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Established Camping

Lake Carl Blackwell

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Campers are Saying

Lake Carl Blackwell, near Stillwater, Oklahoma, is a lively campground that caters to a mix of campers looking for fun and relaxation. With spacious lakeside spots and a variety of accommodations, including tent sites, RV spots, and cabins, it’s a great place to kick back and enjoy the outdoors.

The campground is known for its beautiful views and ample opportunities for swimming and fishing. Many visitors have enjoyed the well-kept grounds and the friendly staff, making it a welcoming spot for families and groups. One camper noted, “I couldn’t ask for a better place to spend a few weeks,” highlighting the charm of the area.

For those who love to explore, there are hiking and biking trails nearby, along with boat ramps for easy access to the water. While some campers mentioned that the sites can feel a bit close together, the vibrant atmosphere and the chance to connect with fellow campers add to the experience. Whether you’re looking to party or just unwind by the lake, Lake Carl Blackwell has something to offer everyone.

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Location

Lake Carl Blackwell is located in Oklahoma

Detail location of campground

Directions

From town, W 7 mi on Hwy 51 to Hwy 51C, N 2 mi (E)

Coordinates

36.12500094 N
97.21000097 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

43%
36%
15%
10%
0%

4.0

out of 5

14 Reviews

Reviewed Mar. 23, 2024

Poorly Planned

Campsites are very close together. There is no picnic table and the fire grate things were all bent and not usable.

Trails poorly marked

It is beautiful out here but if more people had been out camping I hate to think how loud and crowded it would have been.

SiteRaccoon Ridge
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Lake Carl Blackwell by Melissa G., March 23, 2024
Reviewed Apr. 23, 2023

Party place

This is definitely a party campground, so if that is your thing you will enjoy. Just not my cup of tea. Sites are nice and there is room, but not private at all. Best sites in Beaver Cove are 25, 26, 27. Site 27 has shade but is hard to back into. Site 26 is the best for views if it’s not hot hot summer. Bathrooms get a no star. 2 vault toilets at campground. 2 showers you have to drive to and they are an odd set up with zero privacy and water spraying all over your towel and clean clothes. Hot water was almost non-existent. While the views are pretty, the lake is way down due to drought. Fishing looks good. I will probably look elsewhere if in this area again.

Site27
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Lake Carl Blackwell by Maggie  C., April 23, 2023
  • Review photo of Lake Carl Blackwell by Maggie  C., April 23, 2023
  • Review photo of Lake Carl Blackwell by Maggie  C., April 23, 2023
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2022

Beautiful lake and grounds

Lakeside spots are spacious and well kept. Be prepared for flying bugs. Lake is great for swimming with shallow flat bottom.

SiteBeaver Cove 33
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2022

Gorgeous location, huge pretty lake

Couldn't ask for a better place to spend a few weeks. I ended up buying a kyack to explore the lake. I was on the primitive site (13 is the best as super shady) the staff are very friendly and the whole place is well looked after. Didnt want to leave and absolutely would love to stay here again!

Site13
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Lake Carl Blackwell by Stewart B., June 27, 2022
  • Review photo of Lake Carl Blackwell by Stewart B., June 27, 2022
Reviewed May. 16, 2022

Relaxing time

We reserve two sites side by side in the beaver cove campground. The sites are on a slight decline but pull through and we were able to make them level with our blocks. The sides have enough room for the grandkids to roam around it besides for electric and water only but offered a view of the lake and we're close by a swim area. The trees at the sides provided adequate shade for the afternoon sun and the campground offered boat ramps couple of swim areas and on-site store for gas and supplies including and after hours vending machine with propane tanks and charcoal and s'mores supplies. The dump station provided slots for three RVs at one time and well thought out. The crap ground offers hiking bicycle and horse trails that cover a large area. Wildlife was abundant with plenty of deer and Canadian geese and squirrels. The campgrounds offer some annual sites for long-term visits but there is a waiting list to be on that.

SiteBC44
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Lake Carl Blackwell by Jerry N., May 16, 2022
  • Review photo of Lake Carl Blackwell by Jerry N., May 16, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 24, 2021

Party place

Beautiful but crowded, place where a lot of young people like to party

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Dec. 16, 2020

Beautiful campsite

I was practically surrounded by water. Deer, beavers, armadillo, birds! There are many different campground areas, I stayed in Pine Grove. Bathrooms were old but not too dirty. They were heated very well. Several dump stations. Friendly staff.

  • Review photo of Lake Carl Blackwell by Kelly G., December 16, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Carl Blackwell by Kelly G., December 16, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Carl Blackwell by Kelly G., December 16, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2020

Well kept, quirky, prairie lake

The lake is owned and operated by Oklahoma State University. The grounds were well mowed, some of the structures are dated but well cared for. Super-friendly and helpful people at the permit office. The store was closed when we arrived.

The quirky bit is the number of camping spaces that are by annual permit. That means a lot of of the shore line is taken up by permanent campers, weekend campers that leave their rigs, student living and even residents (in campers). The lake being close to Stillwater, it looks like a number of students and such commute from the lake.

None of this was problematic for us, but the level of care each annual permit holder takes on their lot range from pristine to near dilapidated.

We stayed in Beaver Cove and found it to be clean, well-maintained, friendly and quiet. No real privacy buffer between sites, but the spacing was comfortable. 

The park ranger made several passes through, even though the campground was only about 1/4 occupied. 

Lots of birds, including a resident blue heron the locals named Charlie. Wonderful views of the cove. We stayed in lot 31 and a few large elm trees gave our campsite evening shade.

Nice fire rings and sturdy picnic tables.

All in all, a good stay.

SiteBeaver Cove, 31
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Lake Carl Blackwell by Neil T., August 20, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Carl Blackwell by Neil T., August 20, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Carl Blackwell by Neil T., August 20, 2020
  • (6) View All
Reviewed May. 29, 2018

One of the very cleanest I have stayed at.

The amenities were very clean, some being very new. Multiple new dump stations in each area. Bathrooms were very clean. Most all campsites are right on the water. Beautiful campground. Offers Equestrian trails, hiking trails, and bicycling trails. Our favorite in-state campground.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 22, 2018

Trails galore

Lake Carl Blackwell has plenty of multi-use trails however, there is no of trail camping. these results are for day hikes only. Great for kids and getting them started in hiking or as a training ground for longer hikes. The trails are well maintained.

Reviewed Mar. 27, 2017

Perfect spot

Quiet. Not for the party going crew. Which makes it nice for quite camping. They should stick the lake though. It's a tough fishing spot.

  • Review photo of Lake Carl Blackwell by Dusti H., March 27, 2017
  • Review photo of Lake Carl Blackwell by Dusti H., March 27, 2017
Reviewed Sep. 17, 2016

Lake Carl Blackwell

Again, I went to OSU so this and lake McMurtry were the two nearby camping spots. It's a nice little getaway, but don't expect to be wowed. It has several campground areas to choose from and all the amenities you would need, but it's simple (and sometimes that's the best). Good place for family outings or an escape from studying. Go fishing, wander through the trees, or just sit by a campfire and drink a beer.

  • Review photo of Lake Carl Blackwell by Katie K., September 17, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Lake Carl Blackwell?

    Camping at Lake Carl Blackwell can cost between $15.00 and $30.00 depending on the site.

  • Does Lake Carl Blackwell have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Lake Carl Blackwell has water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • Are fires allowed at Lake Carl Blackwell?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Lake Carl Blackwell, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Lake Carl Blackwell have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Lake Carl Blackwell does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Lake Carl Blackwell?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is good.