M
Mark C.
Traveler
TravelerBell Cow Lake Campground A
It’s Nov,1. I’m the only one here right now. The place looks nice. The power works👍 there are rest rooms with shower, it’s open and lights are on
Equestrian Camping near Norman, OK
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Bell Cow Lake Campground C offers horseback riders camping options near Norman, Oklahoma. Located approximately 80 miles north of Norman, this campground provides water, electric, and sewer hookups for RV campers traveling with horses. The campground features boat access, drive-in sites, and accommodates tent camping, RVs, and glamping setups. While the campground data doesn't specifically mention horse corrals, the equestrian area designation indicates facilities for horses. The campground has shower facilities, toilets, trash disposal, and picnic tables at each site.
Located in a region with multiple lakes and state parks, Bell Cow Lake provides riders with trail access and water recreation opportunities. Campers planning equestrian activities should note that reservations aren't available for Bell Cow Lake Campground C, making it suitable for flexible travel plans. Other nearby options include LinLee's RV Park and Paddocks, approximately 45 miles west of Norman, which offers RV sites with electric hookups including both 50-amp and 30-amp service. For horse owners seeking additional camping options, Lake Thunderbird State Park provides multiple campgrounds within 10 miles of Norman, though without specific equestrian facilities. The bathrooms at state park campgrounds are well-maintained and camping spots are generally level with lake views.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Norman (16)
1. Little Axe — Lake Thunderbird State Park
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $25 / night
2. South Dam - Lake Thunderbird State Park
"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."
3. Arcadia Lake
"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."
4. Rockwell RV Park
"The location is good for access to Oklahoma City attractions. It is right off the interstate so the usual highway noise but not terrible. Free coffee and muffins every morning."
"Easy access Close to highway - a little noise Clean showers and bathrooms Nice front office folks Close camping sites Very full in October Storm cellar! Did not need to use."
5. Central State Park Campground
"Stay with some friends here for a festival in Oklahoma City."
"Nice location just outside the city of Oklahoma City. Pretty peaceful by the Arcadia Lake."
6. Scissortail Campground
"Great place to stay full hookups right by lake dogs loved it!"
Check Availabilityfrom $32 - $37 / night
7. Soggy Bottom Trails & Campground
"Many local trails to explore or hop in the river. This is a great, family friendly campground. Book your stay and leave your review here!"
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $25 / night
8. Rolling Stone Stables and RV park
"Rolling Stones stables & RV Park is tucked away in the woods, off the beaten path. Staff is friendly and helpful. Has a large dog park area, with trails and a small lake to explore."
9. LinLee’s RV Park and Paddocks
from $35 - $45 / night
10. Bell Cow Lake Campground C
"There is also equestrian RV sites with pens, tent camping with shared water spigots, primitive tent camping and a dump station. There are miles of equestrian trails."
"After finding out all of the RV and tent camping areas around OKC were at capacity we gave Bell Cow Lake a shot and we were not disappointed."
Drive Time
- 25 min from Oklahoma City, OK
- 1 hr 18 min from Lawton, OK
- 1 hr 44 min from Enid, OK
- 1 hr 47 min from Tulsa, OK
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Norman, OK
4 Photos of 16 Norman Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Norman, OK
162 Reviews of 16 Norman Campgrounds
Helge Vandel J.
GuideBell Cow Lake Campground A
Very nice and quiet campground at Bell Cow Lake.
Really nice place with tent and RV sites close to the lake. All RV sites have shade, power and water. Unfortunately, there is no waste water dump. Very attractive price.
Frank S.TravelerRolling Stone Stables and RV park
Hidden gem with horses
Rolling Stones stables & RV Park is tucked away in the woods, off the beaten path. Staff is friendly and helpful. Has a large dog park area, with trails and a small lake to explore. Lots of wildlife.
Adam B.
RangerCentral State Park Campground
Peaceful setting
Nice location just outside the city of Oklahoma City. Pretty peaceful by the Arcadia Lake. You can hear the roadways nearby and sometimes an airport but the crickets and frogs are nice at night Bathrooms are mid. Dark sort of clean but just old. Shower has great pressure but again old and dark and you can’t change the mild temperature. Plus a very large spider was found!
Cell service version and att good. Water spigots at various locations around the park Sites are fairly level. People need to clean up after themselves. I find it disgusting that people call themselves outdoors men when they smoke leaving their cigarette butts on the ground a long with other trash around their campsites. Leave it Better Than you found it! Please stop littering there is not anyone else to clean up after you. I’ll get off my soap box. Thanks for listening.- AAli C.
ScoutRockwell RV Park
Ok
Staff was friendly but the wifi is so unstable I couldn't stay connected. Spaces are very close and gravel. Not in the best part of town and a little sketchy. It was ok overall, but overpriced for what you get. Half the washers and dryers weren't working and the machines were dirty. The little dog park was nice but not well kept, and the playground area seemed more like junk storage. No buffalo, but I think that's a good thing because the pen they were kept in seemed really small. I'd stay there again in a pinch, but not proactively. I hope they improve on some things so I can change my mind.
Kimberly L.GuideArcadia Lake
Spacious sites with beautiful views
I was pleasantly surprised by the amenities and spacious sites at such an affordable rate. Fish cleaning stations, grill, fire pit, and solid picnic tables at every site make this one of the better places I've camped. It's quiet, spaced out well, and there is so much room between sites that you can't hear your neighbors unless they're really loud. The bathrooms need serious updating or I would have given 5 stars.
Nathan T.ScoutRolling Stone Stables and RV park
Off the path
This place we stayed at is a small stable but has rv hookups, the road is dirt the last 1/4mile if you follow Tammy's directions you won't have a problem, I made it in with a 42ft allegro bus with a car trailer.
- DDale Y.Guide
Central State Park Campground
Basic state park
This park has a handful of full hookup sites, a greater number of sites with electric only, and a large number of tent/rv sites with no hookups. There are water fill points conveniently located throughout the park.
I stayed for 6 days while visiting kids/grandkids. The park was empty during the week, completely full on the weekend. It’s conveniently located close to i35, shopping, dining, etc. it’s on a reservoir and my site was close to a boat launch. They do rigorously enforce quiet hours though.
The park is basic. One small shower house for the whole park, several bathrooms scattered throughout. Trash collection located with the bathrooms. The price reflects the amenities. I think I paid a little over $100 for the entire stay.
Jamie V.TravelerRockwell RV Park
Not safe at night. Transient people roam the area. Hourly rate motel next d
This place does not feel safe. Located next to a meth head mobile home park and an hourly motel across the street can be entertaining at times. New owner, David Syler, took over the place and talked a big plans to upgrade things but hasn't. The park has flooding issues, has a huge vagrant problem and they hiked the rent up to$800 a month. Instead of addressing things he is kicking out anyone that speaks ill of him. Place looks old and run down and not cared for. Half the laundry machine are broken and the bathroom stalls are atrocious. The say they do background checks but have a convicted felon and murderer on site and as part of the staff and will lie if you ask. We have been tenants for over a year and we're told to vacate today with no warrant or reason.
Guide to Norman
Lake Thunderbird State Park sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation, 10 miles east of Norman, Oklahoma. The park surrounds a 6,000-acre reservoir constructed in 1965 for flood control and recreation. Summer temperatures typically reach 90-100°F with high humidity, while winter camping conditions can drop below freezing between November and March.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: Soggy Bottom Trails & Campground offers 120 acres to explore with equestrian-friendly terrain about 30 miles southeast of Norman. "Many local trails to explore or hop in the river. This is a great, family friendly campground," notes Ashley F. from Soggy Bottom Trails & Campground.
Swimming beaches: Little Axe at Lake Thunderbird features designated swimming areas with sandy lake access. "There is a designated swimming area in the campgrounds. Beautiful, wooded park with large lake that has a section for watersports and fishing," writes Noelle H. from Lake Thunderbird State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Bell Cow Lake Campground attracts various wildlife species year-round. "There are miles of equestrian trails. Hiked down one and the trail was very peaceful and beautiful. There are pavilions, a boat ramp, and plenty of wildlife," reports Leslie N. from Bell Cow Lake Campground C.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Lake Thunderbird campsites offer direct lake access with strategic placement. "This was a back in site right on the water. We looked at some other areas where you were so far from the water you wouldn't even know you were at a lake. The site was level and had a nice picnic table out near the water," says Jil S. from Lake Thunderbird.
Clean facilities: South Dam at Lake Thunderbird maintains well-kept bathhouses. "Bathrooms & showers were like new & very clean. Camp host nice," reports Christle C. from South Dam - Lake Thunderbird State Park.
Urban accessibility: Central State Park provides nature access with city convenience. "This area is much more wooded than Thunderbird, and the views of the lake are obstructed by trees, so don't expect to get a lake view in front of your tent," explains Neil J. from Central State Park Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal water conditions: Bell Cow Lake has specific characteristics for water recreation. "Lake is calm & shallow, so it is best for small boats and kayaks. There were plenty of flies due to the time of year and the presence of horses, so a good fly swatter and a fly trap is recommended," advises Leslie N.
Reservation systems: Central State Park uses a payment system without online booking. "Payment sucks, as you have to shove money into an envelope at the entrance and is just a hassle. The City of Edmond could improve this by allowing reservations online just like the Oklahoma State Parks," notes Neil J.
Water quality varies: Lake water clarity changes throughout the season. "I'll be honest, this was probably my least favorite place we camped that summer. It's just not a very pretty lake, it's dirty," observes Kelly Z. from Little Axe Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for kids: Choose campgrounds with appropriate amenities for children. "Arcadia lake is an absolutely beautiful area but central state park is overpriced for what it offers and trying to find whether a site was already rented is almost impossible," cautions Zach P. from Central State Park.
Beach areas for children: Scissortail Campground provides wildlife interactions kids enjoy. "The kids loved feeding all the deer. Great clean park!" shares Rachael V. from Scissortail Campground.
Space considerations: Group camping requires adequate site selection. "Came with a group of four had plenty of room to for all tents and to make a fire," explains Lani H. from Little Axe Campground.
Tips from RVers
RV site positioning: Select locations with practical benefits for larger rigs. "We had a great stay in Lake Thunderbird State Park near Norman Oklahoma. The park has 11 campground areas situated around the 6000 acre centerpiece lake with many tent, RV sites and some of those have full hook up," notes Stephen & Theresa B.
Hookup options: Rockwell RV Park offers amenities for extended stays. "We stayed the week of Thanksgiving to visit friends. This park is an awesome place to stop. They have a decent indoor pool, buffalo in an enclosure, and laundry facilities," reports Bret N. from Rockwell RV Park.
Site leveling: Norman area campsites have varying surface conditions. "This park has a handful of full hookup sites, a greater number of sites with electric only, and a large number of tent/rv sites with no hookups. There are water fill points conveniently located throughout the park," explains Dale Y. from Central State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Norman, OK?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Norman, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Norman, OK is Little Axe — Lake Thunderbird State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 21 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Norman, OK?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Norman, OK?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Norman, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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