For our family, summer begins with a camping trip to the lake, but not just any lake. We kick off the season each year with a long weekend at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park on Keystone Lake in Mannford. It’s become a beloved tradition we return to at least twice yearly. Just about an hour from Oklahoma City, this family-friendly camping resort offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, splash-worthy fun and sweet moments of connection for families like ours.
As a soon-to-be mom of two under two, I treasure low-stress getaways that don’t require hours of travel or overstuffed itineraries. Jellystone Park is one of those rare gems that feels like a vacation without all the hassle. With gas prices and summer budgets on everyone’s mind, it’s an affordable, memory-filled option right in the backyard of the OKC metro area.
Why Jellystone Park?
Set on 200 acres along the scenic banks of Keystone Lake, Jellystone Park offers a range of accommodations for every type of traveler. Whether you’re pitching a tent, parking an RV or just visiting for the day, the resort welcomes families with activities and amenities designed just for them. Our crew typically books a few RV spots and fills our days with as much (or as little) activity as we like.
Keystone Lake itself is a 25,000-acre man-made lake with 330 miles of shoreline. We love the lake’s quiet coves, shady shores and wide-open water perfect for boating and fishing. (Check out more must-visit Oklahoma beaches.)
At the park, everything is walkable. A quick stroll from our campsite leads to a community park, basketball court, outdoor showers and most importantly, the Water Zone and Play Zone. With two giant 200+ foot water slides, a spray pool cooled by a water chiller, the largest Wibit Aqua Park in the state, paddle boards, kayaks and kid-focused activities throughout the week, this camp resort has something for everyone.
One of our best discoveries is the shaded poolside cabanas, available for full-day rental at the Water Zone. Especially with little ones, the ability to nap, snack or take a break from the sun is priceless. (Pro tip: Book online early. They go fast!) Yogi Bear himself often makes special appearances, and there’s a kiosk nearby stocked with toys, snacks and sweet treats.
Jellystone also offers plenty of ways to play beyond the water. Bring bikes, scooters, balls and remote-control cars for downtime around camp. Camping passes include full access to the park’s amenities, and even if you’re not staying overnight, you can purchase a day pass or rent a private picnic pavilion for a special occasion.
On the Water
New to us this year was a guided catch-and-release tour with Keystone Lake Paddlefish Charters. Our crew reeled in several giant spoonbill, including an impressive 80-pounder, alongside the tour guide, Nick. My family called it a “one-of-a-kind experience.” This activity is perfect for families of up to eight people and older kids who can stay on the boat for the four-hour tour.
Later in the weekend, we made our way to the “Party Island” beaches. These hidden gems offer something for everyone: music, four-wheeling trails, sandy shores for playtime and rock cliffs of different sizes. We always pack a beach blanket, a canopy for shade, plenty of toys and folding chairs to settle in for the afternoon. We’ve seen groups grilling on the beach, a DIY slip and slide down the hill and lots of kids running around with water toys and floaties. Plan to hang out for a while!
Where to Eat
One of the biggest surprises about Mannford is the food scene. Just a short drive (or boat ride) from Jellystone Park, you’ll find CAPS Steakhouse, a family favorite of ours. With a full bar, outdoor patio with plenty of room for kids to play and live music on occasion, it’s both kid-friendly and date-night worthy.
CAPS is known for dishes like alligator bites, jalapeño caps and its rotating “Catch of the Day,” which was a decadent lobster mac and cheese when we visited. We also ordered the pork chop and fettuccine alfredo before treating ourselves to a couple of diner-style cookies ‘n’ cream milkshakes. CAPS is located at 68 Industrial Drive and has a private dock for boaters.
Other local favorites include Harbor Grill and Pier 51, both accessible by land or water. If you prefer to grill out at camp, Phelp’s Market is nearby and well-stocked with fresh grocery items and snacks.
What We Packed for Our Toddler
To make the trip smooth for our toddler, we opted for an early check-in at 11 a.m., giving us time to settle in before his afternoon nap. The truck ride was loaded with favorite books, a fan, plenty of water and our trusty Amazon Fire Tablet for screentime as needed (which, happily, we didn’t have to break out this trip). For families traveling with young kids, I’d recommend bringing sun hats, water shoes, life jackets, sunscreen, bug spray, water diapers and all the outdoor toys you can carry. For older kids, bikes and scooters are great, as well.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable weekend trip, a day full of lakefront play or a new summer tradition, this Oklahoma gem has something for every kind of family. Visit https://keystonelakejp.com/ to learn more about the camp resort, operating schedule and pricing.
About the Author
Ashley Glass is a soon-to-be mom of two under two, married to an Oklahoma firefighter and working corporate life in downtown OKC. She enjoys the slow pace of rural family life just outside the metro and loves sharing the big and small memories her family makes together right here in Oklahoma. Follow along at @ashleysglasshouse.
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