Black Kettle Campground

4.56

63 reviews

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Summer Destination

Featured in:Primitive Camping Oklahoma#2 Hidden Gem Campgrounds Oklahoma Hiking Camping Oklahoma +2 more

Quick Facts

2,100 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

May 15, 2025 - Octob...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Cibola National Forest and Grasslands site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

2,100 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

May 15, 2025 - Octob...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Cibola National Forest and Grasslands site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Black Kettle Campground

$0.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping is primarily free, but RV Nonelectric sites during peak season (May 15 - October 14) cost $10 per night.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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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What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 63 reviews

52 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanlake

"The campground is praised for its tranquil setting, cleanliness, and free access. However, some users noted drawbacks such as lack of potable water and the primitive nature of facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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Black Kettle Campground

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Driving directionsDirections to the campground are unavailable in the provided materials.

Accessibility details from major roads are not available.

Nearby places

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Nearby supplies

Cheyenne, a round trip of approximately 20 minutes, offers ice and supplies, according to user reviews.

Best Time to Camp at Black Kettle Campground

Experience near-perfect camping conditions at Black Kettle, where Mother Nature seems to have crafted an outdoor enthusiast's dream. With crystal-clear skies greeting you 82.5% of the time and rain barely making an appearance (just 1.19% chance), you can plan your adventure with confidence. Temperatures dance between a crisp 28.5°F for those who love cool morning hikes and a comfortable 48.5°F for afternoon explorations. While spring through early fall offers the most inviting conditions, each season paints the grassland in its own spectacular palette.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season includes summer; high clear-sky rate and boating/fishing in season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through mid-October; clean, scenic and good weather cited in seasonal notes.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Late spring (after May 15) is in peak season; pleasant conditions noted but limited data pre-May.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Primary season is May 15–Oct 14; winter season not supported in overview.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15, 2025 - October 14, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 15, 2025 - October 14, 2025 for first-come, first-served season.
Current Alerts: No current warnings or advisories were provided.

About Black Kettle Campground

Escape to the tranquil embrace of Black Kettle Campground, where the National Grassland offers a pristine retreat for those seeking an authentic back-to-basics camping experience. This hidden gem features 12 thoughtfully spaced camping units, each equipped with sturdy picnic tables, fire pits perfect for evening storytelling, and grills for outdoor cooking under the stars. While you'll find clean vault toilets throughout the grounds, the absence of drinking water and utility hookups ensures a genuine connection with nature. Best of all? Your wilderness adventure comes completely free of charge.

Black Kettle Campground offers free camping in a grassland setting, suitable for tents and RVs. The area is also described by reviewers as feeling more like a picnic area than a traditional campground.

Historical SignificanceThe stories of Black Kettle Campground remain as untold as the whispers in the wind through the grassland, waiting for modern adventurers to create their own tales and memories in this timeless landscape.

Weather and SeasonsExperience near-perfect camping conditions at Black Kettle, where Mother Nature seems to have crafted an outdoor enthusiast's dream. With crystal-clear skies greeting you 82.5% of the time and rain barely making an appearance (just 1.19% chance), you can plan your adventure with confidence. Temperatures dance between a crisp 28.5°F for those who love cool morning hikes and a comfortable 48.5°F for afternoon explorations. While spring through early fall offers the most inviting conditions, each season paints the grassland in its own spectacular palette.

ElevationPerched at 2,100 feet above sea level, Black Kettle offers that perfect sweet spot where the air feels refreshingly crisp without leaving you breathless. This moderate elevation creates an ideal microclimate—cool enough for comfortable hiking yet warm enough for relaxing evenings around the campfire. The dry conditions mean less humidity and more star-filled nights, making every moment outdoors feel invigorating.

Natural Features and SceneryNestled among a living cathedral of towering pines, ancient junipers, and stately oaks, Black Kettle Campground feels like nature's own sanctuary. A jewel-like lake mirrors the sky and surrounding forest, offering peaceful waterfront views that change with each passing hour. Well-maintained trails wind through the diverse landscape, inviting exploration, while soft grassy meadows provide the perfect carpet for your tent. Here, where forest meets water at 2,100 feet, every sunrise brings new discoveries and every sunset paints the landscape in golden hues.

Geological RegionSet within the magnificent tapestry of Cibola National Forest and Grasslands, Black Kettle occupies a unique ecological crossroads where prairie meets forest. This remarkable landscape showcases nature's diversity with its signature blend of towering pines reaching skyward, aromatic junipers dotting the hillsides, and majestic oaks providing generous shade. The result is a geological wonderland where grassland ecosystems merge seamlessly with mountain forest habitats.

Best Campsites

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Stay Limit

14 days during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site accommodates up to 10 people.

Groups

There is no specific mention of designated group campsites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites are spread around the edge of a small lake. Some picnic tables are near rock fire rings, but camping feels more like a picnic area.

Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made in advance online or by phone.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are allowed; first come, first served.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are available. Paved parking spurs provide easy access for all visitors.

Site SizeEach site is equipped to accommodate up to 10 people. Parking spurs are paved.

PrivacyThe sites are spread out but do not provide significant privacy due to the open grassland setting.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesTent camping is recommended over RV camping due to site layouts.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Black Kettle Campground can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, picnicking, and scenic drives. A small lake provides opportunities for nature observation and relaxation.

HikingSeveral short trails are available near the campground, including trails that branch off from the north side of the lake and a trail around the dam.

FishingFishing is permitted, and there are fishing piers available near the lake.

BoatingBoating is supported with amenities such as a concrete boat ramp and associated trailer parking.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as turkeys, rabbits, and even llamas have been spotted by visitors. The area is also home to coyotes, whose howls add to the natural ambiance.

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCoyotes, aggressive geese, and flies were noted by users. Drinking water is unavailable, creating a need for campers to bring their own supply.

Active AlertsNo current warnings or advisories were provided.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings and grills.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Scheduled quiet hours were not specified.

Emergency Servicesnull

Trash & RecyclingNo detailed information about trash and recycling facilities is provided. However, user reviews mention 'dumpsters' available on-site.

Water FeaturesThe campground is alongside a small lake offering fishing piers and a boat ramp.

Camp HostNo information about campground hosts was provided.

Weather at Black Kettle Campground

Reviews

4.6

63 reviews

Top-Rated

Black Kettle Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is praised for its tranquil setting, cleanliness, and free access. However, some users noted drawbacks such as lack of potable water and the primitive nature of facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 63 reviews

What Campers Love

Free camping with scenic views, proximity to a small lake, accessible vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and fishing piers. The area is described as quiet, clean, and well-maintained.

Based on 63 reviews

Common Concerns

No drinking water is available on-site. Some users found the vault toilets to be dirty. Geese in the area can be aggressive and might raid campsites. Flies were mentioned as a nuisance by one...

Based on 63 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Bring your own water," "Keep pets on a leash," and "Be cautious about leaving food unattended due to aggressive geese."

Based on 63 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is described as clean and well-maintained throughout the year, but weather conditions such as heat lightning during the summer add to the camping experience.

Based on 63 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Camping at Black Kettle is like camping in a picnic area." "There aren't many free camping locations that offer multiple bathrooms, dumpsters, and waterfront views." "The vault toilets were really...

Based on 63 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites are not numbered or described individually in the content provided.

Based on 63 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets and paved parking spurs were noted by reviewers. No complaints about accessibility for those with disabilities were mentioned.

Based on 63 reviews