Camp McFadden

Camp McFadden is a non-profit outdoor recreational area on over 250 acres overlooking the west side of Kaw Lake near Ponca City, Oklahoma.

History

What began in 1927 as a camp for children is now a multi-use recreational area: the Camp McFadden Recreational Area. Camp McFadden was established as a children's camp by Bill McFadden on the Kygar ranch in an area that now is part of Kaw Lake in north central Oklahoma. Like the famed phoenix, in the twenty-first century it has been resurrected on the west side of Kaw Lake as a multi-use recreational area.

As the work continues, the board of the Camp McFadden Recreational Area continues to add to and improve the area. Future plans include a volleyball court, disc golf, softball field, soccer field and archery range. We also plan to renovate a cabin into a two-bedroom cabin complete with bathroom and kitchen facilities which can be rented by individuals or small families. The Nature Center Building, once renovated, will be available for meetings, classes and other indoor activities year round. We also are looking for groups who want to hold weekend or week-long camps for area youth. These groups could either provide their own programming or partner with Camp McFadden Recreational Area to provide programs for your group.

Facilities

Lodge - This air-conditioned building provides a large commercial kitchen perfect for cooking for a large group. Men's and women's restrooms and a large meeting room with tables and chairs can accommodate a group of 75-100 with ease. Central heat, plus a fireplace, keeps it comfortable for fall and winter gatherings. New ceiling insulation and tiles and blinds on the windows enhance the experience. The large porch serves as a great area for outdoor picnics and games.

Cabins - You can easily sleep up to 60 people in the Camp's six cabins. With ten people per cabin, the single beds are comfortable. Recently remodeled and painted, the cabins can accommodate a family or group of friends. You can rent one or all six. A bath house with men's and women's showers and other bathroom facilities are available for those using the cabins.

High and Low Ropes Courses - The Camp McFadden High and Low Ropes Course is leadership and extreme sports rolled into one exciting adventure. Whether your looking for an all-day outdoor leadership workshop program (our McFadden Challenge Program) or just an Extreme Sports Adventure to challenge even the most daring, we can tailor the program to the needs of your group. Overlooking beautiful Kaw Lake in north central Oklahoma, the course is an outdoor adventure-based experience which can be used to improve physical and mental skills. The course is comprised of a collection of cables, platforms, logs, ropes, trees, and games grouped into high and low elements. Certified instructors are ready to take your group through the challenges of either course for a group of ten or more. The ropes courses help people overcome fears and offer great team building skills for organizations and companies. The Camp McFadden Ropes Courses are designed for sixth grade through adults. Some components can be used by younger groups. Reservations must be made in advance.

There are a canoe pond, fishing pond, hiking trails, tent camping, and RV hookups. People use it for team building, reunions, youth and church camps, weddings, and getaways.

The Oklahoma Wildlife Department uses the camp each year for its Wildlife Youth Camp.

Governor Brad Henry visited the camp in August of 2006.

It is listed as a notable location in Kay County, Oklahoma.

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