Map showing campground location near Wister, Oklahoma

Camper submitted image from Wards Campground — Lake Wister State Park

Wards Campground — Lake Wister State Park

Within Lake Wister State Park, Wards Campground provides drive-in, walk-in, and boat-in access for campers who prioritize lake proximity over scenic settings. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department manages this year-round facility, which sits directly across the road from Lake Wister's boat launch area. Most sites include electric and water hookups, though the campground lacks the sewer connections found at other areas within the park.

The campground features 8-12 shaded sites among its total offerings, with the majority exposed to full sun during summer months. Sites come standard with picnic tables and fire rings, spaced adequately but offering limited privacy due to sparse vegetation between spots. Bathrooms provide basic facilities with plumbing, though some reviewers note discrepancies in shower availability. A dump station serves RV campers, and the facility allows pets throughout.

Teresa T. notes that "if you are a boater, there is lake access right across the road." The immediate trail system around the campground receives minimal maintenance, though hikers can access better-maintained paths from the park's pool area. Eagles frequent the area during certain seasons, and park staff provides information about optimal viewing locations.

Campers seeking sewer hookups might consider Quarry Island Campground — Lake Wister State Park, though that area experiences heavier traffic. Wards Campground works best for boaters and RV campers who value direct water access over extensive shade or trail networks.

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Location

Public Campground

Wards Campground — Lake Wister State Park is located in Oklahoma

Address

25567 US Hwy 270
Wister, OK 74966

Coordinates

34.94287794 N
94.74456336 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 5 users
Last on 4/3/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 5 users
Last on 4/3/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Water Hookups
30 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

43 min from Fort Smith, AR
1 hr 30 min from Fayetteville, AR
2 hrs from Tulsa, OK
2 hrs 16 min from Hot Springs, AR

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5 Stars

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3 Stars

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1 Star

4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned helpful park staff and scenic lake access. Several reviews noted limited shade and privacy, plus basic restroom facilities without showers.

Teresa T.

Legend

Reviewed Jan. 7, 2026

It is a serviceable campground

This campground has all the basics: bathrooms and showers, trash, water and electric at most spots. If you are a boater, there is lale access right across the road. But, there are prettier places to camp in this park for sure. The trails around the campground and not well maintained but if you hike from the pool, you will find a very nice hiking trail

Site18

Month of VisitJanuary

(5) View All

Wayne T.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 20, 2020

We stay here all the time

Ward landing isn't as cramped as Victor landing which is why we like it, but it doesnt have sewer connections most of the sites at Victor landing do have sewer connections as we as the sites on the island, but the traffic on the island is terrible, there is a splash pad at the park along with a put put golf corse, and if you go into Wister, stop by the old Frisco trail, they alow walking, bikes and horses on the trail and there are a few geocaches in the area.

(6) View All

Tom K.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2018

Great small scale family spot

This is a great spot to come with the family and enjoy the small Lake Wister. The area isn't very shaded and only has maybe 8-12 spots with shade so it could get warm during the summer months. The bathrooms don't have a shower and are little more than a cinder block building to utilize the facilities, but they are plumbed! The sites themselves are standard and decently spaced out. They come with a grill/ fire pit and a table. In my opinion there isn't much privacy since there isn't very much vegetation so be ready to know your neighbors.

Myra P.

Ranger

Reviewed May. 6, 2018

Back road trip

We spend our last night in Wister State Park before heading home to Arkansas. The park ladies were the most informative by far. They told us where the best place to see the eagles and we did . Best day ever . On the way home we found some old Civil War cemeteries with men from Company A 19th ARK INF CSA . Boggy Creek Indian Territory . And we visited the Choctaw War Memorial park . I love to take pictures of all kinds of things and in our travels I found this pretty not sure what it is but I liked it .

Month of VisitApril

(10) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What do visitors say in reviews about Lake Wister State Park?

Visitors to Lake Wister State Park highlight the family-friendly atmosphere and opportunities to enjoy the lake. Many appreciate the helpful and informative park staff who provide guidance on local attractions and wildlife viewing spots, including eagle watching. The park is noted as a great place for a final stop when traveling to or from Arkansas. Some visitors mention that limited shade can make summer camping challenging. The splash pad is a popular feature that families enjoy, while nature enthusiasts appreciate the wildlife viewing opportunities.

What camping options are available at Lake Wister State Park?

Lake Wister State Park offers several camping options to accommodate different preferences. The park features multiple camping areas including Ward's Campground and Victor Landing. Sites range from basic to those with electrical hookups. The park has limited shaded sites (approximately 8-12 spots with shade), which is worth considering during summer visits. Most camping areas provide access to Lake Wister for water activities. Facilities include basic bathrooms, though shower availability may be limited in some sections of the park.

Are there cabins or RV facilities at Lake Wister?

Lake Wister offers RV camping facilities across several areas of the park. Victor Landing has sewer connections at most sites, while Ward's Landing has electrical hookups but limited sewer connections. The park can accommodate RVs, though the number of full-hookup sites varies by location. The island section also offers sewer connections but experiences heavier traffic. For visitors seeking cabin accommodations, it's best to contact the park directly as cabin availability and reservation requirements may vary seasonally.

Where is Wister Lake located in Oklahoma?

Lake Wister is located in southeastern Oklahoma, positioned conveniently near the Arkansas border. This location makes it a popular destination for visitors from both states and serves as a gateway between Oklahoma and Arkansas. The lake is situated in a scenic area that features both water recreation opportunities and access to historical sites in the surrounding region, including Civil War-era points of interest.

What is Ward's Landing at Lake Wister State Park?

Ward's Landing is one of the main camping areas at Lake Wister State Park. It's known for being less crowded and offering more spacious sites compared to other areas like Victor Landing. While Ward's Landing generally doesn't have sewer connections for RVs, it does provide electrical hookups. The more open layout makes it preferable for campers seeking a quieter experience away from the busier sections of the park. The facilities include basic bathrooms housed in cinder block buildings, though they don't have showers.

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