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Lake Thunderbird State Park
The Urban Wilderness

Lake Thunderbird State Park was established in 1965 as Little River State Park and entertained visitors under that name for more than three decades.  But, in 1997 it was determined that the public and the park would be better served by a name that more accurately identified its location, so Lake Thunderbird State Park it became.  The park lies adjacent to beautiful Lake Thunderbird in central Oklahoma, on the edge of the largest metropolitan area in the state.  The Bureau of Reclamation built the lake itself from 1961 to 1965.  Lake Thunderbird is 6,000 surface acres and has 86 miles of shoreline.  This reservoir is a water supply for the cities of Norman, Midwest City and Del City.  Lake Thunderbird State Park has 1,874 acres on the North and South shores of the lake.  A large public hunting area offers such game as duck, goose, rabbit, deer, squirrel and quail. Visitors are afforded boating, water skiing, picnicking, swimming, camping and sightseeing.
Additional facilities: Group shelters, Restrooms, Showers, Electric outlets, Nature trails and Marina.

Like most of Central Oklahoma, the area was once Indian land.  An old Indian homestead has been preserved in the Post Oak Campground on the south shore.  It includes gravesites, a chicken coop and a corn cellar. 

Lake Thunderbird State Park is home to the SAND BARITE ROSETTE, better known as the ROSE ROCK.  The Rose Rock is the official state of rock of Oklahoma and is a very unique geological feature.  These reddish formations are so named because of their similarity to a rose in full bloom.  These rocks can also be found in Kansas and Egypt, but not in concentrations as great as those found in Oklahoma. But please, if you find them in the park, look at them, touch them and then leave them where you find them so that others may enjoy them too.  If you want to take one home, Rose Rocks and Rose Rock gift items can be purchased at the Park.

PARK FACILITIES

For the Tenter:  Lake Thunderbird State Park has 11 campground areas with more than 291 campsites.  Clear Bay Point, Critter Alley, South Dam and North Sentinel Areas have tentsites only.  May 1st through Labor Day, campsite reservations are accepted for Little Axe campgrounds.  The park has 15 comfort stations with showers, 4 without showers and 4 sanitary dump stations for RV use.  Tenters may camp in RV sites but must pay the RV rate.

For the RVer:  There are 261 RV sites in Lake Thunderbird State Park.  Little Sandy, Hog Creek, Fisherman's Point, Turkey Pass, Rose Rock Hill, Little Axe and Post Oak campgrounds all have RV sites with electric and water hookups.  Little Axe Campground accepts reservations.  Hickory Hill campground is a modern RV area with electric, water and sewer hookups.  The park has 15 comfort stations with showers, 4 without showers and 4 sanitary dump stations for RV use.

Lake Huts: 8 cozy lake huts are available in the Little Axe campground.  These rustic getaways include a beautiful lake view at no extra charge.  Each hut is one-room, 12 x 28, with fireplace, glassed windows, indoor picnic table and a screened-in back porch.  A comfort station with showers is nearby.  A cookout grill, water faucet and picnic tables are located just outside each hut.  Capacity is six persons per hut.  Beds are not included so sleeping bags or cots are recommended.  You must be 18 years or older to rent a lake hut.  Call for reservations and prices.

Group Picnic Pavilions:  Lake Thunderbird State Park is the perfect place for your company picnic, family reunion or other group function. 11 group pavilions are scattered around the park and may be reserved up to a year in advance of your event.  Each pavilion is provided with electricity, water and a cookout grill.  Each can accommodate up to 100 people.

Fishing/Boating/Watersports:  Lake Thunderbird offers the fisherman great opportunities for bass, crappie, catfish and saugeye.  The park has five lighted boat ramps and a fishing pier.  Clear Bay and Indian Point both have swim beaches (no lifeguards on duty).  Most water sport activities are allowed on Lake Thunderbird.  There are two wonderful, full-service marinas located in the park; Little River Marina on the north side of the lake and Calypso Cove Marina on the south side.  Both marinas offer fuel, groceries, a snack bar, bait shop, fishing tackle and slip rentals.  Calypso Cove Marina rents canoes and paddleboats.  Little River Marina also offers boat storage.
Calypso Cove Marina (south side):  405-360-9846
Little River Marina (north side):  405 - 364-8335

Thunderbird Riding Stables:  Ride in the tracks of the Oklahoma Land Run.  Lake Thunderbird Riding Stables has open riding and hayrides, both by reservation.  Horses range from gentle to spirited, depending upon your level of experience.  500 acres of trails await you.  Hours are from 9 am to dusk Monday through Sunday, year-round.  Call 405-321-5768 to make your reservations.

Trails:  Bring your bikes and hiking shoes!  Lake Thunderbird State Park's Hiking and Biking trails take you on a relaxing journey through the wooded, gently rolling terrain around the lake.  The 4.1-mile Multi-Use Trail on the south side of the lake serves hikers and mountain bikers.  The trail consists of a series of loops with three trailheads.  The Clear Bay Nature Trail is a 1/2 mile loop located near the South Dam area and connects to the Multi-Use Trail entrance.  Hog Creek Nature Trail, on the north side of the lake is a 1/2 mile looped trail located at a point where Hog Creek and Lake Thunderbird meet.  Clear Bay also offers a paved 1/4 mile handicap-accessible trail in Turkey Pass.

Crow's Secret Nature Center:  Lake Thunderbird State Park's naturalist offers guided tours, evening programs, school programs, fishing clinics, arts and crafts, Hunters' Circle and special interpretive programs.  Group events are available with advance notice.  For information and reservations:  405-321-4633

Clear Bay Cafe:  Offers some of Cleveland County's finest dining!  Open summers only.  Clear Bay Cafe:  405-321-5670

Other Activities & Facilities:  Clear Bay area has two playgrounds; Indian Point has three playgrounds and an archery range.

Prices are subject to change without notice
 

All Rates Include Utility Fees
All Rates Are Per Night and Per Tent or RV
Semi-Modern Sites Include Water and Electricity
Modern Sites Include Water, Electricity and Sewer
Rates Are Subject To Change
14 Days Maximum Stay