Best Campgrounds near Stillwater, OK
Stillwater, Oklahoma features several lakefront camping options with both developed and primitive sites. Lake Carl Blackwell, located eight miles west of Stillwater, offers cabins, RV sites, and tent camping with access to fishing and water activities. Lake McMurtry, just north of the city, provides east and west campgrounds with varying levels of amenities and privacy. Cedar Crest RV Park and Cowboy Camp Upscale RV Park offer more developed options within city limits for travelers seeking full hookups and convenient access to Oklahoma State University and downtown attractions.
Reservations are essential for most campgrounds in the area, particularly during Oklahoma State University events and football games when rates increase significantly. The region experiences hot summers and occasional severe storms, with flooding sometimes affecting lakeside campsites. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though seasonal factors influence camping conditions. Several locations require advance booking through online reservation systems, with Lake McMurtry's sites often filling up quickly. As one camper noted, "The west side is our favorite place to camp within 60 miles of Stillwater, but it is hard to get reservations. They have a very nice online reservation system, but the campsites fill up quickly and pretty far out date wise."
Many campers highlight the relative privacy of Lake McMurtry's west side campgrounds, where sites are partially screened by brush and offer direct lake access for fishing and kayaking. Lake Carl Blackwell receives positive reviews for its well-maintained grounds and friendly staff, though visitors note the presence of many annual permit holders with permanent setups along prime shoreline locations. Reviewers frequently mention the region's active wildlife, including birds and fish, while cautioning about ticks during warmer months. Several primitive camping options exist for those seeking more seclusion, though these sites often lack facilities and may require four-wheel drive vehicles for access, particularly after rain when sandy soil conditions can make roads challenging to navigate.
