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.
