Bear Creek Cove

Star4.28
72 reviews
9400 LAKE ROAD, PONCA CITY, OK 74604-9629, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,060 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open April 1 to Nove...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

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
Bear 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

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Provider
580-762-5611
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What Campers Say

4.28

Satisfactory

Based on 72 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."

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Campground Map

9400 LAKE ROAD, PONCA CITY, OK 74604-9629, USA

Bear Creek Cove

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open in summer but lake levels may limit swimming/boating; fishing and camping remain available.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in OK

Fall is popular for waterfowl migration and bald eagle viewing; strong seasonal wildlife appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Open starting April 1; spring offers good fishing, wildlife and is within the peak season window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground officially closed Nov 30–Mar 31; winter access not part of official season.

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.
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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.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

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.
HikingSeveral 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.
FishingThe lake is known for producing large catfish, crappie, white bass, and walleye, making it a popular angling destination.
SwimmingSwimming 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.'
BoatingA boat ramp is available, but its usability is contingent on high seasonal pool levels.
Wildlife viewingThe 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
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsDifficult access due to dirt roads; broken pads at some campsites (e.g., site #07 reported by a user).
Active AlertsNo active advisories are mentioned.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Bear Creek Cove

Reviews

4.3
72 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
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 72 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...
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Based on 72 reviews

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...
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Based on 72 reviews

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 72 reviews

Seasonal 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 72 reviews

Camper 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...
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Based on 72 reviews

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...
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Based on 72 reviews

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 72 reviews

Pet-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 72 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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