General
Daily
Camping
Cabins
General
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: The park office can accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, checks and cash. The booth and honor-boxes can only take cash, and only sell daily permits.
Q: Where are your showers?
A: Our Trailhead Restroom is located centrally at the north end of the park. It is clearly marked and indicated on the map found here. Additional shower facilities are located next to Cowboy Corner close to our cabin village. Also seen on the map.
Q: What time does the office open and close?
A: Our hours vary seasonally and are always updated on our website found here.
Q: Where are your boat ramps located?
A: The two most popular ones are located at Ski Point on the north end of the lake. We have an additional boat ramp at Blackjack Cove which is also found on the map.
Q: Do you have maps?
A: We have several different maps to choose from depending on what you are looking for. They can be found here. We also have copies in our Park Office – just ask when you come in to see us!
Q: Do you have hiking trails, biking trails, horse trails?
A: Yes, to all the above. Please look here to find them and we have copies in our Park Office should you wish to take one when you come by.
Q: Do you sell fishing licenses?
A: No, but Oklahoma Fishing Licenses can be purchased from the official website.
Q: Where are the fish biting?
A: A question as old as the hills (or the lake…)! We only know the popular sites that our fishermen enjoy. Those are at the bridge coming into the park, and we also have a heated crappie dock! Our only other answer would be to ask a fisherman…or go find out for yourself as you may be surprised!
Q: What time is the store open and when does it close?
A: Hours vary throughout the year depending on the season. Store hours are found on the Facebook page: Cowboy Corner at Lake Carl Blackwell and/or OSU’s Lake Carl Blackwell Facebook page.
Q: Do you rent boats?
A: No, but kayaks can be booked through Cowboy Convenience Store on site here at Lake Carl Blackwell. Please call 405.743.1977 or visit during their business hours.
Q: What kind of permit does a kayak need?
A: A kayak by itself will be covered by the picnic pass for vehicles. A trailer of/for kayak(s) would need a boat pass.
Q: Do you rent golf carts?
A: No. They can be booked through Cowboy Convenience Store on site here at Lake Carl Blackwell. Please call 405.743.1977 or visit during their business hours.
Q: Can I run my generator?
A: You can run a generator as long as it's outside of quiet hours from 10pm to 7am.
Q: Can you fly drones at the lake?
A: Yes, as long as you adhere to FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) regulations, drones can be flown at Lake Carl Blackwell.
Q: Is Lake Carl Blackwell in a burn ban?
A: Check the Oklahoma Forestry Services for the latest information on burn bans.
Q: Do I need to show the office my Coggins Test for my horse?
A: You don't need to bring them to the office but keep them readily available in case the park ranger or game warden need to see proof.
Q: My boat is stranded, do you have a boat recovery service?
A: We do not have a boat recovery service. Have a plan ready and flag down another boat if you can. If you are out of options, you can call OSU PD at 405.744.6523.
Daily
Q: What does a 'picnic' pass cover?
A: Fishing, hiking, birdwatching, visiting. It will cover admission for one vehicle and however many people are in the vehicle. It does not cover overnight camping or campsites.
Q: I'm not going to use my boat, does it still need a permit?
A: Yes, anything at the lake needs a permit, regardless if it's being used or not.
Q: If my friend has a campsite, do I need a permit?
A: Yes, every vehicle needs a permit.
Q: I have two or more PWC, what permits do I need?
A: You need a PWC permit for every PWC on the trailer, even if not operational.
Q: Do you accept the America the Beautiful - National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass?
A: No, we are not one of the listed recreation sites.
Camping
Q: How do I book a reservation?
A: You can go to our CampSpot website (list) or you are welcome to call our office for personal assistance at 405.372.5157.
Q: Is there a waitlist for reservations?
A: No. You will just need to check back on CampSpot.
Q: How do I check in for my cabin or campsite?
A: At the park office we'll take a copy of your driver's license, sign a registration form, hand out any permits you need and point you in the direction of your campsite.
Q: Do you have any weekly/monthly rates or discounts for camping?
A: It's a flat rate of $35 for RV sites and $25 for primitive sites per night. We do not have any discounts for camping.