Swimming, fishing, and shoreline access draw campers to Wes Watkins Reservoir, a municipally managed campground outside McCloud, Oklahoma, where multiple trails lead from the forested campsites down to the water. Boat ramps and a designated beach give visitors several ways to reach the reservoir, and the surrounding tree cover provides consistent shade across the camping areas. The site sits close enough to a small town grocery store and fuel station that a supply run is possible, though most campers won't need to make one mid-stay.
Reviews consistently describe the campground as well-maintained, with organized trash stations and restrooms that get regular attention. Ken T. notes each site comes with the basics covered: "campsite had water access and basic needs (table, fire pit, and a parking spot)." The campground is patrolled regularly, which some families find reassuring, and McCloud police have been known to check permits on quieter nights. The tent camping section can attract long-term visitors, so campers who prefer a more traditional overnight crowd may want to factor that in.
Restroom quality comes up often in reviews and is worth knowing before you arrive. The shower and toilet facilities sit in individual alcoves without stall doors or curtains, and conditions in the RV section have drawn mixed feedback over the years. One reviewer noted the bathrooms near the RV sites do have hot water. Electric and water hookups are available for RVs, and a dump station is on-site. Tent sites run $15 per night; hookup sites reach up to $25. Payment is handled via a QR code at the gate, though the portal also covers local fees unrelated to camping, which can make navigation a bit confusing.
Cold-weather visits tend to mean far fewer neighbors. The campground sees lighter use in fall and winter, giving off-season campers more space and a quieter atmosphere. For those planning a longer regional trip, Shawnee Twin Lakes provides another water-access option nearby, and Oklahoma City East KOA offers a more developed alternative to the west. Campers looking at campgrounds around Shawnee will find Wes Watkins among the more affordable lake-access options in the area.
If you're comfortable with open-air facilities and want direct access to a reservoir with multiple entry points, this campground delivers on the basics at a reasonable price point.
Description
Wes Watkins Reservoir in McLoud is a 1,142-surface acre reservoir and is home to the North Deer Creek Recreation Area. Facilities include two recreation areas, one located in the north and the other in the south. Three boat ramps are available, one located in the south recreation area and two located in the north recreation area. Courtesy docks and six restrooms with three sets of showers for overnight campers and swimmers are also available. Three large picnic pavilions and group barbecue grills are available for rent; please call for availability. There are also 62 overnight campsites that include 33 primitive tent sites and 29 RV sites that include water and 30/50 amp electrical hookups; fees apply. All sites have small outdoor barbecue grills and a dump station is available upon exit. Fishing, boating, skiing and jet skiing are allowed in designated areas of the reservoir; fees apply. Visitors to the Wes Watkins Reservoir will enjoy swimming, picnicking, walking, biking, bird watching, eagle watching and more. Wes Watkins Reservoir / North Deer Creek Recreation is located at 2200 S Arena Rd McLoud OK 74851. For questions or comments please contact City Hall at 405-788-4751 or the Lake & Parks Director at 405-408-8481. REGULATIONS: In order to ensure that all lake patrons have the most enjoyable experience possible, we ask that you abide by our simple regulations. Here are a few for you to review. For a complete list of regulations, please contact our Lake Ranger, Lake Manager, or McLoud City Hall. Thank you! No Alcohol. No GLASS containers of any kind. No parking on unpaved areas. Swimming is at your own risk and for safety reasons is recommended only in designated areas. Only campers and their visitors are allowed in the designated camping areas. Quiet hours will be in place and enforced from 10 pm to 7 am. Camper checkout time is 2 pm. All pets are required to be leashed or in hand when in public areas. Please keep all permits in your immediate possession in the event that a representative if the City of McLoud asks you to produce a valid permit. No tent camping in RV area. Two week stay limit on tents and 30 day on RV.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWes Watkins Reservoir is located in Oklahoma near Shawnee
Coordinates
35.41199304844451 N
97.11366402405065 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/22/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/22/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/15/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/22/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/22/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/15/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 23 min from Oklahoma City, OK
- 1 hr 26 min from Tulsa, OK
- 1 hr 30 min from Lawton, OK
- 1 hr 42 min from Enid, OK
