Mcfadden Cove

Star4.15
86 reviews
9400 Lake Road, Ponca City, OK, 74604
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,079 ft

Price

$18 - $22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open season is March...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Recreation.gov 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
Mcfadden Cove
$18.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for campsites ranges from $18 to $22 depending on the season. Fees do not include taxes or additional reservation fees charged by...
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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
580-762-5611
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What Campers Say

4.15

Satisfactory

Based on 86 reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspaciouswater

"User reviews for McFadden Cove are mixed, with many praising its cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and proximity to lake activities. However, issues like uneven campsite surfaces and the lack of showers were frequently noted."

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Campground Map

9400 Lake Road, Ponca City, OK, 74604

Mcfadden Cove

9400 Lake Road, Ponca City, OK, 74604

Driving directionsFrom Ponca City, Oklahoma, travel 7 miles east on Lake Road. Turn north on to McFadden Cove Road and the campground is on the immediate right. If you cross the dam, you've gone too far.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, with clear signage directing travelers from Ponca City. Roads are well-maintained and suitable for most vehicles.
Nearby places
Ponca City (7 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Stillwater (40 miles, approximately 50 minutes), Tulsa (88 miles, approximately 1.5 hours)
Nearby supplies
The Hideaway Marina is nearby and provides essential supplies such as ice and bait. For additional groceries and camping supplies, Ponca City offers a range of options including supermarkets and fuel stations.

Best Time to Camp at Mcfadden Cove

Experience the full drama of Oklahoma's seasons at McFadden Cove, where summer temperatures soar above 100°F, perfect for cooling off in the lake's refreshing waters. Winter brings crisp, dry days ideal for bundling up around evening campfires. The region's moderate rainfall keeps the landscape vibrant, while occasional prairie winds remind you of the wide-open spaces that define this heartland destination. Each season paints the campground in different colors, from spring wildflowers to autumn's golden grasses.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Hot summers (>100°F) but lake access and mature shade trees help; popular season for boating/fishing.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Fall noted for excellent bird-watching and migrations (ducks, geese, bald eagles).

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Open beginning Mar 1; spring offers mild weather and good fishing/boating access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Facility closed for reservations outside Mar 1–Nov 29; winter season not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 1 to November 29.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season is March 1 through November 29. The facility is closed for reservations outside these dates.

About Mcfadden Cove

Nestled along the serene banks of north-central Oklahoma's Kaw Lake, McFadden Cove offers an intimate camping experience where prairie meets water. This hidden gem provides modern conveniences with electric and water hookups while maintaining a rustic charm with vault toilets. A convenient boat ramp connects you directly to the lake's vast waters, making it a beloved basecamp for anglers chasing trophy catches and hunters exploring the surrounding wilderness. Despite its modest size, the campground delivers big on outdoor adventure and lakeside tranquility.
McFadden Cove is a versatile campground catering to both tent and RV campers. It offers standard electric sites with water hookups, accommodating a range of camping preferences.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is at 14:00 (2 PM).
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 (noon).
Stay Limit
The maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Water hookups

Activities you can enjoy

McFadden Cove offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Being situated along Kaw Lake, it is particularly popular among anglers, hunters, and bird watchers. The area provides opportunities for boating and fishing, hunting large game, and observing migratory birds.
FishingFishing is a highlight of McFadden Cove, as the lake and river are known for producing some of Oklahoma's largest catfish, along with crappie, white bass, and walleye. The fishing opportunities attract anglers year-round.
BoatingBoating is a popular activity at McFadden Cove due to its proximity to Kaw Lake. A boat ramp is conveniently located near the campground, making it easy for campers to launch their boats.
Wildlife viewingThe area is excellent for wildlife viewing. During the fall, large numbers of migrating ducks and geese can be seen, and in the winter, visitors may spot bald eagles, as Kaw Lake hosts one of the largest populations in Oklahoma.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeveral reviews mention uneven campsite pads and limited accessibility for campers with mobility issues. The proximity to water may attract insects during warmer months.

Weather at Mcfadden Cove

Reviews

4.2
86 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Mcfadden Cove is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for McFadden Cove are mixed, with many praising its cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and proximity to lake activities. However, issues like uneven campsite surfaces and the lack of showers were frequently noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 86 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciated the campground's clean facilities and spacious sites. The proximity to Kaw Lake and the presence of water and electric hookups at all sites were also highlighted. "Beautiful...
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Based on 86 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of a dump station and showers were common complaints. Uneven campsite surfaces also posed challenges for some campers. "The most disappointing part there wasn't a dump station nearby," noted...
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Based on 86 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing a water pressure regulator due to strong water pressure and planning ahead for waste disposal, as the closest dump station is 4 to 4.5 miles away. "Lots of water pressure,...
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Based on 86 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall and winter are noted for excellent bird-watching opportunities, including migrating ducks, geese, and bald eagles. Summer reviews frequently mention the beneficial shade provided by trees during...
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Based on 86 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice park. Was very quiet the weekend we were there." "The campsite itself was great! We had a very pleasant time." "Not everyone has a smartphone! Bring back self-pay envelopes." "Beautiful nice...
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Based on 86 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 8 was criticized for being uneven and difficult to navigate, especially for campers with mobility issues. Site 7 was noted for its narrow layout and close proximity to trees. Site 13 was praised...
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Based on 86 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some users with mobility challenges found certain campsites difficult to navigate due to uneven surfaces. "The sites are a real danger to children and adults who have mobility issues," noted one...
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Based on 86 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at McFadden Cove, but no specific reviews addressed pet-related features or policies.
Based on 86 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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