RV parks near Purcell, Oklahoma offer convenient access to Lake Thunderbird State Park, located approximately 20 miles north. The region sits at an elevation of 1,099 feet in the Cross Timbers ecoregion where eastern forests transition to western prairies. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F between June and September, making spring and fall more comfortable for camping activities.
What to do
Water recreation at Lake Thunderbird: The lake provides fishing and boating opportunities with an ADA-accessible fishing dock. "We stayed a week in a tent fishing camping swimming had a great time," noted one visitor at Lake Thunderbird State Park - Rose Rock RV Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Buffalo can be observed in enclosures at some area campgrounds. "The kids loved the 7 baby Buffalo on the property," wrote a camper about Rockwell RV Park, which maintains buffalo on-site as a unique attraction.
Miniature golf: Some parks offer on-site recreation beyond standard camping. "Nice place, full hookups all paved. Plenty to do for the family. Swimming pool, bar, karaoke," reports a visitor at Twin Fountains RV Park, which includes a mini-golf course among its amenities.
Trail exploration: Multiple hiking trails exist near Purcell campgrounds. "Hiking Trails near by.. Sutton Wilderness Trail Park. Mountain Biking, Hiking, Boating, and Fishing at the nearby Lake Thunderbird," explains a camper at Cleveland County RV Park.
What campers like
Space between sites: Campers appreciate parks that don't crowd RVs together. At Turkey Pass — Lake Thunderbird State Park, "Sites are nice a spread out so you're not right on top of each other. The campground is clean," according to a recent review.
Indoor recreation options: Oklahoma weather can be unpredictable, making indoor facilities valuable. "They have a decent indoor pool, buffalo in an enclosure, and laundry facilities. They have a church service on Sundays, and they bake muffins each morning that are free for guests," notes a reviewer at Rockwell RV Park.
Safety features: Given Oklahoma's tornado season, storm shelters are important. A visitor at Roadrunner RV Park observed, "This is a beautifully kept up RV park. Lots of grass, concrete pads, and storm shelters. Easy in and out, except getting into park from Interstate."
On-site amenities: Some rv parks near Purcell feature unexpected conveniences. "I love campgrounds with restaurants. They're always unique and personal and this one sure is. Love their limo shuttle service, grounds," writes a camper about Twin Fountains RV Park.
What you should know
Site leveling varies: Not all sites are perfectly level. "Our pad was not super level but not a deal breaker," reported a camper at Roadrunner RV Park, though most parks have concrete or gravel pads.
Tree clearance: Large rigs may face challenges with low-hanging branches. At Turkey Pass, a camper warned, "Trees need to be trimed from the campground, you will get your rig scratched. We have a 40 foot fifthwheel and was able to find several sites that would work."
Highway noise: Given proximity to Interstate 35, noise can be a factor. A T&R RV Resort visitor noted, "Being right off interstate is convenient but you will hear traffic during daytime. We heard nothing in bedroom overnight though."
Seasonal differences: Spring brings cooler temperatures but potential severe weather. "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," reported a spring visitor at Lake Thunderbird.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Some parks offer play equipment for children. Lake Thunderbird State Park's Rose Rock campground "has a small playground appropriate for young children," according to a camper.
Educational opportunities: Unique features can entertain children. "We bought post cards and mailed them to family and visited the good park. I only wish we were staying longer," shared a family at Twin Fountains RV Park.
Transportation services: One Rockwell RV Park visitor noted special amenities for families: "The kids loved the 7 baby Buffalo on the property. Linda had wonderful customer service and accommodated our COVID request for phone check-in and payment."
Morning treats: Some RV parks near Purcell offer special morning services. "Free coffee and muffins every morning. Bathouses were very clean and well kept," mentioned a reviewer at Rockwell RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Satellite positioning: Trees can interfere with satellite reception. At Lake Thunderbird, "We have a 40 foot fifthwheel and was able to find several sites that would work fot sat dish. Sites are not on top of each other."
Site selection for large rigs: Concrete pads with adequate space are available. At Arrowhead RV & Tiny House Park, "The park is just beautiful and the owner is so kind," notes a long-term resident who appreciated the park's layout for larger rigs.
Cell coverage: Mobile connectivity is generally reliable. "3 bars of 5G for Verison and T-Mobile," reported a camper at Turkey Pass campground, providing practical information for remote workers.
Sewer configurations: Some sites have challenging sewer hookup positions. At Roadrunner RV Park, "Some sites have sewer hookups toward the far rear with a slight incline, so it may take an extension or 2 pending your rig and some imagination."
