With tallgrass prairies, pine forests, rugged mesas and winding rivers, Oklahoma’s diverse landscapes provide endless settings for family camping adventures. The state parks system alone boasts over 60 campgrounds across the state’s varying ecosystems. This list features 5 of the best campgrounds for an unforgettable outdoor getaway with the whole family.
Whether you prefer an RV hookup or remote tent site, these campgrounds have activities and amenities to delight kids young and old. Discover new family traditions exploring pine forests, fishing lakes, and rugged rock formations amid Oklahoma’s natural beauty.
Introduction
Looking for the perfect camping spot to take the kids? You want a destination that offers fun activities to keep the little ones entertained, while also providing the peace and relaxation parents long for. The great outdoors presents limitless options for discovery and adventure together as a family.
Luckily, Oklahoma’s state parks include dozens of family-friendly campgrounds with varying landscapes and amenities. Before you hit the road, learn more about these top 5 destinations for camping with kids across the Sooner State.
1. Beavers Bend State Park
Nestled in mountainous pine forest along the crystal clear Lower Mountain Fork River, Beavers Bend State Park offers gorgeous scenery and excellent family recreation. Camp at one of many riverfront sites, or rent a cozy cabin.
Activities for Families:
- Floating and swimming in the Lower Mountain Fork River
- Hiking over 15 miles of rugged forest trails
- Fishing for trout, bass and catfish in the river
- Canoeing, kayaking or tubing along the scenic riverway
- Playing disc golf on an 18-hole course
- Biking the roads through hilly terrain
- Attending interpreter programs focused on nature
With rental cabins, playgrounds, paddle boat rentals and a swimming pool, this park has something for everyone surrounded by the pine-covered hills and cool rivers of Southeastern Oklahoma.
2. Lake Murray State Park
Featuring the crystal blue waters of beautiful Lake Murray, this park offers family fun through swimming, boating, fishing, and watersports. Tent and RV campers enjoy shady sites near the lake and marina.
Activities for Families:
- Fishing for bass, crappie, catfish and sand bass from shore or boat
- Swimming and wading in the swimming area’s gentle, sandy entry
- Paddling across the tranquil lake in kayaks, canoes or paddleboats
- Hiking trails through hickory and oak forest habitats
- Playing mini-golf at the golf course
- Exploring the Visitor Center with huge fish aquariums
- Attending ranger programs on wildlife, fishing, boating
With a lodge, restaurant, beach playground, and lake cruises available, this park promises fun for all ages romping in blue waters under sunny Oklahoma skies.
3. Robbers Cave State Park
Nestled in the heavily forested San Bois Mountains of southeast Oklahoma, this park offers gorgeous scenery and family fun with a touch of adventure. Families enjoy camping in tents or RVs surrounded by hiking trails, streams, and lakes.
Activities for Families:
- Exploring secluded creeks and waterfalls on hiking trails
- Fishing for bass and bluegill on small lakes
- Canoeing or kayaking through remote backcountry
- Biking the excellent paved trail encircling the park
- Cooling off at the swimming pool
- Playing disc golf on an 18-hole course
- Attending interpretive ranger programs
- Geocaching through rugged terrain
With rental cabins, a playground, and diverse ecosystems, Robbers Cave offers many ways to challenge and engage kids of all ages in the natural world.
4. Lake Thunderbird State Park
Just east of Norman, Oklahoma lies the clear waters of Lake Thunderbird with sandy beaches perfect for family watersports and recreation. Campers enjoy shady sites with some waterfront views alongside wooded cedar hills.
Activities for Families:
- Boating, waterskiing, sailing on the windswept lake
- Swimming from sandy beaches with gradual entry
- Fishing for catfish, largemouth bass, crappie and sunfish
- Biking excellent paved trails encircling the park
- Hiking nature trails through rolling oak forest
- Geocaching using handheld GPS devices
- Disc golf on a 9-hole course
- Playing on lakeshore playgrounds
With a marina store nearby, bathhouse with showers, laundry facilities, and trailer dump station, Lake Thunderbird has great amenities for easy family camping. The sandy beach provides endless fun for kids in the sun.
5. Roman Nose State Park
Featuring rugged mesas, canyons, and rock formations, Roman Nose offers adventurous hikes and stunning vistas perfect for families with older kids. The park surrounds scenic Lake Watonga offering fishing and boating.
Activities for Families:
- Summiting the mesa on the strenuous Vista Trail
- Rappelling off mesa cliffs with expert guides
- Fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish and crappie
- Hiking through wooded canyons and along the rocky mesa rim
- Kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddle boarding on the lake
- Disc golfing on an 18-hole course
- Mountain biking on backcountry single-track trails
- Participating in educational nature programs
With diverse ecosystems and varied adventure opportunities, Roman Nose State Park allows families to challenge themselves and bond over exciting outdoor experiences.
Plan Your Camping Destination in Oklahoma
As you can see, Oklahoma offers many family-friendly campground options amid diverse landscapes and ecosystems. Carefully consider your family’s skills and interests when choosing the perfect spot for your next camping trip.
State park campgrounds provide great amenities while connecting your family to Oklahoma’s natural beauty and wonder. Visit park websites to evaluate details on hiking levels, water activities, amenities, and recreation options. Then choose the campspot that best fits your family for a memorable outdoor adventure.
Pack up your tent or RV andexplore swimming holes, rugged forests, sandy lakeshores, rocky mesas and more under Oklahoma’s big skies. Enjoy quality time together laughing, playing, and relaxing in the beauty of the outdoors!
