Bear Creek Cove
4.2839 reviews9400 LAKE ROAD, PONCA CITY, OK 74604-9629, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$22/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
22 campsites
Season
Open April 1 to Nove...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$22/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
22 campsites
Season
Open April 1 to Nove...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsBear Creek Cove
$22.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for a standard electric site is $22. Higher fees may apply to reservations booked through certain methods (online, contact center,...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$22.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider580-762-5611
What Campers Say
4.28
Satisfactory
Based on 39 reviews
1 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanshadespaciousfriendly
Some mention
cell service
"Bear Creek Cove Campground is frequently praised for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and the helpfulness of the camp host, Neal. Some visitors reported issues such as poor cell phone service, low lake levels, and accessibility challenges with certain amenities."
Fees & Passes at Bear Creek Cove
$22/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum stay per reservation is 14 nights, with a limit of 14 nights total within a rolling 30 days.
Cancellation: Cancellations made before scheduled arrival incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fees if do...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Recreation.gov website.
Best Time to Camp at Bear Creek Cove
Each season brings its own magic to Bear Creek Cove, where nature's rhythms create year-round opportunities for discovery. Autumn transforms the landscape into a tapestry of colors while winter visitors are rewarded with spectacular sightings of migrating bald eagles soaring overhead. During the most pleasant weeks, you'll enjoy comfortable temperatures under crystal-clear Oklahoma skies, with dry conditions that make outdoor activities particularly enjoyable. The ever-changing seasons ensure that every visit offers something new to experience.
Best
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: April 1 to November 29 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open April 1 to November 29 for reservations. Closed November 30 to March 31.
- Current Alerts: No active advisories are mentioned.
About Bear Creek Cove
Nestled along the pristine shores of Kaw Lake, Bear Creek Cove Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of natural beauty and modern comfort. This intimate 22-site retreat offers electric hookups, fresh drinking water, and clean flush facilities, creating an ideal basecamp for your Oklahoma adventure. Whether you're casting a line into the lake's abundant waters, exploring scenic hiking trails, launching your boat for a day on the water, or quietly observing the diverse wildlife that calls this area home, Bear Creek Cove provides the perfect gateway to experiencing all that Kaw Lake has to offer.
Bear Creek Cove Campground accommodates various camping preferences, including RV and tent camping. Campsites feature modern amenities and shaded areas.
Historical SignificanceThe lands surrounding Bear Creek Cove whisper stories of centuries past, where ancient Native American settlements once thrived along these waterways. Today's visitors can explore nearby archaeological sites that reveal glimpses of these early inhabitants, while the renowned Pioneer Woman Museum offers a fascinating journey through Oklahoma's frontier heritage. This rich cultural tapestry adds depth to your camping experience, connecting you to the generations who have called this region home.
Weather and SeasonsEach season brings its own magic to Bear Creek Cove, where nature's rhythms create year-round opportunities for discovery. Autumn transforms the landscape into a tapestry of colors while winter visitors are rewarded with spectacular sightings of migrating bald eagles soaring overhead. During the most pleasant weeks, you'll enjoy comfortable temperatures under crystal-clear Oklahoma skies, with dry conditions that make outdoor activities particularly enjoyable. The ever-changing seasons ensure that every visit offers something new to experience.
ElevationElevation details unavailable.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be captivated by the breathtaking vistas of Kaw Lake, where 17,000 acres of shimmering water stretch to the horizon. The campground's prime location offers front-row seats to this aquatic wonderland, with 168 miles of diverse shoreline creating countless hidden coves, peaceful inlets, and scenic overlooks waiting to be discovered. From sunrise reflections dancing across the water to spectacular sunsets painting the sky, the natural beauty here provides an ever-changing canvas that will leave you reaching for your camera.
Geological RegionBear Creek Cove claims its place in the heart of north-central Oklahoma, where the landscape tells a story written in water and stone. The magnificent Kaw Lake dominates the region with its impressive 17,000-acre surface, its fingers reaching into the surrounding countryside through 168 miles of varied shoreline. This geological masterpiece creates a diverse ecosystem where rolling hills meet vast waters, forming the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures and peaceful retreats alike.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible campsites, restrooms, and showers.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as spacious, with some offering paved pads. Ricky D stated, 'The sites are spacious, have paved pads with covered picnic tables, fire pit, and a grill.'
Sites PrivacyThe privacy of campsites varies; some are shaded and provide adequate privacy while others, such as recently graded sites, may lack natural barriers.
Total Campsites22 campsites
Recommended CampsitesConsider site #19 for its view of the lake; site #16 is shaded with trees and hammock opportunities.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Official check-in time is not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Official check-out time is not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay per reservation is 14 nights, with a limit of 14 nights total within a rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
One RV and one tent or two tents per campsite.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are spaced out and offer amenities such as paved pads, picnic tables, fire pits, and grills.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 1 to November 29 for reservations. Closed November 30 to March 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly stated. Reservations are recommended.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before scheduled arrival incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fees if done late. 'Late cancellations' apply from midnight 1 day before check-in.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Bear Creek Cove Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing. Seasonal highlights include fall waterfowl migration and winter bald eagle spotting. Hunting is also popular in the area.
Hiking
Several trails near Kaw Lake are popular among hikers and horseback riders. The Eagle View Hiking Trail spans approximately 12 miles, while the Five Fingers Equestrian Trail extends to the Sarge Creek Cove Public Use Area.Fishing
The lake is known for producing large catfish, crappie, white bass, and walleye, making it a popular angling destination.Swimming
Swimming is possible, though lake levels can affect the experience. For example, Christina H noted, 'Lake level very low so we didn’t get to enjoy swimming.'Boating
A boat ramp is available, but its usability is contingent on high seasonal pool levels.Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in wildlife, including migrating bald eagles in the winter and a variety of waterfowl during the fall. Wildlife such as deer, turkey, and quail are also commonly seen.Winter Activities
Winter activities include bald eagle viewing and hunting.Water Sports
Water sports such as boating are supported when lake levels are sufficient.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted in fire pits or grills provided at campsites. Local firewood is required to curb pest infestation risks.
- Quiet hours are not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsDifficult access due to dirt roads; broken pads at some campsites (e.g., site #07 reported by a user).
Active alertsNo active advisories are mentioned.
Weather at Bear Creek Cove
36
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 73%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 12.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Nearest hospital and emergency services located in Ponca City (~18 miles away). Ranger station availability is not mentioned.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1 to November 29 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, though specific details about their location and maintenance are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near Kaw Lake, though visitors report varying water levels and limited shoreline access due to overgrowth.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention low lake levels, poor cell service, overgrown shoreline grass at some sites, and broken pads at site #07.
HostThe campground host Neal receives high praise in multiple reviews: 'Neal is the best!' 'Bear Creek has the best caretaker.'
Campground Map
9400 LAKE ROAD, PONCA CITY, OK 74604-9629, USA
Driving directionsFrom Newkirk, Oklahoma, take Peckham Road and travel east for about 8 miles, turn right on Bear Creek Road and continue south for 3 miles. Campground will be on the right.
The access road includes 3 miles of dirt gravel road which may be challenging for some vehicles. User review: 'Difficult to get to, 3 miles of dirt roads.'Nearby places
Newkirk (~8 miles/12.87 km), Ponca City (~18 miles/28.97 km)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies are accessible in Ponca City (~18 miles away). Fuel stations are also available in Ponca City.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.3
39 reviews
Bear Creek Cove is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Bear Creek Cove Campground is frequently praised for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and the helpfulness of the camp host, Neal. Some visitors reported issues such as poor cell phone service, low lake levels, and accessibility challenges with certain amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 39 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects noted by visitors include clean and well-maintained facilities, spacious campsites, shaded areas, and the friendly and attentive camp host, Neal. Ricky D commented, 'The campground...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include poor cell phone service, low water levels in the lake, and difficulty navigating to the campground due to dirt roads. Stacy C stated, 'Difficult to get to, 3 miles of dirt...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend calling ahead to confirm conditions, especially water levels. Sharla K advised, 'We had a good experience, but the lake was low. Call ahead to check.'
Based on 39 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Fall and winter are particularly popular for activities like waterfowl hunting and bald eagle viewing. Summer visitors should note that lake levels may affect activities such as swimming and boating.
Based on 39 reviewsCamper Quotes
'What a beautiful and quiet campground. The sites are spacious, have paved pads with covered picnic tables, fire pit, and a grill.' - Ricky D. 'Neal, the campground attendant at Bear Creek is the...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #19 is frequently praised for its views and cleanliness. Ricky D stated, 'We stayed at site #19 which has a view of the lake.' Conversely, site #7 has received complaints about the condition of...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
The campground offers accessible amenities, but uneven surfaces at certain campsites were mentioned as a concern. Stacy C noted a '6”+ drop' at site #7.
Based on 39 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and visitors appreciate the pet-friendly environment. Bill W shared, 'We stayed for 10 days with our pets, and they enjoyed the park and wildlife as well.'
Based on 39 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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