Best Campgrounds near Goldsby, OK

Lake Thunderbird State Park dominates the camping landscape around Goldsby, Oklahoma, providing multiple camping areas within 15-25 miles of town. The park features several distinct campgrounds including Turkey Pass, Little Axe, South Dam, and Critter Alley, accommodating both tent and RV camping with varying levels of amenities. Most campgrounds offer electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, while several provide additional facilities such as showers and dump stations. Beyond the state park, travelers can find commercial options like the Oklahoma City East KOA in Choctaw, which offers cabin accommodations in addition to traditional camping sites.

Camping is available year-round at most locations, though summer brings high temperatures and increased humidity. Water access is a significant draw, with many campgrounds positioned along Lake Thunderbird, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water activities. Sites with concrete pads are common at RV-focused areas like Turkey Pass, which offers 50-amp service and water hookups. Bathroom facilities vary significantly across campgrounds, with some visitors noting older but functional amenities. One camper noted, "Sites have electric and water hook-ups. The area is crowded as it has amenities for RV campers."

The lake-oriented nature of camping in this region shapes the overall experience, with many campers prioritizing water access. Tent-only areas like Critter Alley provide a quieter experience compared to RV-focused campgrounds, though proximity between sites can still limit privacy. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the park, and accessibility varies between camping areas. Several campgrounds feature ADA-accessible sites and fishing docks. Security concerns have been raised by some visitors, particularly regarding vehicle break-ins at certain locations. According to one review, "Some of the sites are tent sites with no area to pull up to with a car. You have to park in a lot." Weather conditions can be challenging during peak summer months, with visitors recommending water activities as the primary way to stay comfortable during hot periods.

Best Camping Sites Near Goldsby, Oklahoma (91)

    1. Little Axe — Lake Thunderbird State Park

    21 Reviews
    Norman, OK
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (405) 360-3572

    $25 / night

    "We had a great stay in Lake Thunderbird State Park near Norman Oklahoma."

    "Nice campspots as we are passing through Oklahoma, near Norman and restaurants/grocery stores. Quiet with decent shower and bathrooms."

    2. South Dam - Lake Thunderbird State Park

    9 Reviews
    Norman, OK
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (405) 360-3572

    "We didn't stay but rode our bikes over from Little Ax to ride the bike trails. No one there except the campground hosts but we explored the campground and area. Very nice."

    "Close to some trails. Camp hosts are very welcoming and haven't had any issues with other campers."

    3. Turkey Pass — Lake Thunderbird State Park

    7 Reviews
    Norman, OK
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (405) 802-4792

    "This is a great park for the RV person; there is nothing out of the ordinary but there is easy access to the lake for all sorts of water sports and a marina is available."

    "Lots of places for walks and the boat launch is just down the hill. We will stay here again, just hope they trim the trees."

    4. Oklahoma City East KOA

    22 Reviews
    Choctaw, OK
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (405) 391-5000

    "This KOA is an excellent choice for visiting Oklahoma City. Check in was quick and friendly. It was easy to get to downtown, yet the traffic noise was never an issue. Anything you need is nearby."

    "The site is bordered by a moderately busy 4 lane road which is why I gave it 4 vs 5 stars. I was in a tent site but had easy access to electric and water. "

    5. Roadrunner RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Oklahoma City, OK
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (405) 677-2373

    $52 - $60 / night

    "Close to the highway and downtown OKC. Highway noise is buffered by hotels so its not really that bad. Full hookups, free wifi and codes to bathrooms for more security."

    "If traveling North get off one exit early."

    6. Critter Alley — Lake Thunderbird State Park

    5 Reviews
    Norman, OK
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (405) 360-3572

    "We had a small class camping and were recommended to Critter Alley by staff due to area and proximity to water and the nature center. The pavilion was perfect for our class and the stars were bright."

    "This is a tent camping area only state park that is on the banks of Lake Thunderbird."

    7. Little Sandy Campground — Lake Thunderbird State Park

    6 Reviews
    Norman, OK
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (405) 360-3572

    $25 / night

    "Most have electric and water with a central located dump station near by. Plenty of fishing to be had at the lake... hiking and biking also in area.."

    "Time to rebuild the horrible bathroom by the lake. Roads need to be replaced or major patching. Some campsites are very close to each other while others have good spacing."

    8. Hog Creek West — Lake Thunderbird State Park

    5 Reviews
    Norman, OK
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (405) 360-3572

    "We only stayed for a night but we had enough time to walk the trails close which were very nice."

    "Beautiful sunrise and sunset over the lake. Sites close together and a bit loud, but we were there on a Saturday night. Walk-in tent sites looked great."

    9. Cleveland County RV Park

    1 Review
    Norman, OK
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (405) 360-4721

    $35 / night

    "Hiking Trails near by.. Sutton Wilderness Trail Park. Mountain Biking, Hiking, Boating, and Fishing at the nearby Lake Thunderbird. 

    Golf Course is near I-35 and Robinson St. "

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Recent Reviews near Goldsby, OK

326 Reviews of 91 Goldsby Campgrounds


  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Rockwell RV Park

    Ok

    Staff was friendly but the wifi is so unstable I couldn't stay connected. Spaces are very close and gravel. Not in the best part of town and a little sketchy. It was ok overall, but overpriced for what you get. Half the washers and dryers weren't working and the machines were dirty. The little dog park was nice but not well kept, and the playground area seemed more like junk storage. No buffalo, but I think that's a good thing because the pen they were kept in seemed really small. I'd stay there again in a pinch, but not proactively. I hope they improve on some things so I can change my mind.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Love's RV Stop-Choctaw OK 486

    Quiet, Clean, and Safe

    Really nice stop for the night! The area was clean and well maintained, and it felt very safe. Easy in and out, with plenty of space and nearby amenities. Great spot for a comfortable rest on the road.

  • Meghan P.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Twin Fountains RV Park

    Perfect spot

    We enjoyed our two nights here! We utilized the limo service to go to the zoo! Mens restroom was under renovations, so my husband had to use the camper shower (full hook ups though, so not a biggie). The mini golf course had seen better days and didn’t look operational.

    We all enjoyed fishing the pond and having a fire each night!

  • S
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Wes Watkins Reservoir

    Nice Lake

    Campground is on a lake. The rest rooms are pretty nasty and old. I wanted to take a shower but changed my mind. Located in a nice forest.

  • Carly B.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Lake El Reno RV Park

    Great Find!

    This campground is situated in a growing area- but is tucked away. It is really cute- well maintained and many sites. There are washrooms with showers- good hot water. The bathrooms are very minimal and not the most aesthetically pleasing- but they are clean and functional.

    Some sites have fire pits and picnic tables, some don’t.

    Great areas for walking.

    Lots of grass.

    Have a children’s playground, although it is small it is new and in good condition.

    There is a small laundromat onsite too.

    Tent camping spaces available.

  • B
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Mustang Run RV Park

    Great campground

    We were traveling through and stopped for a couple of nights to visit family. It’s a wonderful park that fit our needs because it was close to our family. Concrete pull through and back ins were level and spacious. Small pool and had several areas to walk our dog. Also a small off lead dog park. Laundry room was nice and very clean $2 to wash and $1.50 to dry. We absolutely loved the park. The only exception is the road noise. The interstate is within sight which does make it easy on and off, but also for some road noise. But we would definitely stay again because that’s the only con for us.

  • Kimberly L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Arcadia Lake

    Spacious sites with beautiful views

    I was pleasantly surprised by the amenities and spacious sites at such an affordable rate. Fish cleaning stations, grill, fire pit, and solid picnic tables at every site make this one of the better places I've camped. It's quiet, spaced out well, and there is so much room between sites that you can't hear your neighbors unless they're really loud. The bathrooms need serious updating or I would have given 5 stars.

  • Nathan T.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Rolling Stone Stables and RV park

    Off the path

    This place we stayed at is a small stable but has rv hookups, the road is dirt the last 1/4mile if you follow Tammy's directions you won't have a problem, I made it in with a 42ft allegro bus with a car trailer.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Central State Park Campground

    Basic state park

    This park has a handful of full hookup sites, a greater number of sites with electric only, and a large number of tent/rv sites with no hookups. There are water fill points conveniently located throughout the park.

    I stayed for 6 days while visiting kids/grandkids. The park was empty during the week, completely full on the weekend. It’s conveniently located close to i35, shopping, dining, etc. it’s on a reservoir and my site was close to a boat launch. They do rigorously enforce quiet hours though.

    The park is basic. One small shower house for the whole park, several bathrooms scattered throughout. Trash collection located with the bathrooms. The price reflects the amenities. I think I paid a little over $100 for the entire stay.


Guide to Goldsby

Camping spots near Goldsby, Oklahoma cluster around Lake Thunderbird, a 6,000-acre reservoir located within 25 miles of town. Summer temperatures regularly climb above 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Several campgrounds offer lake access, though water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting boat launches and swimming areas.

What to do

Hiking trails: The Little Axe area offers several walking paths for nature exploration. "Got some good hiking in," notes Valerie C. of Little Axe — Lake Thunderbird State Park.

Biking opportunities: Both paved and unpaved trails accommodate cyclists throughout the region. A camper at South Dam - Lake Thunderbird State Park shared: "We rode our bikes over from Little Axe to ride the bike trails. No one there except the campground hosts but we explored the campground and area. Very nice. Lots and lots of trails including and unmarked but paved trail."

Water recreation: Beyond fishing, the lake supports swimming and boating. "There is a designated swimming area in the campgrounds. Beautiful, wooded park with large lake that has a section for watersports and fishing," writes Noelle H. about Little Axe.

What campers like

Lakefront sites: Many campsites provide direct water views. Jil S. mentions about Little Axe: "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."

Playground facilities: Families appreciate dedicated play areas for children at several campgrounds. One reviewer noted about Rose Rock RV Campground: "Campground also has a small playground appropriate for young children."

Fall colors: The area transforms during autumn months. A camper at South Dam mentioned: "We visited in October when the leaves were changing and it was so beautiful. The lake is great. Bring your fishing gear. Site spacing is good."

What you should know

Cleanliness concerns: Bathroom facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. A reviewer at Little Sandy Campground noted: "Bathrooms were a disgrace. Even after being 'cleaned'. Will never go back to this place."

Site accessibility: Some tent areas require walking from parking areas. At Critter Alley, a camper warned: "Some of the sites are tent sites with no area to pull up to with a car. You have to park in a lot. And they tell you you can't stay in your van unless you're in an RV site."

Water quality: The lake water has a distinctive color. Brian B. observed about Little Sandy: "All I could remember is that we always called it Lake Dirtybird because of the water. As far as that is concerned nothing has really changed. Typical central Oklahoma red water."

Tips for camping with families

Accessibility options: Several areas feature ADA-compliant sites and facilities. A reviewer noted about Critter Alley: "Sites overlook the lake, but there isnt swim access. There is a bathroom and showers, fire rings, concrete tables, and an ADA site."

Playground selection: For families with children, campgrounds with play equipment provide additional recreation. One camper at Hog Creek West shared: "For visitor center was quite nice and the staff quite friendly. We only stayed for a night but we had enough time to walk the trails close which were very nice."

Spring and fall timing: Consider camping outside summer months for more comfortable temperatures. "Stayed here for a couple nights, few other campers. Site was straight across from the lake," reported Valerie C. about Little Axe during spring.

Tips from RVers

Power specifications: RV sites offer varied electrical service. At Little Sandy, a camper shared: "30 amp, water, fire pit, and grill."

Site spacing: Some RV areas provide more room between campers than others. A reviewer at South Dam noted: "Campsites are spaced out well enough and has some right by the water. Close to some trails. Camp hosts are very welcoming."

Amenities for extended stays: Longer visits require consideration of additional facilities. At Turkey Pass, Rod A. explained: "Nice campground, on the lake with spacious camp sites most are pull through. Sites have 50 amp with water hookups, dump station for sewer.. have concrete picnic table, charcoal grill and fire pit."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Goldsby, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Goldsby, OK is Little Axe — Lake Thunderbird State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 21 reviews.