Bell Cow Lake Campground C offers dedicated equestrian facilities near Yukon, Oklahoma, situated about 60 miles east of the city. The campground sits at 1,008 feet elevation with red clay soil that creates distinctive trail conditions throughout the seasons. Weather patterns allow for year-round trail access with spring typically offering the most favorable conditions for riders.
What to do
Fishing from shore: Multiple access points available for bank fishing at Little Axe — Lake Thunderbird State Park. "This was a back in site right on the water... The site was level and had a nice picnic table out near the water," notes Jil S., who appreciated the direct lake access.
Hiking the equine trails: Even non-riders can explore the paths at Bell Cow Lake Campground C. Leslie N. reports, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Watch for deer and other animals at Scissortail Campground. "The kids loved feeding all the deer. Great clean park!" shares Rachael V., highlighting the family-friendly wildlife opportunities.
What campers like
Convenient lake access: Campers at Liberty Lake value the shoreline proximity. "The campsites were minimal but had lots of space and were right on the lake. We had a beautiful sunset too," writes Hillary B., describing the waterfront advantages.
Buffalo viewing: A unique attraction at Rockwell RV Park just west of Yukon. "They have a decent indoor pool, buffalo in an enclosure, and laundry facilities... For the area, I would recommend this for a stop over or week stay," says Bret N., highlighting this unusual feature for an RV park.
Trail variety: The varied terrain offers options for different experience levels. "The Spring Loop Trail with the Spring Pavilion & the old OCC Pool is a must & so is the Inspiration Point Trail. Inspiration Point Trail is a moderate trail with some steep grades," advises Leslie N. about trails at Roman Nose State Park.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Oklahoma's unpredictable weather affects camping conditions at horse campgrounds. Jon B. notes about Bell Cow Lake: "One of the only things we did not like was with the campsite being 2 miles from I-44 you could hear the highway traffic all night."
Reservation requirements: Some parks offer first-come, first-served camping while others need advance booking. Christine N. shares about Bell Cow Lake: "It's $15 a night for RV, $3 a day for fishing. Permit allows you access to both Bell Cow and Chandler Lake."
Varying bathhouse conditions: Facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. Rachel S. mentions about Bell Cow: "Bathrooms were kind of gross but I expect that's due to visiting in a shoulder season," while Little Axe campers report "clean bathrooms."
Tips for camping with families
Bring water shoes: Central State Park Campground has red clay shorelines that can be rough on bare feet. Danielle C. warns, "For anyone planning to camp, make sure u bring slip on shoes. U can go barefoot, we did. But the sand which is great at first... left our feet raw."
Check swimming areas: Not all lake access points are suitable for swimming. Leslie N. observes at Bell Cow: "Lake is calm & shallow, so it is best for small boats and kayaks."
Pack fly protection: Horse campgrounds naturally attract insects. "There were plenty of flies due to the time of year and the presence of horses, so a good fly swatter and a fly trap is recommended," advises Leslie N. about summer camping at Bell Cow.
Tips from RVers
Level sites available: Arcadia Lake provides stable parking for horse trailers. "We were competing the the Cotopaxi questival and it was a blast. Ran into a lot of people there doing the same thing," notes Keith W., who appreciated the "good camping spots. Nice and opens and flat. Perfect site!"
Equestrian-specific hookups: Sites designed for horse trailers often provide additional amenities. Christine N. reports about Bell Cow Lake Area B: "Water hook up and 30 amp. We stayed in 'Area B,' Campsite #4. Several shady spots. Easy water access."
Dump station locations: Some horse campgrounds have hidden facilities. Christine N. shares about Bell Cow Lake: "The dump location is near the restrooms by the boat dock. It's a little hidden."
