Sandy Cove

Star4.23
198 reviews
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Canton Lake Office, 64600 N 2466 Rd., Canton, OK, 73724-9522, USA

Quick Facts

1,654 ft

Price

$22 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Sandy Cove
$22.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Electric site fees are $22 per night, while Group Shelter Electric fees are $40 per night. Additional reservation fees may apply depending...
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Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
580-274-3576
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What Campers Say

4.23

Satisfactory

Based on 198 reviews

86 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietshadebeachfriendly

"Sandy Cove Campground receives mixed reviews. The location and natural beauty are commonly praised, but issues with maintenance, cleanliness, and insects detract from the experience. Several reviews highlight the swim beach as a standout feature."

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Campground Map

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Canton Lake Office, 64600 N 2466 Rd., Canton, OK, 73724-9522, USA

Sandy Cove

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Canton Lake Office, 64600 N 2466 Rd., Canton, OK, 73724-9522, USA

Driving directionsFrom Canton, OK: Go 0.5 miles west on Highway 51, turn right (north) on Highway 58A and travel 2.3 miles. Turn right at the 3-way Stop intersection and continue on Highway 58A to the north end of the dam. The swimming area and campground are on the left.
The campground is accessible via paved roads and is located near Highway 58A. However, the causeway entering the park is narrow, requiring slow driving and caution. Seasonal closures apply from November through March.
Nearby places
Canton (5 miles, ~10 minutes), Roman Nose State Park (~30 minutes), Glass Mountains State Park (~30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Several restaurants, a casino, and a golf course are within 3 miles of the lake. Grocery and camping supplies are likely available in Canton.

Best Time to Camp at Sandy Cove

Sandy Cove transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own unique charm to your camping experience. Spring arrives with comfortable temperatures in the mid-50s, perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. Summer invites you to bask in warm, sunny days reaching the mid-80s, ideal for beach activities and water sports. Gentle breezes keep even the warmest days pleasant under the canopy of oak trees. As autumn approaches, the campground becomes a photographer's paradise, though winter months see the grounds close their gates, allowing nature to rest and renew.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer reviews highlight the swim beach and water sports; peak season activity is high.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall reviews emphasize hunting and fishing; good fishing opportunities and wildlife area access.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring brings comfortable temps, wildlife watching and good fishing; season opens April 1.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed November–March; winter season not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 01, 2025 - September 30, 2025 (Peak Season). Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season runs from April 1 to October 31. The campground is closed from November through March.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal closures apply from November through March. The swimming beach is closed mid-October through April.

About Sandy Cove

Nestled along the pristine north shores of Canton Dam, Sandy Cove Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to discover one of northwest Oklahoma's best-kept secrets. This woodland retreat seamlessly blends the tranquility of shaded forest groves with the excitement of lakeside adventures. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, taking a refreshing swim in the afternoon, or pursuing game through the surrounding wilderness, Sandy Cove offers an authentic escape where families can disconnect from city life and reconnect with nature.
Sandy Cove Campground offers both standard family sites and one group day-use shelter. It supports RV and tent camping but does not offer cabin or glamping options.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Arriving campers should check in as soon as possible after arrival. Gatehouse hours vary seasonally.
Check-out
Check-out time is unspecified in source materials.
Stay Limit
Campers can stay for a maximum of 14 nights during a visit, with a total limit of 14 nights within a rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Sandy Cove Campground provides a variety of recreational opportunities, including fishing, swimming, water sports, and more. Canton Lake is particularly renowned for its walleye fishing and hosts the Walleye Rodeo fishing derby annually in mid-May.
FishingFishing is a flagship activity at Canton Lake, especially for walleye fishing. One user remarked, 'Hammered the walleye while trolling the beach.' The annual four-day Walleye Rodeo draws thousands of visitors during mid-May, highlighting the lake's reputation as a fishing hotspot.
SwimmingA large swim beach is available, noted for its sandy and inviting environment. Multiple users praised it as a highlight of the campground. One review described it as, 'Nice and sandy, water was warm for swimming.'
BoatingBoating activities such as personal watercraft use, tubing, and water skiing are popular. The broad expanse of water paralleling the dam offers a suitable area for these activities.
Wildlife viewingThe surrounding Canton Wildlife Management Area provides opportunities to see species such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail, and waterfowl.
Beach activitiesBeach activities are popular, with reviewers emphasizing the 'sandy' and 'inviting' swim beach as a main attraction.
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsAnt infestations, trash issues, and poorly maintained facilities like water hydrants and grills are reported in reviews.
Active AlertsSeasonal closures apply from November through March. The swimming beach is closed mid-October through April.

Weather at Sandy Cove

Reviews

4.2
198 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Sandy Cove is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Sandy Cove Campground receives mixed reviews. The location and natural beauty are commonly praised, but issues with maintenance, cleanliness, and insects detract from the experience. Several reviews highlight the swim beach as a standout feature.
Review Summaries
Based on 198 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently highlight the campground's swim beach, shaded sites, and family-friendly atmosphere. Comments like 'A beautiful, quiet escape' and 'Wonderful camp hosts' stand out as recurring...
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Based on 198 reviews

Common Concerns

Cleanliness and maintenance are recurring complaints, with users mentioning litter, ant infestations, and poor bathroom conditions. One reviewer noted, 'The campground itself was the trashiest Corps...
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Based on 198 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a long water hose and a splitter due to the shared water access. Prepare for insects such as ants and mosquitoes, especially after rainy weather. It's also suggested to plan ahead for the...
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Based on 198 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the swim beach and water sports, while fall reviews focus on hunting and fishing opportunities. Maintenance issues appear consistent across all seasons.
Based on 198 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The park maintained most of the high standards of the Corps of Engineers. The only problem was no one picks the little trash up at the campsite.' 2. 'The ladies bathroom shower drain was plugged...
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Based on 198 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #10 is noted for shade. Site #18 was criticized for a leaking hydrant. Site #20 is mentioned as tight for large RVs. Front sites are considered less private with fewer trees.
Based on 198 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be on a leash. They are prohibited from the Sandy Cove Beach Day-Use Area.
Based on 198 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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