Lakeside Recreation Area

Hey there, fellow Oklahomans! If you're looking to escape the everyday and immerse yourselves in the natural beauty of our great state, particularly around the renowned Lake Texoma, then Lakeside Recreation Area in Mead, OK, is a spot that often comes up. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), this popular campground offers a direct connection to the "Playground of the Southwest" and a classic camping experience. It's a place where the allure of lakeside living meets the rustic charm of the outdoors, providing a base for all your aquatic adventures and more.

Lakeside Recreation Area is a significant campground on Lake Texoma, known for its extensive number of campsites – a impressive 137 in total. The majority of these sites are equipped with electrical and water hookups, making it suitable for both RVers and tent campers who appreciate modern conveniences while enjoying the outdoors. The park is nestled on the eastern side of Lake Texoma, within Oklahoma's beautiful Cross Timbers Region, characterized by rolling hills forested with Post and blackjack oaks. Many sites boast direct lake views, often being within 150 feet of the shoreline, offering picturesque settings for your camping experience.

As a COE-managed campground, Lakeside Recreation Area adheres to specific standards and aims to provide public access to recreational opportunities. It’s designed to facilitate activities like fishing, boating, hiking, and hunting, which are abundant in the Lake Texoma area. While the natural beauty and direct lake access are significant draws, it's worth noting, as some visitors have pointed out, that the experience can sometimes be impacted by external factors such as noise from passing freight trains and nighttime boat traffic. However, for those seeking a well-equipped site with direct access to a major recreational lake, Lakeside Recreation Area remains a highly popular choice for many Oklahoma outdoor enthusiasts.

Lakeside Recreation Area is strategically located at 3991 Streetman Rd, Mead, OK 73449, USA. This puts it squarely in Mead, Oklahoma, a community that serves as a direct gateway to Lake Texoma. The campground's position on the eastern side of the lake means it’s easily accessible from various points in Southern Oklahoma and even Northern Texas, making it a convenient destination for a wide range of travelers.

The drive to Lakeside Recreation Area is generally straightforward, with well-maintained roads leading right to the campground entrance. This accessibility is a major plus for RVs and trailers of all sizes. Once inside, the park road typically runs in a big circle, with many campsites situated directly on the water's edge. The proximity to Lake Texoma is a definitive advantage, allowing campers quick and easy access to the lake for fishing, boating, and swimming. Despite its somewhat secluded feel, it’s not too far from essential services and supplies you might need in nearby towns like Durant.

Lakeside Recreation Area provides a good range of services to ensure a comfortable camping experience:

• Campsites with Hookups: Most of the 137 campsites offer electrical (30 and 50 amp service) and water hookups, catering to both RVs and tent campers.
• Picnic Amenities: Each site is generally equipped with a covered metal picnic table, a fire pit, a grill, and a side table, enhancing your outdoor dining and relaxation.
• Restroom Facilities: The campground provides flush and vault toilets, as well as showers, offering a convenient and clean option for personal hygiene.
• Drinking Water: Accessible drinking water is available throughout the campground.
• Dump Stations: Two dump stations are located on-site for convenient waste disposal from RVs.
• Boat Ramps and Docks: There are two boat ramps and two docks on-site, providing direct access to Lake Texoma for boating and fishing enthusiasts. It's advisable to check conditions for specific ramps, as one review mentions issues with the furthest west boat ramp at low water levels.
• Group Picnic Shelter: A large day-use group picnic shelter with hookups is available for gatherings.
• Fish Cleaning Stations: For the avid anglers, fish cleaning stations are typically provided to make post-fishing cleanup easier.
• Pet-Friendly: Domestic pets are generally allowed, but campers should confirm specific rules and leash requirements.

Lakeside Recreation Area is celebrated for several key features:

• Direct Lake Access and Views: Many campsites are located directly on the water, offering stunning views of Lake Texoma and immediate access for various water activities.
• Abundant Recreational Opportunities: As part of the "Playground of the Southwest," campers have easy access to world-class fishing (especially for striped bass), boating, swimming, hiking, and seasonal hunting.
• Shaded Sites: The park is often described as heavily treed, providing ample shade at many sites, which is a welcome feature during Oklahoma's warmer months.
• Managed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Being a COE campground often implies well-maintained facilities and adherence to federal recreation standards.
• Ongoing Improvements: Reviews mention newly built spots and ongoing construction for extra amenities, suggesting a commitment to improving the camper experience.
• Equestrian Trails: Some areas around Lake Texoma and COE campgrounds offer equestrian trails, providing opportunities for horseback riding.

As a COE campground, specific "promotions" in the commercial sense are not typically advertised. However, visitors to Lakeside Recreation Area can benefit from various federal passes and rate structures. For example, the America the Beautiful Pass series (including Annual, Senior, Access, and Military passes) can offer discounted or free access to federal recreation sites, including many COE campgrounds.

It is highly recommended to check the official Recreation.gov website (where COE campgrounds are typically reserved) or contact Lakeside Recreation Area directly at (580) 920-0176 or +1 580-920-0176 for the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, reservation policies, and any available discounts for which you might qualify. Standard rates typically vary by season and site type (e.g., $20-22 per night in summer, $12 in winter for reduced camping).

To plan your camping trip to Lakeside Recreation Area, here’s how you can reach them:

Address: 3991 Streetman Rd, Mead, OK 73449, USA

Phone: (580) 920-0176

Mobile Phone: +1 580-920-0176

For reservations, it's best to use Recreation.gov, as COE campgrounds often utilize this online system. For specific inquiries about the park, current conditions, or site details, calling directly is advisable.

For Oklahomans, Lakeside Recreation Area offers an accessible and well-equipped opportunity to experience the best of Lake Texoma camping. Its prime location in Mead, OK, directly on the lake, makes it an ideal spot for anyone eager to partake in the region's abundant water sports and fishing. With 137 sites, most offering electric and water hookups, it caters to a wide range of camping preferences, from RV enthusiasts to tent campers seeking a more comfortable outdoor experience.

While some past experiences mention potential noise from trains and nighttime boat activity, these are often part and parcel of camping near active natural and transportation corridors. For many, the stunning lake views, direct water access, and the convenience of on-site amenities like showers, restrooms, and boat ramps far outweigh these considerations. The fact that it's a COE campground also speaks to a level of maintenance and public access that many campers appreciate. If you're a local looking for a reliable, well-situated, and scenic campground to enjoy Lake Texoma's offerings, or simply a peaceful retreat with the option for lakeside activities, Lakeside Recreation Area remains a popular and suitable choice for creating memorable outdoor experiences in Oklahoma.