Howdy, fellow Oklahomans! Are you looking for a direct connection to the expansive beauty of Lake Texoma, a place where you can launch your boat, cast a line, or simply wake up to breathtaking water views? Lakeside Recreation Area, nestled in Mead, offers just that. As a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) managed campground, it provides a functional and scenic base for exploring the "Playground of the Southwest." While it boasts incredible access and classic camping amenities, it's also important to have a full picture of what to expect for a truly enjoyable trip. This article is tailored specifically for you, our local Oklahoma community, to give you a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what makes Lakeside Recreation Area a destination worth considering for your next outdoor adventure on Lake Texoma.
Lake Texoma, a vast reservoir formed by Denison Dam on the Red River, is celebrated for its incredible fishing, particularly for striped bass, and its myriad of water-based activities. Lakeside Recreation Area positions you right in the heart of this action. Whether you're planning a fishing trip, a family camping excursion, or a relaxing weekend by the water, this campground aims to provide the essentials for a memorable stay. We'll delve into its straightforward location, the services and facilities it offers to enhance your comfort, and the unique aspects that define the camping experience here. While we'll be factual, we'll also highlight key considerations from fellow campers to help you prepare. Get ready to explore all the potential and practicalities of Lakeside Recreation Area for your next visit to Lake Texoma.
Lakeside Recreation Area is strategically located at 3991 Streetman Rd, Mead, OK 73449, USA. This places it directly on the eastern side of Lake Texoma, one of the largest and most popular lakes in the United States, shared by Oklahoma and Texas.
For Oklahomans, accessibility to Lakeside Recreation Area is quite convenient. From Durant, Oklahoma, the drive is relatively short, involving approximately 10 miles west on Highway 70, then turning south onto Streetman Road and following it for about 4 miles to the park entrance. This direct route makes for an easy journey for those traveling from southeastern Oklahoma. For residents of Oklahoma City, the drive typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, making it a viable option for a weekend getaway. From Tulsa, the journey is longer, generally around 2.5 to 3 hours. The clear signage along Highway 70 and Streetman Road ensures easy navigation to the campground. Once inside the park, the layout allows for relatively straightforward access to campsites and amenities. While Mead itself is a smaller town, it offers some local amenities, and the larger town of Durant is nearby for more extensive shopping or dining needs. It's important to note that the rural setting, while beautiful, may bring with it some environmental elements like nearby train tracks. Nevertheless, the prime lakeside location and ease of travel contribute significantly to its appeal for local Oklahomans seeking an escape to Lake Texoma.
Services Offered:
Features / Highlights:
Contact Information:
Address: 3991 Streetman Rd, Mead, OK 73449, USA
Phone: (580) 920-0176 (For campground inquiries and reservations, you may also use the National Recreation Reservation Service at 877-444-6777 or visit recreation.gov).
Mobile Phone: +1 580-920-0176
For Oklahomans, Lakeside Recreation Area offers a compelling, if sometimes lively, option for experiencing the immense beauty and recreational opportunities of Lake Texoma. Its direct access to the lake, complete with multiple boat ramps and docks, makes it an excellent choice for local boaters and anglers eager to explore the "Striper Capital of the World" without extensive travel. The presence of essential amenities like electric and water hookups, newly built site features, and clean restrooms with hot showers ensures a comfortable stay, appealing to both seasoned RVers and families.
However, it's crucial for locals to be aware of the specific environmental factors that define the experience here. While the stunning lake views and abundant wildlife are undeniable highlights, the noted presence of incredibly loud freight trains at night and active night fishing boats, as detailed in customer reviews, means that light sleepers or those seeking absolute quiet might need to adjust their expectations or come prepared with earplugs. Understanding these aspects allows Oklahomans to make an informed decision and still appreciate the unique pros: the fantastic views, the convenience of the USACE-managed facilities, and the sheer accessibility to Lake Texoma's vast playground. For those who prioritize prime lake access and a feature-rich campsite, and are prepared for a potentially vibrant nocturnal environment, Lakeside Recreation Area remains a highly suitable and practical choice for an authentic Oklahoma outdoor adventure.
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
RV camping
RV electric hookup
RV water hookup
Camping fee
Credit cards
Debit cards
Good for kids
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
NO CHANCE TO SLEEP! Pro: The spot we had was newly built and offered a covered metal table, a fire pit, a grill, a side table, an electric outlet (though you couldn’t charge your phone, the socket was locked), and a water connection. We were right by the water with a really beautiful view… Con: …if it weren’t for the incredibly loud freight trains that thundered through the area at midnight and 1 a.m. like approaching war fleets, unbelievably loud. You’d bolt upright in your tent!! And then there were the fishermen who, at night, cruised by in their hover boats with festival-style lighting, showing no regard for the camping tents, doing donuts like there was no tomorrow, they’d shine their lights right in! Unbelievable! One fisherman made his rounds every night directly in front of our tent, so close you’d think he was about to drive straight onto the shore and into the tent. I’ve never experienced anything like it… NO CHANCE OF SLEEP! We barely got a wink of sleep because fishing continued until 2 a.m., and the first fishermen would pass by the campsites again at 5 a.m. with their motorboats… never again!!!
DO NOT USE the furthest west boat ramp! If water is 3 feet low, large pile of rocks at end of west side boat ramp. East side ramp is good! Come on COE, at least block it off or clean it out.
We had an amazing day! We rented the gizmo for our wedding. The gate lady was incredibly kind and helped our friends and family find us. The dogs had a fantastic day alongside us.
Lots of fun swimming and fishing. Great for families with young kids! The property is kept clean and maintained, and the people are nice. They may need to upgrade their power hookups for the campers in the near future. I, as well as a few others, had occasional issues with blown breakers.
I've only stayed here a few times in loop A. Sites are good for the price with plenty of trees. I wish all of the picnic tables had a cover but very few do. The latest trip, Memorial weekend 2023, the bathrooms were horribly dirty and unattended. That wasn't normal on previous trips. Hopefully they remedy this and it's not an ongoing problem.