New Look!
New Trip Ideas!
Learn More...
  Log-In Sign-UpHelp/FAQ
[x]
Find Sites
Attention: The severe drought that has plagued the south central U.S. has taken a toll on Canton Lake. As the primary storage area for water allotted to Oklahoma City, calls for releases to replenish drinking water have resulted in the lake being at its lowest level in over 30 years and second lowest level in its 64 year history. Those visiting Canton should be aware that boat ramps may not be available and for those launching, there will be an increased risk of contacting submerged obstructions that would normally be way below the lake's surface.

BIG BEND (OK), OK

part ofCanton Lake, US Army Corps of Engineers
Status: Open through Thu Oct 31 2013   Season Dates

Overview

Big Bend Park is located on Canton Lake in northwest Oklahoma on the North Canadian River. The area hosts a large number of campers, picnickers, boaters, fishermen and hunters every year as one of the few places in western Oklahoma to offer so many activities.

Natural Features:

The shores of Canton Lake and the North Canadian River are covered with eastern cottonwood, post and blackjack oak, black willow, buttonbush and roughleaf dogwood. The campground does have shade trees among it's large, open grassy areas.

Recreation:

Canton Lake is known for its fishing opportunities, especially walleye fishing. The Walleye Rodeo fishing derby is held annually in May and draws thousands of visitors to the area.

The lake's gently sloping sandy beaches are inviting to swimmers and sunbathers. Water skiing is popular on the broad expanse of water paralleling the dam where winds are subdued.

Facilities:

The campground offers 86 family campsites and one day-use group picnic shelter, all with electric and/or water hookups. 19 primitive sites are also available. Most of the sites offer panoramic views of the lake.

Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station, three boat ramps and a playground.

Nearby Attractions:

A major attraction for hunters is the 14,877-acre Canton Wildlife Management Area. This year-round park is home to bobwhite quail, deer, squirrel, wild turkey, dove and waterfowl.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
  • Boat Ramp
  • Drinking Water
  • Dump Station
  • Flush Toilets
  • Host
  • Pit Toilets
  • Playground
  • Showers
Know Before You Go
  • There are no sewer site hookups at this campground
  • 3-night minimum required during the annual Walleye Rodeo (Thursday-Sunday the week after Mother's Day)
  • Maximum of two tents per campsite, or one RV and one tent per campsite
  • Pets are not allowed at the Sandy Cove Day-Use Area

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
36.11833, -98.61444
36°7'6"N, 98°36'52"W

From Canton, OK, travel 1.8 miles west on HWY 51, then continue 4 miles north on the paved county road.

Contact Information:

Mailing Address:

BIG BEND (OK)
HC65 BOX 120
CANTON OK 73724-0069

Phone Number:

Information: (580)886-3576
Recreation.gov helps you discover and book trips to all of America's public places.
Learn more about us, or about any of our agency partners below:
Bureau of Land Management Federal Highway Administration National Oceanic Atmosphere Administration Smithsonian Institution USDA Forest Service US Army Corps of Engineers US Fish and Wildlife Service National Park Service Bureau of Engraving and Printing Tennessee Valley Authority Bureau of Reclamation National Archives Records Administration