Best Campgrounds near Norman, OK

Camping options around Norman, Oklahoma center primarily on Lake Thunderbird State Park, which contains multiple campgrounds with varying levels of development. Lake Thunderbird features several camping areas including Little Axe, Turkey Pass, South Dam, and Critter Alley campgrounds. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping with electric hookups and water available at many sites. Oklahoma City East KOA in nearby Choctaw offers cabin accommodations in addition to traditional tent and RV sites. Arcadia Lake, located north of Norman, provides additional camping options including cabin and glamping opportunities.

The campgrounds in this region typically remain open year-round with summer being the peak season. Most sites at Lake Thunderbird State Park feature picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities, though amenities vary between campgrounds. Water pressure can fluctuate during busy periods, particularly on holiday weekends when campgrounds reach capacity. Reservations are recommended, especially for summer weekends and holidays when the lake attracts many visitors. Many campgrounds charge around $16-25 per night for basic sites with additional fees for hookups or premium locations. A review noted that "Typical state park. Was good for the value but will say the staff at the main office were very helpful! They saw to it that curfew was enforced!"

The lake serves as the main attraction for campers with multiple access points available from various campgrounds. Water quality at Lake Thunderbird tends to be silty with the characteristic reddish tint common to central Oklahoma lakes. Campsite spacing varies considerably between campgrounds, with some offering more privacy than others. Several visitors mentioned that while Thunderbird's upper camping loops provide more space between sites, waterfront locations tend to be more crowded. Bathroom facilities receive mixed reviews across campgrounds, with some users reporting cleanliness issues. Wildlife sightings are common, particularly at night. A camper observed that "Sites are well spaced apart and pretty level. 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."

Best Camping Sites Near Norman, Oklahoma (96)

    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

    22 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. Turkey Pass — Lake Thunderbird State Park

    7 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."

    5. 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."

    6. 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."

    7. 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."

    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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 96 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Norman, OK

338 Reviews of 96 Norman Campgrounds


  • That_Other_Grace
    Aug. 9, 2025

    North Sentinel — Lake Thunderbird State Park

    Rooftop tents aren't tents

    Don't bring your rooftop tents here. They will call the cops on you in the middle of the night and make you leave. Also don't expect to use your fire pit without cleaning weeks worth of trash out of it. The showers sprayed water everywhere except for where you need it and there were condom wrappers and dirty diapers on the floor.

  • Kristina H.
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Post Oak 2 — Lake Thunderbird State Park

    Camping with family

    Well most time quiet and I like the pull in but back up ok too the bathroom clean and feel good on a hot day with the ac on the swimming area clean our love it. Just put up your food those raccoons get them lol

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Turkey Pass — Lake Thunderbird State Park

    Great Quiet spot

    We stayed Monday and Tuesday night and it was very quiet. Great and friendly host. Sites are nice a spread out so you’re not right on top of each other. The campground is clean but my only complaint is the amount of litter at the boat ramp. There is a dumpster there and yet no one used it. 3 bars of 5G for Verison and T-Mobile.

  • A
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Scissortail Campground

    Nice Area

    The site itself is private and could be a nice place. There was trash all over the site and the showers and bathrooms were disgusting. There are limited spots with water and with nasty bathrooms if you rely on having water you should avoid this place. There were lots of wildlife.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2025

    Happy Acres RV Park & Campground

    Clean and well maintained

    For anyone looking for an overnight or long time stay around the Oklahoma City area this is the place. We were received with a smile as well as a free coffee cup. In my many years of rv travels I can’t recall a time when I was given a better reception. As for the part it’s clean quiet and close to anything you need. For me it was a quick workout and to Walmart to restock the rv before heading out the next day. Oh by the way they have 32 acres of hiking trails.

  • Rachael V.
    Jun. 23, 2025

    Scissortail Campground

    Tons of deer

    The kids loved feeding all the deer. Great clean park!

  • Bille W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2025

    Council Road RV Park

    Good easy location

    Easy to get into right off 40z. Office closes at 6 so no laundry or check in after that.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2025

    Turkey Pass — Lake Thunderbird State Park

    Great place, quiet location

    Nice campground, on the lake with spacious camp sites most are pull through. Sites have 50 amp with water hookups, dump station for sewer.. have concrete picnic table, charcoal grill and fire pit. Bathrooms are older but clean. Showers have HOT water.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2025

    Prague Lake Campground

    Ok if you have horses and a trailer

    Only 8 spaces with full hook ups, but you might be sharing utility poles. Sites are paved but not level you’ll need to level your camper. AT&T signal is 1 bar 5G. Bathrooms need lots of work.


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

What are the best campgrounds near Norman, OK?

Little Axe — Lake Thunderbird State Park consistently ranks as a top option near Norman, offering reservable spots with electric hookups for $26 per night. Campers appreciate its quieter atmosphere, making it ideal for families. Another excellent choice is South Dam - Lake Thunderbird State Park, which earns high marks from visitors. Lake Thunderbird State Park features 11 different campground areas surrounding a 6,000-acre lake, with options for both tent and RV camping, including some full hookup sites. The park's proximity to Norman (just minutes away) makes it convenient for accessing restaurants and grocery stores.

Are there cabin camping options near Norman, Oklahoma?

While traditional cabins are limited near Norman, OK Treehouse offers a unique elevated accommodation experience in the Oklahoma City area. This private camping spot features artistic treehouse structures created by a professional artist, providing a peaceful retreat in nature. For those seeking alternative accommodations, many of the RV parks in the region offer cabin rentals, though availability varies by season. Call ahead to check current offerings, as cabin accommodations tend to book quickly, especially during summer months and holidays.

What hiking trails can I access near Norman camping areas?

Lake Thunderbird State Park offers several hiking opportunities with trails of varying difficulty levels winding through the park's natural areas. The Clear Bay Recreation Area features walking paths with lake views, while the park's south side has nature trails suitable for family hikes. For those staying at Central State Park Campground, there are additional trails just a short drive from Norman. Turkey Pass — Lake Thunderbird State Park also provides access to scenic hiking areas. Most trails in the region are moderate in difficulty and offer opportunities to observe local wildlife and native Oklahoma landscapes.

What tent camping sites are available around Norman?

Little Sandy Campground — Lake Thunderbird State Park offers tent camping sites with lake views, though be prepared for Oklahoma's characteristic red water. For a more primitive experience, Wewoka Lake provides basic tent sites along the water's edge, perfect for those seeking a more rustic camping experience. Critter Alley — Lake Thunderbird State Park is another option with basic amenities and toilets available. Most tent sites in the area are first-come, first-served, so arriving early on weekends is recommended, especially during summer months.