Best Campgrounds near Shawnee, OK

Camping near Shawnee, OK, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

• Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Lake Carl Blackwell, provide access to beautiful lakes. One visitor mentioned, "The lake is great for swimming with a shallow flat bottom," making it perfect for families.
• Hiking and Biking: Trails are available at places like Lake Thunderbird State Park. A reviewer noted, "From here you can hop over to some mountain bike trails," which is great for those looking to explore the outdoors.
• Playgrounds and Family Activities: Campgrounds such as Oklahoma City East KOA have amenities for kids. One camper shared, "Nice playground for the kids," ensuring that younger visitors have fun.

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Little Axe — Lake Thunderbird State Park said, "Nice little peninsula, watched the sun come up over the water."
• Clean Facilities: Many campers value cleanliness. A review for Oklahoma City East KOA highlighted, "The bathroom/showers were very clean and there was plenty of hot water."
• Friendly Staff: Good service makes a difference. A camper at Arcadia Lake mentioned, "Great staff, help with hookups and how to use."

What you should know:

• First-Come, First-Serve: Some campgrounds, like Central State Park Campground, operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A visitor noted, "First come first serve sounds great until you realize you won’t get a spot."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A review for Heyburn Park mentioned, "The park didn’t have a map so we weren’t sure where the site was."
• Wildlife Encounters: Campers often see wildlife. A visitor at Arcadia Lake shared, "Lots of wildlife, it’s hard to believe the city isn’t far away."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for spots like Oklahoma City East KOA that have playgrounds. A reviewer said, "The playground was located centrally and is easily accessible from all sites."
• Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds are quieter than others. A camper at Little Axe — Lake Thunderbird State Park noted, "This park/campground was the quietest of the three we visited."
• Bring Extra Supplies: Campgrounds like Lake McMurtry West Campground may have limited supplies. A visitor mentioned, "Make sure to have a 50 ft water hose as the water spouts are on the opposite side of most camper locations."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds, like Oklahoma City East KOA, accommodate larger rigs. A reviewer said, "The spaces were a good size to fit our 45’ toyhauler."
• Be Aware of Hookup Locations: At places like Heyburn Park, hookups may not be where you expect. A camper noted, "The hook ups are on the wrong side."
• Plan for Road Conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A visitor at Lake McMurtry West Campground mentioned, "The road access to this campground is probably the worst that I have experienced."

Camping near Shawnee, OK, has something for everyone, whether you're in an RV or tent camping. Just remember to check the specific amenities and conditions of each campground before you go!