Camping options near Woodward, Oklahoma include several sites within 45 miles of town, each with distinct features and seasonal accessibility. The area's terrain varies from grassland plains to cottonwood-lined lakeshores, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F during peak camping season. Fort Supply Lake's Wildlife Area provides primitive free camping sites with no facilities but good cellular connectivity for campers seeking isolation.
What to do
Disc golf course: Big Bend Park has a challenging course adjacent to the campground area. A camper noted, "The park has a very nice, challenging disc golf course beside the campground."
Lake swimming and fishing: Fort Supply Lake offers designated swimming areas and quality fishing opportunities. One visitor mentioned, "Amazing swimming area. Helpful staff. The sandbars are a great place to stop and let the kids play safely in the water." Another warns: "Wear water shoes while in the water. Too many gashed feet from broken bottles and freshwater mussel shells."
Hiking trails: Boiling Springs State Park offers multiple trails of varying difficulty. According to a camper at Spring Hill Campground, "Has a few good hiking trails. 4 or 5 playgrounds which was fun. The bathroom seemed to be cleaned a few times a day. We would stay there again."
What campers like
Historic springs: The natural springs at Boiling Springs State Park create a unique attraction. A visitor commented, "I've been to a lot of springs and this one was especially nice. Lots of great trails to explore too."
Shaded sites: Many campgrounds feature mature trees providing relief from summer heat. At Big Bend Park, campers appreciate that "Sites are not too close and are at an angle, which makes it more private" and "Most of the sites, except a few on the water, seemed to have shade during part of the day."
Wildlife viewing: Campers frequently spot deer and other animals. One camper at Spring Hill mentioned, "Peaceful in early November. Saw some mule deer wandering through in the morning."
What you should know
Winter camping options: Several campgrounds remain open year-round but with reduced services. A winter visitor to Big Bend Park shared, "A wonderful campground that is free in the winter with no amenities available at that time. I spent about a week here at the beginning of February and didn't see anyone else the entire time."
Insect concerns: Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly in wooded areas during summer months. A camper at Spring Hill Campground observed, "There are GIANT mosquitos in the late spring and summer and they are in swarms."
Wildlife awareness: Fort Supply Lake campsites may require vigilance with local wildlife. One camper noted, "At nightfall, we were harassed by a couple raccoons, but they kept their distance and retreated after we repeatedly threw some stones and made loud noises towards them. But they were persistent at first, so just keep a lookout for them."
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Multiple playgrounds throughout the parks provide recreation options for children. A visitor mentioned, "4 or 5 playgrounds which was fun. The bathroom seemed to be cleaned a few times a day."
Swimming safety: Fort Supply Lake has designated swimming areas but requires caution. A camper advised, "The sandbars are a great place to stop and let the kids play safely in the water."
Site selection: For tent camping families at Fort Supply Wildlife Area, choose sites with natural shade. A visitor described one area as a "Small field about 1 acre of cut grass and a medium size shade tree. Good Verizon signal."
Tips from RVers
RV accommodations: Woodward-area rv parks offer various hookup configurations. At Shirley's Shine Car Wash and RV Park, a camper with a large rig reported, "We fit in a super C (Semi truck) 41ft long x 13.6 height with flat tow. Verizon cell service excellent. Quiet."
Reservation timing: Weekends and holidays require advance planning at popular sites. One RVer stated, "Very busy so need to reserve for weekends."
Site selection: For best views and comfort at water-adjacent sites, consider season and sun exposure. A camper at Big Bend Park recommended site A10, describing it as "a nice site overlooking the lake with shade in evening, but sunny most of the day."
