Reviews of Lake Thunderbird State Park (Park)

Toolee M

Watch out for seed ticks. tuck in your socks and spray bug spray on your ankle to reduce the likelihood of getting a lot on you. we did all of those and still manage to get some on us. It was a fun hike, and there were plenty of shades to shield us from the sun.

Kim Morgan

Needs to be better maintained, and cleaned up. Also the fees they charge to camp there with a tent is outrageous. They even charge you 22$ to cook out for a few hrs now. The park manager, and an officer collecting money when asked why there was a fee, and why it was so high, they said because it is, and if we didn't like it we could sleep in our car at the grill sight... Cop was really the one pressing the matter..the park manager wasn't even charging people...

Emily Rand

So the park was really pretty, but the trails were covered in spiders about the size of my palm. I think it's due to the weirdly warm weather we've had. We tried to hike for about 10 minutes before a string of spider webs blocked us from going further without trampling on the non-trail parts, and we managed to spot a few fawns on the trail and a few more were crossing the road as we left (we stopped to let them pass and they were adorable, but the road was 50mph. Scary to imagine we could've hit one!) Several of the driving bits are also steep and covered in loose gravel so make sure you have decent tires and breaks!

Kala Thompson

Love going here nice lake for fishing

Chris Seamans

Easy access and food ramps!

David Schafer

If you go swimming wear something that you don't want to wear again. It will be red.

Kara Cleveland

West Sentinel is great place to go for a walk. Never too crowded.

Valorie Dietrich

Was looking forward to going camping but once we got there and set up we had ticks all over us and not just seed ticks the big ones. We camped at rose rock. Never again!

J Chambers

Clear Bay area has Hiking and Mountain Biking trails as well as trails for Horses. Considering the lack of Mountains the trail builders in this area have done an exceptional job of trail building. They have gotten pretty creative with ravines and drainages to create a better than you would expect for Oklahoma trail system. The trail markers could be a little better which at one time they were. Looks like time has taken a toll on the original trail markers.

Jordan Bradley

Overall fun place to go could use a little cleaning up

Kymberli Butler

There is a lot of debris in the water. It also has a funky smell to it. I Do Not eat the fish from Lake Thunderbird. And I do not drink the city of Norman water or cook with it because that lake is disgusting. However there are a few very nice campgrounds both with and without electricity it is a good place to camp but Do Not eat the fish that come out of that Lake

Tiffany Sample

Fun for the entire family! Sit in the shallows and play with the sun perch, or pull in your coat and go wrestle something bigger!

Mayuri Kawale

A very nice, romantic place to spend the evening. Good place where people also come to do fishing. You can stay there in tents at night and enjoy a nice barbeque, just need to bring your charcoal and meat

B Soto

There's a lot of glass along the swimming area. We enjoy the water but it has always been trash around compare to other lakes.

therealvegan runner

I sure liked Post Oak a lot better than little axe Little Axe is turned into the yappi bill

Greg Olson

This lake is a great place to getaway and relax.

Rickey Dye

Small but quaint. Decent fishing, everyone is always nice it seems and the place is always clean.

Allen Coyle

Campground has trash all over the park. Bathroom had human waste on the floor, walls, and toilets. It is a shame that more isnt done to keep the grounds and the restrooms clean. Worst state park of the trip so far.

Tyler Carter

It's fun have alot of memories here when I was little

Jerry Pierson

Great place to have a great time with the kiddos!!

Natasha Regalado

They work hard to keep it clean and the lake has a few sand areas

William Redman

Great area for boating and fishing. Had an absolute blast. Staff around the lake was very caring and helpful. First night had a tornado scare and the camp hosts made sure everyone was safe. Awesome job everyone. The spaces however are very close together and it can get crowded very quickly but overall a wonderful experience.

Andrew Collier

It has the basics of most lakes in oklahoma but nothing amazingly fun or extravagant. Has boat docks, marinas, swimming areas and fishing areas. A little red dirty water but still can make a good time out of it for sure. I have plenty of times with family and friends. Since I live 3 miles from it, it is convenient for me. If u like to have a little adult fun without the little ones... You can find a couple areas like that also!!! No glass as with any lake. Over all a decent one for good ol fun....

White Avalanche

Gorgeous views and awesome walking and biking trails. Great amenities including showers. Well worth the stop for any traveler or anyone looking for some outdoor recreational activities.

Randy Bower

At the beach holding hands with the one I love

Nancy Rimassa

Lake Thunderbird State Park surrounds a man-made lake opened about 1963. There are lots of wild areas and meandering trails, perfect for a walk through several different ecological systems. It isn't spectacular though; this IS Oklahoma, land of red dirt, strong breezes, blazing sunshine and ticks. Plan your walk for the winter and you will be fine.

KenLis Hicks

Great local get away

Noreen Chern

1st time there celebrated my 70th birthday with Oklahoma family

Bill Swanson

I’ve been frequenting Tbird for 40 years. I love this lake. I’ve been on most of the walking/bike trails and they are quite nice. I give a three star rating for two reasons. 1) Tbird is so trashed out that the maintenance staff cannot keep up. I’ve watched maintenance clean up on Monday after the weekend warriors only to have new trash every where on Tuesday morning. It’s really disgusting. 2) Tbird management allows tent camping in the RV sites. Oklahoma Parks regulations state that tents that are “accompanied” by an RV are allowed, but this is not enforced. I pulled in with my RV on a Saturday to a full RV park and at least 3 RV sites were taken up by tent campers. I went over to the tent camping area to see how many sites were available and found that almost all of the tent sites were vacant.

Bunni B

One of my favorite places to go to get away. Visitors center is wonderful for kids too!

Prithviraj Kadiyala

Very calm and relaxing place. If you want to setup camp it's better to look into their schedule and book a site which makes camping experience a lot better.

Floyd Flemming

Lake is growing up so fast time just fly's by when you're having fun.

Trina Webb

I hadn't been to this place in ages but it was beautiful and serene

Amber Dobbins

The security is getting high I noticed. Its cleaner than it used to be, which is nice. Still a good spot to just camp or RV at. But not the greatest scenery and no hiking area.

Reese Avino

I loved the camping, filled with cool people. Didnt get anything stolen and had a ton of fun.

Breana M

The lake has been pretty clean lately.

Freddie Tiger

Fun in da sun luv camping

Michael Yount

Its lake thunderbird .. Always a decent lake to visit

Debbie Brooks

Could have been a little cleaner. Broken bottles and beer cans in water and a long shore line

K P

Nice out here water not too high everything eles closed for holiday

Esteban Doss

Kids, family and friends enjoyed the park. Bathroom could be a bit better and clean but other than that we loved it.

Marvina R. Curtiss

Pleasant plase to stay, nicest Camp Host, losts of wildlife, fun for kids & family

Robert Howard

Had a blast with my fiance and her daughter and her two friends ❤️ love love loved it

Sam Kilmer

Called it 'Dirty-bird' when I was a kid because of the red Oklahoma dirt. Nice place to swim, but don't wear light colors.

Don Perdew

Could definitely use some sprucing up in areas and invest time and money into making walking trails and improving the bug and tic infested overgrown hiking and biking trails. This lake and area has lots of potential and isn't all bad. Go to South Dam and Calypso Cove for the nicest, least crowded areas.

Cassondra Mcelyea

Dangerous and dirty lake, but my family and I have a lot of good memories here. Great place to hang out, relax, fish, boat, and camp out.

Dianne Burton

We rented a peddle boat from Calypso Cove, very reasonably priced, the staff were all very personable, and extremely friendly. Its a great source exercise with a outdoorsy twist. Would be even better if the approved area to take the boat was larger. Will go back for sure. Maybe canoe for uper body workout

Lawrence Piper

I always enjoy coming here to hike whenever I am in town for training. Peaceful, beautiful and rejuvenating.

Michael and Sonja Gordon

A good area for swimming.

Keenan Anderson

Beautiful sights. Good camping areas. Thick red mud.

Renee Farris

Busy boating lake. Nice facilities.

Mary Bates

Very nice park. R V spaces are small & close together but it is a nice family park & most campers followed rules for being a good neighbor.

Steve Black

Not a very good park. Trails are limited garbage and beer bottles every where infested with ticks. Not good Oklahoma.

SunFox

Nice camping grounds, fishing spots are great, good place to take a boat out, all in all, I recommend this if you have children

Mikie Patrick

We were lucky and got a great spot.

Misty Hill

Great place to go for the day or weekend

Claudia Aita Costa

The water is usually murky and red from our iron rich, clay soil. Don't wear white if you wanna keep it that color. There are many excellent mountain bike and walking trails. Wildlife is mostly squirrels, deer, birds (including breeding Bald Eagles), and if you're lucky, coyotes. Great place to wander.

Tim Copple

Love Thunderbird! I been comming out here since I was a kid

Brent Mcdonald

I really enjoy lake thunderbird. Some locations are better taken care of than others. The calypso cove area for example is overcrowded and dirty. If you can avoid most locations that are directly off of highway nine. I have a favorite spot on the lake but im afraid to put it on this review. Just go down peebly and take one of those lake entrances. Youll be much happier. Have a great day!

Ashlee Caywood

Sneaky swimming under the moon was amazing!!

paul donnelly

The Park area was really nice but the beach am Water swimming area was muddy

Trenton and Devon Leon And Bedford

It was fun better if my gf was there

Eva Blythe

Awesome

Cameron Prince

Rented a pavilion for the day over at Zoom Beach for engagement party and overall it was fantastic. Only down side was I had to keep asking people to leave who would show up not knowing it was a private and a RESERVED location. Most were understanding but there were some who got very rude and disrespectful.

April Anderson

If you're from Oklahoma City area, you already know. Thunderbird got it's nickname "dirtybird" for a reason.

AL Ingle

The most heavily used lake in the state is almost deserted this time of year. Now is a good time to visit and try your luck at fishing or take a hike on one many trails and enjoy the scenery. No mosquitoes, no ticks, no chiggers this time of year.

Terri Mason

Great place. We had fun on our vacation there recently. Turkey pass and Rose Rock RV parking was good. The showers were great and clean ad well as the restrooms. I only wish they would take reservations instead of first come, first serve. It's a great lake for anything.

Hunter Simon

Fishing has been up and down. Good days and bad. The water is definitely not the cleanest and has a lot of logs throughout the lake. I do like the fact that there are multiple boat ramps throughout the lake so you have plenty of options during busy days. The best thing about the lake though is the proximity to my home in Norman. It's a 10 minute drive both ways which is nice after being out all day in the sun and being exhausted.

Michael Kornele

Hidden gem. Great lake for water spots. It gets the name lake dirty bird from the northern part. Clear bay, South dam, and little axe ect. Are all good

Crystal Elizabeth

Beautiful place. Lake was pretty. Nice day to go and relax. Always a pleasure to visit this lake.

Aiden Perkins

This is probably one of the most beautiful places in Oklahoma. Words cannot even begin to describe

RicknBecci Dyer

Great the fishing wasn't so good butt still had a good time.

Marvina Curtiss

Beautiful seen deer, geese,birds very peaceful. Busy on weekend Camp Host nice people helpful & clean ENJOY

Cameron Bost

The lake is gross but it's consistently gross. The park on the other hand is very well managed.

skyla damron

Love this lake been going there for 17years since I was born good pricing on camping out there nice bathroom and showers love my dirty bird

Chanelle Thornhill

Love the lake. Good people and fun times. Easy access.

ashleigh morr

We love camping and swimming here. It's close to home and has great swimming spots. The bathrooms could use some help.

game jokers

They need to clean up the goose poop on the docks. You can't even walk up there with out stepping in it. I love the out doors but hell clean it up, if you want people to come support the park.

TD York

Fun cold water simming dinning

Wesley Hamer

Nice and clean everything seems to be kept up well around the lake. Saw four fawnsi

Donnie Pfaff

Kayak trip cool water on a 90 degree day good experience

Brandon Garcia

Lake is called Dirtybird for a reason but other than that it's close enough to the OKC area to enjoy some fishing or camping.

Don Erdman

I would like to see them do improvements on the campgrounds and picnic areas and swimming areas

Riaj Mahamud

Lake Thunderbird state park is a beautiful place for picnic, fishing, and swimming. The lake is beautiful and it has a variety of fishies. There are picnic shelter, bench and bbq grilling spots. There is around 15$ charges for the picnic bench. You can also camp here. There are lots of restrooms available here.

David White

The lake itself was very pretty and the atmosphere was peaceful. Great lake to visit to get away from the city.

Rosemarie Brown

I loved this lake as soon as I arrived. It was lively, large and had a variety of activities to enjoy. I have visited several other Oklahoma lakes I managed to enjoy as much as one possibly can after a 2 - 4 hour drive. Lake Thunderbird is only 50 minutes away from my house, and once I was directed off I40, it was eight miles of country roads to drive through. There was even a country store and an old-fashioned gas station right off the interstate. So you’re exposed to different environments within a short drive. Once at the lake, I stopped by the fishing dock, ate homemade pizza at the Marina, hiked for two miles and finally sat on the beach just reading a book and taking panoramic photos. There’s also a 30-mile walking trail and an “expert” trail to discover. The beach was the cleanest and largest I’ve encountered from the lakes throughout the state I’ve visited. There’s also a bike trail and horse back riding, and lots of visitors who put on displays and races with their boats and jet skis. Definitely going back with the kids.

Alaysia Wright

It's a good place to go swim but in the summer it's often overwhelmingly full

Anne Beabout

This would have gotten a better rating if the bathrooms and showers were cleaner. Otherwise, great visit.

Angela Humphus

Ehhh. I can see where it gets the Nickname Dirty Bird. I'm not fond of swimming in the red clay...oh yea, and right now it's flooded out bad! But definitely saw some good fishing place.

Connie Buckey

It was a very tranquill evening. Calm. With a bit of pease and quiet

Emily Lowe

I've always loved this lake. It's simply the best. Everyone is super nice and they park is super old timey which I personally love.

Donna Perry

I loved this lake as soon as I arrived. It was lively, large and had a variety of activities to enjoy. I have visited several other Oklahoma lakes I managed to enjoy as much as one possibly can after a 2 - 4 hour drive. Lake Thunderbird is only 50 minutes away from my house, and once I was directed off I40, it was eight miles of country roads to drive through. There was even a country store and an old-fashioned gas station right off the interstate. So you’re exposed to different environments within a short drive.

Jamie Luk

Had great time fishing....nice and clean state park...

Catherine Jones

Had a shady spot with a nice view for lunch today

Holly Bright

Everything was clean! Great place absolutely loved it there at Zoom beach

Damon Easley

Where I stayed with my family it was a ways from the lake but it was nice and quiet!!!

Dustin Acebo

It's okay but the best places to go to the beach cost too much money to get into.

Joshua Clason

Just went there to enjoy my burger and fries. Looked like a good ol' lake to me. Relaxing to say the least.

Henry Jones

Great spot for the weekend...could use the ramp repaired

Nichole Manson

I love being there just don't like stepping on all the sticks on the way down to the water. That's to be expected though.

Francis Mccarty

It's nice place to get out on the water

Jamie Doughty

Just seen 2 wild pig in the water rooting on the north side of the lake.

Harlee Hall

This was a fun place to go. Unfortunately due to all the rain no fish were biting when we were out. But it was still fun to get in the water and swim a little

Austin

We took the dogs on the hiking trails which were nice but when we left were all covered in chiggers and ticks other than that it was nice have trail to walk

Austin Johnson

Love it. It's a great place to spend time with the family and fish. Only down side like any lake people don't pick up their trash

Jesse James

Typically overcrowded and alot of rude people go here. Never really enjoy my time here.

Nicholi

It's a good lake know one thinks about

Kim Brouster

So beautiful I live there

Lee Junior

What a nice experience. First time at Lil River Marina. Fun

Mimmo Duh

Love this place ❤️

pastie potato

I love this place! It's so fun and spacy. Party cove is the place to go to go swimming

David Smith

First time coming here and I'll definitely be back, this lake was quiet and clean. Hiking and get panoramic photos is a must-do!.

Erin Lucy

One of my favorite places to go. Depending on which spot you go to, it is usually fairly quiet and great for some alone time.

Gary Mcbeth

Family reunion had a blast camping areas very clean and patroled by police

Rickie Arms

Not impressed with the premium sites at all. Stacked like sardines and very little beach access.

Donna Branham

I grew up going here wven before it was a lake

Emily Moser

Needs more places to rest, cleaning the shorelines , and making sure there isnt huge logs in the pathways... I've been going here since I was a baby, got tetanus twice from debris in the shorelines and had to have a rusty fishing hook removed from my heel. I like it, just wear swimming shoes.

Britt Palmer

This is my go too lake!!! They have several different camping areas. I love the little axe side it's definitely more family friendly with awesome tent sites. Clear Bay is also a great camp area with the marina close by. Clear Bay is always a great place for a day trip if you don't want to pay for just going to the lake. The Alameda side tho that is where the day use and fish folk go!!!

Joshua Overton

The dock area we go to is pretty nice. The dock is easily accessible and not usually over crowded. Right next to the boat ramp area there is a swim area that is really nice. No to rocks or debris in the water at all. The only reason I give it a 4 star is because the water turns your clothes a nasty brown. My family calls this lake "dirty bird"

April Marcom

Love this weekend get away spot. Highly recommend going to the east side of the lake. Very family friendly compared to the west side. West side isn't bad it's set up for more of a party area though

Rita Vasquez-Cowan

This lake I have been coming since I was a young girl and this is always a great place for camping and swimming and just the place for fun, fun, fun

Michelle Baranski

Loved this place great views and post host are awesome, you will have random ppl that walk up to u and want to know ur business, but other than that. It was fricken awesome! I would deff come back again

Hao Jiang

If you have a boat it's like a heaven place

AMBER WOLFE

Beautiful RV park Loved how it was right on the water!! Good fishing too, first cast at about 6:45 PM reeled in a catfish

Richard Carroll

Beautiful place just bring tick spray we did not go prepared

Tena McCoy

Read an earlier post about flies...I laughed . well..it's true..freeking flies are horrible..site was nice. Level..enjoyed our stay.until the hard Rock music last nite until wee hours of morning...tell me how camp host or park ranger didn't notice..yes will stay again if ever this way . . disappointed we were not booked on side of lake..made reservations in January..and found out the ones that got the nice sites made them in August ..oh well..spray for the flies by will u

Thomas Simon

Nice tent camping area,fire pit,grill and picnic table close to beach and boat dock.

Tana M Schmitz

Home away from home, been coming here for 30 years! Still love it!

Donna Want

Kayajed with friends on the Little River Was hot, but had a good paddle

Robert Turpin

Had a great time and a beautiful storm rolled in!

Larry Samuels

The weather was cooler which helped Close to a bath house..50 cents for a 3 minute shower' was not recieved well. Ps if u like long showers' who doesn't. u need qtrs' so take a few extra with you. Initially' Ull, need a minimum of 2 qtrs to get the water to come on! Or just go jump in the lake. Lol

Cherie Leury

Absolutely the best camping of the year. We camped in April and had to come back in September. The cleanest bathrooms and the best camp hosts at Turkey Pass. Can't wait to come back!

Kenny Howard

Camping, hiking boating, fishing, it's a nice and big lake what could there possibly be to not like it.

Mark Angel

Large park could be better kept nice lake

Tia Randolph

A tad bit dirty but it was nice for camping.

Ruby Menchaca

Its beautiful and quiet during thw weak i love to go out and clothes my eyes and hear nature

Jessica Barnard

It's a fun place to have fun and see wild life. My husband loves it too he works for them.

J Joe

Great camping only $14 for primitive campsites. Just pick a spot and the camp host will come around and collect your money! We drove around looking for an office but this is how they do it fyi.

Gary Miller

The single track mountain bike trails are great.

CR Cruzen

Thunderbird. My state park where despite the color of it's "dirty" water ..a place that became a waterland of deep Indian meridian Evergreen and caramel sprinkled with pure light every dusk and dawn. The red earth river valley an ancestoral home for milleanea. The hunting choice of so many before. I found myself over and over again in this natural man made place, a partnership of opportunity and appreciation. Mother nature and flood weary man, worried ....but with a plan for a Park. The cross timber Amazon (in miniature) as the Little River a slender winding origin came to volunteer her murky waters. Thank God they did and do these great deeds to pass on. These are heirlooms to the wisdom of nature and our world as we understand it. If only we can try. May we strive to understand the vast deeper meaning of it all. The Legendary Thunderbird. Thanks Zoom Beach, Hog Creek, Sail boat Sentinal, Monkey Island, Twin Bridges, Little River, Twin Bridges, Dave Blue Creek, Rocky South Shore, South Bay, Calypso, Clear Bay, Dam, Little Axe, and on into Oblivion...aka North Sentinal. Ps. Special shout out to the crazy bath houses that were our savior for so many campouts. I wouldn't recommend this Lake, too many dead bodies..but for the brave it's worth a try.

byrene hathaway

Beautiful area. Walked some trails with my dog, we both enjoyed it very much. Update: both of us were covered in tiny ticks.....

Thomas Hins

Service is good but good was just ok

nate W

Ugly water. But good place to go to get away from city in 15 min.

Connie Shelby Catalan

Awesome location with pad sites for campers, tents,etc. Water/sewer electric power

bradley berry

Well we had fun in our camper and in all had a good time but we had to 'll squize in a small truck but onw yhing I dont lile are the bathrooms but what else to u expect from a lake

Brittney Robinson

Always good family fun

Manofcringe

This is a good place to bring your family for a day, or few nights.

Conny Dubson

It's a laid back place with lots of friendly people

Casey Felty

Caught 3 saugeye, all under the legal limit. Catch and release can be fun too!

mrs. adams

Home away from home!!! Marci and RC for little sandy are always helpful!!!

Sean Paul Jones

Hot but fun, fish weren't bit in but you D new spot for next time

Renae Laabs

A lot of garbage, sketchy things going on after dark. Nice hosts.

Vicarieyes Orator

There's a reason we natives call it dirty bird.

Wendi Jaramillo

It was so peaceful there...

Gerry Titterington

I loved this lake as soon as I arrived. It was lively, large and had a variety of activities to enjoy. I have visited several other Oklahoma lakes I managed to enjoy as much as one possibly can after a 2 - 4 hour drive. Lake Thunderbird is only 50 minutes away from my house, and once I was directed off I40, it was eight miles of country roads to drive through. There was even a country store and an old-fashioned gas station right off the interstate. So you’re exposed to different environments within a short drive.

Mark Turner

TBird will always be a part of me. Been going since it was built. GPa ran a motor grater on hwy 9 and the dam. LOVE IT!

Bianca Marquez

The camp host.on hog creek.is kewl as hell..friendly ect. The other one at little Sandy Betty is a rude,miserable woman. Thinks she's a cop or something. No one likes her. The park rangers are jerks to sometimes park sneeky and watching everyone trying to ruin.evryones fun..