity.
