Best Campgrounds near Ponca City, OK

Camping near Ponca City, OK, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Osage Hills State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Great trails, clean, HEATED bathrooms and showers," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
• Fishing and Swimming: At Salt Plains State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A visitor shared, "The beach/access to the lake is very near the RV sites," highlighting the convenience for water activities.
• Stargazing: Many campers rave about the clear night skies. One review from Osage Hills State Park Campground noted, "Great stargazing on a clear night," perfect for those who love to gaze at the stars.

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Keystone State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms were the nicest, cleanest bathrooms from a campsite I have ever seen."
• Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the spaciousness of the sites. A visitor at Lake Carl Blackwell mentioned, "Lakeside spots are spacious and well kept," making it a great choice for families.
• Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. One review for Twin Points Skiatook Lake said, "The hosts are great, great state park," which adds to the overall experience.

What you should know:

• Water Availability: Some campgrounds have limited water access. For instance, at Lake McMurtry West Campground, a camper advised, "Make sure to have a 50 ft water hose as the water spouts are on the opposite side of most camper locations."
• Noise Levels: Be prepared for potential noise, especially during busy weekends. A review for Keystone State Park Campground mentioned, "The only complaint is it seems there is a bar or something of the sorts and the drumming is loud."
• Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, COE Lake Skiatook Twin Points is open from April 1 to October 30, so plan your visit accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

• Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. Twin Points Skiatook Lake has an awesome playground and basketball goal, making it a hit with kids.
• Safety and Cleanliness: Many families appreciate the presence of park rangers. A camper at Osage Hills State Park Campground noted, "A park ranger would drive by every couple of hours so I felt very safe."
• Heated Facilities: During cooler months, heated bathrooms can be a lifesaver. One family shared their experience at Salt Plains State Park Campground, saying, "HEATED super clean bathrooms (it was around 45 degrees at night when we went so this was a welcome sight)."

Tips from RVers:

• Electric Hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has electric hookups. Campers at Lake Carl Blackwell appreciated the availability of electric at every site.
• Space for Maneuvering: Look for campgrounds that allow easy access for larger RVs. A review for Lake McMurtry West Campground mentioned, "The maneuvering space needed to back a large trailer is more than sufficient."
• Bring Extra Supplies: Some RVers recommend bringing extra supplies like water hoses and connectors. A camper at Twin Points Skiatook Lake advised, "You'll want to bring at least 50' of water hose, as the spigots mostly seemed to be quite a distance from the pads."

Camping near Ponca City, OK, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With clean facilities, friendly staff, and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature.