4 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Lake Carl Blackwell offers equestrian camping with designated horse trails and multi-use paths. The campground provides water and electric hookups while accommodating tent, RV, and cabin campers. Horses are permitted on the extensive trail system that covers a large area of the 3,350-acre property. Bathrooms and shower facilities are available to campers, though the shower setup offers minimal privacy. The trails are well-maintained and suitable for riders of various experience levels. Multiple dump stations are located throughout the camping areas for RV convenience.
The trail system connects riders to various parts of the lake property, with wildlife viewing opportunities including deer, beavers, and birds. Lake Carl Blackwell is located 8 miles west of Stillwater, providing easy access to provisions and emergency services when needed. The grounds are consistently well-maintained with mowed areas and clean facilities. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons when the campground can become crowded. While some campers report the atmosphere can be lively on weekends, weekdays offer a more peaceful experience for riders seeking quieter trail conditions. The store on property offers gas and camping supplies, including after-hours vending for essential items.
"Beautiful lake, sites right next to the water."
"Nice spot right next to the lake, very pretty and peaceful."
"Offers Equestrian trails, hiking trails, and bicycling trails. Our favorite in-state campground."
"The sides have enough room for the grandkids to roam around it besides for electric and water only but offered a view of the lake and we're close by a swim area."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Fairly clean bathrooms that are very close to this site."
"Nice lake."
from $25 - $380 / night
ScoutThe amenities were very clean, some being very new. Multiple new dump stations in each area. Bathrooms were very clean. Most all campsites are right on the water. Beautiful campground. Offers Equestrian trails, hiking trails, and bicycling trails. Our favorite in-state campground.
GuideWe reserve two sites side by side in the beaver cove campground. The sites are on a slight decline but pull through and we were able to make them level with our blocks. The sides have enough room for the grandkids to roam around it besides for electric and water only but offered a view of the lake and we're close by a swim area. The trees at the sides provided adequate shade for the afternoon sun and the campground offered boat ramps couple of swim areas and on-site store for gas and supplies including and after hours vending machine with propane tanks and charcoal and s'mores supplies. The dump station provided slots for three RVs at one time and well thought out. The crap ground offers hiking bicycle and horse trails that cover a large area. Wildlife was abundant with plenty of deer and Canadian geese and squirrels. The campgrounds offer some annual sites for long-term visits but there is a waiting list to be on that.
RangerCampground easy to find and access. The map at office provided was poor quality, map on web site better. Staff was helpful and courtious. Nice campgrounds, some are available for 12 months but those are in their own section. Big disappoint was no bath house, one rest room with a handicap shower. But that restroom near horse corals and smell was present. The lake was nice respite to a hot and long day. The grounds are well manicured, clean and mowed. It's a very large facility but spread out so it does not feel crowded.
LegendThe lake is owned and operated by Oklahoma State University. The grounds were well mowed, some of the structures are dated but well cared for. Super-friendly and helpful people at the permit office. The store was closed when we arrived.
The quirky bit is the number of camping spaces that are by annual permit. That means a lot of of the shore line is taken up by permanent campers, weekend campers that leave their rigs, student living and even residents (in campers). The lake being close to Stillwater, it looks like a number of students and such commute from the lake.
None of this was problematic for us, but the level of care each annual permit holder takes on their lot range from pristine to near dilapidated.
We stayed in Beaver Cove and found it to be clean, well-maintained, friendly and quiet. No real privacy buffer between sites, but the spacing was comfortable.
The park ranger made several passes through, even though the campground was only about 1/4 occupied.
Lots of birds, including a resident blue heron the locals named Charlie. Wonderful views of the cove. We stayed in lot 31 and a few large elm trees gave our campsite evening shade.
Nice fire rings and sturdy picnic tables.
All in all, a good stay.
ScoutLakeside spots are spacious and well kept. Be prepared for flying bugs. Lake is great for swimming with shallow flat bottom.
GuideBeautiful lake, sites right next to the water.
GuideNice spot right next to the lake, very pretty and peaceful.
TravelerVery nice primitive campsite. Several spots beside The lake or built a little peninsulas surrounded by water on three sides.More spots higher up on the bluff overlooking the lake. Only a couple other campers on the weekday I was there, Very quiet but there was some trash look like there might be some partying on the weekends.
I would definitely stay here again.
ScoutVery nice woodsy campground. You must reserve in advance. We were able to fit in more trailers than the reservation said. Fairly clean bathrooms that are very close to this site.
Lake Carl Blackwell offers equestrian camping opportunities near Ponca City, Oklahoma. Located west of Stillwater, this 3,350-acre property features extensive trail systems for horse riders. The Oklahoma climate allows for year-round camping with summer temperatures averaging 85-95°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing, requiring appropriate preparation for both riders and horses.
Trail riding: Lake Carl Blackwell provides multi-use trails ideal for horseback riding across varied terrain. "Lake Carl Blackwell has plenty of multi-use trails however, there is no of trail camping. These results are for day hikes only. Great for kids and getting them started in hiking or as a training ground for longer hikes," notes Daniel R. from Lake Carl Blackwell.
Fishing: Cowely County Fishing Lake offers peaceful fishing spots with minimal crowding. "Throughout the day, there was about three people fishing. It felt like I had the place to myself. I'm not sure if it was because it's just March and nothing's quite green yet, but the lake was peaceful," reports Mike V. from Cowely County Fishing Lake.
Wildlife viewing: Observe local wildlife in their natural habitat around the water. "I was practically surrounded by water. Deer, beavers, armadillo, birds! There are many different campground areas, I stayed in Pine Grove," shares Kelly G. about the diverse wildlife at Lake Carl Blackwell.
Waterfront sites: Many campsites offer direct lake access. "Nice spot right next to the lake, very pretty and peaceful," writes Patrick B. about Cowely County Fishing Lake.
Clean facilities: The maintained grounds receive positive feedback from visitors. "The amenities were very clean, some being very new. Multiple new dump stations in each area. Bathrooms were very clean. Most all campsites are right on the water," notes David D. about Lake Carl Blackwell.
Cabin accommodations: For non-tent camping options with proximity to trails. "My husband and I rented a little cabin for an anniversary getaway. Cabin was clean, and grounds were well kept. We called for fresh bedding, and they were happy to help. The bed was large and comfy, and pillows were soft," shares Dana H. about her winter stay at Lake Carl Blackwell.
Weekday vs. weekend experience: Campground atmosphere varies significantly. "Beautiful but crowded, place where a lot of young people like to party," writes James about Lake Carl Blackwell, suggesting weekdays might offer a quieter experience for horse riders seeking peaceful trail time.
Campsite selection: Some areas feature better amenities than others. "This lake tends to get a little rowdy on the holidays/weekends. The rv sites are not in the best location in regards to the water, so we prefer to camp non electrical here," advises Anika L. about Winfield City Lake.
Enforcement varies: Different campgrounds have different management approaches. "This lake is nice but small. The camping is OK, however, the city of Winfield never enforces quite hours or patrols the area. If you get unlucky enough to be near a party you will listen to it all night," warns Chris B. about Winfield City Lake.
Trail introduction: The paths suit beginners and experienced riders. "Great for kids and getting them started in hiking or as a training ground for longer hikes. The trails are well maintained," explains Daniel R. about Lake Carl Blackwell's accessibility for younger visitors.
Hospital proximity: Emergency services are accessible from Lake Carl Blackwell. "Eight miles west of Stillwater (and a hospital) where restaurants and provisions can be found," notes Dana H., an important consideration for family camping with horses or any outdoor adventure with children.
Seasonal planning: Winter offers less crowded conditions for family horse camping. "We went in January, so there were no crowds," mentions Dana H. about her stay at Lake Carl Blackwell, making it an ideal time for families seeking quieter trail experiences.
Dump station availability: Multiple facilities accommodate RV needs. "Multiple new dump stations in each area," reports David D. about Lake Carl Blackwell, indicating good infrastructure for equestrian campers bringing living quarters trailers.
Site preferences: Consider the annual permit areas. "The quirky bit is the number of camping spaces that are by annual permit. That means a lot of of the shore line is taken up by permanent campers, weekend campers that leave their rigs, student living and even residents," explains Neil T. from Lake Carl Blackwell, suggesting visitors research specific areas before booking.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "Need better roads way to much dirt and only one bath house that we would use and it needed to be cleaned," advises Debbie S. about Winfield City Lake, which could impact horse trailer access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Ponca City, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ponca City, OK is Cowely county fishing lake with a 4.2-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Ponca City, OK?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Ponca City, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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