Lake Camping Near Roland, Oklahoma, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

In Roland, you’ll find over 1,800 lake camping spots—plenty for anyone who wants to pitch a tent near the water. Campsites hug the edges of clear lakes, with shady trees and plenty of room to spread out. Average night costs hover around $24, but you can snag spots for as little as $20. If you’re after toilets, pet-friendly rules, and campfires, you’re covered. Swimming, fishing, and hiking are mainstays here. For tried-and-tested stays, check out Heavener Runestone Park (346 reviews), Lisa Christiansen’s Childhood Home (8 reviews), and Lake Wilson Retreat 🌲 (5 reviews). Locals know the fishing here is reliable, the trails stay quiet on weekdays, and the water warms up fast by late spring. Bring your gear and a sense of adventure—Roland’s lakes won’t disappoint.

97% (382)

Top-rated campgrounds

In Roland, you’ll find over 1,800 lake camping spots—plenty for anyone who wants to pitch a tent near the water. Campsites hug the edges of clear lakes, with shady trees and plenty of room to spread out. Average night costs hover around $24, but you can snag spots for as little as $20. If you’re after toilets, pet-friendly rules, and campfires, you’re covered. Swimming, fishing, and hiking are mainstays here. For tried-and-tested stays, check out Heavener Runestone Park (346 reviews), Lisa Christiansen’s Childhood Home (8 reviews), and Lake Wilson Retreat 🌲 (5 reviews). Locals know the fishing here is reliable, the trails stay quiet on weekdays, and the water warms up fast by late spring. Bring your gear and a sense of adventure—Roland’s lakes won’t disappoint.

97% (382)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Heavener Runestone Park

97%

(515)

36mi from Roland · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · Heavener, OK

This 55 acre park is home of a large sandstone that contains 8 markings believed to have been made by Vikings many years ago. The park features a seasonal waterfall, covered picnic areas, playground, amphitheater with seating, community building, scenic views, gift shop and approximately 2 miles of nature trails. Be advised that most tent sites have a tent pad but a few are primitive mountain terrain (rocky). The one RV site is for 16 ft. or less vehicles and smaller teardrop trailers with limited hook-up and no dump station. Restroom and shower facilities are located within the park. Individual campsites DO NOT have onsite toilets. Forest setting while still close to stores in case of forgotten items. Variety of small wildlife in the area. All sites allow campfires UNLESS we are under a county wide burn ban. *Note moderate cancellation policy for most dates - full refund 3 days before check-in time. * ** Special event camping is a strict no refund policy.

2. Lake Wilson Retreat 🌲

100%

(10)

46mi from Roland · 1 site · Lodging · Greenland, AR

The Lake Wilson Retreat is our 35 acre private property, peacefully situated atop the wooded mountains near Lake Wilson. On the property is The Shed, a simple campsite where you'll find a fire pit and a simple sleeping cabin with a full size platform bed frame and wood stove to enjoy. An ideal place to clear your head. The Shed comfortably sleep two (2) adults, but you are welcome to bring tents for up to to four (4) other additional campers. We provide a full size platform bed frame, but guests will need to bring their own blow up mattress or camp pads for comfort — as well as all bedding / pillows / towels. About Lake Wilson: Lake Wilson Park is comprised of approximately 320 acres of land with 28 acres of water. Park visitors can experience boating, fishing, nature watching, picnicking, and hiking. The park is also an off-leash dog park with both sunny and shady places for pets to enjoy. The nature trail runs almost entirely through the woods with views of the lake and ancient rock formations. There are also lots of beautiful wildflowers in the spring!

3. Lisa Christiansen’s Childhood Home

94%

(17)

41mi from Roland · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tahlequah, OK

A place carved out of history dating back over 200 years ago. This is where history welcomes you to the Cherokee culture. This land has been handed down for generations and has stayed in the family beginning on my mother’s side of the family, Mary Ann Groundhog, the fourth generation great granddaughter of Sequoyah on the “Dick” side of my family tree. My mother was heavily involved with AIM (American Indian movement). My dad was the last monolingual Cherokee. His name was Mack Vann, he was a man who loved culture and sharing it with visitors and handed down that passion to me. My hip camper site is named after my daddy, I am still a daddy‘s girl. The land originated before Sequoyah. who created the Cherokee syllabary. Sequoyah was my fifth generation great grandfather and I am very proud of my Cherokee heritage, I would love to share my culture, my tradition, and my passion with you. Learn more about this land: Come and experience the authenticity of Tahlequah, Indian country, Oklahoma where almost every resident is Cherokee, Native American, Nature at its most organic state; A place where deer run free, the sunset paints a new picture each evening with glorious colors of warmth and serenity. Away from the hustle and bustle, peaceful, and inviting. Just a short hike or drive to Todd’s access or you can swim, fish, or float down the beautiful Illinois River. Welcome to Oklahoma’s best kept secret. * * * * FREE HIGH SPEED WIFI * * * * Up to 1,000 Mbps upload and download speeds With upload speeds matching download speeds, you can transfer and back up large files with ease. Unlimited data usage, no data caps or throttling. Capacity for all your devices

4. John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake

100%

(2)

47 sites · Scott, Arkansas

Not to be confused with John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt, John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake extends 26 miles along the Arkansas River in both Arkansas and Oklahoma. Its shoreline is characterized by bottomland hardwood timber banks, steep bluffs, open fields, and urban developments. There are oodles of recreational opportunities among four smaller parks, most notably fishing. The fertile waters harbor all kinds of fish native to the state, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission stocks the lake with striped sea bass and sauger. Year round catch includes catfish, bream, crappie, white and largemouth bass. Multi-purpose trails are also a popular activity.

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

5. Arkansas River - Robert S. Kerr Pool

94 sites · Brent, Oklahoma

Robert S. Kerr Lock and Dam is known for its fishing and swimming beaches. Anglers will be excited about the abundance of bass, crappie, catfish, walleye, and sunfish. Yum! There are also three swimming beaches here, so bring your swimsuit and sunscreen. Got a boat? Bring it! Launch your sailboat, motorboat, or kayak on the refreshing waters and check out the great surrounding views of spring flowers or fall foliage. There’s a short hiking trail in the park if you want to wander around a bit. This park is ideal for campers seeking a quiet, relaxing getaway on the water.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

6. Ozark Lake

87%

(5)

102 sites · Mulberry, Arkansas

Discover the serene beauty of Ozark Lake and its myriad outdoor activities.

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

7. Brushy Lake State Park

14 sites · Slick, Oklahoma

Discover the serene beauty of Brushy Lake State Park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

8. Devil's Den State Park

100%

(27)

161 sites · Winslow, Arkansas

Hike past ancient rock formations or take a pedalboat out on the lake.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

9. Lake Fort Smith State Park

100%

(4)

40 sites · Chester, Arkansas

Discover the serene beauty of Lake Fort Smith State Park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

10. Tenkiller Ferry Lake

50%

(7)

550 sites · Redbird Smith, Oklahoma

Named for the prominent Cherokee family who owned the land and ferry, Tenkiller Ferry Lake is steeped in history and picturesque views. With the clearest body of water in Oklahoma, the lake offers abundant water activities: fishing, scuba diving, jet-skiing, sailing, the list goes on so be prepared to get wet! Be sure to check out the floating restaurant too! Farm to table? More like lake to table. Off the lake, explore the rocky bluffs and lush vegetation. Get a nice view of the water from the shore, and have your breath taken away with the spectacular sunsets. Tenkiller Ferry Lake is sure to become an annual trip.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

11. Cherokee Landing State Park

100%

(2)

138 sites · Dry Creek, Oklahoma

Discover the serene beauty of Cherokee Landing State Park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

12. Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

98%

(37)

312 sites · Farmington, Arkansas

Two distinct forests rolled into one package! That means twice the amount of outdoorsy goodness to explore. The Ozark National Forest covers most of the Ozark Mountains, including the highest peak in the state. It’s awesome here when the dogwood and redbuds bloom in the spring, and when the leaves change color in the fall. The St. Francis National Forest is more diverse, with the St. Francis and Mississippi Rivers running through it, as well as lakes, valleys, and tons of wildlife. It’s the only place in the national forest system where you can access the Mississippi River from the shore, so that right there is a must do! The whole expanse of land is filled with multi-use trails, hundreds of campsites, spots for swimming, fishing, and boating, and even some amazing caves to explore. Mother Nature crushing it as usual.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

13. Wister Lake State Park

100%

(1)

153 sites · Wister, Oklahoma

Discover the natural splendor of Lake Wister State Park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Roland

100%

(2)

Springhill Campground

13mi from Roland · 47 sites · Tents, RVs · in John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake

Short Mountain Cove Campground

17mi from Roland · 32 sites · Tents, RVs · in Arkansas River - Robert S. Kerr Pool

Applegate Cove Campground

18mi from Roland · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · in Arkansas River - Robert S. Kerr Pool

83%

(4)

Clear Creek Campground

19mi from Roland · 41 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ozark Lake

Brushy Lake Campground

19mi from Roland · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Brushy Lake State Park

Cowlington Point Campground

20mi from Roland · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · in Arkansas River - Robert S. Kerr Pool

100%

(27)

Devil's Den Campground

29mi from Roland · 161 sites · Tents, RVs · in Devil's Den State Park

100%

(4)

Lake Fort Smith Campground

29mi from Roland · 40 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Fort Smith State Park

Snake Creek Campground

30mi from Roland · 111 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tenkiller Ferry Lake

Chicken Creek Campground

31mi from Roland · 101 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tenkiller Ferry Lake

Standing Rock Campground

32mi from Roland · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tenkiller Ferry Lake

Elk Creek Landing Campground

32mi from Roland · 41 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tenkiller Ferry Lake

Stories from the community

O

Olivia

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Lake Wilson Retreat 🌲

The property was gorgeous! The area felt really safe and the neighbors were very friendly. The shed was very cozy. Be sure to bring a mattress/bedding and some extra fire wood. Overall, it was the weekend we were looking for!

Travis

3 weeks ago

With pets

3 nights at Lake Wilson Retreat 🌲

Very convenient and easy to get to, while still being away from everything and quiet. Everything was set up nicely. The host was very friendly and easy to contact. You can watch the sun rise from the deck in the morning. Perfect place for a quiet getaway! Thanks!

site features 2 tent pads with space for a couple other tents. Also has 2 tables and a grill

A

Allison

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Heavener Runestone Park

My family and I loved tent camping here! The views were beautiful! We were at site #8, it was very pretty and peaceful. Lots of trees for nice shade and great spot for a hammock. There even happened to be a big event at the overlook one of the days we were there, but there was still enough separation that it wasn’t too loud and we still felt like we had our privacy. The Runestone didn’t disappoint! We thought it was cool. We really enjoyed hiking the trails too.

Campsite is pictured on the right side of the photo.

E

Erick

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Heavener Runestone Park

Beautiful spot and park! Will definitely visit again.

G

Greg

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Heavener Runestone Park

Incredible location, great views, and check-in couldn’t have been easier. Highly recommend a stay here at the park!

Lori

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

1 night at Heavener Runestone Park

Watching the sunset at this location was breathtaking! The campsite, restroom, grounds, and gift shop were clean and well maintained. Everyone there was friendly and very informative. We came for an educational event that was fun and well organized. My family loved every moment of our stay from hiking, seeing the runestone, and tent camping!

R

Roger

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Heavener Runestone Park

The campsite was absolutely lovely! The forest felt more like the Black Hills, SD. I had no idea Oklahoma could look like this. It was SO peaceful I could've been 100 miles from civilization, yet Hevener was nestled beautifully in the valley below. Hearing those spooky train horns every hour or so was neat-my boy couldn't get enough! The short hike to the runestone was fun, and that sweet young lady in the gift shop went outta her way for our yard game. What a cozy Oklahoma spot! Terrain was a bit rough and steep and rocky so be advised.

Loreena

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Heavener Runestone Park

Excellent campsite for our first time visiting the park! The trails were great and easy to navigate, amenities offered worked well, and the host was communicative too. If you plan to stay at this campsite (or probably anywhere in the park), just be mindful there’s a very active train station below the park so you’ll hear it both day & night—earplugs were an essential for me. However, that doesn’t deter my recommendation. The fall leaves were gorgeous, so we picked the perfect weekend to stay.

R

Russ

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Heavener Runestone Park

Cool views. #10 spot is a lot more of a upward hike than it lets on. It's too far from the site to your vehicle.

k

kellimeyer723

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Heavener Runestone Park

A quaint little park with unique history and the perfect hikes for beginners or those needing an hour to waltz with nature. You're outside of town but not so far away that running back for something you forgot to be a real problem. Campsites are as you would expect, a platform that is just big enough for our large sundome tent (8 person), a firepit and metal grill for each site and a concrete and wood picnic table. They even have shepherd hooks for campers to hang a lantern or lights. The camping area is lit up at night by a string of bulb lights, giving just enough glow to get down to the bathrooms without being a nuisance when trying to sleep. A wonderful setup for a relaxing weekend. My son and I were the only people in the park at one point and it was very peaceful. Crows, woodpeckers, and squirrels abound but not much else in the way of wildlife. A definite for families or someone looking for a quiet place to pitch a tent or hang a hammock.

Kathy

November 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Heavener Runestone Park

Wonderful rustic park! First is the runestone, whose conjecture seems entirely plausible and fascinating! Second, the park was developed around 1970 and looks like it’s basically been unchanged. Third, it’s just plain beautiful. The staff are awesome and very responsive. We loved it.

S

Saul

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Heavener Runestone Park

Amazing spot! We stayed through the weekend! Great views! Amazing amenities, ZJ helped us get power to our camping spot (Overlook Pavilion). Kiddos loved the scavenger hunt and the different hikes. Over all we will be coming back soon! Thank you to all the staff!

C

Charlotte

September 2025

16 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Heavener Runestone Park

Heavener Runestone is breathtaking! This is our third time, and not our last! We even golfed at nearby Wolf Mountain, on a very well maintained golf course. Clean bathroom and shower house. We found this campground 4 years ago, and have built it into our travels. Highly recommend!!

J

Jeffrey

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Heavener Runestone Park

Great views. Nice Gift Shop. Knowledgeable and friendly staff! Thoroughly enjoyed the stay.

A

Ashley

June 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Heavener Runestone Park

Such a wonderful campsite! The view was breathtaking. Such well maintained bathrooms and showers. Everything was perfect!

J

Joetta

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Heavener Runestone Park

The walk to the campsite isn't long or difficult, and it's nice being off the road a little bit. The cliff has a small wall so there's no danger of falling.

S

Sophia

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Lake Wilson Retreat 🌲

My partner and I loved the location. Easy to find and private. Really nice set up.

Campsite is seen on left side of roadway and parking is on right side of roadway

G

Grace

June 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Heavener Runestone Park

Was so much fun. Very quiet. Host was extremely friendly and helpful! Definitely gonna be coming back!!

J

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Heavener Runestone Park

The park was clean and the host was very nice. The Rune Stone was fantastic. I was able to see one of the best sunsets of my life from the outlook area. I hope to be able to go back to this park some day.

Our site (11) from the bathrooms and main road

J

Jessa

May 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Heavener Runestone Park

This was our second camping trip to Heavener Runestone Park. Our original site we booked had some damage from storms, so we picked 11 as backup and ended up loving this spot. It was very spacious, great for our tent, and close to hiking, the playground and bathrooms. We had some storms come through the first night, so we went to dinner while they blew through and came back to everything being dry and just as we left it. Rain overnight as well and we stayed dry, but the creek near us was flowing so this is a great spot if you expect some rain but want to stay dry. We always have to stop by the shop when we visit because they have the best items! We found so many useful goodies and luckily they had some lights since we forgot our camping lanterns. Despite the storms that had blown through, the park still looked great and the trails were clear. The staff was all very friendly and helpful with the rebooking process, shopping at the store and hanging out at the amphitheater for a bit. This was a great visit and we look forward to coming back and camping here again.