Lake Carl Blackwell
Neil T.The Dyrt PRO User
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
  • 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