Lakeside Recreation Area

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:

• Numerous Campsites: Lakeside Campground offers 137 campsites, accommodating a variety of camping styles.
• Electric and Water Hookups: Most campsites provide electrical and water hookups, offering convenience for RV and tent campers. Options include Standard Electric/30 Amp Sites and Standard Electric/50 Amp Sites. (Note: Some sockets may have issues, as one review mentioned a locked phone charging socket, but general electric outlet availability is stated).
• Covered Metal Picnic Tables, Fire Pits, Grills: Many spots are newly built and include a covered metal table, a fire pit, and a grill, enhancing outdoor cooking and dining experiences. A side table may also be present.
• Flush and Vault Toilets: The campground provides both modern flush toilets and more rustic vault toilets.
• Showers: Clean shower facilities are available for campers.
• Drinking Water: Access to potable drinking water is provided throughout the campground.
• Two Dump Stations: For RV campers, two convenient dump stations are located on-site for waste disposal.
• Two Boat Ramps and Two Docks: Excellent facilities for boaters, including two boat ramps and two docks, making it easy to launch and retrieve watercraft. (Note: One boat ramp, the furthest west, may have rock piles when water levels are low, so using the east side ramp is advised).
• Day-Use Group Picnic Shelter: A large, day-use group picnic shelter with hookups is available for gatherings.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally allowed in the campground, though standard leash laws apply, and pets are prohibited in designated swimming areas.
• Gate House/Attendants: A gate house with attendants is present, typically open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., ensuring controlled access and assistance.

Features / Highlights:

• Prime Lake Texoma Views and Access: The campground is situated on the eastern side of Lake Texoma, offering beautiful water views and direct access to the lake for fishing, boating, and swimming. Campers can be "right by the water with a really beautiful view."
• "Playground of the Southwest": Lake Texoma is widely known for its outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and hunting, making Lakeside a hub for these pursuits.
• Excellent Fishing: Lake Texoma is the "Striper Capital of the World," known for its naturally reproducing striped bass, as well as largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and more.
• Abundant Wildlife: The rolling hills and blackjack oaks forest around the lake are home to deer, turkey, bobcats, hawks, waterfowl, and various songbirds, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing.
• Cross Timbers Hiking Trail: The scenic Cross Timbers hiking trail, a very popular 14-mile trail winding above the lake on rocky ledges and through woodland, is accessible for hiking enthusiasts.
• Equestrian Trails: Forty miles of equestrian trails also surround Lake Texoma, offering opportunities for horseback riding.
• Managed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Being a USACE-managed facility often implies good maintenance standards and adherence to regulations for public safety and enjoyment.
• Variety of Site Types: Offers a mix of tent-only non-electric sites, standard electric sites (30 and 50 amp), and group shelter options.

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.