Big Bend (Ok)
4.35233 reviewsU.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Canton Lake Office, 64600 N 2466 Rd.
Big Bend (Ok)
$18.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$23.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$40.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees for campsites vary between $18-$25 per night depending on the type of site reserved, with group shelters available for $40 per night.
About this campground
Nestled along the sparkling waters of Canton Lake, Big Bend welcomes outdoor enthusiasts with 114 thoughtfully designed campsites—102 with electric hookups and 12 pristine non-electric spots for those seeking a more rustic experience. This lakeside haven captivates visitors with sweeping panoramic views across the water, while adventure beckons at every turn with four convenient boat launches, a challenging disc golf course weaving through native woodlands, and a spacious group picnic shelter perfect for family gatherings and celebrations under the Oklahoma sky.
Big Bend Campground caters to various camping preferences, including primitive, RV, and tent camping. It also features group camping options and amenities for larger gatherings. Several sites offer panoramic views of Canton Lake, and there are accessible options.
Historical SignificanceYour Big Bend adventure sits at the crossroads of Oklahoma's rich heritage, with the legendary Roman Nose State Park and the geological wonder of Glass Mountains State Park nearby. These neighboring treasures weave together stories of Native American history, pioneer settlements, and the enduring spirit of the American frontier, adding layers of cultural depth to your camping experience.
Weather and SeasonsBig Bend transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own character to this lakeside retreat. Summer days invite endless water activities under the warm Oklahoma sun, while winter brings a quieter charm—though water and electric services may temporarily pause during the coldest months. Spring and fall paint the landscape in dramatic fashion, occasionally punctuated by nature's power through severe storms and spirited winds that remind visitors of the raw beauty of the Great Plains.
ElevationThe campground embraces the characteristic gentle contours of Oklahoma's landscape, where flat expanses meet softly rolling terrain. This accessible topography creates an inviting environment for campers of all ages and abilities, with easy walks to the water's edge and comfortable pitches for RV and tent camping alike.
Natural Features and SceneryBig Bend's natural canvas showcases the diverse beauty of northwest Oklahoma's ecosystem. Majestic eastern cottonwoods provide cooling shade alongside sturdy post and blackjack oaks, while graceful sycamores and distinctive lacebark elms add visual interest throughout the grounds. The gently sloping beaches invite barefoot exploration, offering intimate connections with the lake's edge where land meets water in perfect harmony.
Geological RegionPositioned in the heart of northwest Oklahoma near the historic North Canadian River, Big Bend reveals the region's geological story through its varied landscape. The campground's gently sloping beaches showcase nature's patient sculpting, while stands of native trees—from towering eastern cottonwoods to resilient post and blackjack oaks, complemented by graceful black willows along the water's edge—create a living testament to the area's ecological diversity and natural resilience.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible parking, accessible pit toilets, and flush toilets are available. Specific accessibility complaints or praises were not noted in user reviews.
Sites SizeSites are generally spacious and level; one camper mentioned ample room for a 38-foot fifth wheel and additional vehicles.
Sites PrivacyReviews noted good spacing between campsites, providing a degree of privacy. "Spaced apart nicely," remarked one user.
Total Campsites114 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommend sites with covered picnic tables and lake views, such as A18 and B46, for a superior experience.
Best CampsitesSpecific sites with favorable reviews include A18, B46, and A11 for their lake views and shaded areas.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
- Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit
- total of 28 nights within a rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of two tents per campsite, or one RV and one tent per campsite.
Groups
Group camping facilities include a day-use group picnic shelter and designated group sites. Details about maximum capacity or vehicle limits are not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are organized in loops (e.g., BBEN and B), with spacious areas and varying lake access.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 1 to October 31, with reservable start dates beginning June 20, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov using their website, app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityFees are collected by self-payment through Recreation.gov in October, with limited walk-up availability during non-peak months.
Cancellation PolicyLate cancellation fees apply, including a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fee for individual campsites. Modifications are allowed pre-arrival for a $10 fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Big Bend Campground at Canton Lake offers a wide array of recreational activities ranging from fishing to disc golf. Fishing is particularly popular, with walleye fishing being a notable attraction. Additional activities include camping, boating, swimming, and hunting. Some visitors highlighted disc golf as an enjoyable amenity, while others expressed dissatisfaction with limited water access and overgrown vegetation.
Fishing
Fishing is a standout feature at Big Bend, particularly walleye fishing. The annual Walleye Rodeo derby draws thousands of visitors. However, reviews indicate mixed experiences, with one camper stating, "The fishing in our spot was not that good," while others noted successful catches like a 5-pound bass.Swimming
Swimming is available at gently sloping beaches on the northern side of the lake. However, some reviews noted overcrowded swimming areas and boats blocking access. "Couldn’t take our kids to the beach because there were many boats parked over there," said one user.Boating
Boating activities such as tubing and water skiing are popular, especially on the broad expanse of water near the dam. Some reviews highlighted the difficulty of accessing the water due to rocks along the shoreline.Beach activities
Gently sloping beaches attract sunbathers and swimmers. However, reviews noted limitations such as overcrowding and restricted access due to parked boats.Water Sports
Tubing, water skiing, and personal watercraft use are popular water sports at Canton Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted but must use locally sourced firewood to prevent pest migration.
- Quiet hours are generally enforced, though specific times are not listed.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include severe weather (high winds, storms), lake erosion, and occasional wildlife interactions.
Active alertsWater and electricity services may be turned off from November to March. Shower facilities may be winterized in October.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Foggy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 96%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 9.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Foggy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in nearby Canton, including general medical facilities and law enforcement.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1 - October 31, annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, but user reviews indicate occasional issues with trash left in fire rings at some campsites.
Proximity to water featuresSet on Canton Lake, with boat ramps and swimming accessibility near northern beaches, though rip-rap makes direct access difficult.
Common complaintsFrequent issues include overgrown grass, unclean restrooms, and challenges accessing the water due to rip-rap along the shoreline.
HostCampground hosts are generally well-received, with many reviews praising their friendliness and helpfulness.
Campground Map
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Canton Lake Office, 64600 N 2466 Rd.
Driving directionsFrom Canton, OK, travel 1.8 miles west on HWY 51, then continue 4 miles north on the paved county road.
The campground is accessible via a paved county road approximately 4 miles north of Highway 51. Roads are generally in good condition and allow for easy navigation.Nearby places
Canton (approximately 5.8 miles, 12 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Several restaurants are located within 3 miles of the lake, along with a casino and a general store in Canton that sells camping supplies and groceries.
Camper Reviews
4.4
233 reviews
Big Bend (Ok) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Big Bend Campground are a mix of positive and negative sentiments, with common themes including the scenic beauty of Canton Lake and the friendliness of campground hosts. However, complaints about cell reception, maintenance delays, and restricted water access were frequently noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 233 reviews
What Campers Love
Scenic views of Canton Lake, spacious campsites, friendly hosts, and well-maintained facilities are often highlighted. "Beautiful campsites, very well kept," remarked one visitor.
Based on 233 reviewsCommon Concerns
Negative feedback includes poor cell reception, overcrowded swimming areas, maintenance issues in shower houses, and overgrown vegetation with stickers. "Grass needs more upkeep and the trees need...
Based on 233 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring extra hoses as water spigots may be in unusual positions. Avoid certain sites prone to water pooling during rain. Consider visiting during the annual Walleye Rodeo for fishing enthusiasts.
Based on 233 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and early summer are highly popular for fishing and camping, while late summer and fall reviews often mention poor cell reception and overgrown vegetation. Winter camping is available but...
Based on 233 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Love camping at Big Bend!" - Angela J. "Beautiful lake...great RV spots," - Nancy B. "We had a fabulous spot with shade and a view," - Nate L.
Based on 233 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site A31 has issues with drainage and water pooling. Site B44 experienced significant water retention after rainfall. Site-specific complaints include a weak 30-amp breaker at site B46.
Based on 233 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features like accessible parking and pit toilets were noted. Specific user experiences about accessibility were not highlighted.
Based on 233 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but are restricted at the Sandy Cove beach day-use area. Several reviews mentioned issues with stickers in the grass affecting pets.
Based on 233 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025