Camping near Shawnee, Oklahoma offers varying terrain from open lakefront sites to wooded areas with elevation changes across the region's 1,000-foot plateau. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide milder conditions for outdoor recreation. Most campgrounds operate year-round with winter camping available but limited amenities during colder months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Wes Watkins Reservoir, campers can access the lake from multiple points. According to Eric R., "Many areas to approach lake. Sure there is a beach, multiple boat loading ramps and day use picnic areas close to the water, and in shade but if you need a quiet place to get in the water and relax, or visit quietly with friends but there are many trails that lead to water access."
Hiking trails: Happy Acres RV Park & Campground offers 32 acres of hiking trails within the property. William M. notes, "For anyone looking for an overnight or long time stay around the Oklahoma City area this is the place. 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."
Lake activities: The Little Axe campground at Lake Thunderbird provides water recreation options. Christle C. mentions, "Nice views of lake & dam. Sandy beach area, sandy & walkable around lakes edge." Valerie C. adds, "Stayed here for a couple nights, few other campers. Site was straight across from the lake. Got some good hiking in."
What campers like
Waterfront camping: Campers appreciate the direct lake access at Lake Thunderbird's campgrounds. According to Jil S., "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."
Clean facilities: The Oklahoma City East KOA receives positive feedback for maintenance. Frank notes, "The people here are very nice and helpful. We stayed at this park for 6 days waiting for our new hitch to get there and everything was great. The bath house is very nice and there's a great playground and dog park."
Quiet camping options: South Dam at Lake Thunderbird State Park offers more peaceful sites. Nicholas L. shares, "If you have a 30 amp rv/camper you can get a spot at one of the 3 decent Thunderbird parks most of the time same day no reservation." Forrest notes, "Nice place to relax by a fire. Campsites are spaced out well enough and has some right by the water."
What you should know
Bathroom quality varies: Facility conditions differ dramatically between campgrounds. At Wes Watkins Reservoir, Shawn reports, "The rest rooms are pretty nasty and old. I wanted to take a shower but changed my mind." Conversely, at Little Axe campground, Christle C. found that "Bathrooms & showers were like new & very clean."
Campground closures: Some sites have changed availability since earlier reviews. Nancy B. reported in 2023, "The designated campground at Shawnee Twin Lakes is now closed to camping. We ended up staying at the boat ramp."
Long-term campers: At some sites, you may find residents rather than recreational campers. Lisa H. observed at Wes Watkins Reservoir, "In the area where there is tent camping there appeared to be people who were possibly living there full time. One car was broken down and crashed, another had tickets, and one camper had a cot, lots of stuff strewn about, no tent, and no car."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center provides family-friendly facilities. Nicole S. mentions, "Always have fun when I'm here with the family!"
Water recreation: Little Axe campground offers family-friendly water activities. Tracy C. shares, "Little Axe is nice for families and quieter groups. 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."
Site spacing: Look for campgrounds with adequate separation between sites. At Oklahoma City East KOA, Amy D. notes, "The spots were a little close together but not too bad." Conversely, South Dam at Lake Thunderbird offers "Campsites spaced out well enough and has some right by the water."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: At Oklahoma City East KOA, Rachel P. reports, "The spaces were a good size to fit our 45' toyhauler with 2 vehicles (and put the back patio down). There are a fair bit of trees, so big rigs use caution pulling into spaces."
Concrete pads: Happy Acres offers level concrete sites. Dante B. shares, "Concrete pads level and places to walk and wander around the ponds an through the pines. Short drive off interstate and close to a wide variety of shopping experiences and casinos."
Reservation timing: For Lake Thunderbird campgrounds, Nicholas L. advises, "If you have a 50 amp better go parkit on Thursday so you have a weekend spot."
