Sportsmans Lake, located two miles from Wewoka, offers a variety of camping options beyond its equestrian facilities. The lake covers approximately 15 miles of shoreline with four distinct coves. Water temperatures remain comfortable even during Oklahoma's hot summers due to the lake's spring-fed nature, creating ideal conditions for swimming and fishing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Sportsmans Lake restricts watercraft to fishing boats, kayaks and canoes, creating a quieter lake experience. "This is a pretty decent little lake it's fishing only they do have a small swimming area there is a lot of horse trails which you can also hike and lots of different camp sites around the lake," notes Aaron T.
Swimming access: The designated swimming area at Wewoka Lake provides relief from summer heat. According to Aaron T., "It has a decent little playground and a swimming area, course you can swim around your campsite as well." The lake permits motorized boats including jet skis, unlike the quieter Sportsmans Lake.
Trail exploration: For those seeking extensive hiking options, the trail system around Little Axe offers diverse terrain. One visitor shared, "Hiked down one and the trail was very peaceful and beautiful. It had recently rained a lot, so I had a thick layer of red mud on my shoes from the hike, but glad I hiked it."
What campers like
Lake views: Many sites at Little Axe — Lake Thunderbird State Park offer direct water access. "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," notes Jil S.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk bring opportunities to observe local wildlife. According to Melanie W. at Sportsmans Lake, "Sunrise is beautiful and so are the stars. There are many geese on this lake, they have there own island where they hatch their babies every year. Lots of racoons and a couple foxes. At night you really hear a lot of coyotes and owls."
Peaceful atmosphere: The separation between equestrian and standard camping areas helps maintain tranquility. One camper at Bell Cow Lake noted, "Campground C area offers many pull through RV sites and some back-in RV sites, all with electric & water hook ups. There is also equestrian RV sites with pens, tent camping with shared water spigots, primitive tent camping and a dump station."
What you should know
Access restrictions: Some campgrounds limit entry during nighttime hours. At Sportsmans Lake, one camper advised, "The campgrounds are actually located on the southwest side of the lake in cove 1 and cove 3, make sure you don't arrive after 10pm as you can then only access cove 2 and cove 4. You can camp late hours in those areas, but the population in this area is very active at 2am and it just isn't comfortable."
Bathroom conditions: Facility maintenance varies between campgrounds. A camper at Stroud Municipal Lake reported, "Showers are horribly cold, but available. Campground also has flushing toilets and water." Similarly, at Sportsmans Lake, one reviewer noted, "Restrooms need some work and only cold water available for showers."
Lake water clarity: Water conditions vary between lakes in the region. A camper at Stroud Municipal Lake cautioned, "When you want to cool off you can just walk from your campsite to the shore and get in and cool off. However don't wear white when you go swimming because after you go swimming white cloths turn orange."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: South Dam - Lake Thunderbird State Park provides sandy beach areas suitable for children. One visitor observed, "There is a designated swimming area in the campgrounds. Beautiful, wooded park with large lake that has a section for watersports and fishing. Perfect for biking/scooters/walking/swimming."
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds maintain play areas for children. At Sportsmans Lake, Jacquelyn L. noted, "Nice campground. Quiet lake as only fishing boats, kayaks, canoes, etc. allowed. Loved the sites. We had a group and camped around pavilion 2. Playground was nearby as were bathrooms."
Activity planning: Family-friendly activities range from swimming to wildlife observation. According to one Sportsmans Lake visitor, "The park ranger stopped and played with my children telling them about the geese and where good fishing spots were. Overall it was quiet and relaxing and can't wait for our next trip."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Bell Cow Lake Campground C offers various hookup options for those traveling with horses. "There are miles of equestrian trails. There are bathrooms with showers, a swim beach, a volleyball court, pavilions, a boat ramp, and plenty of wildlife," reports Leslie N.
Site selection: When seeking equestrian camping near Wewoka, Oklahoma, consider site location carefully. One camper at Lake Thunderbird advised, "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. If you have a 50 amp better go parkit on Thursday so you have a weekend spot."
Off-season advantages: Winter camping offers greater site availability. At Stroud Municipal Lake, a camper reported, "Stopped over on our way from Texas to Missouri. Needed electricity since it was 98 outside with 60% humidity. This place is fairly small and looks like used mostly by locals. Lots of teens running around and swimming in the afternoon and evening but they cleared out around dark and it was really quiet."
