Wentz Camp

For generations of Oklahomans, the name Wentz Camp in Ponca City evokes warm memories of family gatherings, refreshing swims, and the simple joys of childhood. More than just a campground, Wentz Camp is a cherished landmark, steeped in history and designed to bring people together for unforgettable experiences. If you're searching for a unique and versatile venue for your next family reunion, group retreat, or simply a place to enjoy the great outdoors with a touch of historic charm, Wentz Camp offers a truly special setting right here in Oklahoma.

Originally built by the philanthropist Lew Wentz in the 1920s, Wentz Camp was conceived as a place for young people to enjoy recreation and education. Over the decades, it has evolved into a beloved destination for families, community groups, and anyone looking to create lasting memories. What sets Wentz Camp apart is its blend of classic charm and functional facilities. Imagine "sleeping in castles" as one nostalgic guest put it, or spending hot Oklahoma summer days splashing in an impressive swimming pool that has delighted countless children and adults alike. It’s a place where tradition meets timeless fun, ensuring that while the camp maintains its historic character, it consistently provides a clean, well-kept environment for all its visitors. From its unique architecture to its sprawling grounds overlooking Lake Ponca, Wentz Camp provides a captivating backdrop for any gathering, making it a truly iconic and highly recommended spot in our state.

Wentz Camp is conveniently located at E Prospect Ave, Ponca City, OK 74604, USA. This address places it within the city limits of Ponca City, a vibrant community in northern Oklahoma. Its location offers the perfect balance of feeling like an escape into nature while still being easily accessible from various parts of the state. For Oklahomans driving from areas like Oklahoma City or Tulsa, Ponca City is a manageable journey, making Wentz Camp an ideal destination for weekend getaways or longer family gatherings without requiring extensive travel.

The camp's proximity to Lake Ponca is another significant advantage. While not directly on the lake, it offers views overlooking it, and the lake itself provides additional recreational opportunities just a short distance away. The roads leading to Wentz Camp are well-maintained, ensuring a smooth arrival for all types of vehicles, from family cars to those pulling trailers or larger group buses. This easy accessibility, combined with the peaceful setting, makes Wentz Camp a practical and appealing choice for any local group or family planning an event or a relaxing break from routine. You're close enough to Ponca City to grab any forgotten supplies or explore local attractions, yet far enough to feel truly immersed in the camp experience.

Wentz Camp offers a range of services and facilities designed to accommodate various group sizes and event types, ensuring a comfortable and comprehensive experience for its guests.

• Group Camp Rentals: The camp facilities, including cabins, the dining hall, and grounds, are available for rental by groups. This makes it an ideal venue for family reunions, community events, sponsored camps, and other large gatherings.
• RV Outlets: For those who prefer to bring their recreational vehicles, Wentz Camp provides electrical outlets for motorhomes, offering a convenient option for RV camping within the beautiful camp grounds.
• Dining Hall with Kitchen: A spacious dining hall is available for rent, either as part of a larger camp rental or by itself. It comes equipped with a working kitchen, as well as tables and chairs, capable of accommodating up to 120 people. This is perfect for meal preparation and communal dining during events.
• Restrooms and Showers: Well-maintained restroom facilities are available on-site for the convenience of all campers and visitors.
• Manicured Grounds: The camp boasts well-kept and manicured grounds, providing a pleasant and aesthetically pleasing environment for all activities and relaxation.

Wentz Camp is renowned for its distinctive features and highlights that contribute to its enduring appeal and make it a truly memorable destination in Oklahoma.

• Historic Olympic-Sized Swimming Pool: The crown jewel of Wentz Camp is its magnificent Olympic-sized swimming pool. This historic pool, described by long-time visitors with great fondness, features a unique diving board area, including a "big one in the middle" that delighted generations. It also boasts a distinctive entrance with wide staircases leading down to shower rooms, an architectural detail that adds to its charm. The pool is finished in white and blue granite tile, held 310,000 gallons of water, and was once illuminated by 58 submarine lights. It remains a central attraction, opening seasonally from Memorial Day.
• Unique "Castle" Cabins: Adding to the camp's distinctive character are its castle-shaped cabins. These unique lodging options, constructed of locally quarried sandstone with crenellated towers, provide a fun and memorable sleeping experience, especially for younger guests, evoking a sense of adventure and wonder.
• Water Tower with Observation Deck: A truly unique feature is the custom-built water tower, which is 75 feet high and topped by an observation deck. This tower, once equipped with a telescope and searchlights, provides panoramic views of the surrounding area and Lake Ponca, offering a fantastic spot for sightseeing.
• Versatile Event Venue: Beyond camping, Wentz Camp is highly regarded for hosting a variety of large-scale events, including class reunions, community events, family reunions, and even wedding receptions, thanks to its spacious grounds, dining hall, and cabins.
• Outdoor Recreational Opportunities: The camp offers various outdoor activities such as swimming, volleyball, softball, and horseshoes, encouraging active engagement and fun for all ages. Its location also provides easy access to the recreational offerings of nearby Lake Ponca, including boating and fishing.
• Rich History and Nostalgia: Built by famous oilman and philanthropist Lew Wentz in the late 1920s, the camp is steeped in history. Its enduring presence and consistent quality evoke a strong sense of nostalgia for many who have visited over the decades, making it a place where new memories are built upon a foundation of cherished traditions.

Wentz Camp, being a city-operated facility by Ponca City's Parks and Recreation Department, primarily focuses on providing excellent value through its rental options for groups and events, rather than offering typical transient camper promotions. The pricing structure is designed to be accessible for various types of gatherings.

For specific rental rates and any potential seasonal discounts or package deals for larger bookings, it is always recommended to contact Wentz Camp directly or visit the official City of Ponca City Parks and Recreation website. For example, information publicly available shows the Dining Hall rental at $250/day (plus a refundable cleaning deposit), and camp rental (including cabins, dining hall, and grounds, but not the pool) starting at $225/day for 30 or fewer campers, with an additional $8 per person per day for 31 or more campers. Public events using only the grounds are priced at $500. While individual "promotions" in the commercial sense may not be advertised, the inherent value of a dedicated, historic, and amenity-rich venue for group use is a significant draw.

Planning your next event or family gathering at Wentz Camp is easy. Here's how you can get in touch:

Address: E Prospect Ave, Ponca City, OK 74604, USA

Phone: (580) 767-0437

Mobile Phone: +1 580-767-0437

We recommend calling the provided phone numbers for inquiries about availability, booking procedures, specific pricing for your group's needs, or any questions you might have about the facilities. The staff at Wentz Camp will be happy to assist you in planning your visit and ensuring your event is a success.

Wentz Camp is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals in Oklahoma for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its enduring legacy as a multi-generational gathering place means it holds a special place in the hearts of many Oklahomans. Countless families have held reunions here for decades, fostering a sense of community and tradition that is truly unique. This established history makes it a trusted and familiar choice for creating new memories.

Secondly, its versatile facilities are perfectly suited for the kinds of events that Oklahomans love to host. Whether it's a large family reunion, a church retreat, a school camp, or a community event, the combination of unique "castle" cabins, a spacious dining hall with a working kitchen, ample grounds, and the iconic Olympic-sized swimming pool provides everything needed for a successful and enjoyable gathering. The ability to rent the entire camp or specific facilities offers flexibility for various group sizes and budgets.

Finally, its location in Ponca City, coupled with its serene natural setting overlooking Lake Ponca, offers the ideal blend of accessibility and escape. Locals can easily reach the camp without extensive travel, making it convenient for short getaways or longer stays. Wentz Camp isn't just a place to stay; it's a piece of Oklahoma history that continues to offer unparalleled opportunities for connection, recreation, and making cherished memories, truly making it a local treasure.