Chisholm Trail Ridge
4.3060 reviewsRIDGE RT. 1 BOX 68, WAURIKA, OK 73573-0029, USA
Chisholm Trail Ridge
$18.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Peak season rates for standard electric sites range from $18 to $22 per night, excluding taxes and discounts.
About this campground
Where the shimmering waters of Waurika Lake meet the rolling prairie, Chisholm Trail Ridge Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts to discover their perfect adventure. Cast a line into the lake's abundant waters, launch your boat for a day of exploration, or simply watch the sunset paint the sky while children laugh on the playground. This lakeside haven seamlessly blends active pursuits with peaceful family moments, offering everything from prime hunting grounds to refreshing swimming spots along its scenic shores.
Chisholm Trail Ridge Park accommodates various camping styles, including tent and RV camping.
Historical SignificanceThis parkland carries the legacy of the legendary Chisholm Trail, where millions of longhorn cattle once thundered across these very plains on their epic journey from Texas ranches to Kansas railheads. Today's visitors camp where cowboys once bedded down under the stars, connecting modern adventurers to the pioneering spirit that shaped the American West.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms the park into a sun-drenched paradise where moderate temperatures invite endless outdoor activities, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers that keep the landscape vibrant. As winter settles over the plains, the park takes on a quieter beauty—crisp, cold days occasionally dusted with light snow create a serene atmosphere under moody, overcast skies that photographers and solitude-seekers treasure.
ElevationNestled in the heart of the Great Plains Region, the park spreads across Oklahoma's characteristic prairie landscape, where the horizon stretches endlessly and the big sky dominates every view. This quintessential plains setting offers the gentle topography that defines this iconic American landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryMajestic shade trees frame sweeping vistas of Waurika Lake, where the water's edge gives way to a tapestry of native grassland prairies, working farms, and pristine forests. This diverse ecosystem creates a wildlife haven where white-tailed deer graze at dawn, wild turkeys strut through meadows, and cottontail rabbits dart between the underbrush. The gently sloping shoreline invites exploration, while the interplay of water, prairie, and woodland creates ever-changing scenes of natural beauty.
Geological RegionSet within southern Oklahoma's Great Plains Region, the park showcases the diverse character of this ancient landscape. Here, expansive grassland prairies flow seamlessly into productive farmland and dense forests, all embracing the gently undulating shoreline of Waurika Lake. This geological tapestry tells the story of millennia, where wind and water have sculpted a land both gentle and grand.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible water hookups and an accessible dock are available. There are no specific mentions of additional accessibility features.
Sites SizeSites reportedly accommodate multiple tents, as noted in a user review: 'We loved that we could have up to four tents on one site' - Deborah M, campsite 009, 9/12/2021.
Sites PrivacySites are generally well-spaced, providing privacy. User reviews confirm this: 'We love Chisholm Trail camping and Waurika lake for the space between camping sites' - Leann P, campsite 067, 8/10/2021.
Total Campsites95 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBased on user reviews, avoid sites with obstructed lake views (like site 50) or with water far from the site.
Best CampsitesSite 59 is considered the best by a user for its view and cleanliness. Site 55 is noted for its perfect view and well-managed hookups.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 11:00 AM local time.
Check-out
Check-out is by noon local time.
Stay Limit
Up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit, and 31 nights total within each month.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to four tents per site, as noted in one user review.
Groups
Group camping sites are not specifically mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are well spaced, offering privacy; however, users report inconsistent maintenance of grass and vegetation.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen and reservable from May 01 to September 30 annually; closed out of season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo direct information provided, but no indication that all sites are reservable.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the date of scheduled arrival. A $10 fee applies, with potential late penalties that may subtract the first night's recreation fee. Changes are allowed with a $10 fee for major modifications.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Chisholm Trail Ridge Park offers diverse recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, swimming, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Activities are centered around the expansive Waurika Lake and surrounding grassland prairies. The lake is popular for anglers seeking various fish species, and the open water is ideal for boating and skiing.
Fishing
Fishing is a major activity at Waurika Lake, with anglers targeting a wide variety of species including channel and flathead catfish, largemouth bass, white bass, hybrid striper, crappie, walleye, and sunfish.Swimming
Swimming areas are available, although user reviews highlight issues such as overgrown vegetation along the banks ('Minimal swimming areas due to overgrown vegetation along the bank' - Ryan H, campsite 048, 9/28/2020).Boating
Boating and skiing enthusiasts enjoy the lake's open areas and scenic shoreline. User reviews praise the lake's suitability for water activities ('Beautiful place for camping and water activities' - Lexana V, campsite 007, 7/24/2022).Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is popular, with sightings of white-tail deer, ducks, rabbits, and wild turkeys. User reviews noted encounters with deer and hummingbirds ('Late in the season, the deer come out in the mornings and we saw several hummingbirds' - James T, campsite 012, 9/20/2022).Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specified.Water Sports
Water sports include boating and skiing, as discussed in the authoritative overview.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires must be elevated, contained in grills, and completely extinguished prior to departure.
- Quiet hours are Entrance gate locked from 10 PM to 6 AM; no explicit quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsGoose droppings are noted as a significant nuisance on the beach, and some users report overgrown vegetation and ant infestations at campsites.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 82%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 11.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
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
Nearest emergency services are located in Waurika, Oklahoma, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 01 to September 30 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities include large dumpsters, but user reviews noted that dumpsters were not emptied regularly, leading to overflow and trash blowing around the area ('Large dumpsters not emptied during the 10 days we were there' - Danny L, campsite 028, 7/2/2021).
Proximity to water featuresSituated directly on Waurika Lake's shoreline.
Common complaintsComplaints include dirty bathrooms, overgrown grass, frequent electrical issues, and goose droppings affecting beach usability.
HostPark attendants are on duty from 10 AM to 10 PM, described as friendly and helpful by multiple reviewers.
Campground Map
RIDGE RT. 1 BOX 68, WAURIKA, OK 73573-0029, USA
Driving directionsFrom Waurika, Oklahoma, take Highway 5 northwest for 5 miles. Turn right onto Advent Road and proceed 3 miles. Turn left on Chisholm Trail Road and drive one mile to the park entrance.
Accessible via paved roads from Highway 5, with clear signage and no noted seasonal closures.Nearby places
Waurika (6 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Additional services and supplies are available in Waurika, Oklahoma.
Camper Reviews
4.3
60 reviews
Chisholm Trail Ridge is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight both positive and negative aspects of Chisholm Trail Ridge Park. Positives include scenic lake views, well-spaced sites, and friendly hosts. Negatives focus on maintenance issues, including dirty restrooms, unkempt grass, and overflowing dumpsters. Common complaints also involve electrical and water hookup problems.
Review Summaries
Based on 60 reviews
What Campers Love
Spacious campsites, scenic views, and friendly hosts were repeatedly praised. For example, 'Very polite, friendly and helpful hostess and host at the front gate' - Ben H, campsite 019, 7/31/2023.
Based on 60 reviewsCommon Concerns
Maintenance issues dominate negative feedback: dirty bathrooms, uncut grass, and electrical problems ('The bathrooms are nasty and the grass hadn’t been cut for weeks' - Steve S, campsite 072,...
Based on 60 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring extra water hoses due to distant hookups ('Had to use a 175 feet hose' - Dermon J, campsite 038, 2/2/2023). Carry ant traps, as some sites have ant problems ('Also will take ant traps. The ants...
Based on 60 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Late in the season offers quieter conditions with fewer geese, which improves the overall experience ('Late in the season, the geese are not all over the place' - James T, campsite 012, 9/20/2022).
Based on 60 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Beautiful lake' - Linda H, campsite 038, 10/6/2020; 'Bathrooms need attention but otherwise nice campground' - Joanne N, campsite 014, 8/7/2020.
Based on 60 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site 50: Poor view due to picnic patio wall ('The picnic patio wall blocks the view of the lake' - Patrick B, campsite 050, 7/24/2022). Site 59: Excellent site ('59 was probably the best site on...
Based on 60 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features primarily involve water hookups, though user reviews point out that hoses may be required due to distant placement ('Had to use a 175 feet hose' - Dermon J, campsite 038,...
Based on 60 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
The campground is pet-friendly, providing ample space for pets to roam ('A very pet-friendly park with lots of room for them to run' - James T, campsite 062, 9/26/2022).
Based on 60 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025